Little Italy is one of Montreal’s most beloved neighbourhoods, where tradition and modernity coexist in the most delicious way. Centered around the iconic Jean-Talon Market, it’s a hub of culinary life where the aromas of espresso and wood-fired pizza spill into the streets. Classic Italian institutions stand shoulder to shoulder with new-generation restaurants, craft breweries, and third-wave cafés, creating a rich and dynamic food scene that feels both timeless and current.
I live just next door in Villeray, and I find myself at the Jean-Talon Market several times a week. I also wander down the streets of Little Italy to grab a coffee, snack on a loaded Italian sandwich, or shop at Milano, the legendary grocery store. Each visit reminds me how delicious this area is.
Whether you come for a morning cappuccino, a perfect pizza, or one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, Little Italy always delivers authentic flavours. Below are some of my favourite spots to eat, drink, and explore.
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From old-school espresso bars to minimalist coffee havens, Little Italy’s cafés reflect the neighbourhood’s timeless charm and evolving tastes. Caffè Italia anchors the scene, serving perfect espressos and lively conversation since 1956. Around the corner, Café Caron buzzes with locals enjoying silky flat whites. Further west in the Mile Ex, Art lovers will adore Foil Gallery for its design-driven ambiance, while Café Noble and Café Even bring minimalist flair and expertly brewed beans. Café Bosco, a cozy newcomer on Beaubien, wins hearts with expertly brewed coffee and warm service. For a slower pace, La Brume dans mes Lunettes pairs vintage decor with a dreamy, bohemian atmosphere. They also offer a very delightful tea service.
Santé, Cheers, and Salute!
Little Italy’s laid-back nightlife has something for every mood. Award-winning Bar Bello channels Italian aperitivo culture with expertly balanced Negronis and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere. Beer enthusiasts flock to Vices & Versa, where over 40 rotating taps spotlight Quebec’s best brews. Both WILLS and Brasserie Harricana craft their own beers, but each offers a distinct vibe. WILLS with its cool, minimalist vibe, a few natural wines, creative cocktails, and some snacks, and Harricana with its gorgeous, light-filled space, beautiful terrasse, and warm hospitality that invite lingering over a pint (or two). For a more intimate evening, Buvette Beaubien pairs natural wines with inventive small plates inspired by the Iberian peninsula.
At Restaurant Gus, chef David Ferguson serves bold, comforting fare that bridges French technique and North American soul, with a nod to steakhouse classics. The lively open kitchen sets the tone for favourites like the made-to-order Caesar salad, the rich onion soup, and the marinated hanger steak with potato gratin – all prepared with joy and generosity. With its warm service, cozy space, and unapologetically hearty plates, Gus perfectly captures the spirit of a convivial neighbourhood restaurant. Friendly tip: sit at the bar where you can watch the action and listen to the chef regal you with his delicious stories.
Mon Lapin has become one of Canada’s most celebrated restaurants, earning back-to-back titles as the country’s best at Canada’s Best 100 and rising to No. 2 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, the highest-ranking Canadian spot. The cuisine blends refined technique with Quebec’s seasonal ingredients, producing inventive, approachable dishes that are simply presented yet extraordinarily flavourful. The croque‑pétoncle – a must! – a scallop-filled riff on the croque‑monsieur, has become iconic and perfectly captures Mon Lapin’s ethos: exceptional ingredients, elegant simplicity, and depth of flavour. Service at Mon Lapin is the perfect balance of warmth and precision. It’s attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being formal, and consistently intuitive, making each visit memorable.
L’Osso is a standout for Mediterranean-inspired Italian fare with refined flair. With over 20 years of professional experience under his chef hat, chef Renato Ferrante brings together fresh pasta, premium meats and fish, and regional flavours, all executed with precision and elegance. One signature highlight is the three-hour-braised osso buco, the restaurant’s eponymous dish (“osso” means bone in Italian). It’s rich, tender, deeply satisfying and not to be missed.
