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.
Mare offers a sophisticated dining experience in the Old Port, frequently praised for its elegant ambiance, high-quality ingredients, and refined Italian cuisine. Many guests highlight the exceptional service, noting that staff are often attentive, professional, and welcoming, with specific mentions of delicious pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and well-crafted cocktails. While the restaurant receives glowing reviews for its romantic atmosphere and overall consistency, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, varying noise levels, or service lapses during busier shifts. Despite these mixed reports, a majority of patrons regard it as a top-tier destination for special occasions and fine dining, expressing a strong intention to return.
I'm still buzzing from the most incredible dining experience at Mare! This restaurant absolutely blew my mind - every bite was a celebration of extraordinary Italian cuisine. We went for the chef's choice tasting menu & it was pure magic: bold flavors, stunning presentations, & dishes so delicious they left us speechless. Honestly, everything we tried was outstanding, but four plates stood out as my absolute favorites (check the attached photos - those are the ones that stole the show!).
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is elegant, luxurious, & wonderfully peaceful-perfect for enjoying every course without feeling rushed. The interior design is stunning, & the service deserves special recognition. Every member of the team was genuinely attentive, knowledgeable, & made us feel truly welcomed throughout the evening.
We originally had an event planned at another spot, but somehow ended up here by mistake… & honestly, it felt like pure destiny!
Truly excellent experience! Beautifully crafted dishes, refined flavors, & top-quality ingredients. Impeccable service: attentive & professional. A special thanks to Bruno for his recommendations on both the dishes & wine pairings, which made the dinner even more memorable. Highly recommended!
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.
Dec 6, 2025
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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.
One of the best Italian restaurants I've been to in my lifetime. The flavors are bold, & the quality of the ingredients are unmatched. You truly feel like you're transported to Italy. Our service was top notch, & Andy & Juan made our night exceptional. The shellfish tower was curated with precision, & the fish was fresh. The Paccheri & Branzino were some other stand out dishes of the night. Also, the bread board that came around paired with the olive oil gave it an extra touch. Will be returning next time we're in MTL!
