Whether it’s late at night, or early in the morning, pizza is one of those wonder foods that you can eat at any time of day, hot or cold, on a plate or wrapped in a napkin…

From perfectly charred traditional thin-crust to the pillowy soft and chewy, Montreal’s pizza scene is diverse and here are some of Montreal’s best pizza spots.

BEVO is a charming spot in the heart of Old Montreal. Situated in the corner of a beautiful cobblestoned pedestrian mall, their tables spill out onto the sidewalk forming an informal terrasse, perfect for people watching and enjoying the summer air. Bevo features a wood-burning oven and a pizza menu with 10 signature pizzas. The Margherita is traditional favourite; sauce, fresh cow’s milk mozzarella, and basil, a perfect way to showcase the BEVO’s fresh ingredients and perfectly cooked crust.

A long time player in the Montreal pizza game is a place that on a good night can see a lineup of 45 minutes. Pizzeria Napoletana sits in Little Italy and has been pumping out pizzas for over 60 years. They have a roster of 41 different kinds of pizza – from the Salumeria (mozzarella, mushrooms, procuitto, capicole, Italian sausage and grilled red peppers) to the Primavera pictured above: mushrooms, mozzarella, anchovies, olives, clams and artichokes. With so many choices to make, the only bad choice would be coming here while on a diet.

In the Mile-end neighborhood sits Magpie, a rustic spot filled with pizza, microbrews, oysters and oldschool Dum-Dum suckers by the cash register. Wood-fired pizza is what they serve here and my favourite is the Proscuitto: fluffy dusty crust, topped with cherry tomatoes, bocconcini cheese, arugula and prosciutto. Salty ham balanced by the bitter greens and sweet sauce – a little bit of everything, paralleling this eclectic neighborhood.

One of the go-to spots for pizza in the McGill ghetto is none other than Amelios. This family-run restaurant has seen its share of hungry students walk through their doors and be fed accordingly. One of the must-haves is the Florentine: spinach and cheese pizza with a signature artichoke sauce. Their second location in the posh Outremont neighborhood has the exact same great menu.

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THE DETAILS

BEVO, 410 Rue St-Vincent, (514) 861-5039

Pizzeria Napoletana, 189 Rue Dante, (514) 276-8226

Magpie, 16 Rue Maguire, (514) 507-2900

Amelios, 201 Milton, (514) 845-8396 & 1205 Bernard, (514) 903-8397

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There’s no talking about Italian delis without thinking Little Italy. A great spot to pick up freshly made breads, pastries and prepared food is Pizza Motta. Located right in the Jean Talon market, this spot is the hub of all Italian goodies.

Lined from wall to wall, their deli cases features everything from rectangular roman style pizza sold by weight, to fried calamari, aranchini to cold salads and hot prepared meals. Masterfully prepared by bellowing nonnas behind the counter busting your chops for taking too long to order.

You can find Cavallaro Fine Foods in the Westmount neighborhood of Montreal, representing all things Italian for over 20 years.  Purveyor of higher end Italian products, you’ll find an extremely vast selection of oils and vinegars. Owner Tony Russo explains that his passion for food started off when he was a giovane of 15, washing dishes in a restaurant when he was called up to the line to help prepare food for a dinner service. This inspired his love for food over the years and explains the great variety of hot meals available in his store; featuring osso bucco, to a Sunday roast available on most days and not exclusive to the weekend.

Pasta Casareccia is another spot that shouldn’t be missed when looking for a great Italian deli. Located in the west end of town, Pasta Casareccia is deli and restaurant, specializing in homemade pastas and hard to find Italian specialty items. From Italian coffee percolators to awesome prepared meals ready to cook. They’ve also got your dinner parties taken care of too – their catering menu will get you out of a jam quickly!

One of my personal favorites is Deli La Trattoria in Kirkland. This spot is the most legit out in the suburbs and must be your first stop whether you’re coming in or leaving the island of Montreal. Their modest offerings of Italian pastries such as lobster tails, canoli and zeppoles (in time for St-Joseph’s day) are limited, but guaranteed fresh and are homemade. Italian specialty products to be discovered as well as their own bottled sauces. Do not miss their hot meals and famous sandwiches – get the sausage sandwich with their signature chili sauce.

