Il Cortile is widely celebrated as a charming hidden gem in downtown Montréal, offering a beautiful terrace that transports guests to an authentic Italian atmosphere. Many visitors highlight the cozy, magical ambiance and the high quality of the Italian cuisine, often praising the generous portions and well-prepared pasta dishes. While experiences can vary depending on how busy the restaurant is, numerous guests emphasize the exceptional and attentive service provided by the staff, who frequently go above and beyond to make celebrations and special events truly memorable. It remains a popular choice for those seeking a welcoming environment, professional hospitality, and a distinct dining experience that feels like a quiet escape from the city.
Went there for a wedding, food was good, staff very busy & efficient, by the end of the meal the dessert took a long time to be served. High noise level in the courtyard, inevitable, nice setup.
We had our wedding lunch here, & it was a wonderful experience. Our lunch was held in the courtyard, & the ambiance was absolutely amazing. The courtyard is beautiful, with lots of flowers that created the perfect setting for our celebration. The setup was nice, the food was very good, & the staff were incredibly kind, attentive, & cooperative. They made everything so easy & stress-free for us. Thank you for helping make our special day so memorable. We highly recommend this place!
Food: delicious
The courtyard is a nice place to eat on a warm day.
Service: Needs much improvement. It opens at 5pm, & tables were still being set with water, oil & vinegar etc. We ordered a bottle of wine & waited 20mins, we asked our server, & he forgot! Some tables had a bread basket, other tables no water. We had to ask for the bread basket, oil&vinegar. The Wait Staff seems to all start at 5pm, but for a good 45 mins, there was mass confusion between them. They seem to all be under the age of 25, with no one to guide them or give direction, no mature overseer. The back of the house seems to have it together but the front of the house, needs help.
Jun 14, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Amazing restaurant with a beautiful courtyard & delicious food.
James was polite & courteous & made our evening special.
Will definitely visit again soon.
I had high expectations going to this restaurant but alas, left disappointed.
Positives: Nice courtyard, excellent service
Negatives: The only things Italian were the meal names & the music in the background. Weak welcome but very good service throughout.
Negatives: Very underwhelming food. Penne tasted store bought & the pesto on the tomatoes were flavourless. & the dessert menu? Key Lime pie? Blueberry cheesecake? Not exactly Italian staples!!
Given the very expensive meal, I wish I could have had a delicious meal & authentic experience. Hopefully the restaurant takes note & improves things.
Everything was great: food, service( had a great waiter), the courtyard. However, how can such a lovely restaurant, downtown, have less than a 3-star bathroom? Some of the decor feels a little tired, but a visit to the restroom made me feel a bit.... Icky.
My friends & I were able to visit for dinner & it was easily one of the best dining experiences I've had. Our server James was amazing & made time for us even while busy & went above & beyond to make our evening memorable. The food was delicious, every single dish was loved by everyone at the table. The courtyard is beautiful & makes the whole experience even better. Would highly recommend this place & we are looking forward to visiting again on our next trip!
Honestly , I have wanted to try this place for a while for its outdoor courtyard dining. As you enter the building & arrive at the Helm , no one is there to greet you . It could use a bit more charm . The courtyard is super cute & you expect that you are about to discover a hidden gem & most importantly eat an unforgettable meal . Before I begin , I want to mention that the service was exceptional. A lot of attention was given to our particular changes & requests in our order & this is something I greatly appreciate . Now the food was just ok . That part definitely needs to be worked on . It doesn't take much more to design flavors up a couple of notches. & please , if you talk about having fresh pasta , use more semolina . The pasta was not flavorful nor great quality . As for the sauces , definitely missing some Italian love , especially at the price point you're charging for those dishes . My daughter who adores lamb , would not eat her dish . You are in a great location & have the potential to do more . Glad I tried it but won't be returning . The thing that made me happy was being with my children on my birthday & their generosity.
Very charming place with a hidden courtyard in the heart of the city. The food was authentic Italian & was so good my father in law (a very picky eater) asked for another plate - which he inhaled!
Pricey at first glance, but then you realize your plate comes with an appetizer & the portions are very generous (Italian style!)
