Il Pagliaccio is praised as a standout Italian restaurant in Montreal, with reviews highlighting delicious food, impeccable service, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Diners describe a consistently excellent dining experience, a concise menu that still offers high quality choices, and staff who are attentive and welcoming. The ambiance is often noted for dim lighting and a romantic vibe, making it a great spot for a quiet dinner for two. The food ranges from fresh burrata and octopus to branzino, veal piccata, and house made pastas, with desserts such as lemon tart and lava cake, and most meals described as superb and well balanced. Guests note that the staff are accommodating for sharing and special requests without sacrificing quality. The overall impression is value for money, calm service, and a wine list that complements the meals. For those seeking a gem like experience, Il Pagliaccio is consistently regarded as one of the city's best Italian options and a place to return to with family or a loved one.
The opposite of pretentious, lovely staff & clientèle. Super clean. The gnocchi were the first excellent gnocchi I've had in North America. My wife loved this place. Service was excellent. On the imperfect side, the coffee served was way sour, the food salty for the salt-sensitive. That said, they accomodated & gave us a less salty appetizer ; we will definitely return & recommend it.
The best Italian restaurant in Montreal! We have been there many times, & every time the food is very delicious, the service is always excellent! A great dining experience! Highly recommended
Vraiment un resto où l on se sent complètement ailleurs. Mon mari étant sicilien a adoré ce resto sympa & accueillant. C'est un des meilleurs restos qu' il a visité depuis longtemps à Montréal. L ambiance, le service, la bouffe & le vin tout était parfait. Petites lumières tamisées & ambiance romantique. Je vous le recommande fortement. Merveilleux endroit pour un petit souper à deux.
Very neat restaurant & we are not big eaters, so we ordered an appetizer, a pasta & a secondi to share. They separated the dish into two for us. Very accommodating. Foods are good.
Visited this little Italian gem for the very first time.
The owner Manuel is a charming host & suggested a sampling of the various appetizers for the four of us to try. The menu is not large but It was all just great. Tomatoes & burrata, octopus, artichokes, pasta & the main meals branzino & veal piccata. Dessert a lemon tart & lava cake.
This ended up being a wonderfully surprising evening & a new gem to return to.
Deuxième visite en famille (2 adultes, 2 enfants), & encore une fois, c'était exceptionnel. Le menu est court, change à chaque fois, & tout est préparé avec soin.
Nous avons pris en entrée la mozzarella de bufalla (excellente), les calmars à la poêle (tendres & bien assaisonnés) & la pieuvre grillée (parfaite cuisson). En plat principal, le filet de veau était incroyable. Les spaghettis vongole étaient un peu salés, mais toujours très bons & le restaurant a eu la délicatesse de ne pas nous le facturer après notre remarque. Les pâtes fraîches al ragù étaient également délicieuses.
En dessert : tiramisu & panna cotta, très bon.
Un des meilleurs restaurants italiens qu'on a testés à Montréal.
Jul 12, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
What a great restaurant! Went twice & will surely go back soon ! The owner Manuele is so caring & kind. The food is outstanding & so is the service. Highly recommend place!
Very nice Italian. Food is simple & sophisticated. Date & I split each course at the recommendation of our waiter. Great idea. Had two antipasti, pasta, piccata & dessert. Left very full.
J'ai aimé l'accueil, le service attentionné, la qualité des produits, la présentation & surtout les saveurs délectables. Un restaurant haut de gamme qui justifie les prix. Bravo!
Was not expecting it all, outstanding service, food & wine pairing, wow this place is worth a detour anytime, a must for any foodie that appreciates fine Italian cuisine!
