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.
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.
The scenery is great, opposite the riverside park.After the marathon, I treated a friend & her son to dinner here; he'd done a fantastic job! We enjoyed our meal while watching the runners from afar. We ordered seafood paella, beef carpaccio, steak, calamari, & a soup, all delicious. The sunny weather, beautiful surroundings, & delicious food-everything was perfect. This was my third time here.
It's such a beautiful spot-inside & out! No matter where you sit, the atmosphere is warm & inviting. You'll truly enjoy it, whether you're on a date night or a family outing. Our favorite spots are upstairs & on the terraces, offering the perfect ambiance. Everything we've tried so far has been delicious-no complaints at all. The food is filling, flavorful, & perfectly suited to the setting. While the drinks aren't their strongest point, it's still absolutely worth it. I could go back again & again & never get tired of it!
I go there mostly for the view, it's next to the water & just simply beautiful.
Yes the food is very good. They serve fresh pizza which is awesome . Food is quality & affordable so I think it's a package deal !!
Jul 12, 2025
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We were very disappointed with our last visit. The food is mediocre at best & overpriced for what it is. Service was lacking. We sat for a long time before anyone came to take our drink orders, & it felt like we were inconveniencing the waiter by being there. The drinks we ordered were not made correctly. I ordered a Hugo spritz & it tasted like watered down saint germain, without mint. Not sure what their recipe is for it but it is definitely not the standard. Only reason this gets two stars is the location, beautiful patio nearby the canal.
What a lovely restaurant, sat out on the upper terrace with a beautiful view of the water. The service was friendly & the food was absolutely delicious.
Fantastic food with a good variety of wine with great staff superb atmosphere. I was lucky I was at Il Fornetto on a beautiful June evening. I highly recommend.
Don't say you want to share. Divide your own meals on your plates & save five dollars. Seems a bit sneaky the way they offer it, but it is stated on the menu about the charge. We also waited a long time to be served after we arrived.
Can't beat the view from the patio. Beautiful park & waterfront to enjoy. Awesome location.
Don't go to this restaurant if you like chicken. I seriously searched & couldn't find a pasta or a pizza with chicken!
The salmon pasta was incredible with a bit of Parmesan on it! The Giardino pizza was a bit bland.
Host & server were both accommodating to some unique needs our family had.
May 29, 2025
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Il Fornetto is a great spot for Italian food with a beautiful view of the Lachine Canal. The pizza was very delicious, with a perfect crispy crust & fresh toppings. The service was friendly & professional, but the rocket salad was overpriced for what it was, not much flavor for the cost. Still, it's a solid choice for a date night or a casual meal with friends.
It became our fav Italian resto in no time.
Located by the beautiful waterfront in lachine
Their pizza is to die for! Like really amazing & I don't usually love pizza in general. It's just tastes like in Napoli, Italy… yummy! Thin, crispy, but also a bit chewy, with just perfect amount of toppings, & made in the wood oven! Perfection!
We have tried everything in their menu , but my fav is eggplant parm! Omg…. It's so so freaking good!
The veal dishes are amazing & the pastas are cooked to perfect al dente. So many tasty dishes to choose from.
Service is always great , super friendly, fast & attentive, with smiles.
This resto is very popular, so make reservations, you will not be disappointed.
Il Fornetto has been a part of my life for over 20 years-growing up, I visited often with my parents & siblings, & last night I returned with my partner. It's wonderful to see this restaurant still delivering that classic Italian experience. The food met my expectations-consistent & well-prepared, with a traditional approach to Italian cuisine. I had the Risotto al Funghi, which was creamy with a slight al dente bite, just as it should be 🙌🏽. The Polpette della Nonna were also nicely done, not overpowering with spices or garlic, making them enjoyable for all palates. Their fire oven pizza, with its thin crust, was delicious, & shall I add that the oven itself is a beautiful centerpiece. The atmosphere remains cozy & inviting, perfect for both small & larger gatherings. Service was excellent, as always-attentive & welcoming. Definitely worth the visit!
Our favorite place in Lachine. Very cozy place because the spot is very nice on the riverside. The food is excellent! We always make reservations on the second floor to enjoy the beautiful view .Highly recommend. Their pizza is the Best!
Oct 13, 2024
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Il fornetto is my go-to for Italian food in Montreal. With a beautiful view over the Lachine canal, wood stove pizza cooked in house infront of you with scrumptious pasta dishes & imported desserts. Do not skip this place!
One of my favourite weekend lunch spot with water view & having tasty italian meal with your loved ones. Great for family gatherings. Nice staffs, beautiful water view specially in autumn. Highly recommended.
We had a wonderful dinner on Sunday evening. The waitstaff was excellent as was the food & ambiance. We didn't rush & enjoyed quality time with friends. The restaurant was decorated beautifully for the season.
