Since 1984 clients have been coming to Il Focolaio to get that authentic Italian taste that is reminiscent of their grandmother’s cooking. Il Focolaio, in fact means fireplace in Italian. The name depicts the maple wood burning oven where each and every one of our pizzas and roasted ingredients are cooked. Our fireplace, as in the old country, not only brings forth the food but also becomes the gathering place for our clients who always feel welcomed and right at home. Our recipe for success is simple, serving up pizza using ingredients that only a true pizzaiolo would use, such as extra virgin olive oil, top quality tomatoes and only the freshest ingredients, all prepared with passion and a love for cooking to bring you the end result that you will never forget. We invite you to come and enjoy the taste of Italy with a nice glass of wine from our wine list. Enjoy it all on our terrace in the middle of downtown during the summer months.
Il Focolaio offers a lively wood-fired Italian pizza experience with a broad menu of toppings and creative combos, a crisp flavorful crust, and fresh ingredients that make many pies stand out in Montreal's pizza scene. The dining room feels welcoming and bustling, and the service is consistently friendly and efficient even when crowded, with easy options for takeout or patio seating. The menu includes vegetarian, gluten free and lactose free choices, and cannolis and tiramisu pair nicely with the pizzas. While lines and close tables are common during peak hours, guests repeatedly praise generous portions, fair prices and the overall authentic, satisfying taste that keeps them coming back.
A must stop if you are in Montreal. We went on a Saturday evening & while here was a little bit of a line up & wait, it was well worth it. The pizzas were tasty, full of flavour & the chilli oil enhanced the taste. The desserts topped it off. Will definitely comeback for more.
This place used to be good. Very dissatisfied from what ive got there last time. Went with a classic margarita pizza. Was absolutely nothing special. Very disappointed. Not what it used to be. This place used to be so good. Dont waste your time nor money. You wont be impress… you've be warned! Did a take out & ate it immediately in my car. They were nice, cordial & offered me a glass of water. They were welcoming & felt sincere. But the food was very under par & didnt meet my expectations. Used to go often 25 years ago… ill bet they arent the same owners. Not making their pizza with the same ingredients. Sad to write this review.
We visited Montreal for a week in early November & discovered Pizza Il Focolaio by doing a quick search online. We walked from our hotel on a rainy Monday evening & were surprised to find the restaurant full! We soon discovered why - this small, cozy, local neighbourhood restaurant has a real family feel about it & the wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas were authentic & delicious. We also shared a fresh Italian salad to start & cappuccinnos at the end. Great service, fantastic food & reasonable prices. 5+ stars! Merci beaucoup!
My favourite pizza in Montreal. Thank you so much for having lactose free cheese! It makes the world of a difference for our family. The margherita is also consistently one of the tastiest pizzas I've ever had!
Nov 14, 2025
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La pizza que j'ai mangée était incroyable (4 fromages), c'est une pizza qui te laisse vraiment rassasié. En plus, le service était très bon & les prix m'ont semblé très justes, très accessibles.
The pizza dough was amazing - light, perfectly crispy, & full of flavor! One of the best pizza experiences I've ever had. Truly exceptional taste & texture.
