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.
A group of six girls who booked over a month in advance. Each spent around 100$ each & when leaving the manager was extremely rude to his staff. The waitress was so great, Isabelle, girk you deserve a better job at a restaurant where the manager isn't going to speak to you like that. In front of a full dining room is mind blowingly unprofessional. We won't be going back. The management is going to rush you so choose a better place to spend your money & enjoy your night.
Dec 20, 2025
on Google
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Very loud, & too packed. I had reserved weeks in advance for 4 people. When we arrived 3 minutes late, we were told by the hostess to wait while she went in & out for a few minutes. We were under the impression that she had given our table away. She then sat us at a table next to the bathroom, such that one person was facing a wall & the entrance to the bathroom, while the other 3 people were facing each other. It was after I complained that she insisted that it was a proper table & that she had not given our table away. She moved the table so that we could at least all 4 of us could kind of face each other, but it was clear that it was not meant to be a table for 4.
Too bad that the experience with the hostess started us off badly. At least our waiter was AMAZING, & the food was excellent.
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
To start with, the food here is on par with Italian I've had in Venice, Florence, New York & Boston. The arancini was filled with mushrooms & rice in a white sauce. Dinner was cacio e pepe for me & gnocchi with bolognese sauce for my wife; both were outstanding. I like the fact that I didn't want to have mine with ravioli but instead spaghetti & the bartender told me that was no problem. The bar tenders were personable, nice to talk with & put together outstanding craft cocktails. If you're in Montreal & want a very pleasant dinner, this where to go. The atmosphere is relaxing, well appointmented & the music is perfect. If I were to start a restaurant, this is my vision.
Belle expérience globale, autant pour la nourriture que pour le décor, qui est vraiment charmant.
Mon seul bémol concerne l'ambiance musicale : le style rock joué ce soir-là ne s'harmonisait pas du tout avec l'atmosphère du restaurant, & le volume était assez élevé, ce qui nuisait aux conversations.
Avec une musique plus cohérente avec le lieu, l'expérience aurait été parfaite.
Dec 15, 2025
on Google
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This place is great, Frederick, Max & team are incredible. If you are looking for great Italian food, great atmosphere, look no further than Dinette Marcella!
Really enjoyed my time here with my friend, the food was good & the service was really great our waiter was really friendly & always making sure everything was ok with us.
Thank you to the entire team at Dinette Marcella for the wonderful service & food! Everything was perfect! Food is amazing, drinks were great & wait staff was exceptional. Definitely a must stop in the old port!
Enjoyed their lunch menu on our first day in the city. The spaghettini pomodoro was incredible while my partner had the pesto pasta. Food was great, vibes were high. Will definitely visit again!
