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.
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
Sep 27, 2025
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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 !
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
Sep 11, 2025
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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!).
My family of 4 stopped there for lunch on our tour of Montreal on a whim & usually when we do this we are left disappointed! However Il Focolaio did not disappoint at all the food portions & quality were amazing & we were served by probably the best server ever RACHID!!! I have never had someone be so genuine throughout a dining experience. Would recommend 100 times over!
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!✨
