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.
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!
Feb 15, 2026
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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!
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.
We went there for dinner & we were unfortunately disappointed by the food. The stuffed zucchini flower had a gelatine consistency almost like a jello shrimp flavour which we really didn't like. The plate of seafood to share was just okay, the presentation was disappointing for a plate at 120$, I expected more garnish with herbs, lemon, etc. The lobster bisque pasta was not bad but it was not great, I expected the pasta to be al dente for an Italian restaurant. As for the dessert, we usually are big on that & they only had 4 choices that looked sad so we ended up not taking anything. We will unfortunately not come back
Aug 20, 2025
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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!
