Il Cortile is frequently celebrated as a hidden gem in downtown Montreal, particularly for its stunning, traditional outdoor courtyard that transports guests to an authentic Italian atmosphere. Many diners praise the restaurant for its delicious food, with highlights including the gnocchi, seafood pasta, and fresh ingredients, as well as the generous portions and complimentary gestures like dessert or drinks. While experiences with the service vary, many guests highlight the attentive, warm, and professional care provided by the staff, which often makes celebrations and special events feel memorable. Although some visitors noted inconsistencies regarding service speed during busy times and occasional feedback on specific dish preparations, the overall consensus points to a welcoming venue that successfully offers a cozy and traditional European dining experience.
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.
Had a beautiful dinner, the pasta was so fresh, wine list was perfect for the food, & James made our dinner so memorable- he was so friendly has hospitable
Great service, always present to serve wine. Beautiful little terrasse, far from the city noises. Had a great date with my girl, even had limoncello shots on the house! The garlic spaghetinni wasn't quite my type, but the shrimp fettucinnis were delicious!
Will definitely come back soon!
May 5, 2026
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Some dishes were better than others, I would highly recommend the gnocchi! Service was friendly, excellent wine selection, & the alleyway dining area was just spectacular. Beautiful little nook! Bathrooms need updating, unfortunately.
The food here is excellent - authentic Italian food in the heart of downtown Montreal. My table was in the terrace & on a warm evening, it was lovely to enjoy the atmosphere.
The service was good - friendly but not overly involved. The wine list is excellent & varied, catering for all budgets. I would definitely return.
Went there for dinner for the first time on a Sunday with a reservation.
When we came in it's like a zoo. Nobody is at the helm. We just stood there looking for someone to check us in.
Suddenly someone came out of the kitchen & showed us to a table.
The decor is magical. Can't say enough about the atmosphere. Service was so so.
We asked if we could have something off nenu, pasta carbonara. The waiter said sure but let me ask the cook.
I had to ask twice bc he had forgotten.
We ordered as well 2 caeser salads.
Takes forever to be served with 1 large group & nobody else but us in the restaurant.
Salad, my husband liked, me I thought it was very generic. Just ok. No lard or bacon, no parmesan slices etc.
I eat it.
Then came the Pasta carbonara. I had asked for spaghetti & received some flat noodles. They were cold & the sauce was like a thin lake in our plates.
I returned mine.
My husband ate them anyway ( I'm the picky one.) when you pay $38 a pasta plate, it better be good.
His noodles were busy trying not to drown. The sauce had not been reduced properly. My plate came back & it was much better. You can compare with my video & pictures.
When I stopped eating I asked the man taking back the plate to bring mine home. He said « of course ». Never saw that pasta again!
I asked for gelato. The waiter said yes . I picked raspberries. I received some raspberries granita full of ice pieces.
My husband ordered key lime pie, he left part of it. He said it tasted artificial.
We finally asked for the bill. It took FOREVER. I had to get up & asked 3 times during the meal for service.
My meal had been thrown out so they gave me another pasta instead.
Would never recommend this place to eat anything they sell.
Oh yeah & to use the bathroom you have to take an elevator one floor down
Not wheelchair friendly, in the expensive side. 0 parking.
Very underwhelming food experience. For the price of the dishes the taste was not really there. I ordered the seafood linguine with a white wine sauce, although the pasta was cooked perfectly the sauce was watery & the dish itself lacked flavour.
Where they lacked in flavour, they gain in service. All waiters/waitresses were attentive & making sure everything was ok for our large group.
I have heard a huge plus for this restaurant was for the courtyard, however the night we went it was pouring rain. The staff was very kind & offered outdoor seating as they did have heaters, however we opted to still sit indoors.
Such a Romantic & Lovely restaurant. Absolutely loved the atmosphere & had a great dinner date at Il Cortile's Patio. Service was friendly & food was amazing as well. Great choice of cocktails & impressive extensive wine list. Recommend for a special occasion & a dinner date.
Dino, the owner/manager of Il Cortile was so wonderful & made my husbands birthday party celebration with our friends & family very special. The food was delicious from the appetizers, to main course to the dessert. An extensive wine list to choose from & a lovely atmosphere. Our server (Jasmine) was so professional, kind, polite & attentive without hovering. I highly recommend Il Cortile for a lovely lunch or dinner or celebration, without hesitation. If the weather cooperates then ask for a table in the courtyard surrounded by beautiful flowers & dine al fresco. We look forward to many more meals at this Italian restaurant. Bravi Tutti!!!!!!!