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THE DETAILS

Pizza Motta, 303 Avenue Mozart East, (514) 270-5952

Cavallaro Fine Foods, 4865 Sherbrooke West, (514) 484-080

Pasta Casareccia, 5849 Sherbrooke West, (514) 483-1588

Deli La Trattoria, 19787 Chemin Ste-Marie,  (514) 694-0595

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La Cornetteria: Nothing starts a day right like a cornetto dipped in a big steaming cup of caffè latte. Cornetti are Italian-style croissants, which are lightly sweetened. At La Cornetteria, they come in several flavours, including almonds, Nutella and custard. I prefer mine plain, which makes it easier to dunk in my coffee. La Cornetteria is also the perfect place to get a slice of delicious Gluten-free chocolate or lemon cake. La Cornetteria, 6258 Boulevard Saint Laurent, 514 277 8030

Restaurant Brama: Brama is the new kid in town in this neighbourhood, having just opened its doors a few weeks ago. This modern Italian taverna is dishing out some traditional northern Italian fair with a twist. The brunch choices at Brama are all comforting and hearty and are adapted to suit our local and seasonal produce. Try the frittata valdostana with potato, escarole and fontina cheese or the equally delicious biancostato e patate or pulled braised short ribs with potato hash and egg. Delizioso! Restaurant Brama, 6701 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, (514) 270-6701

Caffé San Simeon: This is where you will find me on any given Sunday afternoon perfecting the art of the far niente. San Simeon makes the best Italian-style coffee in town, in my humble opinion of course. The crowd is a mix of regulars who have been coming here for 30 years and young hipsters. There is something very special about Caffé San Simeon that goes beyond their perfect crema or luscious lattes. It’s a certain feeling that transports you to the old country, if only for as long as it takes you to savour that cup. Caffé San Simeon, 39 Rue Dante, (514) 272-7386

Restaurant Inferno: Unfortunately, being in Little Italy doesn’t necessarily guarantee that one will have many options when it comes to excellent Italian fare. Most of the choices available are mediocre but Inferno is one restaurant that does not disappoint. Opened a couple of years ago, Inferno serves homemade Italian market food, with a modern and comforting twist. From pasta to braised meats to their famous trippa (tripe) everything here is made in-house. The portions are generous and satisfying and the neon-lit ambiance is fun and hip. Restaurant Inferno, 6850 Rue Saint-Dominique, (514) 274-0666

Café Via Dante: I have a particular soft spot for this old school, traditional Italian trattoria that has gotten a face-lift by the sons of the original mamma. Café Via Dante nondescript façade doesn’t really attract the eye so it was out of curiosity that I walked in the first time only to discover a restaurant packed with diners. The food was even more of a surprise. The robust and original flavours of Northern Italy cooked to perfection and plated with no frills. Try the homemade gnocchi with Bolognese sauce or the braised rabbit with polenta. Café Via Dante, 251 Rue Dante, (514) 270-8446

And as a bonus 6^th place, I would have to add Pasticceria Alati-Caserta, which has been located in the heart of Little Italy, across the street from the Our Lady of the Defense church since 1968. The place looks like it hasn’t changed since 1968 but I always head that way when I am craving a good, crunchy Sicilian cannolo. The cannoli are filled à la minute with a luscious ricotta cream so the shell stays crunchy. Order a dozen mini ones to bring to a dinner party and you’ll be everyone’s favourite guest. Alati-Caserta, 277 Rue Dante, (514) 271-3013

And of course, if you happen to be in Little Italy then you must visit one of the best food spots in the city: the Jean-Talon Market! Here are my suggestions to nibble your way through that food mecca.

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I always think twice before recommending to visitors a restaurant that is very far from the beaten path, which, in Montreal’s case, centers around Downtown, Old Montreal and, more recently, Little Burgundy. But in Pastaga’s case, the pricey cab ride north to Little Italy is worth it. And no, despite the name and the location, it is not an Italian restaurant!

