Tucked away on one of downtown’s quieter streets, La Marinara has subtlety down to an art. Warm colours and soft light, potted plants and flickering candles create a soothing, unassuming atmosphere. Music plays low and ambient, setting the tone but never intruding on the conversation. For this reason, La Marinara is best suited for romantic dinners or quiet business lunches. Designed in the style of the French bistro, it specializes in Italian pasta dishes. Primavera, bolognese, alfredo, carbonara, amatriciana: the usual suspects are present in all sorts of savoury permutations.
If you’re looking for veal, there may be no restaurant in the city better suited to your needs. Why not try the breaded veal, or bring crispy and cream together in sonorous harmony with the veal parmigiana. Did we mention the veal with lemon?
Reviewers repeatedly praise La Marinara for authentic Italian cooking and fresh ingredients, with pasta highlighted as a standout including fettuccine, gnocchi, ravioli, and bolognese among favorites, served in generous portions in a warm intimate setting, the service described as thoughtful, friendly and professional, with allergy accommodations and reservations recommended when the restaurant is busy; a few notes of critique appear, including occasional slow service, simple decor, and a dish that may be too rich or rely on frozen vegetables, but overall the reviews converge on a trusted place for comforting, well executed pasta and Italian classics in downtown Montreal.
Bread was delicious & crispy, salads were great, most of our mains were great, but my friend is vegan & her options were slightly more limited, she ordered vegetable spaghetti & said it was just average. Overall a great place to eat though, very nice servers & good food.
Feb 29, 2020
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Five of us enjoyed our evening. Service was excellent as was the food. I ordered Linguine with clams with extra garlic & red chile flakes & it was delicious! Two bottles of wine, espresso & a lovely lemon tart. This place is the perfect spot for great food, reasonable prices & attentive but relaxed service. The only negative was that the romaine in the Caesar could have been fresher.
Le service a été très long, beaucoup plus qu'à l'habitude.
Ayant réservé plus tôt afin d'être à l'heure pour la partie d'hockey, nous n'avons pu prendre café & dessert inclus à la table d'hôte.
La qualité de la nourriture était très bonne & le service adéquat.
Jan 28, 2020
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