Italian Cuisine That Leaves You Begging For More
Nestled in the heart of Old Montreal, Restaurant Graziella, located at 116 McGill Street, is a dining destination and a journey through history and culinary artistry. Named after its founder, Graziella blends the charm and history of its location with a modern, inviting ambiance, setting the stage for an exquisite dining experience. This esteemed establishment is a testament to the passion and classical Italian flavors, offering a warm atmosphere that perfectly complements its culinary offerings. Over the years, Graziella has evolved into a beacon of fine Italian dining in Montreal, consistently delivering an exceptional gastronomic experience that is both traditional and innovative.
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The Menu: A Celebration of Italian Cuisine
Graziella’s menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Italy. It’s an extensive array of dishes that pay homage to classic Italian cooking while infusing modern twists. Here’s a glimpse into their culinary offerings:
The Antipasti
The Antipasti selection at the restaurant is a curated exploration of flavors and textures. It starts with “Sedano rapa,” a dish that combines roasted celery root with Brussels sprout leaves, homemade pancetta, and a mushroom consommé crowned with truffled mushroom puma. Following this is “Polipo,” an exquisite octopus carpaccio enhanced with smoked mackerel emulsion, agro-dolce onions, bread and Espelette pepper crumble, black chickpeas, and a garlic and spice vinaigrette. The “Burrata” offers a unique taste of Puglia, featuring creamy burrata cheese alongside confit cherry tomatoes and Campagna marinated eggplants. For those who favor sardines, the menu includes sardines from Portugal stuffed with ricotta, spinach, and golden raisins and served with red pepper and Ndujà coulis. The “Vitello tonnato” is a refined choice, presenting milk-fed veal loin carpaccio topped with tuna mayonnaise, caper berries, and pearl onions. Complementing these dishes, the restaurant serves homemade focaccia and artisanal bread, perfect for savoring with extra virgin olive oil.
Primi
In the world of Italian ‘Primi’ dishes, the ‘Ravioli tondi di ricotta di pecora’ stands out with its sheep ricotta filling and luxurious black truffle-infused butter. For a heartier option, ‘Strozzapreti’ combines twisty pasta with a rich rabbit stew. Elegance is at the forefront in ‘Tortelli di Capone,’ where capon-filled Tortelli is paired with a clear capon consommé and a zest of lemon. Completing the selection, ‘Gnocchi’ features a blend of Grana Padano and ricotta, drenched in a San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, epitomizing classic Italian flavors with a twist. Each dish showcases the versatility and richness of Italian pasta cuisine.
Secondi
The menu offers diverse flavors in the ‘Secondi’ (main courses). ‘Merluzzo’ pairs Icelandic cod with spinach, artichoke, confit radish, and spinach fumet. The ‘Controfiletto’ features a grilled beef striploin with arugula, pecorino, roasted potatoes, and red beet. ‘Guanciale di Manzo’ brings a rich taste with its Barbera-braised beef cheek, served with artisanal polenta and Brussels sprouts. For an intricate dish, the ‘Faraona’ combines guinea fowl stuffed with veal, maialino, foie gras, and Swiss chard, alongside a medley of Jerusalem artichoke purée, parsnip, rutabaga, and chioggia. Finally, ‘Agnello’ offers braised Kamouraska lamb shoulder with black chickpeas, borlotti beans, beets, and Brussels sprouts, showcasing the depth of Italian culinary traditions.
Dolci
Each dish in the ‘Dolci’ (desserts) section is a sweet delight. ‘Torta cioccolato’ combines a chocolate and praline torta caprese with chocolate mousse, Gianduja mascarpone, and hazelnuts for a rich, chocolatey experience. ‘Cannoli siciliani’ features homemade cannoli filled with a blend of chocolate, ricotta, and mascarpone cream, topped with candied citrus zest and hazelnuts. The ‘Babà’ is a sponge cake that is soaked in Americano Cocchi syrup, with clementines and a nougat ganache. Lastly, the ‘Crostata di ricotta e fragola’ presents a ricotta cheese and strawberry crostata, served with a smooth creme anglaise, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
What Sets Graziella Apart
What distinguishes Graziella from other restaurants in Montreal is its menu and the dining experience. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing only the finest ingredients, ensuring each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. Moreover, the ambiance, service, and attention to detail make dining at Graziella an unforgettable experience.
Private Dining and Special Events
Graziella also offers private dining options, making it an ideal venue for special occasions. The restaurant’s private rooms provide an intimate gathering setting where guests can enjoy personalized menus and dedicated service.
Restaurant Graziella is more than just a dining destination; it celebrates Italian culinary traditions with a modern flair. Its location in Old Montreal, with its rich history, exquisite menu, and unparalleled dining experience, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the best Italian cuisine in Montreal.
