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.
My group & I had an amazing experience! We enjoyed our drinks & food a lot, & it was great quality food. Our server Tony was very kind, caring & made the evening entertaining & enjoyable 🤗 Great view as well of the nice city lights
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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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.
We were a group & everyone had something different. From pizza to pasta to steak, fish & osso bucco. Everyone ate well. Portions are generous & prices are more than fair for quality size & downtown. Service was excellent & everyone was well attentiioned. Will definitely go back.
Wienstein & Gavino's was a great spot! I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the food. The service was a bit slow as it took a long time to get our drinks & put our order in, but the atmosphere made it worth it. Everything was really fresh! If you're looking for parking, there's a garage right next door (it's cash only).
The food was okay-nothing terrible, but also nothing memorable. Given the price, I expected better quality & more attention to detail.
What really affected the experience was how the service was handled. I did leave a tip, though less than the usual 15%. Instead of politely asking if something had been wrong or opening a respectful conversation, the waiter reacted in a way that felt confrontational & unprofessional.
I understand that tipping is customary in Canada-typically 15-20% pre-tax, & around 10-15% in Montreal-but it's not legally required. Recent changes in Quebec (Bill 72) even clarified that tip suggestions must be based on pre-tax amounts to ensure fairness, not to enforce gratuities.
A respectful approach would have gone a long way. Sadly, the tone of the interaction overshadowed the rest of the meal. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant based on the overall experience.
One of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal, I loved the way our waitress welcomed & served us, they are open till late night even during the week & it is great that you can chill with your friends. Also the prices are amazing as compared to the food quality & quantity.
The ambience is perfect ♥?🤍
Di not hesitate to try going there!
After a leisurely afternoon exploring the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, my cousin & I were craving a good meal to cap off our day. Wienstein & Gavino's, located just a short walk from the museum, felt like the perfect spot to unwind & indulge in delicious food. The inviting atmosphere immediately drew us in, & from start to finish, it was a memorable dining experience.
Wienstein & Gavino's is a great spot for anyone looking for a refined yet cozy atmosphere with Italian-inspired dishes. The service, food, & ambiance make it a solid choice for a relaxed meal in Montreal, especially if you're near the Museum of Fine Arts. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting pasta or a light seafood appetizer, this restaurant delivers a memorable dining experience.
Video review will be posted on TikTok @Foxy.appetite & Instagram @Foxyappetite soon!
In depth review:
Ambiance:
The space is warm & stylish, with a cozy bistro feel & plenty of seating. While it's large, it never felt too noisy, & we were able to enjoy a peaceful meal upstairs. The atmosphere strikes a nice balance between lively & intimate.
Drinks:
My cousin had a Long Island Iced Tea ($11.30), which he liked for its well-balanced mix, while I went for an Italian Pinot Grigio ($11.25). Both drinks were refreshing & paired well with our food, setting the tone for a relaxing evening.
Food:
We started with the calamari ($23), which was light & crispy with two great dipping sauces. For my main, I had the Ravioli alla Gavino ($24)-the ricotta & spinach filling was creamy & delicious, though I'd have liked a bit more seasoning. My cousin's Fettuccini Carbonara ($25) was the highlight of the meal: perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, smoky sauce.
Service:
The service was friendly & attentive without being overbearing. Our server was knowledgeable, & the meal was paced perfectly, allowing us to enjoy every bite without feeling rushed.
Value for Money:
At just over $100 for both of us, the prices felt fair for the quality of the food & the experience. The portions were generous, & the overall meal was satisfying.
Mar 5, 2025
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We recently visited, & were very disappointed compared to our previous experience. The quality of food has dropped significantly. The dishes lacked flavor & freshness, which was surprising given how much we enjoyed them during our last visit. Additionally, we faced a serious safety issue. A water glass at our table had a sharp edge, which caused a small injury to my 13-year-old daughter. This was deeply upsetting & completely unacceptable for any dining establishment. We expected much better based on our past visit, but unfortunately, this experience left us dissatisfied & concerned. I hope the management takes steps to address these issues promptly to ensure better service & safety for future patrons. Thanks.
I called to make an order to go since i was in a hurry but unfortunately when I got there they had a miscommunication error & my food wasn't ready. They did offer me a complimentary drink for the extra wait time which was nice. But, for the price i paid the pasta was bland, undercooked & the sauce was super runny. Super disappointed since i loved this place for the quality to price ratio :(
Brandon offered exceptional service from start to finish. The five star review is mainly because of his outstanding service-otherwise I would have given four stars. As someone who used to come to this restaurant regularly years ago, I was shocked by the change in portion sizes & quality reduction. The pizzas used to be bigger & tastier. The calamari, which used to come in two sizes, now only comes in one size, & is labelled as an appetizer. It is, in fact, a full meal, & I'm pleased to say it was delicious. The bread that is served before the meal has also been cut in size-by 70%. Come on, W&G...! Brandon accommodated us with extra portions & excellent service. Give this guy a raise!
Not what I thought it was going to be. Extremely loud with large groups. Seems to be on portion size rather than quality. Don't go expecting a great meal. There must be better places for the same price.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience then it's for you. Great service & waiters & friendly staff. I gave 4 star on food only because I want to see a better presentation however the quality & value are there. Highly recommend this restaurant.
