Montreal might be thousands of kilometres from Rome, but when it comes to Italian restaurants, the city seriously holds its own — especially once terrasse season hits.
From tucked-away courtyards to sun-soaked patios lined with Aperol spritzes, Montreal has plenty of spots that channel la dolce vita without the cost of a plane ticket. And while hopping on a Lizzie McGuire-esque trip to Italy might not be in the cards this season, that doesn't mean you have to skip the fantasy entirely.
Cafe Il Cortile
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 1442 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal QC
Why You Need To Go: Cafe Il Cortile earns its top spot on this list thanks to its timeless Italian charm — and a terrasse that feels like you've stumbled into a secret courtyard in Rome.
The menu reads like a love letter to Italy, from its classic font to its generous — but never overwhelming — selection.
Whether you're in the mood for rich Osso Buco over saffron risotto, briny linguine con frutti di mare, or a silky Vitello Tonnato, every dish channels authenticity. Each course is thoughtfully structured in true Italian fashion, inviting you to linger and savour.
Of course, this wonderful food wouldn't have made the list if it weren't served on a beautiful terrasse. Il Cortile's space is lined with white tablecloths and nestled in a brick-walled courtyard, decorated with art and flowers to create a not-so-secret hideaway feeling.
With red wine pulled from the cellar and the smell of sauce wafting through the yard from the nearby kitchen, Cafe Il Cortile will transport you to exactly where you want to be.
Bravi
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 2794 Boul. Jacques-Cartier E. Longueuil, QC
Why You Need To Go: When you think of Italian food, chances are pizza, pasta, and simple-but-delicious main courses come to mind. And when you picture the perfect patio? It's all about charm, with lush greenery, laid-back vibes, and an aesthetic that makes everything feel just a little more magical.
Bravi brings both of those worlds together.
This Italian spot is known for its wood-fired pizzas, classic pastas, and all the usual suspects that you crave when outdoor dining in Italy. But it's the terrasse that really sets it apart. It's a tree-filled space accented with thoughtful design touches that channel the feel of Italy's Molise region.
Think countryside charm more than cobblestone streets — the kind of place where you can linger over dinner, surrounded by nature, on your third Negroni of the night.
Jacopo
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 436 Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: This trattoria-style restaurant is known for its homemade pasta and stone-oven braised meat dishes that are traditionally prepared by chef Giovanni Vella.
In true trattoria fashion, Jacopo's terrasse sits right out front, lined with large windows that offer a peek inside. The setup — comfortably packing people into a lively, street-facing space — feels straight out of a bustling Italian city. The hum of conversation around you becomes its own kind of ambiance.
Picture yourself in Milan: shopping bags tucked under your chair, cappuccino in hand, and a parade of pastas on the way. It's the kind of bliss that feels a world away — but it's actually right here in Montreal!
Moreiras
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Italian Pizza Bar
Address: 1748 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie — that's Moreiras.
This cozy terrasse brings a little slice of Napoli to Montreal, serving up Neapolitan-style pizza from a casual wood-deck setup that feels more backyard hangout than polished piazza.
Moreiras is one of Montreal's more underrated Italian terrasse locations. While it might not be a secret garden or a romantic cobblestone path, its patio-furniture-style setup feels like sitting in a nonno's backyard, watching him work the outdoor pizza oven like a maestro.
With a wide variety of pizza options, including the elusive pizza fritta, Moreiras is a top pick for outdoor pizza lovers looking for laid-back Italian vibes in the heart of the city.
Cafe Mano Cortuno
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 988 Ottawa St, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Cafe Mano Cornuto is the semi-hidden gem of our Italian restaurant dreams. This cozy, unpretentious spot blends laid-back cool with simple Italian dishes that let fresh ingredients do the talking.
Its terrasse is low-key but charming — a side-street setup that feels straight out of a small Italian town. It's the kind of place that pulls you away from the city buzz without actually taking you far from it.
I'm no doctor, but I'm pretty sure a slice of their whipped ricotta focaccia and a seat in the sun could cure just about anything.
Bistro Amerigo
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 6127 Monkland Ave, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: We've covered the romantic, picture-perfect terrasses, but if you've ever been to Italy, you know there's one style of outdoor seating that's even more iconic.
It's the kind of spot where a restaurant simply tosses a few tables and chairs out front, no frills, and it's packed every night. That’s your cue: RUN, don't walk.
Bistro Amerigo's terrasse represents Italian simplicity. It's understated, unpolished, and absolutely worth it. You probably won't snap your next Instagram post here, but you will have one of the most memorable meals of your summer.
This is a definitive representation of Italian outdoor dining, and it's right here in Montreal.
Summer is in full swing in Montreal, and honestly — flights to Italy are pricier than ever. So, if you're anything like me, you're spending the next couple of months armed with sunscreen, a stash of lactose pills, and a serious craving for Italian food.
Enjoy, Montreal!
