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Ristorante Donato
Restaurant Top Pick

Ristorante Donato

Westmount
4.5$$ & $$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 5 pmValentine's Day: hours might differ
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Ristorante Donato Montreal Restaurant: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
ItalianPizzaBrunchFine Dining / Upscale

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5★
69%
4★
16%
3★
7%
2★
8%
1★
0%

Mentioned in:

Ristorante Donato was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Ristorante Donato

Food
Service
on Google4.5 (400+)
*as of 2026-02-01
5★
69%
4★
16%
3★
7%
2★
8%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Overall, guests describe Ristorante Donato as an elegant Italian spot with warm, attentive service and a vibe that balances fine dining with a welcoming, lively atmosphere. The dining experience is frequently praised for smooth, efficient service, a comfortable pace, and thoughtful touches such as candles on desserts and quality bread, though a few visits note inconsistencies in heat, cooking levels, or value for money. Food receives strong marks for fresh ingredients, well prepared pastas, tasty antipasti, and desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta, with standout items including arancini, fennel salad, beet salad, seafood options, and a lobster pasta on some nights. Several reviews mention the ambiance as stylish and photogenic, with greenery and modern decor, while others describe the space as noisy and busy, which can affect conversation and intimacy. Prices are described as high by some and reasonable by others, and portions are sometimes called small for the price, with a few dishes over or under seasoned or overcooked. Repeatedly, the restaurant is seen as a place to return to for a refined dining night or to celebrate occasions, thanks to consistent quality in food and service overall, despite occasional missteps. In short, Ristorante Donato comes across as a chic, well run Italian option that delivers solid food and attentive service, with a few caveats about noise, pricing, and occasional dish execution.
Page 1 of 1 - 18 Reviews

They only comment i have negative is that a $30 bottle of wine that you can buy at the SAQ is sold for $130 which is almost 6 times the price.

Feb 8, 2026
on Google

We had an early reservation (6pm). The stone-faced Maître d' gave us a small table by the window. Service was prompt, friendly & polite. We had an appetizer of deep-fried cauliflower, which tasted like deep-fried cauliflower, accompanied by a sauce which tasted of nothing in particular. We ordered'Branzino all griglia.' This was an unexceptional presentation of sea bass, moderately tasty, but very small & mostly skin. We also ordered'Rigatoni, ragu bianco di vitello, pecorino toscano.' The pasta had a hard veneer, as though it had spent too much time under a warming lamp. The sauce was thin & bland. The veal was minced & tasteless. By 7:15 the room was full & the hubbub was deafening. Another guest squatted next to me & had a very loud & long conversation with a seated guest, in Spanish. Prices were high, which probably has more to do with the Westmount location than anything else. One appetizer, four glasses of white wine, two main courses: $172.46 plus tip. We have no plans to go back.

Jan 11, 2026
on Google
2.0

Overpriced, noisy, mediocre food. This place is busy because there is nowhere else to eat in the neighborhood but the food is definitely not worth it - run away- at the same price point, the food at Tavern is better & the atmosphere much nicer.

Oct 10, 2025
on Google

Resto was very loud, could not hear beyond the person sitting next to me.
Although the food was good. It is beyond pricey for the portions received.

Oct 7, 2025
on Google

I'm going to be a bit tougher in this review, just because the prices are a bit high for the food you get. First of all, the service & the atmosphere are wonderful! No notes. The food isn't bad, but it does feel over priced. For example, the half chicken, it's a higher price, which should make sense, because it's a half chicken. Except it's literally JUST A HALF CHICKEN. No garnish. No side. No starch. No vegetable. Just a half chicken on a plate. The other dish we ordered was a pasta dish with the vodka sauce. The sauce was great, but the pasta didn't feel freshly made. Which at those prices, I would expect fresh pasta. Overall, it was an ok experience. I don't think I'd recommend or go back unless the prices change.

