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.
We visited this beautiful restaurant in Old Port, Montreal on Saturday, March 28. We were welcomed by a kind & friendly young Italian who served us excellent cocktails. The food & service were both of a very high standard.
The only downside was the vibe, which felt a bit dull - the music lacked a clear identity, shifting from 70s Italian tracks to rather unengaging songs.
I hope to return & find a different atmosphere next time.
Absolutely loved our experience at Mare in Old Montreal. The food was incredible, every dish beautifully presented & full of flavor. You can truly taste the quality & attention to detail in every bite. The service was top notch! Everything from the atmosphere to the cuisine & hospitality was amazing. A must-visit in Old Montreal ✨
Feb 17, 2026
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Very beautiful evening. The service was, hands down, phenomenal. He was professional & kind the whole night; his recommendations were spot on.
We got the'Plateau Royal per 2' & the fresh fish was remarkable. I live on Vancouver Island, & this was better than any seafood I had had out there. The red wine we got was amazing too!
Would recommend to anyone who is considering it! Becuase its a newer place, it doesn't get enough praise
We walked into Mare after realizing earlier in the day that it was a new spot that had just opened beside our hotel. With no reservation on New Year's Eve, we were pleasantly surprised to be seated right away by the bar.
The atmosphere was beautiful, lively, & paired with great music. The servers were interactive, welcoming, & genuinely friendly, which immediately set the tone. We stopped in just for cocktails after having dinner at a very unfriendly restaurant, & Mare completely turned our night around.
The cocktails were excellent, & the staff made us feel comfortable & welcome right before the New Year's Eve ball drop. What started as a disappointing evening ended on a high note thanks to this place.
We visit Montreal quite often, & Mare will definitely be a spot we return to. Highly recommend for great drinks, atmosphere, & outstanding service.
We will try the food on our next visit. It did smell amazing while we were there.
Let's start out with on a positive note. The restaurant is beautiful, feels expensive & it is. The squid ink pasta was ok (slightly overcooked) & the bread selection was lovely. The martinis were also very good. Great wine selection, the Burgundy chablis we ordered was wonderful.
Now the truth about the food
The food was subpar at best. From start to finish, It was either missing salt, too salty, overcooked & topped with gritty clams. I actually returned my cod in aqua pazza because it was loaded with clam grit. Everyone at my table for 10 was very disappointed with their meal & I left hungry after paying almost $400 per couple.
The service was ok, they did their jobs, but obviously not trained for a fine dining establishment, arriving a few dishes at a time all while asking who ordered what when they had taken the order 30 min earlier. It is not a pizza joint, train your personnel.
A true gem in the Old Port. Designed with class, & a beautiful atmosphere. We were greeted by an excellent waiter (Andy) his smile, his experience, so professional & he guided us throughout the evening. Thank you Andy . The presentation & flavours of each dish was just mind blowing . Definitely returning to Mare .
Nov 11, 2025
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The service truly stood out above everything else. Every detail was given such care, & the entire team was exceptionally professional. The food was also outstanding, & our waiter guided us beautifully throughout the evening. The restaurant itself is stunning - it perfectly blends a trendy, modern look with Old Port charm & subtle Italian touches. Overall, it was an excellent experience, so much so that we immediately booked to return the following weekend with friends.
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.
Mare is a beautiful new spot with a great atmosphere, excellent service, & delicious food. It's definitely on the pricier side, but worth it for the overall experience. I'd recommend it.
