Dinette Marcella
RestaurantTop Pick
Dinette Marcella
An Italian dinette in the heart of Old Montreal
Opens Today at 11:30 am
| Monday | 11:30 am - 10 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am - 10 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am - 10 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am - 10 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am - 11 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am - 11 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am - 10 pm |
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Info & Location
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.
Amenities, services & more
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Events Nearby
Montreal International Black Film Festival 2025
Sep 24, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025
Music Week in Montréal
Aug 4, 2025 to Aug 10, 2025
Reviews often mention
Display Allpasta(65) recommend(62) italian(59) cocktail(49) drink(45) sauce(40) bar(39) highly recommend(32) vibe(30)Page 1 of 2 - 31 Reviews
Gillian
We had a great experience at Dinette Marcella. Tortellini pasta was perfect! Delicious rosè sauce. Polpeta had a great flavour.View more
Hesham
Italian food connoisseur here. The service was absolutely spectacular. The appetizers were amazing, some of the best I've ever had. The bruschetta, arancini, & salad were amazing. I loved the cheese watermelon & pecans in the salad - sounded a bit odd, but turned out to be one of the better salads. The pasta was nothing outstanding, but sufficed. The steak was for sure one of the best I've ever had, super tender & amazing sauce. The chicken milanese was amazing, nice & crispy. Overall fantastic restaurant, must try.View more
Andrea
It was my first time, & I can tell you , by far the best Italian restaurant I've tried. I had the passion fruit spritz drink, Amazing. The Polpetta, it just melted in my mouth & the tomato sauce was made to perfection. Gnocchi DI Marcella was orgasmic for me. Honestly its a must do.View more
Stephanie
My evening at Dinette Marcella in Old Montreal was nothing short of spectacular! The atmosphere is an absolute dream-cozy yet lively. You can really sense the vibrant energy of the historic streets right to your table. The warm lighting & charming decor create a perfect blend of rustic Italian charm & modern elegance, making it an ideal spot for a memorable night out.
The food was phenomenal, with the handmade tortellini & gnocchi stealing the spotlight. The tortellini, stuffed with creamy ricotta, was perfectly cooked & bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that left me savoring every bite. The gnocchi, light & pillowy, melted in my mouth, paired with a sauce so well-balanced it felt like a hug from an Italian nonna. Every dish showcased fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with genuine care.
The service was fantastic, elevating the entire experience. Our server was attentive, warm, & made great recommendations, ensuring we felt welcomed from start to finish. The staff's passion for the food shone through, making us feel like honored guests. Paired with a beautifully crafted mocktail, the meal was pure perfection. Dinette Marcella is a true gem-highly recommended for anyone seeking incredible food & an unforgettable atmosphere!View more
Cinzia
We had an incredible dining experience at this quaint Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of beautiful Old Montreal. The ambiance was charming & warm-perfect for a relaxed evening out. The charcuterie board was outstanding: generous, beautifully presented, & packed with flavour. The pasta dish was nothing short of sumptuous-perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, comforting sauce that tasted like it had been simmering for hours.
