Located in an enchanting setting on the shores of the Lachine Canal, Il Fornetto is a perfect place to offer oneself a moment of relaxation and change of scenery without having to leave the city. Inside, the rustic-inspired though modern décor is particularly pleasant. Yet it is above all for its superb, double-level terrace looking out directly over the canal that people love this place. Open from early in spring until late in autumn, the terrace welcomes you to come and enjoy beautiful the sunsets.
Il Fornetto’s menu takes on the appearance of an encyclopaedia of Italian cuisine. The selection is impressive and includes all of the staples: pastas available as a full dish or half portion, which is great for an entrée, various antipasti and veal and the most important staple of them all, pizza baked in a real wood-burning oven. Here, it is particularly delicious, crispy and topped with the freshest ingredients. Not surprisingly, this restaurant – open since 1987 – shows no sign of slowing down.
Il Fornetto consistently delivers an excellent dining experience with friendly, attentive service, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a menu that showcases authentic Italian flavors. The wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and well-balanced dishes receive frequent praise for taste and quality, while the canal-side terrace and cozy interiors provide a memorable setting. Guests often highlight generous portions, good wine selections, and a welcoming vibe that works well for celebrations as well as casual dinners. The staff are noted for being helpful and professional, making reservations and dining smooth even when busy. This combination of dependable food, thoughtful hospitality, and a charming location keeps diners coming back time after time.
The pizza is good & the pasta as well. I liked the salmon fetuccine but the portions are a bit small.
Definitely worth a visit to be near the canal sitting on the terrasse. The atmosphere is intimate but it can get very busy.
Apr 8, 2026
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We were a party of 3, we were seated quickly. Service was fast & pleasant. Food was quite good as usual. Looking forward to going back when the weather is nicer & we can sit outside on the terrace.
I went to Il Fornetto for the first time & was pleasantly surprised! The atmosphere of the restaurant is lovely & the staff are very attentive & friendly! The food was delicious & tasted amazing! We will definitely be coming back!
We drive from downtown to this typical Italian trattoria that has the best pizza in Montreal & with a chief who knows how to fry calamari the correct way.
Apr 4, 2026
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My family has been going to Il Fornetto for years! We have celebrated many birthdays there. The food is very good. The restaurant is located by the water. Summer evenings are beautiful at this restaurant. The staff is lovely & always accommodating. I would recommend this restaurant.
Mar 25, 2026
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Belle table, belle vue, bon service mais nourriture ordinaire. Fameux pour les pizzas au four à bois mais pas le reste malheureusement. Avons pris table d'hôte: pâtes rotola sans goût & morue avec sauce trop épaisse & peu goûteuse.
Intéressant de pouvoir prendre une bouteille de vin importée à prix abordable !
Wonderful restaurant. Delicious food. Yesterday was my birthday & we were the last to leave the restaurant. I was treated very well by the staff, who gave me a tiramisu to sing happy birthday. We will be back more often.
Has been great for over 20 years & is still fantastic.
I had my first diner there 2 owners ago ., food staff & prices are always great. Staff staff stafff is A1. They have a manager there since 30 years. He is simply the most hospitable person in any restaurant in montreal .
The place is a must try Pizza pasta fish & veal. All excellent.
This place is just as I remember, a staple of the lachine water front restaurants great wood stove pizza accompanied by all the right flavor profiles. Very nice ambiance & service is on point. Couple of reason I don't give a 5 star rating, on the way to the washrooms we over heard some getting chewed out for some kind of error that was made, something else is the place has not changed in ages & lastly this place is exactly the same for as long as I could remember not yet to have had a menu that gets me excited to try something else.
La pizza etait correcte, mais peu garnie. Trop chere pour la qualite. Les calamares etaient plutot fades. Cependant, le ANTIPASTO « IL FORNETTO » etait degeu. Les melons n'etaient pas murs - tres durs-, les legumes goutaient la vieille huile & le salami etait passe date, rassi. Franchement deugeulasse. Nous avons informe la cuisine. Malgre cela nous avons ete facture la totale. Le service etait autrement adequat. Tres decevant.