May 13, 2025
on Google

The bread was delicious, fluffy & full of flavour. The pasta was al dente but a little too hard even so, the sauce was good but not worth the price, same for the pizza. The truffle parmesan fries only had a hint of truffle, which was disappointing. The service was quick & efficient & they agreed to cut a cake we brought.
For the girlies, the bathroom was very aesthetic for pictures

Apr 8, 2025
on Google

This restaurant is more about the look than the substance. Nicely decorated, good service, mediocre food at a top notch prices. French fries were overcooked. I've had better truffle fries in a pub for 1/3rd the price. Small portions. Not worth it.

Jan 26, 2025
on Google

We arranged to have my daughter's birthday party here on a Saturday evening- party of 11! We got excellent service & everything was very personable & warm. The inside is warm & inviting & very photogenic (if you're into that sort of thing, as my teen daughter is!). We ate mostly the pizzas & pastas which were great, filling & reasonably priced. Other items on the menu are significantly more expensive but the quality is definitely there. Delicious tiramisu too. I had a great cocktail too.

Jan 26, 2025
on Google

Beautiful & chic italian restaurant in westmount ideal for a night out of for lunch at the modest price of 38$ for Bavette de boeuf 👌🏼 fresh pasta & delicious dessert paired with an amazing service !!

Sep 21, 2024
on Google

Had a lovely dinner here as a group of 8 during the week. Reservation was required. We were able to stay for 3 hours - it was great. Appetizer variety lacking - but had a zucchini flower special of the day which was delicious. Menu for mains was a good variety. Had the ricotta & pea ravioli which was delicious. Everyone else also enjoyed their meals. Good wine variety & attentive service by the waiter. Prices are a bit steep... but I am becoming complacent to this because everywhere is expensive. Would recommend!

Jul 23, 2024
on Google

Food - excellent Portions - on par with the price Quality ingredient - excellent Price to value is excellent Atmosphere excellent interior design, stunning bar, high quality seating, superb view of the near open kitchen. Desserts were excellent. The focaccia placed on the table was so good it was had to stop eating it. Bar menue was creative & classic at the same time while the wine menue was of a high quality & reasonably priced. Staff were beautifully presented, knew their menue perfectly & communicated their menue & specials with clarity & enticing. The front of house was managed beautifully & you can see how every person knows their role & moves on the floor like a well orchestrated ballet.

Jun 27, 2024
on Google

Food is very good as is the service. I found the lunch table d'hôte very reasonably priced. Also, the restaurant is very accessible for a wheelchair.

Jun 14, 2024
on Google

Went to this restaurant twice (Sunday & Thursday night) in the last week as I like to give a place 2 tries before I make up my mind. Unfortunately, as nice as the staff & the atmosphere is, this place simply does not bring satisfaction in terms of food & value. Most things we have eaten were close to being good, but always fell short of being done just right. For the price point, I feel like the quality of the execution should really be higher. Here's what we ate: the fennel salad had all the ingredients right, but was overdressed which killed it. The grilled octopus was okay, but the bean purée it came with was bland & not seasoned at all, bringing the whole dish down. The asparagus were okay, cooked well & the Fontina & breading on top brought flavour, but overall very average & underwhelming. Salmon tartare: same thing, just fell very flat after a few bites, nothing particular, but really not hitting the spot. The lobster linguine was the biggest let down. For some reason, the lobster meat wasn't served in fresh chunks; it seems as though they just took lobster meat & stuffed it into some sort of mold & cut it up & threw it in the pasta - the shape of the meat was in these compressed little rectangles, very bizarre. Maybe because it isn't lobster season, so they use flaked lobster meat instead of cooking fresh lobsters & shucking them into the dish? Either way, the sauce also didn't taste much of lobster, which would be the case if they used fresh lobster. If it truly is as raved about as the servers say, I would suggest to keep it a seasonal dish, rather than have an expensive, disappointing dish half of the year. The filet mignon was good, but the char made by the sauce made the outside bites bitter. They also don't seem to serve their meat with any sides here, just a plate of meat, so it was very intense with the foie gras - it would've been nice to have anything to cut the richness of the dish. If the desserts are consistent with the olive oil cake & chocolate terrine, I would say to avoid desserts in general. They just fell short as a whole, nothing amazing, didn't really hit the spot. I would choose a different shape for the cake & add stronger accompanying flavor, otherwise it is just lacking. The chocolate terrine's texture was just off, kinda like a really fudgey chocolate. Not enjoyable at all unfortunately. I will say that the ragu pasta was spot on though! Execution was right, flavors were on point, portion was perfect - very satisfying. Maybe this restaurant is more of a pizza & pasta joint? In which case my ordering was just off & that's on me. But if that is the case, I would prefer they put what they are good at on the menu, & take off everything else. Having items on the menu that are barely average or below satisfaction really lowered the experience of this place. I did comment about the salad to my server, to which the chef offered to compensate with a dessert. But after everything tasted, I found it wasn't worth mentioning every little detail to the server since the issue here doesn't seem to be a one-off, but rather just a lack of execution as a whole. I find this really unfortunate, because if everything was, at a minimum, seasoned right & executed right, this place could be a solid regular neighborhood joint. Alas, I find myself full, but not satisfied, & out 500$. I do not recommend this place, but I am sending love & hope my comments can be helpful to you.

