When I first moved to Montreal’s Little Italy over 20 years ago, I didn’t realize how deeply this city kneads its dough into daily life. I still remember the scent that drifted down Saint Zotique on a Friday evening — that sweet, smoky mix of charred crust and bubbling tomato sauce that instantly told you dinner was close. Montreal may be known for bagels and smoked meat, but if you’ve lived here long enough, you know the real local obsession is pizza.
As someone who has spent decades exploring pizzerias from Villeray to Verdun, I’ve met the owners who hand-stretch every dough ball, chatted with Italian grandmothers guarding secret tomato blends, and watched new-wave chefs reinvent wood-fired classics. This guide isn’t pulled from a tourist brochure — it’s the lived story of a Montrealer who has actually eaten through the city, slice by slice.
Montreal’s pizza identity has always been a mosaic of its neighborhoods. In Little Italy, traditional Neapolitan roots remain sacred — thin-crust pies with leopard-spotted char, soft centers, and bright San Marzano sauce. Meanwhile, Mile End brought artistry and experimentation: sourdough bases, local cheeses, and seasonal toppings that feel like art projects more than pizza.
Over in Villeray, the vibe is casual and family-driven — you’ll find corner joints that haven’t changed their recipes in decades. And the Plateau? That’s where late-night cravings are satisfied with classic slices oozing cheese under neon lights, perfect after a show or a bar crawl on Saint-Denis.
In recent years, Montreal’s new generation of pizzaiolos has blurred boundaries — combining Italian tradition with Quebec’s local ingredients: think duck confit toppings, Quebec mozzarella di bufala, and even maple-smoked pancetta. The result is a pizza scene that feels distinctly ours.
Here’s my hand-picked list of where to find the best pizza in Montreal right now — each one personally visited, each slice fully devoured.
One bite of Bottega’s Margherita and you’ll understand why purists flock here. Their 900-degree wood-fired oven from Naples gives the crust that crisp-yet-tender balance I crave. The pomodoro sauce? Bright, balanced, and unforgettable.
📍 65 Rue Saint-Zotique Est Est, Montreal, Quebec H2S 1K6
📞 (514) 277-8104
💲 Price Range: $$
Chef Luca’s pizza is all about patience. A 72-hour fermented dough develops nutty depth and chew. I still dream about their ‘Nduja pie — spicy, smoky, and perfectly blistered at the edges.
📍 7495 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2R 2E5
📞 (514) 495-9899
💲 Price Range: $$ - $$$
Tiny, playful, and deeply local. Their sourdough base carries a whisper of tang, and toppings like roasted zucchini flowers or fennel sausage make every visit feel like a new discovery.
📍 45 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1P7
📞 (514) 358-4712
💲 Price Range: $$
Elena is where Montreal’s cool crowd meets serious culinary craft. Their “Sweet Cheeks” pizza — guanciale, chili, and honey — hits that ideal salty-sweet-heat note. Add a glass of natural wine and you’ve got date night perfection.
📍 5090 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 1T1
📞 (514) 379-4883
💲 Price Range: $$
A true institution since 1948. It’s cash-only, loud, and unapologetically old-school. My go-to is their Prosciutto e Rucola — paper-thin prosciutto layered over molten mozzarella.
📍 189 Rue Dante, Montréal, QC H2S 1K1
📞 (514) 276-8226
💲 Price Range: $$
Best for late-night cravings. It’s the kind of place where the cheese stretch never ends, the crust is sturdy enough to hold in one hand, and the vibe is pure Montreal street energy.
📍 201 Av. Laurier O, Montréal, QC H2T 2N9
📞 (514) 670-7820
💲 Price Range: $$
Run by Stefano Faita, Gema’s wood-fired pies celebrate Italian-Quebec fusion. The “Mamma Rita” with Quebec sausage and local ricotta is my ultimate comfort food.
📍 6827 Saint Dominique St., Montreal, Quebec H2S 3B1
📞 (514) 419-4448
💲 Price Range: $$
Verdun’s culinary rise owes a lot to Rita. Their sourdough pizza bianca drizzled with olive oil and sea salt is deceptively simple but perfection in texture and flavor.
📍 3681 Wellington St, Verdun, Quebec H4G 1V1
📞 (514) 419-1942
💲 Price Range: $$
A beautiful newcomer to the Old Port scene, Stellina blends Italian charm with modern Montreal flair. Their wood-fired pizzas come out perfectly blistered, and the wine list rivals the best in the city. I love their Salsiccia e Friarielli — spicy sausage, rapini, and just the right hit of chili oil. It’s the kind of place where you linger for hours, sipping Barbera while the glow of Old Montreal streets filters through the window.
📍 410 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, QC H2Y 0A2
📞 (514) 843-9191
💲 Price Range: $$ - $$$
Touristy location but surprisingly solid. Their wood-fired oven adds that signature smokiness, and service is consistently warm. Try the diavola if you love spice.
