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.
Reviews describe Dinette Marcella as a warm, intimate Old Montreal Italian spot with cozy ambiance, charming decor, and attentive staff; many praise fresh, flavorful pasta such as tortellini, gnocchi, and ravioli, along with standout bruschetta and arancini and a strong cocktail and wine list. Several diners note dishes that are creamy and well balanced, including carbonara, burrata, meatballs, and seafood pasta, while a few readers mention occasional misses where dishes were overcooked, underseasoned, or not as hot as expected. The overall experience is often described as worth the price, with consistently good service and a lively vibe, though some nights can be noisy or crowded and a few guests wish for quieter acoustics and smoother pacing between courses. In sum, Dinette Marcella stands out for authentic Italian flavors, a warm atmosphere, and reliable hospitality, inviting repeat visits for date nights, celebrations, and casual meals.
We had a wonderful dinner at Dinette Marcella. The service was excellent, the mock tails (we didn't feel like drinking) were super tasty, & the food was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend the calamari & the pesto. The chicken limone was also very good.
Feb 10, 2025
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5/5 for everything!! The entire vibe, location & decor is beautiful. Washrooms were very clean & the seating is spacious. The service from Sandy was outstanding. She was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu & always checking up on us. She went out of her way to also sanitize the counter in the washroom for us to change our babies diaper. Some of the best customer service I've ever experienced. The food was fantastic, you can tell fresh ingredients were used, everything came out so hot but the wait times were not long. Our group had a large variety of the dishes & everyone was so happy with their meal. Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone & everyone. We'll 100% be back when in Montreal.
We were three at lunch priori to attending a play. . We were warmly welcomed & treated with friendly & professional service throughout. I had a gin cocktail, recommended by the waiter, delicious. All 3 of us had the arancino appetizer & we shared an order of focaccia. The arancino is delicious & succulent, a crunchy & light exterior with the soft risotto filling. The sauce was so good we mopped up every bit if it with the focaccia. We finished with coffee. A delightful experience throughout.
Thankful that the team at Marcella saved me with a bunch of hangry young women. Great food, better vibes. The place was packed on a Monday night & the service was incredible. Wine selection is solid. Bartender is so engaging. Talk about Unreasonable Hospitality from the entire staff who seem to really love their guests. Best meatballs & cannolis. I mean, isn't that the true test of a fabulous Italian restaurant? Highly recommend this little gem. We will be back.
The food was amazing! Would definitely go there again. Our waitress was super nice & always came back with water which was awesome! I think our waitresses name was Isabella & she was great! Really great atmosphere & such a cute place. 100% recommend
In the heart of Old Montreal, the cozy & warm atmosphere of Marcella was welcomed on a cold January night. A bottle of Valpolicela was a great way to start the night. Two appetizers, the Polpette which are tender & delicious, served in a beautiful tomato sauce, & the Arancini in a truffle cream sauce. Both were exceptional. The cream sauce with the arancini should be bottled because it is so wonderful. Our mains were the bolognese, & we lucked out as the special was a braised beef ravioli served in a cream sauce with a nice portion of chopped lobster claw. Pasta was cooked to perfection, & the sauces were delicious. You cannot go wrong with this restaurant. Strongly recommended!
Jan 3, 2025
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A Perfect Blend of Flavor & Festivity at Dinette Marcella Dining at Dinette Marcella was an absolute delight. From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the cozy & festive atmosphere. The holiday decorations were tastefully done, & the Christmas vibe was truly enchanting. The highlight of the meal was the Carbonara Spaghetti-perfectly cooked pasta with a creamy, flavorful sauce that hit all the right notes. Every bite was a testament to the chef's skill & dedication to quality. Adding to the experience was the thoughtfully curated music playing in the background. The tunes complemented the warm, cheerful ambiance & made the meal feel even more special. Dinette Marcella is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy amazing food in a setting that feels like a warm holiday embrace. I'll definitely recommend this place for a date night or family night!
The food is always great! I have been there three times now & I already made reservations for a fourth dinner. The service is always welcoming & efficient. Staff are lovely & atmosphere is very moody. Cute & quaint space. I absolutely recommend to anyone.
Nov 23, 2024
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We recently celebrated my spouse Dom's 41st birthday at Marcella, & it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, Fred, the manager, & our wonderful waitress Steph made us feel completely at home. Fred went above & beyond by playing Blues music for us & even gifting Dom a glass of his favorite scotch. He checked on us multiple times, ensuring we were enjoying every moment. The ambience at Marcella is always vibrant, with the restaurant full of great vibes that make you feel right at home. Their cocktail & wine list is impressive, adding the perfect touch to an already fantastic dining experience. The food was phenomenal! We highly recommend the Caesar salad, burrata, calamari, bruschetta for appetizers. Cavatelli alla pesto, Agnolotti cacio e pepe, pasta carbonara, lobster raviolis. & for dessert - you truly can't go wrong with any choice; they were all delicious. If you're looking for a warm, welcoming place with incredible food, drinks, & service that feels like family, Marcella is it. We'll definitely be back!
While walking around we saw the Dinette Marcella & it look interesting & we were right. The service was fantastic as was the food. For starters we had the rice balls which were great. I had the spaghetti seafood dish & it was delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
Melt in your mouth short ribs! My wife & I enjoyed a fantastic evening at Marcella. The cocktails were excellent. The atmosphere was happening & romantic. I'd highly recommend this restaurant. Congratulations Marcella on your success.
Le service & la nourriture était top notch, c'était un vrai délice. Nous avons la bruschetta, les carbonara & le spaghetti pomodoro. Tout était exquis! Les cocktails aussi était bon ( nous avons pris un amaretto sour ). Bref je recommande totalement!
Sep 22, 2024
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Marcella's is lovely. The food is excellent! Ate there twice in four days. Lol! I guess I loved it. Great atmosphere for a small restaurant ! Highly recommend.
Enjoyed our dinner here in old montreal. Server was great, very attentive & informative of specials, ingredients etc Had the milanese, cod, pesto, focaccia, polpette & arancino. All of them were delicious! Would def recommend for a nice talian meal.
Marcella Dinette Italienne offers an exceptional lunch experience that seamlessly blends the rich history of Italian cuisine with Montreal's vibrant culinary scene. From the moment you step in, you're transported to a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels both modern & steeped in tradition. The lunch menu is a testament to the art of Italian cooking. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients, capturing the essence of Italy with every bite. The pasta is perfectly al dente, & the sauces are rich, flavorful, & authentically Italian. The menu is diverse, catering to both traditionalists & those seeking a contemporary twist on classic dishes. The history of Marcella Dinette Italienne is as rich as its flavors. Inspired by the age-old traditions of Italian diners, the restaurant was founded with a passion for bringing the warmth & simplicity of Italian dining to the heart of Montreal. Every detail, from the rustic decor to the carefully curated wine list, reflects a deep respect for the culinary heritage of Italy. Service is impeccable, with a team that is both knowledgeable & attentive, making sure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely afternoon meal, Marcella Dinette Italienne delivers an experience that is truly five stars. I can't recommend it enough - a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian cuisine & appreciates the blend of history & modernity that this gem offers.
Quite good. We were squeezed in (literally & figuratively) at a table that had a reservation on it in an hour. Not to worry-service was instantaneous. Ravioli & burrata with heirloom tomatoes were fantastic. Atmosphere was lively & compact. Recommended.
We had an incredible experience dining at Dinette Marcella! The restaurant is located in the heart of Old Montreal & has a classy, yet relaxed feel. From the service to the food, we had zero complaints. Highly recommend the tortellini in rosé & cacio e pepe pastas. We will definitely come back here!
