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.
Great raw bar, freshfresh seafoods.
My fav pastas are the tagliolini & the cappeletti. The tagliolini looks like it would be very creamy maybe even too much... but no. It is perfectly creamy & cheesy. The plate was licked clean it was not too heavy whatsoever, very amazing that they pulled this off the way they did. Cappeletti sauce also maybe sound heav, but it is not. It is bursting with flavour & is addicting. Plate was also licked clean.
The servers offered some chili oil, which was an epic pairing with the cappeletti!! The chili oil is very delicious. Somehow a bit sweet & spicy, realllly loved it so much.
The squid ink ravioli toppings are sooo good but found the texture of that pasta to be a miss for me.
Another killer is the vanilla ice cream, its not on the menu, but ask for it because (coming from a person whos fav food is ice cream & has it everywhere i find it) it is some of the best i have ever had, creamy & icy, luscious & addicting vanilla flavour. Perfectly sweetened. I will miss it forever when i leave Montreal
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!
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
Jan 31, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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!
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!
