Looking for some Italian comfort food worthy of a nonna’s home cooking? Marcella is a charming new Italian diner in Old Montreal at the corner of Saint Francois Xavier and Saint Paul streets. Open every day for lunch and dinner, locals and tourists can enjoy Italian-style pasta, such as the classic carbonara dish, in a cozy atmosphere.
Dinette Marcella is described as a charming intimate Italian spot in Old Montreal with a warm cozy atmosphere and a touch of old world charm that makes it suitable for date nights or casual dinners. Reviews praise fresh, flavorful pasta, gnocchi and tortellini, bruschetta and arancini, burrata and focaccia, along with a strong wine list and craft cocktails, with many calling the food excellent and among the best Italian in the area, though a few dishes are noted as too salty, not hot enough, or lacking seasoning and some visits feel rushed or louder than desired due to crowds. The service is frequently described as attentive friendly and knowledgeable, making guests feel welcome, but pace can vary on busy nights and timing can be inconsistent. Reservations are advised because the space is compact and the ambiance can be loud, especially at peak hours, yet the overall sentiment remains highly positive with many expressing plans to return. All in all, Dinette Marcella is regarded as one of the top Italian spots in Montreal by many reviewers.
What a great spot! The staff were fantastic & very sweet. The food was excellent - highly recommend the tuna credo - it was amazing! Great small intimate restaurant with an incredible vibe!
Mar 22, 2026
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Had an incredible experience at Dinette Marcella in Old Port Montreal. The service was outstanding from the moment we arrived, & the atmosphere was warm, lively, & perfect for a night out. Every dish we tried was absolutely amazing - fresh, flavorful, & beautifully prepared.
If you're in Montreal & looking for a great place to eat in the Old Port, I highly recommend Dinette Marcella. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to!
My boyfriend & I decided to go here for our anniversary. I'm gluten free & the pasta was amazing not to mention we had the best Cesar salad we've ever had in our lives. My boyfriend had the veil & I don't think anything he ever eats again will live up to it. Fantastic place highly recommend.
This place made for an amazing night out on Valentine's weekend. The staff was very welcoming, service was fast & everything was so delicious! I had the dry aged steak special & my girlfriend had the gnocchi bolognese would highly recommend both!
Excellent restaurant! Delicious food & generous portions. The service was very good, & the place is cozy & well located. We went twice during our vacation in Montreal. We loved it & highly recommend it. The only suggestion for improvement would be to offer more meat-based dishes, such as steak with pasta, for example.
Amazing spot. Both dinners we ordered gluten free & were fantastic. I loved the cannolis! Michael was a great bartender & very knowledgeable. Highly recommend & will be back!
Wonderful dining experience. The atmosphere was warm & welcoming, the service attentive & friendly, & the food was delicious. Highly recommend & will definitely return
I accidentally booked the wrong day & the hostess found us a table on busy night. The food was delicious, the staff went above & beyond, & the atmosphere was fun. Highly recommend
The meatballs were honestly the best I've ever had! Our server, Sandy, was so friendly & attentive, which made the experience even better. The tiramisu was absolutely delicious, & the overall ambience was amazing - cozy, welcoming, & perfect for a nice meal out. Highly recommend this place!
What an incredible dining experience! The moment we walked in, we felt transported straight to Italy, warm atmosphere, welcoming staff, & the smell of fresh pasta & herbs in the air. Every dish was beautifully prepared & full of authentic flavours.
The service was attentive & kind without being intrusive, & we truly felt taken care of. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a dinner with friends, or a family meal, this place is a gem. Highly recommended, i'll definitely be back!
Nov 11, 2025
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Dinette Marcella is a fantastic place to eat. We had the parmigiana & tortellini alla ricotta, & both were absolutely delicious-full of flavor & beautifully made. The service was just as impressive, with friendly & professional staff who made us feel welcome. Highly recommended!
Great food, service & atmosphere. Have been looking for a quaint little Italian restaurant with great tasting pasta...I've now found it...salad was amazing, watermelon & candied walnuts, eggplant was very tasty..& the tortellini was cooked perfectly & busting with flavor...we sat at the bar as it was a full house... now I know why...ill be back for sure...highly recommend.
They were very busy, highly recommend that you have reservations. Even with reservations we had to weight. Their customer service more than made up for the weight. They were all about ensuring that you a great experience.
