The creation of young, up and coming Montreal restaurateurs, Wienstein & Gavino’s debuted in Montreal in 1996. W&G is a large Mediterranean restaurant spanning two floors and complimented by two terraces in the summer months. A large bar is the focal point of the first floor while the open kitchen complete with brick pizza oven is the main attraction upstairs. W&G is best known for its fresh, homemade pasta and traditional sauces and thin crust pizza. There is also a good selection of steaks, veal, and seafood. W&G serves lunch and dinner every day with a weekly table d’hôte available daily at $12-$16 for lunch and starting at $23 for dinner. In addition, a selection of pizza and pasta is available for 10$ from 11a.m. until 3p.m. for the lunch crowd and after 10pm every day for late night diners looking for a meal after the game, a concert downtown or before hitting the dance floor. W&G can also accommodate groups and can plan your party for you whether you’ve invited 10 people or 300 people! From Monday to Friday there is a “happy hour” at the W&G bar where guests can enjoy 2 for 1 from 4pm until 8pm. After cocktails at the bar, you can choose from one of the largest wine cellars in the city, stocked with reasonably priced wines, private imports, or premium fine wines. The focus is always fun at W&G with a DJ keeping things lively on the weekend and special events year-round. There is always something interesting going on at W&G!
Reviews highlight Wienstein & Gavino's as a lively Italian spot on Crescent Street with fresh pasta, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a reliable downtown option for pizza, pasta, and seafood. The pasta is frequently described as fresh and flavorful with items such as pesto al basilico, fettuccine Alfredo, ravioli, and other house specialties, and the pizzas and arancini are often cited as standouts along with burrata bruschetta. The service is praised for friendliness and attentiveness, though there are occasional notes of slower pace or less consistent front of house during busy times, and a few visits mention noise level and large crowds. The ambience is described as chic yet comfortable, with a vibrant energy, warm bread with olive oil, and a solid wine and cocktail program that pairs well with meals, sometimes with lively terrace options. Some reviews point to minor drawbacks such as occasional heavy sauces, limited menu clarity on certain dishes, or accessibility concerns, but the consensus is that the restaurant delivers flavorful Italian fare in generous portions at good value, prompting repeat visits and recommendations to friends.
The food is simply not anything close to what Italian cuisine is! The ingredients are cheap & do not even taste close to anything you would expect from a place that is advertised as'Italian'. Disaster!
Service & atmosphere are nice though.
When I think of Italian food, I don't usually think of Montreal, but having said that, this place is amazing. Some of the best Italian that I've ever had. If you're in downtown Montreal for business or pleasure, I highly recommend stopping in here, grabbing a seat at the bar, & trying some of their amazing pasta & one of Francois' famous lemon drop martinis.
Creamy, delicious pasta with generous portions. Elegant Italian atmosphere, professional & knowledgeable staff. On the pricier side ($30-$40 per meal), but worth it for the quality.
Note: not wheelchair accessible, no vegan options, & service can be slower when busy.
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Clearly the best Italian restaurant in the megalopolis. Their cooks know what they're doing, everything is always perfect, & their bartenders are world-class. (I always sit at the bar)
I've been going for almost 10 years now, I don't know why I didn't review it sooner.
I've been coming to this Italian restaurant for over 15 years, & it's always exceptional. The food is delicious - pasta, pizza, salads, & great wine. The service is consistently warm & attentive. They make you feel at home. A true Italian gem in Montreal that never disappoints.
Jan 17, 2026
on Google
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Molto bene. Great restaurant & bar located on the vibrant Crescent street, offering a wide selection of Italian dishes at fairly good prices. This restaurant is very spacious yet welcoming, which can be ideal for either dinner & drinks with a small group of friends or with a larger group of colleagues. As well, a very friendly & efficient staff.
Beautiful location with a rustic Italian Winehouse feel to it. Food is authentic & delicious, service is fast, & prices are relatively affordable for the quality. Will definitely be returning.
Nov 10, 2025
on Google
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Everything about this Italian style restaurant is top shelf. The food & drinks are excellent, as is the service. The staff is both skilled & friendly. I loved the'distressed' wall motif that add an old world charm.
There is no parking. Walk or take a cab to get there
The food here is truly excellent, one of the best Italian spots in Montreal. On the culinary side, I have absolutely nothing to complain about.
But the service, especially at the front, is another story. The hostess was extremely rude & unprofessional. We arrived around 3 PM, & the restaurant was nearly empty, only a few tables occupied. Yet she told us there was no place to seat us. When I questioned her, she said she could take my number &'maybe' call me when something opened up. When I asked when that might be, she shrugged & told me it might be better to go to another restaurant since it could take'a few hours.'
What's worse is that while we were standing there, another group came in & also got rejected for the same reason..even though the dining room was clearly empty. Out of curiosity, when walking out I checked OpenTable & saw there were plenty of available reservations at that exact time & all afternoon.
I honestly don't know if the owner of the restaurant is aware that their staff is turning away paying clients while the place sits empty. It was insulting & disappointing. The kitchen is fantastic, but the front-of-house experience completely ruined it for us.
Sep 4, 2025
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After a long day of sightseeing, my family & I were in search of some comfort food, & my wife suggested Italian cuisine. A quick Google search led us to Wienstein & Gavino's, & what a delightful choice it was!
Arriving at the restaurant, I felt a bit apprehensive due to the large staircase & no visible wheelchair ramp, despite its accessibility listing on Google. However, upon talking to the friendly hostess, the manager stepped in & promptly provided a portable ramp, ensuring a smooth entry for us. I was so grateful for their attentiveness, which saved us from having to find another place.
Once inside, we were immediately charmed by the chic Italian flair of the décor & the inviting aroma that filled the air. Our anticipation for the meal grew, & thankfully, it did not disappoint. Each dish was truly fantastic! My son was thrilled to see a unique item on the menu called Basilico, something we've never encountered before. It was remarkably close to what I usually make at home, which made it even more special.
If you're in search of delicious Italian fare & a warm, welcoming atmosphere, look no further than Wienstein & Gavino's. I highly recommend this restaurant for an exceptional dining experience!
Would absolutely recommend W&G for your Italian cravings. We enjoyed our outdoor seating & loved the fact that they were able to get our order just the way we wanted it! Happy with our pasta & gelato experience in Montreal 😋
I visited Wienstein & Gavino's for my birthday & had a very enjoyable experience. The menu offers a wide range of choices including entrees, salads, mains, pasta, & pizzas, so there's something for everyone.
One of the nice touches was the unlimited bread served with olive oil, it was fresh & a great way to start the meal. I also appreciated the customizable pasta options, where you can choose from different types of pasta & sauces. It's great that they also offer gluten-free alternatives.
The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, & the service was friendly & efficient. Overall, a solid choice for Italian food in the city & a place I'd be happy to return to.
We had a long trip from Ontario to Quebec & Montreal. We were looking for a good Italian cuisine option. We came across this place & we decided to try it. & it was one for the best place we visited on this trip. The food was amazing, delicious & good portion size. The atmosphere & ambience is so good & esthetic. The vibe is amazing inside. I would also like to mention Luiz, he was our host. He was warm & really amazing & know his job to the best. He made our dinner special & he is a wonderful person & an amazing host. He made us laugh & it was fun. It was a lovely evening with lots of laughs & good memories. I would totally recommend this place.
