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.
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.
Delightful restaurant, lots of variety in the menu. Pizza, pasta, meat & fish dishes are all there. Nice selection of wine to accompany your meal. Will definitely be going back.
Dec 27, 2025
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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.
We had the filet, pasta ortobosco, & the salmon.. the creme brulee & cappuccino for dessert.. all cooked to perfection.. they also accommodated our GF needs excellently.. ambience warm & cozy, it was our anniversary, so NICE... highly recommend ❤? LuvRK
We had a lovely dinner last night at Il Forneto. The food, the service & the atmosphere were all excellent. Will definitely be back :) I had the grilled salmon with pasta with a small caesar salad.
Mar 23, 2025
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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.
I finally got to eat at this restaurant after years of people telling me how great the food was. The place filled up quickly for lunch. A small, cozy restaurant with a nice ambiance. I ordered a penne pasta dish with a tomato, cream & mushroom sauce off the table d'hôte menu. The pasta & sauce were a generous portion. It was good, but nothing to rave about. Choice of soup or mixed green salad. I had the salad that came with frisée leaves only & one small underripe tomato wedge. The vinaigrette was decent, but I've had better. We asked for bread rolls. They were large & tasty, but would have been better if served warm rather than stone cold. For the cost of $27 before taxes or tip, I was underwhelmed especially for an Italian restaurant. If I go again, I'll probably try the veal to see if it's worth returning. I think a few small improvements would have made this meal more memorable.
Had my birthday dinner with my mum here & it was a nice experience, initially got a table on the ground floor, but did not like the ambience , a nice waiter was kind enough to get us a space upstairs right beside the fireplace which we loved more & was a great picture spot . The service was great & the food was nice!. My only downside was that it was too noisy , I would have thought that for a Wednesday it would be less crowdy, ( but this means they are doing a very good job & people like their food) . We had jumbo shrimp with a side of pasta, Italian seafood rice , grilled steak & vegetables, a glass of red wine & a glass of juice for my mum. Spent 200+ plus tip. Now my mum is in love with the Italian seafood rice & she is asking when I'd be bringing her again 😅. & yea!!! I got a dessert on the house because it was my Birthday!!!!!! Thanks guys, I really enjoyed my birthday dinner .
Nov 8, 2024
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Great ambience but the food is dismal. The sugo for the pasta bolognese was too sweet & without flavor, closer to Chef Boyardee. The quality of the pasta is very low. No olive oil offered with the bread. I live in Italy. This place would never survive here.
Unfortunately it has changed. Use to be good food. They lost a client who went there for years. The veal was hard like plastic the pasta had no taste . Service was so so. Too bad. Who can afford to lose clients these day at $150 for 2 people with 0 drinks . Not a good move. I complained they said sorry. lol. So never again. 0 buisness knowledge big 0
Great experience !! service & food were fantastic...we have never been disappointed when visiting ! Pizzas are awesome , risotto delicious,pastas amazing & their tiramisu is a must !!
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!
Had a great experience at Il Fornetto! We were a group of 6 celebrating my sister in-law's birthday & the service was excellent. The decor is very tasteful & the ambience is nice as well. I had a light pasta for dinner paired with a nice red wine.
I came here for Valentine's Day with my gf & the vibe was perfect, the decor is rustic & charming but still sophisticated. Great vibe overall. The service was excellent. Our waiter visited us early & often & was very kind & patient with us. The food was fantastic. My gf & I both got different pasta dishes & both were excellent. The pasta was cooked perfectly & the sauces were delicious. We ordered a lemon granita for dessert which completed the meal & was very refreshing.
