Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna — Restaurant in Montreal

Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna was a complete standout during my time in Montreal. From the moment I walked in, I could tell this place was something special. The space has that cozy, intimate charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do. The kind of hospitality that sets the tone for a great meal before the first bite even arrives. The food? Incredible. This might honestly have been the best lasagna I’ve ever eaten. Perfectly layered, rich without being heavy, and bursting with balanced flavor. You can taste the freshness and care in every bite, it’s clearly made from scratch with top-quality ingredients. The menu itself is small, but every item is chosen with purpose. You don’t get lost in choices here, everything they offer is done exceptionally well. I also ordered the large house salad, and “large” doesn’t even begin to describe it. It was huge and enough to share with friends and still have plenty left. The freshness of the greens and the quality of the ingredients really stood out. That attention to detail made everything shine. Food is prepared right in front of you, which adds another layer of connection to the experience. Watching the chefs work is part of the show, and you can tell they take pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen. The drinks were equally impressive. My Negroni was perfectly balanced: bitter, smooth, and strong, just as it should be. For my second drink, I had a Campari soda, which was refreshing and clean, the ideal follow-up. You can tell they know their way around a bar just as much as they do the kitchen. Gino’s delivers elevated Italian cuisine without pretension. It’s honest, flavorful, and beautifully executed. Everything about this place, from the food to the drinks to the atmosphere, feels intentional and heartfelt. I’d come back here any chance I get. Montreal has plenty of great restaurants, but Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna stands out as one...

Sadly this place was so oversaturated on social media that I think it was overhyped for me. I love a good lasagna so I had high expectations given how much everyone preached about their dishes. Went for a Saturday dinner at 7pm (so about peak service). We had the meat lasagna which was good but sadly didn’t hit the way I thought it would. I can appreciate that fresh lasagna takes a hot minute to prepare and bake (married into an Italian family) however, our lasagna had the consistency of having been in the fridge for a while and then reheated. The food was hot and tasty but the consistency of the noodles felt reheated. Note this is not a saucy lasagna and on the dry side if you prefer saucy lasagna. Interesting choice to use fior di latte rather than ricotta but it worked.

Just a note that their meat lasagna does use veal and lamb, so be mindful of that if you don’t eat those meats.

Cocktails were good - the Latina was massive and strong - you definitely get your money’s worth.

The space was a bit oddly laid out, it felt like they crammed as many tables in as they possibly could along the bar, which felt a bit weird for us as the table closest to the bar. Interior is cute but nothing crazy.

Service was ok but nothing notable at all - we were confused about who our actual server was (I think we had 3 different people).

Overall the place is great and definitely a really cool concept for the Montreal scene. I love a simplified menu and the set prices were a hit. There is definitely value for what you order and the food is good. Would be good for a lower budget evening with friends for sure.

Sadly, for me, I think all the influencing on social media worked against this place, as my expectations were astronomically high and sadly the food just didn’t come...

What a delightful rollercoaster of flavors and experiences! The bourbon Negroni was a masterpiece, a drink so well-balanced it's practically a work of art – kudos to the mixologist.

Now, let's talk lasagna. It's like a journey, starting with the anticipation, a bit like waiting for a surprise party to kick off. The tomato sauce? A symphony of taste, but initially not quite warm enough – a minor hiccup, easily forgiven. And that elusive bechamel, playing hide and seek, leaving me longing for more creaminess. Yet, as I ventured further into the lasagna labyrinth, it unveiled its charms, becoming a rediscovered delight.

Uniformity, oh sweet uniformity, where art thou? Despite the initial quirks, the end result won me over. Consider my expectations challenged, but not entirely disappointed.

The ambiance at Gino's, however, is a winning charm. A perfect setting for intimate gatherings, it whispers of Italian minimalism in a sea of red. And that espresso, a solo performer, not an ensemble – surprising, but not unwelcome. I left with a caffeine-infused grin, contemplating my inevitable return.

Looking forward to another rendezvous with Gino's Negroni &...