Reviews of Mare Porto Vecchio describe a stylish, refined Italian dining experience in the Old Port Montreal where atmosphere and presentation are frequently highlighted. The menu is praised for fresh seafood and well crafted pastas such as cappelletti and tagliolini, with branzino tartare, octopus and oysters among the standout dishes. The cocktails and wine list are often noted as strong complements to the meals and the service is described as attentive and professional. Some reviews flag high prices for the portions and note that a few dishes can be under seasoned, overly salty, or served lukewarm. Experiences on special occasions such as Valentine s Day or New Year s Eve are described as memorable when the kitchen and staff are in sync. Overall Mare Porto Vecchio is regarded as a standout Italian dining destination in Montreal, delivering exceptional ambiance and mostly outstanding food, though price and value and some dish consistency vary.
I had the most incredible dining experience for Valentine's Day at Mare in Old Port. From the moment we stepped in, the coastal Italian charm was undeniable. They began by serving us bread-focaccia & sourdough-accompanied by a mascarpone & cod spread, which was exquisite. We also had two amazing mocktails-proof that even their non-alcoholic options are outstanding. We started with oysters-plump, meaty, bursting with fresh flavor, straight from PEI. For the appetizers, I had a vibrant beef tartare with an amazing chew, while my girlfriend savored the octopus, paired with crispy potato & escarole-every bite was fresh & balanced. For the mains, we shared two pasta delights: I had the cappelletti, filled with braised beef slow-cooked for hours, bathed in a rich sugo d'arrosto, & my girlfriend had the tagliolini, a silky pasta with Parmigiano, cultured butter, & caviar-pure bliss. We finished with a tiramisu that was divine & another dessert, the cioccolata pralinata-light, elevated, with a perfect crunch & subtle sweetness, the ideal end to a grand meal. & to top it off, I had an excellent double espresso. I must say, as good as the food was, the service was flawless-every staff member was so attentive, warm, & made us feel truly special. Mare is a must-visit-go treat yourself!
We came back after a few months & the service was noticeably better. The two Italian guys who welcomed us were professional & very attentive.
The food was great, but the real highlight was the cocktail list, truly exceptional drinks!
At the end of the dinner, Bruno prepared a tableside Sgroppino for us, which was a wonderful touch. Special thanks to him.
Highly recommended.
The music selection was amazing, such a great vibe!
Feb 10, 2026
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I was expecting so much from this restaurant but unfortunately came to the conclusion it is extremely over hyped. The staff at times are very attentive & then some times, we had to wait over 20 minutes for the bill. We didn't order drinks & chose to have water but the waitress mentioned twice if we wanted drinks & she'd leave the menu if we change our mind. We ordered the beef tartare but was stopped due to the waitress' recommendation. She said the fish one would be a better selection because the tartare isn't seasoned as much & you'd have to really know your tartare or you'd think it was plain. We didn't feel like fish that night but I found it strange for her to tell us not to order something & recommend something completely different. Our food came out lukewarm , bread they served was ice cold & the pasta was undercooked. At this point I wanted to just finish our meal & leave. The washrooms are downstairs after taking a narrow staircase & walking through the dim lit hallways. Definitely not for older people or people with mobility issues. We chose to eat here during new years eve , visiting from out town & had to take a 20 minute Uber. I was extremely disappointed after spending over $100. I can understand why people choose to dine here because it's so upscale but I expected more.
I went to the restaurant with my girlfriend, & we decided to try a tasting menu, which we really enjoy doing. It allows the chefs to showcase their skills, & we were able to fully enjoy the experience at the seafood bar. We were welcomed by Kenneth, who did an exceptional job: professional, talented, & attentive. The salads & dishes he served us were perfectly balanced & incredibly fresh. I highly recommend this place!
Classic, timeless décor paired with excellent service.
Mare delivered delicious dishes, with an attentive staff & top-quality ingredients. The Focaccia was unforgettable: crisp at the edges, soft & airy at the center. Easily one of the best ones I've had in Montreal. Our personal favourites dishes were the Branzino Crudo - a fantastic white fish crudo with pistachio for crunch, a touch of chile, & creamy ricotta & the Tagliolini - a rich, velvety pasta enriched by aged Parmigiano & caviar. The Polpo was cooked beautifully, though the accompanying potatoes didn't quite elevate the dish & were a bit under-seasoned.
Overall, it was a fantastic evening. The service alone would make me return.
