At Ristorante Donato, reviewers consistently note a beautiful, refined setting and attentive, sometimes exceptional service, making it feel like a top dining destination even when experiences vary. The menu earns praise for fresh, flavorful dishes such as fennel salad, arancini, burrata, branzino and ribeye, with several meals described as well balanced and elegantly presented; yet a number of guests report undercooked pasta, overly salty sauces, or dishes that did not meet the price point. While many visits are described as memorable and lively with a great atmosphere, a few experiences mention noise, inconsistency in service, or overpriced portions, suggesting Donato can be outstanding but not uniformly flawless. Overall, it remains a frequently recommended place for a special night out, offering strong dining with a chic vibe.
Best high end Italian food experience in Montreal. The staff is beyond wonderful, the cocktails are mind blowing, the food is top tier. The wine list is fantastic. Make a reservation & try it for yourself. You'll be so happy you did.
Nov 28, 2023
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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!
Located on Sherbrooke street in the commercial district of Westmount, Donato is an excellent Italian style resto with a very warm décor, classic menu options & solid service. Overall, the restaurant has a somber, subtle & quiet ambiance which makes it great for a quiet night for two. While we were there there were several larger group tables & we didn't notice until leaving. As for the menu, all the classics are there including pastas, meats, fishes & pizzas. For our group we had Caesar Salad (good...nothing great, nothing bad), Fried Calamari (very good...meat was tender, not chewy & the batter was crispy), three different pasta dishes (Conchiglie Pomodoro, Spaghetti with Lobster & Rigatoni Bianco) all of which were excellent & tasty. For dessert we had the Tiramisu & the Chocolate Terrine (both of which were very good). Services was always within reach & very friendly, with the two services delivered with little delay. Would certainly be coming back for a second visit. Enjoy!
Super bon service, super bon drink. & la bouffe est juste excellente. Le pain servis au début est vraiment bon. La salade cesar est un indispensable, fraiche & croquante. Les pates au lobster sont vraiment bonne & les rosé également
Their food, ambience, hospitality & vibe is absolutely amazing! Every time we visit this place, it brings happiness & joy with the taste of their food & beautiful elegant ambience! Blessing to have this in Westmount.
I must give this place all my appreciation, we gave Donato a second shot after having a not so good experience the first time. We do not regret it, greeted with much care & great service. Food was impeccable, fresh & perfect (like last time). Great vibes all around. We will be back soon. I recommend the carrot appetizer & you must have their home made dessert!
Thank you soooooo much Melissa for the amazing service & the unbelievable night. I recommend for a date or birthday party. It's worth your time & money
Beautiful place! A bit loud, but it must be my age. Everyone that was there seemed to enjoy the loud music. We had calamari as an entree, they were really good. I have the salmon tartare, OMG one of the best I ever had. I also had the fries & loved them. My friend had the seabass, & he wasn't impressed. He said that it was ok. We sat at the bar. Service was great!!! Will definitely go back!!! I regret not taking pictures...
Excellent restaurant. Service très agréable. Ambiance sombre & très cosy.
Les pâtes sont fraîches & sont un vrai délice, les saveurs sont délicates & très agréables en bouche.
Les calamars sont très bons & tendres, ça mériterait d'en avoir un peu plus par contre.
Les frites aux truffes étaient excellentes. La portion était généreuse.
J'y retournerai pour essayer les pizzas, & reprendre des pâtes c'est certain! Je recommande très fortement.
Large choix de vins & cocktails sont très bons!
Oct 5, 2023
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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.
Une etoile c'est meme trop donné. Service irrespectueux je fais une réservation en ligne a 18:30 en ligne qui avait juste l'option patio je téléphone je parle à un monsieur qui me dit clairement que c'était une erreur de système que ca serait bien a l'intérieur. on se permet de modifier ma réservation a 21:30 sans mon autorisation. Suite au courriel de modification recu je remodifié ma réservation a 20:30. Jusqu'a ce que une jeune demoiselle me téléphone & me dit que ma reservation n'est pas valide tandis que c'est eux qui ont modifié ma place & que si je voulais venir ca serait a 20:30 sur la terrasse tandis qu'on me la confirme qu'il n'y a aucune terrasse. Je demande a parler a la personne qui m'avait répondu ce matin & la personne en question DAVID ( le nom qu'il m'a donné) LE GERANT me dit « madame je n'ai pas de place pour vous aujourd'hui, si vous voulez venir ca serait une autre journée & je n'ai pas 30 minute a me faire gueuler dessus » il ne s'est même pas excuse d'avoir modifié ma réservation ou même essayer de m'accorder il n'avait rien a cirer. Un restaurant qui filtre sa clientèle & possède un gérant malpoli comme David mérite pas votre argent