Our waiter was the definition of excellent service: patient, attentive, & helpful, yet never intrusive. It's rare to find that perfect balance, but he nailed it.View more
Rose
Ambiance & service incroyable. Jolis Cocktails. Polpettes & bruschetta en entrée délicieuses, par contre un regret, ne pas avoir pris un plat principal sur le menu. Nous avons opté pour les pâtes du jour (ravioli farci au boeuf braisé sauce porcini) qui n'étaient pas à la hauteur de nos attentes... Si nous retournons nous opterons pour des valeurs sûres.View more
Jan
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.View more
S
We came on a Thursday night , & the place has such a great vibe, love the music in the background, the atmosphere, & then the food ! Everything we had was great portions & delicious! Bruschetta, house salad , we had the specials of the night - strip loin steak, fingerling potatoes, veggies in a jus, my husband had ravioli in the most rich & decadent sauce & we finished off with the pistachios cheesecake (l forgot to take a pic of our main meals ;-(.View more
K
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!View more
Pallavi
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!View more
Marie
Trop bruyant on n'a qu'une envie manger vite & quitter l établissement Dommage car le cadre est mignon La cuisine italienne avec une sauce rouge moins acide ça serait bien mieuxView more
Wendy
Our experience did not live up to the google rating. We sat at the bar & our server kept forgetting what we ordered. Food was quite disappointing. Charcuterie was dowsed in oil & the tastes & textures were not balanced. The arancino sauce was too spicy. The pasta was mediocre at best (when we received the right one). The atmosphere was noisy & very warm.View more
Martin
We loved the cacio e pepe pasta! My wife first ordered the pasta pomodori, but the sauce lacked sweetness. The waiter replaced it immediately without charge.View more
Christopher
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.View more
Michael
What I look for in an Italian Restaurant in Montreal is the feeling that I am sitting down in Rome to enjoy a meal & expect the food to be not necessarily sophisticated but with deep flavour & well seasoned. My truffle gnocchi came close with a creamy sauce with a distinct truffle flavour but a little shy of mushrooms & seasoning. The gnocchi were a disappointment as they were too small & too tough. Ture potato gnocchi are light & soft with an indentation to hold the sauce, At $34 for a plate, being authentic would be a bonus. Service was fabulous & the open windows & quiet atmosphere was appreciated. Cocktails & mocktails deliciuos as well. I would give them another try.View more
Mike
Great ambiance, food & service all around! Seafood spaghetti & gnocchi with cream sauce & great drinks to start...in the heart of old MontrealView more
Kimberly
I came here for a late dinner reservation at 9pm & we waited about 5 mins to be seated. The waitress was very enthusiastic & offered to answer questions about the menu & chef's special. We ordered the calamari, pesto, & cacio e pepe. The calamari came out first & it was delicious! The sauce went great with it & I definitely recommend. However, our mains took more than 30 mins to come out. The restaurant was busy with several large tables so it's understandable, but we had watched other people who seated after than us get their food sooner. We asked a different waitress for an update & watched her walk in & out of the kitchen, but she did not come back to give us a time estimate or anything. When the food came out, the waiter sprinkled black pepper & freshly grated cheese on our dishes which was a nice experience. The cacio e pepe was a bit bland in my opinion (even with the grated cheese), but the pesto was great! Other than the long wait times & lack of communication, the environment was cozy & the food was fresh & yummy. This is a great spot near old port if you're in need of a good vibes dinner spot.View more
Giavonni
The food was nasty. The shrimp tasted burnt & the noodles were hard. The sauce didn't have flavor. The fried calamari was delicious.View more
Grégoire
The place is really cute, beautiful aesthetic & atmosphere. My niece & I had mocktails which were not very good, but drinkable (very sour). The seafood pasta was supposed to be in a lobster bisque sauce, but it was only a tomato sauce that only tasted like tomatoes. The pasta carbona was salty & tasteless.View more
Barry
The chef put his/her signature on the flavours in the sauces...unique & really delightful pasta dishes. Excellent service; the general manager is a fun guy, added to the experience. We'll be back.View more
Dina
I had the best cavatelli al pesto ever. The cavatelli were al dente & the pesto sauce excellent. The tiramisu also is excellent. Generous portions without exaggeration.i wish I took pictures but it smelled to good to wait. So my plate was empty before I realized I did not !View more
Tiffany
