Seemor
Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie › La Petite-Patrie › Il Bazzali
Il BazzaliB+Worth Trying
285 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 2V2, Canada
· Italian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1102 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Charming, personality-driven Italian spot with opera-singing chef, solid pastas and house specials, mixed pizza feedback, attentive service, and prices in the premium-but-fair range.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Il Bazzali delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong pasta execution and braised beef anchoring the menu, supported by genuinely warm, attentive service and an opera-singing chef-owner who creates memorable moments. However, inconsistent pizza quality and occasional pasta missteps prevent grade A territory, while service pacing lags during peak times. The quirky charm and loyal following make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though it falls short of premier dining distinction.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and quirky, all mismatched chairs and glowing chandeliers, with staff who lean genuinely friendly. Mid-meal, the chef-owner often appears to check in, and sometimes breaks into impromptu opera, which several diners describe as turning dinner into a little show. One guest put it simply: "We felt looked after from start to finish." The cooking skews house-made and comfort-first Italian, with excellent ravioli alla Toscana, braised beef, and crowd-pleasing antipasti. Pizzas draw mixed reactions, while vegan and gluten-free options are unusually robust for an Italian spot. Expect quality ingredients and a cozy, celebratory vibe rather than white-tablecloth formality. Families do well here thanks to pizza and simple pastas that kids recognize. There is no explicit kids menu mentioned, but portions are often generous and staff are accommodating. For picky eaters, stick to classic pasta, margherita-style pizza, and chocolate mousse.
At a Glance
- House-made pastas and braised beef consistently praised
- Unique experience with opera-singing chef-owner
- Pizza quality and sauce balance vary
- Service can be slow on busy nights
- Creative variations on classics may not suit purists
What Sets It Apart
- chef_opera_performance
- housemade_pasta_focus
- robust_vegan_options
What People Love
- Chef visiting tables and singing adds joy
- Ravioli and braised beef deliver deep comfort
- Attentive, welcoming staff
- Cozy, character-rich room with patio in season
Points of Concern
- Pizza receives polarized feedback, from excellent to very poor on sauce and crust
- Pace slows on peak nights; some long gaps between courses
- A few guests reported defensive tone on complaints, though others saw comps
- Review patterns are mostly authentic, but some celebration-style superlatives may inflate perceptions
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostC$55-75 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a shared antipasto, then a house pasta or braise for mains; save room for the C$8 almond-orange cake if you prefer lighter dessert.
Perfect For
- Celebration date with a fun twist
- Group birthdays that want good food and a show
- Neighborhood Italian night with dietary options
- Visitors seeking a local-feel dinner in Little Italy
Location Insights
Area: Lively Little Italy/La Petite-Patrie corridor with neighborhood restaurants, cafes, and casual night energy.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked evenings; typical urban vigilance.
Nearby: Close to Jean-Talon Market area, St-Laurent corridor, residential streets and indie shops.
Plateau-Mont-RoyalThe dining scene in Plateau-Mont-Royal is eclectic and dynamic, featuring a mix of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and innovative restaurants. The neighborhood fosters a relaxed yet hip social atmosphere, making it a hotspot for food lovers seeking authentic and contemporary culinary experiences.
BeaubienThe Beaubien area within Plateau is known for its community feel with a selection of local shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to everyday dining and socializing, offering a more laid-back and approachable vibe compared to the busier parts of the Plateau.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–21:00
Wednesday17:00–21:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →