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.
We had an incredible time here this past weekend for my 35th birthday. The ambiance is fabulous. The food was 10/10. The wine selection was perfect, & the cocktails were exciting & potent. The service was lovely.
My only feedback would be that the restaurant is quite loud & can be steamy in the winter.
Awesome spot! We love all the dishes we ordered. Our server, Melissa, was outstanding. This spot has a cool casual interior, filled with energy. Great Italian dishes to choose from. ENJOY!
Nov 20, 2025
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What a wonderful surprise & memorable experience. Cocktails were A+, appetizers A+ & dinner deserved a standing ovation 🙌 Oh & the staff were also exceptional, especially our server (I can't remember her name but she was great)
November 2025: really enjoyed my seafood pasta with bisque sauce, tiramisu was better than last time & same large portion, efficient service, my cocktail was nice as well. My colleagues really liked their food & drink too.
December 2024: Decor & music were nice for the holidays.
Calamari was basic for the price, just lightly battered with marinara sauce on the side.
Pasta with ragu was pretty good, nice blend of ingredients, might have needed a little more salt. My colleagues enjoyed their carbonara & tortellini.
Tiramisu was a good portion & nice presentation but nothing special aside from that. Pistachio cheesecake was delicious, great texture, more Basque style. The ciambelle were good.
The martini with the espresso, chocolate, & pumpkin purée worked well, definitely recommend. My colleague enjoyed her bitter cola mocktail.
Service was pretty efficient & polite
Nov 16, 2025
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You HAVE TO eat here! The vibe & space is immaculate & the food/wine is even better!
They can also make most of there pasta dishes vegetarian if you ask!
Nov 13, 2025
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The atmosphere was warm & inviting.
Definitely, had a nice vibe.
Service was excellent.
The food was very good. The Marcella salad & the focaccia was excellent.
Gnocchi & ravioli were also very good.
Tiramisu was very well made.
Will definitely return.
Un endroit à découvrir! Nous avons beaucoup aimé la nourriture, le personnel ainsi que le calme de la salle à manger. Même si l'endroit était relativement plein, il était facile d'entretenir une conversation. Les prix y sont honnêtes ou nous avons aimé tout ce que nous avons consommé. Excellent restaurant!
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!
This is now an annual stop during our visits to Montreal. The food is great- everything is fresh, & the space is cozy but not crowded. Service is always exceptional.