This is my all-time favorite Italian restaurant as of yesterday. I'm not exaggerating when I say this is the best carbonara I've ever had in my life. It was generous with pancetta, perfectly balanced, creamy & salty & topped with an egg yolk. Just divine. We also ordered the cacio e pepe which was also insanely good. The sauce was really good & the pasta was pillowy & stuffed with cheese. They offer a great selection of mocktails which I enjoy (I got the strawberry one, can't remember name) & my husband got a drink they light on fire. We didn't have to wait but we got there late on a weekday. The service is so fast. The restaurant is very romantic & charming, great for a date night!View more
Maggie
We enjoyed this restaurant so much that we had 2 meals here in our vacation. A late lunch on Friday, eating Carbonara & caccio e Pepe. Both Amazing! For lunch we sat at the bar & marveled at the liquor selections, especially Monkey 47gin ( almost impossible to find in a restaurant) We shared a tiramisu for dessert, VERY sweet, but very good! We returned on Saturday evening for dinner. We sat at a table in an open window ( so romantic) we enjoyed an appetizer of fried calamari... lite & fresh!! I ordered something I've NEVER ordered in a restaurant as I make "the best" I had spaghetti pompadour & a side polpetta ( meatballs) I thought I'd died & gone to spaghetti heaven! My husband, who fancies himself a pesto expert had the cavetelli all a pesto. He said delicious! In the middle of dinner we decided we needed some bread to soak up some sauce & added an order of the cheese garlic bread it was the only MINOR disappointment. Too much mozzarella, not enough garlic, & a bit softer than expected. Other than that, our server, the runners, & the overall staff were attentive & not over bearing! Wonderful experience!View more
Eric
Charmante dinette avec un service a la hauteur de sa députation. Entrée délicieuse d'arancino, pâtes pomodoro cuites al dente mais la sauce hier était des plus ordinaire. Les carbon de ma femme donnaient un horrible gout âcre en fin de bouche, quelque chose n'allait pas dans la sauce crémeuse, ... très décevant. Le plateau de pain(7$) ciabattas, qui avaient l'air délicieuses, étaient en fait froides & sèches (raide). C'était la 3e fois à cet incontournable & nous avons mal frappé.View more
Sarah
A favourite dining experience for us in Montreal. Wonderfully kind staff who were nice enough to accommodate our requests. Stunning historic room with large windows that open up to the streets of old Montreal for a lively view. We absolutely loved the dishes we ordered & will certainly dine here again. Ordered the aubergine appetizer (similar to an eggplant Parmigiano or lasagna), beautiful tomato sauce & lightly fried eggplant. We also ordered the carbonara pasta & tartufo gnocchi (made fresh in house!) Lovely meal, generous portions, wonderful ambience & kind staff. We wish we had room for dessert! Recommend booking a table in advance, it was a full room on a Tuesday night!View more
Gabriel
Services impeccable belle présentation des vins par le serveur Malo. Le Tortellini avec la sauce rosé & morceau de saucisse hachée était savoureuse avec une bonne texture lors de ma première bouchée. Pour finir le gâteau tiramisu était parfait. Je recommande cette endroit à mes proches & amis c'est certainView more
via LibroThe place is cozy & beautiful but very loud & the choice of music (that was also a bit too loud) did not match the vibes. The pasta sauces were super salty, we couldn't finish our plates. The tiramisu was quite underwhelming (the chocolate chips & the top layer of cream are just not refined).
via LibroJ'ai été soupé à la Dinette Marcella pour l'anniversaire de ma fille. Nous avons eu un bon service & l'ambiance était bonne, sauf que je me suis retrouvée à l'urgence en raison d'une intoxication alimentaire. On m'a dit que j'avais contracté une bactérie soit par contamination croisée ou par intoxication due à la sauce aux champignons des gnocchis à la sauce aux cèpes. Ma fille a également été incommodée, mais plus légèrement. Malheureusement une expérience qui a gâché notre séjour à Montréal.
Circo9
Beautiful vibe with extremely comfy chairs. We unfortunately had poor service; we waited a good 20min (if not more) after being seated before being noticed & giving our order in. Our drink order was forgotten (we had to order again), the waitress told us she would bring extra plates for us to share our dishes & those never came. In the end, the waitress felt bad & offered us free focaccia for apologies, which was very thoughtful of her. The busboy however was very attentive & our water glasses & needs (extra parmesan or pepper) were met very fast. The food has wonderful presentation, but lacked greatly in taste. Both pasta dishes were bland in my opinion & the focaccia was a bit dry (maybe a stale batch?). The tomato sauce for the meatballs were definitely the highlight, very salty & delicious sauce, perfect for dipping.View more