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.
Go early bcs there's is a line (for a good reason) this restaurant feels like being back to Italy. They have multiple pizzas/calzones/ salads dont worry it comes with good pizza bread !
Food: amazing 100/10 light, authentic,generous
Prices: 15-30$
Drinks:10-15$ Aperols on point they dont play!
Atmosphere: 10/10 make ur reservation be on time
A must try! Love it!
Great to go for a date or with family!
May 9, 2026
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I love the service I get each visit. They are the best. The pizza is great & you share half pizza & salad.
Yes it's small place & sometimes crowded. Lunch time get around 11h30 or after 12h30 otherwise you won't find a spot.
Quand le serveur a pris notre commande, il nous a « remercié « avec sincérité! 🏆La pizza était excellente & le service rapide,très courtois. Je n'ai pas goûté aux salades mais elles semblaient délicieuses. L'espace entre les tables est restreint mais l'ambiance est chaleureuse. Je recommande vivement! Si vous arrivez plus tard que 17:30, faut peut-être mieux réserver.
We stopped here for our last night in Montreal for dinner. The staff were quick, attentive & very polite. The food was outstanding. We split a Cesar salad for starter & no word of a lie, it was just lettuce, croutons & dressing but one of the best Cesar salads I've ever had. The extensive pizza menu features tons of beautiful, freshly made items all prepared in a wood fired oven. I had the salamino (#54) & hubby had the arugula(#71). Both were fantastic. We took an order of cannolis to go, & they were out of this world. The cream was thick & delicious with just a hint of lemon. The restaurant was packed with a lively, friendly vibe. Plus it was super close to our hotel so it was a great choice. I would recommend it to anyone. Total for dinner plus hubby's two beers & tip was $122.23
Picturesque terrace (patio) across from a square. If you're wasp adverse, sit inside. Pizza was great, Caesar salad good, & service was decent. It'd be much nicer if they'd use glassware for water rather little plastic cups…minor point!
6/5 stars! Best service I have ever had at any restaurant ever. The staff were all so friendly & attentive. The food was also amazing! Great pizza & tons of options. Huge portions for the salads too.
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!
Nov 17, 2025
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We had wonderful service by Rachid during our dinner, he was attentive especially as we had our young son with us. Provided some colouring paper for him & also gifted him a toy car when we left!
The food was wonderful as well, excellent portions. He also volunteered to replace some slightly burnt toast that went with our salad, with no prompting. Excellent service & would visit again!
A 5 star experience. Had a great supper there with the family, & the service was impeccable, with very minimal wait time considering how busy the restaurant was.
The pizzas, salad, & desserts were absolutely fantastic. I'd come back to Montreal just for a meal at this restaurant again.
This is one of my favourite pizza places in Montreal! There are so many varieties that you can have, & I haven't even tried the calzonis or the salads. Last time I went, we were able to get a reservation for 11am & were immediately seated when we got in. This time, I got a Campagnola, without olives, & it was absolutely delicious. I devoured the whole pizza. I noticed it was slightly smaller than it was when I visited in past years, but it was no less delicious! I highly recommend this place for lunch or dinne
tout simplement le meilleur rapport qualité / prix pour une pizza à Montréal . un choix immense, un service souriant & aimable & TRÈS efficace. attention c'est une ambiance'cantine' pas trop adapté pour une date, mais ils maintiennent un contact quand meme sympathique je sais pas comment ils font . Mais les pizza sont exceptionnelles, on propose du vin pas cher correct, & des salades géantes, j'adore ! attention il peut y avoir pas mal d'attente à certaines heures.
We looked for a pizza place on our last night in Montreal this trip & this one had amazing reviews & didn't disappoint. We ate outside & even though rain was imminent had a great time. Delicious salad & really good pizzas. Best we had in Montreal.
Great food, reasonable portion with friendly staff. The only disappointment is the tiny little table space . You definitely have no place to put two pizza & a salad on a table for two & I don't even mention the drinks.
