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.
Such a cute restaurant! The food was amazing, & the vibe is so cozy. Our server Sandy was the absolute best! She was so attentive & helpful. Everyone is so sweet!! Definitely recommend (:
Mar 23, 2026
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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!
We had a reservation at the bar as there were no tables left within 90 minutes of our preferred time. Unfortunately, our seats were the two directly in front of the bartender & it wasn't ideal. Our server had to talk to us from the side since he couldn't stand in front & the bartender was busy so it was constant drinks being prepared right in front of us. Our bottle of water (that the waiter placed down) was apparently in the bartender's way so he moved it directly between our two plates? It was all just a bit weird & awkward. I would recommend the restaurant not make those two seats a place for eating. There were lots of other seats at the bar which looked fine, just these two kinda spoil the atmosphere. Food was good, the Bailey's pudding for dessert was yummy.
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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!
Très bel endroit pour souper entre amis dans le vieux Montréal. Très belle ambiance vintage-moderne. Bon service de la part du personnel. Les pâtes sont bonnes sans être exceptionnelle. Cependant, excellent rapport qualité prix surtout pour l'emplacement. Je recommande pour un souper sans arrogance.
Mar 3, 2026
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Went there alone a short birthday trip, im from Ottawa. Very cozy vibe, food was good. Servers were really nice especially the pretty woman with the eyeglasses. Will definitely recommend to my friends ☺?
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!
Belle découverte, bel endroit intime & plein de cachet. Nourriture excellente si vous avez la chance d'essayer l'arancino 🤌🏾 Service impeccable. Je recommande!
Première fois chez Dînette Marcela & non la dernière. Succulent, service impeccable par Mégane, atmosphere cozy. Excellent resto italien. Fortement recommandé.
Feb 8, 2026
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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.
First time in Montreal & came across this Italian restaurant, they allowed us to walk-in & gave us window seats. Unfortunately we had to split our group into two. Pasta (I had the Gnocchi Bolognese) was great, saucy & a good portion size. I was stuffed. There were a variety of appetizers, we order Calamari & Tuna Crudo, both fresh & enjoyable. I would recommend this place & hopefully come again whenever I visit Montreal.
I visited this local pasta restaurant as a walk-in & was seated at the bar, which was much appreciated as a solo traveler. Not needing a reservation & still being accommodated made the experience feel welcoming & relaxed.
The food was absolutely delicious, with very generous portions, I left feeling extremely satisfied. The service was attentive & friendly throughout. A great spot with excellent pasta & a comfortable atmosphere, I would definitely recommend it to groups & solo travelers alike.
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!
