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Restaurant Top Pick

Il Focolaio

Downtown
4.7$
OPEN11 am - 10:30 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Valentine's Day: hours might differ
PizzaItalianCaféSalads

About us

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.

Our Specialties

Wood oven pizza.

Amenities, services & more

Capacity: 128 We accept:  Master Card, Visa, AMEX, Interac
5★
78%
4★
15%
3★
4%
2★
4%
1★
0%

Mentioned in:

Il Focolaio was featured in the article(s) below.

Reviews for Il Focolaio

Food
Service
on Google4.6 (6600+)
*as of 2026-02-14
5★
78%
4★
15%
3★
4%
2★
4%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Il Focolaio is described in reviews as a lively downtown Italian pizza spot with a wood fired oven that delivers a crisp, flavorful crust and a huge variety of toppings from classic to inventive. Diners praise fresh ingredients, well balanced flavors, and generous portions that share nicely between two, with many calling it among the best pizzas in Montreal. The atmosphere is described as cozy and bustling, with a warm, welcoming vibe despite crowds, and service is repeatedly highlighted as fast, attentive and friendly. While lines and bustle are common, guests note the staff stay helpful and the turnover is efficient, making it possible to enjoy both quick lunches and longer dinners. Gluten free crusts and lactose free cheese are available, and desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli are often singled out as treats. Overall, Il Focolaio is seen as a must try for pizza lovers visiting Montreal, offering a broad selection, reliable execution, and a lively, inviting experience.
Page 1 of 29 - 569 Reviews

Meilleur tiramisu que j'ai mangé dans un resto, pizza extraordinaire, salade césar super, je recommande!

Feb 11, 2026
on Google

We visited from Hamilton, Ontario. We walked in the freezing cold & were so happy to stumble across this warm & cozy place. It was busy but very welcoming. We ordered the pepperoni pizza & it was probably one of the best I've ever had. Hot, delicious & made on the spot in plain view of the dining area. The crust was thin, crisp & perfect.
If I lived in Montreal, this would be a regular go-to place. ⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?

Feb 11, 2026
on Google

Super delicious 😋

Feb 11, 2026
on Google

We stopped here to escape the -25°C cold, but I wish we hadn't. The pizza was just okay, but the service was shocking. We felt like a burden, especially when the server cleared my husband's plate while he was literally still chewing. It felt dismissive, as if our presence was an inconvenience, despite plenty of empty seats. Between that & the cramped, uncomfortable seating, this was the worst dining experience of our trip. Avoid.

Feb 10, 2026
on Google

Very good vegan pizza, good atmosphere & great service! I would definitely recommend :)

Feb 9, 2026
on Google
5.0

Great pizza, cool vibe, love it.

Feb 6, 2026
on Google

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

Feb 1, 2026
on Google
2.0

Pizza insipide, grossière, chargée, aucun goût. Nous sommes trois à être unanimement très déçus. Rien d'une pizza italienne. Je ne comprends pas les avis qui mettent plus que 4. Service plutôt sympathique & rapide.

Jan 31, 2026
on Google
4.0

Probably one of the best pizzeria in Montreal. They offer a wide variety of pizzas, all cooked in a wood-fired oven. The four-cheese pizza with blue cheese is especially outstanding. The place itself doesn't look like much - it's small, not particularly attractive, & there isn't much space - but the pizza more than makes up for it.

Jan 22, 2026
on Google

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!

Jan 19, 2026
on Google
5.0

Great place in every possible way. The server ( at the counter on the right side of the picture) was a cheerful, professional & welcoming gentleman. Great smile on his face & helped us through picking pizza choices.
A highly recommend place to eat authentic Italian pizza.

Jan 17, 2026
on Google

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.

Jan 17, 2026
on Google

Excellente pizza, avec une pâte vraiment remarquable - bien cuite, savoureuse & parfaitement équilibrée. Le restaurant était très occupé, mais l'atmosphère demeure sans prétention & conviviale, ce qui contribue beaucoup au charme de l'endroit.

Le service était bon & efficace, surtout considérant l'action & l'achalandage constant dans le resto.

L'ambiance rappelle un peu les pizzerias de New York : animée, décontractée, & centrée sur l'essentiel - une bonne pizza bien faite. Une très bonne adresse à Square Phillips pour manger rapidement & bien, sans flafla.

Jan 17, 2026
on Google

Great authentic thin crust pizza at a reasonable price!

Jan 15, 2026
on Google

Restaurant avec beaucoup de choix de pizza (75 choix) de type Italien. Acceuil chalereux. Le prix est résonable

Jan 14, 2026
on Google

Great food at a reasonable price!
Excellent service & great people working there

Jan 14, 2026
on Google

Really good pizzeria

Jan 13, 2026
on Google
5.0

If you are looking for the best pizza in town, look no further than Pizza Il Focolaio. This spot is a must-visit for anyone in Montreal craving authentic, wood-fired goodness.
What Makes It Special:
The Selection: They have an incredible 77 different pizzas to choose from! You are truly spoiled for choice, ranging from classic Italian staples to unique, creative toppings.
The Quality: Our group ordered three different pizzas, & each one of them tasted really nice. The crust had that perfect crispness, & the ingredients felt fresh & high-quality.
The Atmosphere: It's a bustling, welcoming environment that perfectly complements the hearty food.
We had a fantastic experience & left completely satisfied. This is easily one of the highlights of the Montreal food scene. I would love to visit again next time I'm in town!

Jan 12, 2026
on Google

The pizza was absolutely delicious, flavorful, well balanced, & perfect to share between two people. The portion size is great, & one pizza was more than enough for us, although if you are hungry I recommend going for two :))

The atmosphere is cozy & relaxed, ideal for a casual dinner with friends or a date night. We also tried their cocktails & I really liked them. I would definitely come back.

Jan 10, 2026
on Google

Bonne pizzéria souvent bondée, ce qui est bon signe. Les tables sont rapprochées & c'est souvent plein, donc il y a beaucoup d'ambiance & de bruit. La pizza est excellente & il y a énormément de choix de garnitures.

Jan 2, 2026
on Google