Il Bazzali presents a focused menu centered on the technical preparation of authentic Italian pasta dishes and hand-stretched pizzas. The kitchen prioritizes traditional techniques to create firm, perfectly textured doughs alongside rich, slow-simmered sauces. Every plate emphasizes the structural balance between artisanal flour, imported cheeses, and fresh aromatic herbs. The physical space features an open layout that prioritizes communal interaction while maintaining a standard level of functional comfort. Patrons encounter a direct focus on core regional flavor profiles that avoid unnecessary culinary fusion or contemporary over-complication. This establishment maintains a straightforward operational philosophy, ensuring that the consistency of basic ingredients remains the primary driver of each served item. The environment supports a focus on ingredient quality through a simplified, utilitarian approach to the classic Mediterranean culinary framework used for every preparation.
Il Bazzali is widely regarded as a warm and cozy neighborhood destination offering authentic Italian comfort food, with many guests praising the homemade pasta and generous portions. The dining experience is frequently described as unique and memorable due to the chef performing live opera, which adds a special touch to celebrations and regular visits alike. While the majority of diners highlight the attentive, friendly service and the quality of dishes like tartare and various pasta specialties, opinions on the pizza are mixed, with some finding it disappointing. Despite occasional critiques regarding pricing or specific menu items, the overall consensus points to a welcoming atmosphere that successfully blends culinary passion with a vibrant cultural performance, making it a frequent choice for locals and visitors seeking an engaging evening.
Went there for my birthday & was happy to have an Italian singer with a beautiful voice. The dish carefully made with fresh pasta. The whole vibe was pure Italia.
Lovely service, delicious bread basket, & everyone was very happy with their dishes! A place I would gladly take anyone craving nice homemade Italian food.
As an artist (& not one that comes from a moneyed background),'fine dining' is something that can be relatively impossible. In fact, most of the typical fine dining experiences make me queasy: overpriced, minuscule morsels of food that leave you heading for a burger immediately after you've emptied your paycheque on a few forkfuls of'food', having just spent 3 hours amongst horribly pretentious influencers & Instagrammers, unable to avoid hearing their inane & vapid yammering from every corner of the restaurant. (I also NEVER wait in line to go eat somewhere… Montréal seems to be just as famous for people waiting in line for eggs on toast as it is for being served eggs on toast. It's eggs on toast, people, c'mon!!). I do not feel comfortable forcing myself TO BE comfortable in these establishments.
On the very special occasion that I do end up with the opportunity to eat out somewhere, it needs to be worth it, & on realistic terms. It often helps when friends or family come to town, & we go out for meals. Not that we don't treat ourselves on the regular, but it beats eating in a tiny flat & having to do the dishes in an even smaller kitchen. & just a couple of blocks away, with the same comforts of being in a homely environment, is the incredibly unique, & equally unpretentious restaurant Il Bazalli, at the crossroads of Little Italy & La Petite Patrie, just a few blocks east of St Laurent on Beaubien.
This gem of a neighbourhood eatery serves truly amazing Italian cuisine, while nestled in mismatched chairs & ramshackle booths. Oh, & being sung to by the owner & chef, Davide Bazalli. Yes. Opera no less. If you have heard about'that Italian place in Montréal with the handsome opera singer', this is the place.
We have been to Il Bazalli several times since they opened ten years ago, & I have never left a review. We most recently visited for my birthday celebration, & we were not let down! They were able to cater to our group of sixteen, & there was something there for everyone. The staff were extremely courteous & patient, not to mention extremely helpful & very knowledgeable about the food & wine selection. Over the past years, I think I have had most items from the menu, if not ordered for myself, but shared from the plate of my wife. The cod accras are a usual favourite, but tonight I went for their braised beef & mushroom stuffed arancini (a few months back, during the restaurant's anniversary celebrations, we had BEET arancini!!) About the size of a walnut, I felt like a bit of a savage eating these crispy morsels whole, but they were incredible! For my main, I had the Linguini'Goloso' (see photo) which was Parmigiano Reggiano cream, smoked lardons, mushrooms, caramelized onions & Parmigiano Reggiano. Ravioli, cod filet in pizzaïoli sauce, braised beef scoter, pizza, beef & salmon tartare, not one of our 16 guests were left disappointed! We were only disappointed we didn't have room for dessert, although this birthday boy did get a slice of almond & orange cake (vegan & gluten free!)
In a persistently gentrifying city that seems to be favouring pretention over true cultural substance, Il Bazalli is the type of place one would hope to find in their neighbourhood. Check it out!
One beautiful place,I loved the ambiance,staff is very very kind,& the food is authentic Italian food,I enjoyed my evening I recommended to everyone,can't wait to come back.
Amazing restaurant! The food is really good & there is always a good atmosphere! This is a go to, if you want tasty Italian food with a nice experience.
A very unique tasting pizza, & I mean that in the best way. My only disappointment was when my plate was empty. The chef/owner came out of the kitchen every hour, on the hour (& for 3 different birthdays while we were there) to sing for the patrons. & what an amazing voice he has, really added to the classic Italian resto vibe. Lastly, the beer selection. Phenomenal. Instead of being like every other restaurant & only having base drinks & a few IPAs, they had a wide selection for every taste.
I visited this Italian restaurant about two weeks ago & tried their "MTL à Table" discovery menu, which featured only pasta as the main course. I'd rate the food 4 out of 5 stars-it was very good, but compared to other Italian restaurants I've tried, it didn't quite stand out as much. That said, the pizza here seems very popular, & I'd be interested in coming back to give it a try. The ambiance was great, & the staff were friendly & attentive, making it a nice spot to enjoy a meal. I'd recommend this place for the overall experience, especially if you're in the mood for a cozy atmosphere & welcoming service.
