Trattoria Gio offers solid Italian comfort with well executed pastas and pizzas, fresh pasta and flavorful sauces, and a lively yet approachable vibe in the Old Port. Across reviews, the food lands as tasty and well prepared, with mentions of al dente linguine, burrata, bolognese, and a variety of crowd pleasing dishes. Service is frequently praised for warmth and attentiveness, though a number of visits report slower, inconsistent experiences, ordering mix ups, and higher prices for the value. The overall vibe combines casual chic with a family friendly feel, making it a popular choice for groups and celebrations, and many guests say they would return for the strong flavors and hospitality. The venue is described as accessible with good ambiance and patio options, and while some feel the experience is good but not exceptional, others highlight memorable nights and a sense of a special Old Montreal dining option.
We visited this restaurant as a group of 9 at 1:30 PM for their 3-course lunch menu. The restaurant wasn't busy by any means. Two of us ordered something incredibly simple - linguini pasta with tomato sauce - while the rest ordered from the special menu.
At 2:10 PM, when no food at all had arrived yet, we informed the staff that we needed to leave by 2:30 PM because we were on a tour schedule. Instead of acknowledging the urgency, they continued at the same slow pace. At 2:20 PM, they finally brought out the starters (which was nothing special to brag about) for those who ordered the special menu, but the pasta still wasn't served. In general the food should not have taken more than 10 minutes yet we waited nearly an hour for nothing.
We ultimately had to cancel our orders & leave at 2:37 PM without receiving our main courses. Not only did this make us late for our tour, but when we expressed our frustration, the staff argued with us & claimed we should have'said something sooner' - even though we clearly informed them at 2:10, & again before leaving. Paid $5 per person for the starters from the special menu.
The experience was unorganized, slow, & dismissive of customers' time. Very disappointing, especially for something as basic as getting lunch served within a reasonable time.
Would not recommend, especially for groups or anyone on a schedule
The service was TERRIBLE! We sat for 15 minutes before getting water. We then waited another 10 to order. Our water glasses were empty almost the entire time - unless we flagged someone down to refill them. I ordered the cesear salad & it was hands down the worst I've ever had. I wasn't able to tell the waiter that because he never came back until we flagged him down for our check. Overall, do not recommend.
We were a group of 6. While having some issues withe order mix up with order but- the food did not disappoint. It was fresh & tasty. Chicken dish was exceptionally good. Pizza was also good. We had a mix up with the order but the establishment was sincerely apologetic & did care to make their customer happy by offering concessions. Would recommend.
Personnel à l'écoute & lieu très agréable, cela reste un véritable restaurant onéreux, mais que je conseille pour tout type de personnes que ça soit entre amis ou même pour un repas de famille ! Je vous recommande les Bruschetta qui nous ont régalés 🍽?.
Apr 21, 2025
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I've often pass in front mostly in the winter while working at Igloofest or this year at Sous Zéro & I must say, quite happy I tried, everything is good I recommend, it's worth it.
The food here is absolutely amazing! The bruschetta & fries were super delicious, & the pizza was just divine. The service was impeccable, staff were very polite & attentive. Everything was prepared perfectly, & the quality of the food was excellent. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great italian restaurant! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When you are travelling with dogs, four dogs no less, it is hard to find places to stop & eat. Tristan was so great to let us sit on the patio & turned on the heaters for us to warm up on a cold & rainy afternoon. The food & service were excellent. Recommend you check this place out if you are at Place Jacques Cartie
Highly recommend this restaurant! The food was amazing!!! My kids had the calamari & Alfredo pasta & rated it 100 stars!! They were that satisfied!!! The service was excellent!!! Our server was very friendly & recommended cocktails for us to try!!! Overall a great place!!!
Aug 21, 2024
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Stopped into Trattoria Gio on your last day in Montreal. The atmosphere was very nice. They have outside dinning as well as their main dining room. I loved the copper pipe decor in the back. The food was very delicious. The sauce was definitely one of the better ones in the city. The presentation of the plates could be better. I feel like with the quality of taste they should have fresh parsley as a garnish not dried, & a better parmesan cheese available. Overall I recommend this restaurant for classic Italian cuisine.