Upon arriving, the first impression is that Pastaga is lively and convivial. The warm and relaxed atmosphere and the hipster clientele reflects the spirit of the young neighbourhoods north of Downtown, such as the Plateau and the Mile End. In true casual Montreal fashion, the sommelier wears a baseball cap and has the air of a college kid, yet demonstrates very in-depth knowledge of each of the several (mostly organic or biodynamic) wines on offer, many of which he imports privately.

What isn’t casual at Pastaga is the cooking: the dishes are small in size (they’re meant to be shared) but big in flavour, freshness and presentation. The tenderly marinated organic salmon with creamed potatoes sits on a piece of wood that seems to come from a wine cask, topped with very fine shavings of salmon jerky.

The large slice of smoked bison served with rye bread – a clear homage to Montreal’s famous smoked meat sandwich – has a suitably vintage air about it. The retro plate and tray on which it’s served could have come from the home of so many immigrant grandmas of Eastern European descent.

The chefs show they like their fresh herbs: several dishes come with a showering of coarsely chopped dill or parsley or ciboulette. Always a welcome addition, but even more so in springtime. Speaking of chefs, for those going with a group of friends, the best thing to do is reserve the large table inside the large kitchen: there’s no extra charge for that and all the chef action provides an extra dose of entertainment.

In short, Pastaga is like a slice of Montreal as it really is to us locals: unfussy, food-loving, unpretentious and fun.

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THE DETAILS

Pastaga, 6389 Saint-Laurent, (438) 381-6389

Photos: Alexandra Forbes

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What’s the first thing famous chefs want to do when they visit a city? Check out the markets, of course. And with top-rated Brazilian chef Roberta Sudbrack, in Montreal to cook at Ferreira Café, it was no different…

In town to participate in the High Lights Festival (she cooked for two nights at the perennially-hopping Ferreira Café), on her first day in Montreal, chef Roberta Sudbrack headed off to check out local products – with our crew in tow!

During the years when she was the private chef of the Brazilian president, and also at her fine dining restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, chef Sudbrack has earned a reputation for skillfully transforming humble ingredients from the tropics, like bananas and okras, into delectable creations. Yet while in Montreal she’s been a lot more curious to see what bounty this part of the world had to offer.

Her first stop was at La Mer fish market, where she inspected the beautiful organic salmon from British Columbia and oysters from Québec (Malpèques). A happy discovery: a wide variety of oysters could be tasted right on the spot, as an expert shucker described each one. The chef found a specific variety of corn needed for her High Lights dinners at the oh-so-Italian Milano market on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. She got a kick out of her quick stroll through the heart of Little Italy, with its many quaint coffee shops where the locals go to watch soccer on TV while nursing their double espressos.

Next up was the Jean-Talon Market, where even during winter one can find a dizzying array of fruits, veggies, herbs, jams and, of course, maple syrup products. She seemed particularly impressed by Fromagerie Hamel, Montreal’s top cheesemonger. After tasting six (very) different artisanal Québec cheeses, she quickly elected her favourite: the incredibly complex and nutty Louis D’Or, made in a village two hours East of Montréal by the Fromagerie du Presbytère.

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THE DETAILS

Ferreira Café, 1446 Rue Peel

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It’s a scientific fact: Katie Moore‘s voice is so nice that it makes angels angry. She’s made music with Socalled, Patrick Watson, Plants and Animals, Gonzales and many more, but with the release of her new album, Montebello (on February 3rd at the Cabaret du Mile End), Katie Moore is about to take centre stage. After she and her incredible band played us a tune, we got the chance to learn a bit about where she spends her time in Montreal…

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BACKGROUND

What do you do? I play music. I sing and play guitar, I write songs but I also love to sing other people’s songs.

Why did you choose Montreal? It kinda chose me: I moved to Hudson when I was three and then into the Big City at 18 and in my travels I have yet to find a better place to live. It’s cute and incestuous in its small-town vibe and I like it like that. ——————————————————————————————————————

MONTRÉAL FAVOURITES

Restaurant: I like cheap and tasty eats. I LOVE the pho at Pho Bang New York, the tofu stir fry at Patati Patata, the veggie pulled pork at le Pickup, the liver steak at the Main and pizza at Pizzeria Napolitana.

Bar/Lounge: Vices Versa, and not just because it’s next door to my house and all my friends work there. Ok, maybe that’s why.

