Mare Porto Vecchio offers a distinctive Italian and seafood experience, focusing on expertly prepared pasta dishes and the freshest catches from the sea. The kitchen showcases a commitment to authentic flavors, utilizing quality ingredients to craft memorable meals that reflect the essence of Mediterranean coastal cuisine. Diners can anticipate a vibrant atmosphere where classic Italian culinary traditions are celebrated through a menu designed to satisfy discerning palates seeking both familiar favorites and refined seafood preparations. The restaurant's dedication to excellence is evident in every plate, promising a culinary journey inspired by the rich tastes of Italy's shores.
Online ordering is not directly available on this page for Mare Porto Vecchio. You can call (514) 365-4848 and see if the restaurant takes orders by phone.
Mare Porto Vecchio is widely celebrated as a sophisticated gem in the Old Port, offering an elegant and serene atmosphere that is perfect for romantic dinners or special gatherings. The restaurant is frequently praised for its stunning, chic interior design and consistently high levels of professional, attentive service that make guests feel truly welcomed. Many diners are deeply impressed by the extraordinary Italian cuisine, highlighting dishes like the homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and flavorful appetizers as standout experiences. With its craft cocktails and top-tier hospitality, the restaurant has quickly become a favorite destination for those seeking a memorable and refined fine dining experience in Montreal.
Overall, Mare was a great experience, but there were a few details missing for me to consider it an excellent fine-dining experience.
The arrival was very smooth. We were warmly greeted by the hostess & quickly shown to our table. Our waiter, Bas, was also great-friendly, warm, professional & attentive throughout the evening.
For the starters, everything was good overall. The entree i originally wanted was sold out so I ordered the burrata with lobster. I love burrata & have tried some really memorable & unique versions, so I was expecting a little more from this one. It was good, but I felt it was missing some dressing, acidity or another element to bring everything together. It essentially tasted like lobster with burrata, so for me it was fairly simple & could be elevated a bit more. The ricotta dish was very good, as was the tartare.
For my main, I had the braised beef pasta. It was nicely presented & tasted good, although again, it didn't quite have that'wow' factor I would expect at this level. My friend's pasta was also well prepared but needed a little salt & pepper, which would have been nice to have offered at the table.
The atmosphere is definitely one of Mare's strengths. The restaurant was clean & beautifully decorated. I loved the paintings, checkered flooring, dark lighting & overall romantic ambience. It feels elegant & intimate.
One thing I really think management should reconsider, though, is the music. At one point it sounded like regular radio music was playing, which felt very out of place with such a classy & carefully designed environment. A designated playlist matching the atmosphere would make a surprisingly big difference because the music created a noticeable contrast with the fine-dining setting.
The cocktails were decent but not particularly memorable. I had a Negroni-style cocktail under a different name; it was good, just not something I would specifically return for. Next time, I would probably stick to wine.
Overall, very good service, beautiful atmosphere & good food. Mare has a lot going for it, but with a little more refinement in the food details, cocktail program & especially the music selection, it could easily feel like a more complete fine-dining experience.
Such an amazing meal! Do yourself a favor, get the tasting menu & let the kitchen spoil you. Everything we received was phenomenal, but the crème caramel was so good I nearly cried. Big thanks to Bass & everyone at Mare for taking such good care of us ❤? I will definitely come back next time I'm in town!
Great spot, unfortunately two of the items we wanted (lamb, octopus salad) were sold out but our server Julian went above & beyond & the rest of our dishes (lobster pasta) were excellent!
You must visit Mare while you are in Montréal! This fantastic Italian restaurant has top of the line service, ambience, & cuisine! Bass took care of us during our visit & he provided superb service - truly one of the best dining experiences I've ever had! We tried the three course tasting menu & it was amazing, well worth the price & a great assortment of the best food on the menu. I couldn't recommend this place enough! Thanks to Bass & the entire Mare team for taking good care of us!
One of the best Italian restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Will surely return & am already recommending to other friends who are visiting the area. My meal was over-the-top incredible; never have I raved about a pasta dish like I did this one! Impeccable appetizers-I'm not a fan of scallops but the scallop special appetizer was so delightful. Dessert was immaculate & our server, Julien, made us feel so welcome & made the experience so fun! Loved it.
Bruno at MARE is absolutely amazing! He made me hands down one of the BEST dirty martinis I've ever had…perfectly balanced, ice cold, crisp, & exactly how a dirty martini should be..
On top of that, Bruno was so friendly, attentive, & really made the experience memorable. You can tell he genuinely knows his craft & takes pride in what he makes. If you're at MARE, do yourself a favor & ask for Bruno & definitely order the dirty martini. You will not be disappointed! 10/10 🤍
This place feels like you just stepped out of Montreal & into a luxury coastal restaurant in Italy…
The menu focuses on seafood & Italian inspired dishes. Everything is fresh, well presented, & full of flavor. The kind of place where every plate looks like a work of art 😮?💨
Dim lighting, elegant decor, & smooth vibes 🤍
The real standout … the tableside martinis 🍸
An aroma selection paired with a drink crafted right in front of you that is such a unique touch that elevates the whole experience ✨
I recently had the pleasure of dinning at this fine establishment. From the hostess' warm glow to the chef's savoir faire, everything was impeccable. Our server Rodrigo was the highlight of meal. He took us on a culinary journey through his recommendations, attention to detail & his unique brand of humour. My better half is shall we say'difficult' & she was also blown away. We had the lobster burrata( a must try), beef tartare, the best stuffed zucchini flowers I've ever had & the Taglioni topped with caviar. All the wines we had were fantastic & well curated. Overall it was a stupendous experience & one of the best meals I've had in a long time. 11/10 on all accounts . Ask for Rodrigo!
