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Montréal › Montréal › Aquinta
AquintaA-Worth Trying
1851 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H2K 1T7, Canada
· Restaurant, Portuguese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1844 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Beloved Portuguese grill with standout octopus, generous portions, and fair prices; expect crowds and occasional reservation hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Aquinta delivers exceptional food quality anchored by beautifully charred octopus and fresh seafood, supported by attentive service and generous portions at fair prices. The warm neighborhood energy and strong loyalty following position it competitively with the area's better casual dining spots, though occasional consistency variation on certain dishes and peak-time seating friction prevent grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room hums with warm neighborhood energy—servers weaving through packed tables, platters of seafood and chicken perfuming the air with charcoal and garlic. One diner summed it up: "We waited a bit, but the welcome and plates made it worth it." Prices feel kind, portions are generous and shareable, and the team keeps spirits high even when the line forms. Cooking leans classic Portuguese grill over flash: expect beautifully charred octopus, tender squid, hearty mussels with fries, and that rotisserie-style chicken with real smoke. It is comfort-first rather than showy, with combos that make ordering for a group easy. Seafood shines brightest, while a few guests found the mixed grill less distinctive. If you love straightforward, well-seasoned plates at friendly prices, this hits the spot. For families, it is a strong pick: there is a real kids menu (quarter chicken, wings, ribs, poutine) around C$8.75, plus fries, rice, and simple salads. Even cautious eaters can stick to chicken, potatoes, and garlic bread, while adventurous teens can try squid or mussels.
At a Glance
- Standout grilled octopus and seafood with consistent praise
- Generous portions and fair pricing across menu
- Friendly service and welcoming neighborhood vibe
- Reservation and seating process can be messy at peak times
- Occasional dryness on chicken or mixed grill underwhelm
What Sets It Apart
- expertly_grilled_octopus
- generous_family_combos
- excellent_value_desserts
What People Love
- That smoky char on seafood and chicken
- Feeling treated like regulars
- Not-overpriced drinks and desserts
- Large, satisfying plates that feed a crowd
Points of Concern
- Peak-time waits and occasional reservation mishandling reported by several diners
- A few isolated complaints about slow order-taking or delayed bills
- Some plates (mixed grill, occasional chicken) can be less juicy or wow-factor
- Review patterns are consistent with genuine on-site visits; minimal coordination indicators but monitor reservation complaints trend
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostC$32-46 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For two: share mussels (C$18.75) + 1/2 chicken (C$16.75) + salad side.
- For four: Combo #3 (C$39.75) plus grilled squid (C$18.75) covers meat and seafood.
- Kids: 1/4 chicken plate (C$8.75) with fries.
Perfect For
- Casual seafood night with friends
- Group dinners with shareable platters
- Value-focused date night
- Family meals with kids who like chicken and fries
Location Insights
Area: Lively east-end urban strip with independent eateries and neighborhood bars; casual, local-focused crowd.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to Parc Lafontaine area and Ontario St E dining strip; residential blocks with small shops.
Plateau-Mont-RoyalThe neighborhood offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and ethnic restaurants. It is known for its welcoming social atmosphere and a strong sense of community, attracting locals and visitors seeking authentic and diverse culinary experiences.
Mile EndMile End is a trendy sub-area within Plateau-Mont-Royal, famous for its artisanal food shops, hip cafes, and a strong Jewish cultural heritage. It has a laid-back yet vibrant vibe, making it a hotspot for casual dining and innovative culinary ventures.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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