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.
We sat outdoors, ordered 4 different pizzas, all of them delicious. The pizzas are at least 12 inches, huge selection, very reasonable wine list & we had an exceptional waiter. Couldn't have been better.
Oct 4, 2025
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.
Très bonne pizza. L'endoit est sympatique & chaleureux. Le service est excellent. Je crois que j'en ferais une routine hebdomadaire uniquenent pour la gentillesse, la bonne humeur & le professionalisme de Rachid! Super experience
Excellente expérience dans ce restaurant italien ! La pizza était vraiment délicieuse, probablement l'une des meilleures que j'ai mangées. Un grand merci à Rachid, le serveur, pour son professionnalisme & sa gentillesse. Je recommande vivement !
Sep 24, 2025
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.
Nice place . Food was good . Drinks not so much , felt there was too much crushed ice in the mocktails making it a slushy . Order Chicken Pizza & seafood pasta in tomato sauce
Très bonnes pizzas cuites au feu de bois. Vous trouverez votre bonheur car ce ne sont pas moins que 77 variétés qui sont proposés.
Le service & rapide & très agréable
Une mention spéciale pour le tiramisu qui est formidable
The pizza was amazing. We sat outside on the patio & the atmosphere was great. The seating was a bit packed/tight but still comfortable to have conversations without being too loud. There was a wide variety of pizzas to choose from. I picked one of the recommended ones & it did not disappoint! Also, I had the cannoli & it was tasty as well (disclaimer - I'm not sure what a good/bad cannoli tastes like, but it was delicious!).
It was a last minute stop to grab a pizza just before closing. They were quite busy but the food came quick & was fantastic. Will definitely be back on my next trip to Montreal.
Amazing Italian pizza! So many varieties to choose from, & every slice is full of flavor. I go about every two weeks & it's always delicious, definitely worth trying!✨
