The best Italian restaurants in Montreal
Fresh pasta, regional cooking and serious wine lists: our pick of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal, from Old Montreal to Little Italy.
Montreal's Greek community is one of Canada's largest, and it left tavernas on Park Avenue and in the Mile End that became institutions. Whole fish grilled over charcoal, tender octopus, house tzatziki and carafes of white wine: the spirit of the islands, in Montreal.
This selection gathers the historic tavernas and the modern addresses rethinking mezze. For each, the neighbourhood, the vibe and the budget, plus the booking link.
Founded in **1979** by **Costas Spiliadis** in Montreal's Mile End, Estiatorio Milos is the Greek institution that changed the way Montreal eats, and one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world.
The concept is radical in its simplicity: a live fish market inside the dining room where guests choose their fish directly, then watch it return to the table grilled to perfection with first-press extra virgin olive oil. Mediterranean sea bass, black sea bass, turbot, royal shrimps, everything arrives impeccably fresh, with no compromises.
The Milos Special, the tower of fried zucchini and eggplant, and the classic Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts have become untouchable signatures. Now present in New York, Athens, London, Dubai and beyond, Milos remains deeply, proudly Montréalais.
Every address on this page comes from the UGO places database: entries written by our team, checked on site or with the venue, and updated when a place changes hands or menu. UGO's picks, our favourites, open the ranking. No placement is ever paid for.
Along Park Avenue, between the Mile End and Parc-Extension, with tavernas that have been there since the 1960s.
Expect $30 to $50 per person at tavernas, more for a whole fish sold by weight.
A few tavernas are bring-your-own-wine; each place's page says so.
Want to stay in the Mediterranean? Our best Italian restaurants in Montreal are the city's other great story.
UGO AI combines these addresses with your cravings, the time and the weather to plan your outing.
Inspired by the small fishing village of Elounda on the northern coast of Crete, this family-run restaurant in Saint-Laurent is one of Montreal's finest Greek tables.
**Gary Makris** and his son **Jonathan** have built a warm institution where fresh seafood, grilled fish, and Mediterranean classics (lamb chops, calamari, grilled octopus, Chilean sea bass) are prepared with care and served in décor that channels the colours of the Mediterranean. The *Elounda Special*, a generous tower of fried eggplant and zucchini with tzatziki, has become a must-order.
A loyal clientele, genuine hospitality, and attentive service make every visit a true Greek dining experience in Montreal.
On avenue Laurier Ouest in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Petros Laurier is one of the flagship locations of the Petros family: a lively Greek taverna with a full liquor licence, long communal tables, and generous Mediterranean cooking that genuinely transports you to Greece.
The menu is a journey in itself: *Petros Special* fried zucchini, grilled octopus, lamb chops, Chilean sea bass, moussaka, seafood platters, and complimentary loukoumades to finish. The room is bright, the atmosphere festive, and the service warm.
Perfect for large groups and private events of up to **60 guests**, Petros Laurier is a must-visit Greek address on the Plateau.
A pioneer of the bring-your-own-wine concept in Montreal, Le Jardin de Panos has held its place on avenue Duluth since 1979. What sets it apart as much as its generous Greek cuisine — brochettes, Mediterranean specialties, homemade desserts — is its romantic garden terrace, a genuine green oasis in the heart of the Plateau that evokes warm summer nights in Greece. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm, and authentic, perfect for a date night or dinner with friends, bottle in hand. More than forty-five years after opening, Le Jardin de Panos remains one of Montreal's most beloved Greek addresses.
Since 1973, Marven's has been a multigenerational Greek institution rooted in the Parc-Extension neighbourhood, one of Montreal's most multicultural corners. No pretension here — guests come for succulent Greek-style fish and meats, a warm and family-friendly atmosphere, and the rare feeling of eating somewhere that has always been there. More than fifty years after opening, Marven's still welcomes loyal regulars and curious newcomers with the same generosity. An authentic, accessible and deeply Montréalais address that proves the best tables are not always the ones talked about the most.
On avenue Duluth Est in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, La Maison Grecque is one of Montreal's most beloved Greek addresses — and one of the rare restaurants that welcomes BYO wine. The menu celebrates the classics of Greek cuisine with generosity: moussaka, souvlaki, butterfly shrimp, calamari, lamb, filet mignon, and grilled chicken, all carefully prepared. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, the room welcoming, and the value for money remarkable. A neighbourhood institution best enjoyed with family or friends, feet under the table, and a good bottle brought from home.