Apr 12, 2024
on Google

First time at Donato. Will definitely be back but if you prefer a younger vibe book a table after 8pm. Unfortunately we booked too early & got the family & retirement crowd. The service was outstanding, very informative & very accommodating. I had the pasta with seafood & it was simply delicious. Everything was fresh. Very well priced for quality of food. The restaurant is nicely decorated & very stylish. Modern yet feels quaint & warm.

Apr 8, 2024
on Google

I like this restaurant but I can't give it a 5-star due to the squirrel portions for the price. Great flavors, service was above average & the place itself is beautifully decorated.

Dec 5, 2023
on Google
4.0

This was my second time at Donato. I really enjoy their food, atmosphere & the service is always wonderful. My only bone to pick is with the size of their branzino. It is absolutely amazing but for the price, the size is shameful! It is essentially 4 bites of fish. I would still come back & I would like to order the branzino but maybe next time there will be 5 bites on my plate? ;) Otherwise, a wonderful restaurant!

Nov 24, 2023
on Google

everything was excellent,,food,drinks,services,atmosphere👌 accept its quite pricey,,once in a blue moon visit 😀

Oct 10, 2023
on Google
4.0

Donato, nestled in the heart of Westmount, is a culinary gem that truly deserves a five-star rating. I recently had the pleasure of dining at this exquisite establishment, & I can't praise it enough for its exceptional food, impeccable service, & inviting atmosphere.

Upon entering Donato, I was immediately struck by its elegant yet welcoming ambiance. The decor exudes sophistication, with warm lighting, tasteful artwork, & plush seating that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking an intimate dinner for two, Donato offers the perfect backdrop.

Now, let's talk about the food – an absolute masterpiece. Donato's menu is a symphony of Italian flavors, expertly crafted by a talented kitchen team. The appetizers, like the burrata with heirloom tomatoes, were a delightful start to the meal. Each dish showcased the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients that elevated the dining experience.

The pasta dishes at Donato are nothing short of divine. The handmade pasta, cooked to perfection, combined with rich & flavorful sauces, made each bite a true revelation. The linguine with seafood was a standout, boasting a harmonious blend of flavors that transported my taste buds to Italy.

The main courses were equally impressive. The veal chop, cooked to a succulent medium-rare, was a carnivore's dream. The careful attention to seasoning & cooking techniques was evident in every bite.

What truly sets Donato apart, besides its outstanding cuisine, is the impeccable service. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, & their knowledge of the menu & wine selection is impressive. They are more than willing to offer recommendations & accommodate dietary preferences, making the dining experience even more personalized.

While Donato offers an exceptional dining experience, it's worth noting that this level of excellence does come at a price. Dining here is an investment, but one that is absolutely worth it for a special occasion or when you crave the finest Italian cuisine.

In conclusion, Donato in Westmount is a culinary treasure. Its combination of exquisite food, elegant ambiance, & top-notch service make it a five-star dining destination. If you're seeking an unforgettable Italian dining experience, look no further than Donato – it's a masterpiece of gastronomy that leaves a lasting impression.

Sep 27, 2023
on Google