Bar St-Denis is perfect for a weekday out and a place of celebration. The warm glow from the sculptural light above, the long, underlit orange bar, and the energy of the open kitchen at the back sets the tone for a refined dining experience. The menu is rooted in French technique and evolves with the seasons, each plate refined yet approachable, often touched with bright Levantine flavours. The labneh with pistachios and olives, served with grilled flatbread, is a must. It’s simple, soulful, and memorable. Every flawless visit feels like a return to something familiar yet thrillingly new.
In a setting that feels both refined and relaxed, the team behind Mon Lapin brings a fresh twist to a timeless favourite – roast chicken – at Rôtisserie La Lune. The birds emerge perfectly bronzed, juicy, and deeply flavourful, served with crisp fries, creamy-tangy coleslaw, and a memorable gravy that ties it all together. While the focus is on the spit roast, the menu also features seasonal specials as well as dishes that have quickly become signatures, like the croqu’ailes, XL stuffed chicken wings with mustard. With attentive service and excellent wine list, La Lune is where comfort meets sophistication.
Buzzing Pumpui is one of my favourite neighbourhood spots, with an effortless coolness that never disappoints. Don’t let the lineup deter you because it’s always worth the wait. This is where bold Thai flavours meet Little Italy’s easygoing warmth. The menu is short and focused: fragrant curries simmering away, vibrant stir-fries, and a few irresistible specialties. Don’t skip the ultra-crisp chicken wings and always go for the daily special if one is available. The space blends vintage diner, modern snack counter, and Asian grocery vibes, complete with natural wines, craft beers, sharp merch, and well-curated pantry goods.
Located in the heart of the Little Italy neighborhood on one of its most iconic corners, Impasto delivers Italian cuisine that honours tradition while embracing modern flair. The menu features handmade pastas, artisanal inhouse charcuteries and vibrant house-made desserts, all rooted in deep local ties and Italian heritage. The gorgeous corner space was designed by the acclaimed Zébulon Perron, featuring marble, terrazzo, warm wood tones and tile accents that nod to Italy in a sleek, contemporary way. Among standout dishes, their ricotta gnocchi are light as air and served in a rich sauce that elevates simple ingredients to sublime. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the Sicilian cannoli or their outstanding tiramisu.
Pizzas
In Little Italy, pizza is both art and heritage. At San Gennaro, crisp Roman-style squares are served al taglio or by the slice. The potato and smoked cheese pie is a game changer and will leave you hooked. Right next door is Bottega, one of the first Neapolitan pizza parlours in town and still serving some of the best wood-fired, airy, and beautifully charred pies. Pizza Bouquet keeps things cool and casual with their New York-style pies served by the slice or the pie. Try the upside-down pies where the cheese goes on first, before the sauce and toppings. Pizzeria Gema celebrates local ingredients in its perfectly blistered pies. The Pizza of the month is always a hit.
Sweet Stops and Freshly Baked Classics
Little Italy’s bakeries balance tradition and innovation in the most delicious way. Beigne Habitude crafts pillowy doughnuts in inventive flavours, while Alati Caserta remains a local legend for its cannoli and sfogliatelle straight out of Naples. At Blé de Pays and its playful sibling Daddy Roll, ancient flours and buttery pastries meet creative flair, fairtrade, and transparency for excellent products. And no visit to the neighbourhood is complete without stopping by Boulangerie Marguerita, where the scent of Italian-style breads, taralli, and tomato pies wafts from this cherished neighbourhood institution.
And of course, no food guide to Little Italy is complete without mentioning the Jean-Talon Market, a veritable paradise for food lovers. The vibrant stalls overflow with seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, and specialty goods that showcase Quebec’s bounty. Local vendors offer everything from handmade charcuterie to glorious baked goods, while colourful displays of fruits and vegetables tempt the eye as much as the palate. The market buzzes with energy year-round, blending the neighbourhood’s Italian roots with Montreal’s multiculturality, making it a must-visit destination for both casual shoppers and culinary explorers alike.
Below are other food stops you may want to explore while you’re in Little Italy:
Pasta Pooks, Il Bazzali, Le Vieux Vélo, Kitchen Galerie, Piazza Salumi Fumagalli, Dépanneur le Pick-Up, État de choc, Roxy Focaccia, Chez Tousignant, Limbo, Pho Tay Ho, Ratafia, Le Kahéra, Mamie, J’ai Feng.
Dining and Cooking