The Best Restaurants in Montreal's Little Italy

Pizzeria Napoletana first opened in 1948 as a small bar that attracted mostly Italian immigrant workers who came to relax and play cards. Evolving through the decades, this BYOB restaurant is currently operated by the third generation of the same family. Claiming the status of being the first pizzeria in the city, you can enjoy simple and authentic pizza and pasta dishes at this casual landmark in Montreal’s foodie history.

Another longstanding feature in Montreal’s Little Italy, the spacious Ristorante Corneli has been around since 1960. With a wood-burning oven imported directly from Italy, their homemade pizzas are not to be missed. From the bruschetta to the lasagna, calamari to the delicious dessert menu, there’s something for all tastes and preferences at this classic Italian restaurant.

Salmigondis is an award-winning eatery with an upscale atmosphere. Serving elegant and carefully crafted Italian dishes from a rotating and seasonal menu, this restaurant covers a range of brunch, lunch, and dinner options all week long. The restaurant is elegantly designed and features an open kitchen where customers can watch their meals being prepared from scratch.

Pizza Motta operates as a deli, a bakery, a pizzeria, a restaurant and a grocery store—all in one. A stone’s throw from Marché Jean Talon, one of the most popular farmers’ markets in Montreal, this is a great place to have a quick lunch or dolci while also picking up a few house-made Italian dishes for later. They also offer catering services.

At Bottega on Saint-Zotique, you can choose from a variety of finely crafted pizzas made from the freshest ingredients—all cooked in a wood-burning oven imported from Naples. There is also an Italian wine list that perfectly complements the menu. This family-run restaurant also offers a selection of sfizi—Neapolitan-style tapas.

Gema Pizzeria is a pizzeria and ice cream shop that offers a menu of finely crafted pizzas and appetizers, all made with ingredients bought at the nearby Marché Jean Talon. For something really special, you also won’t want to miss their selection of homemade frozen custards.

Located in the heart of Little Italy on St. Laurent, Restaurant Douro actually specializes in Portuguese cuisine. The owners pride themselves in providing cozy, trendy, and modern dining focusing on authentic Portuguese cuisine. Here you can enjoy Portuguese sausage (choriços), shrimp casserole, grilled calamari, soup, mixed seafood plates, grilled fish, veal, and more.

Dinette Triple Crown is all about Southern comfort food, meaning that it’s got a full menu of all things crispy, deep-fried, and delicious. The fried chicken is the most popular choice, but there’s also mac and cheese, sandwiches (try the “Big Nasty”), and smoked brisket. If none of this heavy, greasy goodness is your thing, there’s usually a seasonal salad on the menu.