📍 410 R. Saint-Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A5
📞 (514) 861-5039
💲 Price Range: $$
Tucked between cafés and creative studios in Mile-Ex, this No.900 location has become my go-to when I’m craving proper Neapolitan flavor without the crowds. The dough is fermented for 48 hours, the oven hits 900°F, and every pie lands with that satisfying char around the edges. Their Funghi e Tartufo — mushrooms, truffle oil, and fior di latte — is indulgent but balanced, the kind of pizza you can taste in layers.
📍 2305 Rockland Rd, Mount Royal, Quebec H3P 2Z3
📞 (514) 739-9696
💲 Price Range: $$
An offshoot of the iconic Café Gentile, this spot elevates Italian comfort food without losing soul. Their crust strikes a rare balance between soft center and crisp edge, and the tomato sauce tastes exactly like Sunday in an Italian kitchen. The Hot Honey Pepperoni is addictive — spicy, sweet, and pure Montreal swagger.
📍 4134 Saint-Catherine St, Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2Y5
📞 (514) 544-7437
💲 Price Range: $$ - $$$
A cozy NDG spot that locals guard like a secret. Their marinara is minimalist perfection — tomato, garlic, oregano, that’s it — yet I could eat it daily.
📍 5779 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1X2
📞 (438) 385-6968
💲 Price Range: $$
Fast-casual but authentic. I often stop here between meetings for a quick wood-fired fix. Great dough hydration and solid vegetarian options.
📍 1428 Stanley St, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1P7
📞 (438) 384-0948
💲 Price Range: $$
Tucked away on Ontario Street East, Heirloom Vin & Pizza is one of those rare Montreal spots where craft meets comfort. Every pie here comes from a blazing wood-fired oven, and you can taste that whisper of smoke in every bite. I love how their dough stays light yet chewy — proof of real fermentation and skill. Their namesake Heirloom Pizza with caramelized onions, fior di latte, anchovies, and heirloom tomatoes is a standout, perfectly balancing sweet and savory notes. Pair it with a glass from their natural wine list, and you’ll understand why locals treat this as more than a pizzeria — it’s a neighborhood ritual. Whether it’s date night or a solo slice at the bar, Heirloom reminds me that the best pizza in Montreal doesn’t just feed you; it lingers with you.
📍 3991 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H1W 1T1
📞 (514) 905-8211
💲 Price Range: $$
After tasting hundreds of pies, I’ve realized my benchmark isn’t about perfection — it’s about emotion. A great pizza should feel alive.
For me, it starts with the crust — that audible crackle when you tear it, the soft interior that carries a faint tang from slow fermentation. Then the tomato sauce — it must taste like ripe fruit, not sugar. The cheese should stretch but never drown the dough.
But above all, it’s about hospitality. I’ve had technically flawless pizza served with indifference, and I’ve had slightly burnt pies handed over with genuine warmth. Guess which one I remember. When owners stop by your table to ask, “How was it?” — that’s when a pizzeria becomes part of the neighborhood’s story.
Dim lighting, curated wine lists, and perfect pacing — these are places where conversation flows as easily as prosecco.
Quick, wood-fired, and reliable. Ideal when you’re rushing between appointments or after a concert.
Locals whisper about this one for a reason. The vibe is casual, the staff friendly, and the pizza tastes homemade in the best way.
After midnight, when most places close, Mandy’s still glows. It’s not fancy, but it’s comfort on a paper plate.
Friendly, loud, and lively — you’ll often see kids running around while parents share antipasti and vino.
Both certified, both purist in technique. Expect blistered edges, soft centers, and a taste that instantly transports you to Naples.
If you spend enough nights wandering Montreal’s neighborhoods, you’ll notice something magical. The smell of baking dough connects us all — students grabbing slices after class, couples sharing a Margherita under string lights, families debating which crust reigns supreme.
What makes Montreal’s pizza scene special isn’t just skill — it’s spirit. It’s the humility of chefs who still hand-knead every batch of dough. It’s the mix of Italian heritage and Quebec terroir. And it’s the fact that, in this city, a pizza is never just food — it’s a story told through smoke, heat, and heart.
As locals often say, “If you love someone, take them for pizza.” After 20 years of tasting, I couldn’t agree more.
Bottega and No 900 lead the way for authentic Neapolitan pizza in Montreal, both using certified techniques and wood-fired ovens from Naples.
Mandy’s Pizza Corner on the Plateau is the local go-to for a cheesy, hearty slice after midnight.
Little Italy, Mile End, and Villeray host many of the city’s best pizza spots, from traditional wood-fired classics to modern artisan creations.
Montreal’s pizza scene blends authentic Neapolitan, New York-style slices, and modern sourdough pizzas, with many Italian restaurants adding wood-fired and local ingredient twists unique to the city.
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