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.
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!
Loved it! Food was outstanding, & the service was great. Will be back for sure. We really liked the lively atmosphere, but definitely a place to avoid if you're looking for a quiet evening or private/intimate chat.
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 atmosphere was lovely & the food was excellent. We went with our small children & while it was not kid-friendly, the staff did a great job accommodating us!
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.
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!
Les coctails sont délicieux & tout comme le service attentionné , les plats était divins! Nous avons dégusté le Ragu Di Manzo Tripolio & le Carbonara di spaghettini ; ils étaient succulents ! Le prix des boissons est un peu élevé mais la qualité y est.