Boutique/Store: General 54 on St Viateur in Mile End — you can find Jen Glasgow and other local designers’ and artists’ wares there. Really beautiful stuff.

Neighborhood: Little Italy. We’ve got the coffee, we’ve got the Jean Talon Market, we’ve got the Vietnamese and pupusa places and the Anatol spice store. What more does one need?

Park: The Mountain makes Montreal a better city by at least fifty percent- does that makes sense? Skiing the mountain makes winter bearable. Every now and then I fantasize about living somewhere else, but the Mountain pulls me back in, it won’t let me leave. I just love it.

Work Out: Blue Cat Boxing Club.

Festival: Pop Montreal and Suoni per il Popolo. They’re very different festivals but they’re both dedicated to bringing good music to the city as well as showcasing local acts.

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QUICKIES

What other Montreal musicians should people meet? Oh there are so many: Mike O’Brien, Orillia Opry, Dara Weiss, Angela Desveaux, the Barr Brothers, La Grande, Joe Grass, Emma Baxter.

What Montrealer would YOU like to meet? Leonard Cohen, I’ve seen him around but am always too shy to say hi. He is amazing.

When are your “must-have” travel essentials? Ear plugs and a good book: You can fall asleep anywhere to the sound of your own breathing. (Oh my god, how old am I? Am I the most boring person in the world?)

Where is the best place to find the fabled “hipster” and what should one do when approaching them? The thing about a hipster is that once you meet one, he or she ceases being a hipster, so, in a way, they don’t really exist. If you’d like to spot one try somewhere in the vortex between Drawn & Quarterly and the new Phonopolis Store location. Either that or late night at the Nouveau Palais, that’s a good spot for eavesdropping.

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FIND KATIE:

Katie Moore
Katie Moore on Facebook
Katie Moore on Bandcamp

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Montreal’s Italian Week takes place this week, until August 15th, which the more observant of you will notice is actually more than a week. But given the range of activities it boasts- art exhibits, food, music, cars, bocce tournaments and much more- it’s pretty evident that a week would not have been enough…

Before we go any further, I have to mention Little Italy’s Milano Supermarket, one of my favourite places for food in the city. Fresh pasta, an incredible selection of cheeses, a great butcher and products from Italy that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Make sure to pop in.

Where was I? (Honestly, all I can think about is their gnocchi now). Right, Italian Week. The first thing I should highlight is that though the event’s big weekend (August 13^th-15^th) is, for obvious reasons, located in Little Italy, there are actually events held all over the city leading up to it. And as I mentioned before, Italian Week boasts a pretty impressive range of activities, so let’s break it down:

Music: A real feast for the ears. There’s The Barber of Seville, featuring Italian opera singers Marco Camastra and Alessandro Luciano alongside the Orchestre symphonique des Musiciens du Monde. There’s also the Sardinian jazz outfit Enzo Favata and the Tenores di Bitti Jazz Group playing two shows, as well as Italian-Quebecois folk singer Marco Calliari and many more.

Arts and Culture: As this year’s theme is “Sardinia”, consider checking out Frank Sanna’s photo exhibit called “Les Deux Sardaignes” . Antonio Andreoli’s poems about his experience as an Italian immigrant “Piccone & Poems” sound really interesting, though it should be noted that they’re all in Italian. There’s also a children’s art contest, a whole series of literary events and a fashion show.

Cars and Sports: Yes, I realize that this is a somewhat ridiculous section title, but that doesn’t mean it’s not accurate. Cars are always a huge part of Italian week, whether it’s a chance to work on Indy driver Alex Tagliani’s pit crew or the Ferrari Dream Drive , which would seem a bit like showing off if it weren’t for the fact that the 75 or so cars that take part actually drive kids from the Montreal Children’s Hospital and raise tons of money. As for sports? How about a Bocce tournament. If you haven’t yet played this incredible outdoor bowling sport-like activity, this is your chance.

Food: Though I couldn’t track down any specific food events held during Italian Week, Little Italy will absolutely take care of you. When it comes to Italian food in Montreal, you will find not anything that beats Café Via Dante or Lucca and there are some coffeeshops, like Café Italia, that are so good that they’ll ruin coffee anywhere else for you.

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