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 wood fired, thin crust pizzas with a vast range of toppings and a menu that balances classic Italian staples with inventive options, all baked to perfection in a real Italian oven. The crust is consistently crisp and flavorful, the ingredients are fresh, and gluten free crust and lactose free cheese options are appreciated by many diners. The service is repeatedly described as fast, friendly and attentive, with staff making guests feel welcome and cared for even during busy periods. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, making it a great spot for casual dinners, family nights or a quick bite after visiting nearby sights, and the location downtown Montreal adds to its appeal. Desserts like tiramisu and cannoli are frequently praised, and the wine and beer selection complements the meals well. Overall, this spot is widely regarded as one of the best pizza places in town, a must visit for pizza lovers, with many guests planning to return.
We are regular customers & will continue to be. Pizza in this place is good with excellent service. Our waiter always greets us with a smile. We always have a good time being here
Looks like an old school place but the pizza selection they have is almost 75+. Great food great staff. Try there best sellers from the menu. We got Quattro fromaggi & brocoli. Both were 10/10. They have whole wheat collection as well if you have any special food requirements.
L'une des meilleures pizza produite dans un four à bois en pierre par la diaspora italienne ! On n'y va pas pour le décor figé dans le temps ou pour l'ambiance maus bel & bien pour le plaisir de déguster leur excellente pizza. Des formats 10 pouces donc une pizza par personne. A quatre on en commande 4 différentes & cela nous permet de déguster 4 variétés. Coup de coeur pour la gâteau dulce de leite & leur tiramisu.
On a Tuesday night, 8pm this place is packed, waited 30 minutes to get a table, by myself as I am out of town & my hotel is straight across the street-2minute walk. Had a salad & a pizza which was fantastic (carre phillips)- they have 77 different pies to choose from. Rachid (waiter) was amazing, helped to narrow the choice down & was extremely attentive to provide best service. Looking forward of going back & asking to be in Rashid section.
Je lis dans les avis que c'est la meilleure pizzeria de Montréal..... ma réponse : non! Pour qu'elle puisse prétendre à ce titre : je propose d'améliorer la pâte. Cette dernière manque de goût & elle est un peu trop sèche. Elle mériterait d'être un peu plus gourmande. Pour les ingrédients ça va le goût était la sauf pour le fromage qui manque de caractère. Le service était au top. La décoration peut être améliorée. Il y a du potentielle dans cette pizzeria
Second time, just as good as the first. Had the gluten-free crust with prosciutto & spicy pancetta (since the pepperoni is not gluten-free). I'm already looking forward to our next visit.
I've loved pizza my whole life, & these were definitely on the top of my list. I eat all kinds of pizza, pan pizza, thin crust, stuffed crust, homemade, frozen, New York style, Chicago style, Italian pizza, Canadian pizza, etc., honestly speaking, pizza is just so versatile that I personally believe anything can be added on it. I've never seen a pizza menu with 77+ flavors. Besides the pizza per se, the highlight of the experience to me was the fact that they served olive oil & red chili pepper flakes on the side, which made me feel like it was a "healthier cheat meal". Thank you for the great experience. Servers were so nice as well! Will be back there again! P.s. We didn't make a reservation, but we noticed there were people queueing up to get in after 6pm.
First off, nobody informs you that they sell pizza by the slice. We were told that it was one pizza per person (we were a family of 2 adults & 2 children). We ordered 3 pizzas for the 4 of us, & it was WAY too much. Ended up throwing away at least half a pizza (& spending much more than we would've had to). To our surprise, lots of tables were ordering by the slice! This seemed deceptive to us from the waiter's part. We guessed he figured we were tourists. 🙄 Anyhow, on to the pizza: The pizzas were great. All of them. Not too thin, not too thick, brick oven fired pizza, with lots of flavors & great all around taste. The place: Not a place for a date, that's for sure. No decor, no frills & very casual. Just a normal pizza place that is good for families, groups & maybe business meetings if looking for a very casual setting. For those in wheelchairs, be aware that the bathrooms are one floor below the restaurant with only a steep stairway to use.
Vraiment déçus & tristes. C'était meilleur avant, c'était une destination phare mais le resto a perdu en qualité. On a commandé une Margherita & une pizza avec pleins de légumes. On aurait dit une Margherita du Pizza Domino & des légumes de Costco. J'avais par habitude de commander celle aux truffes, heureusement que je ne l'ai pas fait cette fois-ci ! On est vraiment déçus de la qualité! On ne reviendra plus. On dirait que depuis le Covid la qualité n'est plus, & cela partout. Désolé pour cette review mais on est vraiment très déçus! Dégoûtés d'avoir payé 60$ pour ça. Par contre bon service, messieurs très aimables.
I had a waiter that deliberately delayed my service, from getting my food to getting my bill. I stormed out of there in anger & didn't get his name. Everything else was perfect from the other staff & waiters smiling & greeting you to the food, I had number 77 & it was perfect & also I had a cheese cake, paid around 40$
Great food! Mom & I split a pizza & salad. They kindly split it before serving to us. Everyone was very kind. Sangria & cannoli was also good. Great spot!
Wait was long as they don't take reservations & you simply have to wait in a line outside. Food was tasty... I'd go back for more one day. Not very big inside & kind of crammed.
