Ristorante Donato — Restaurant in Westmount

Went to this restaurant twice (Sunday and Thursday night) in the last week as I like to give a place 2 tries before I make up my mind. Unfortunately, as nice as the staff and the atmosphere is, this place simply does not bring satisfaction in terms of food and value.

Most things we have eaten were close to being good, but always fell short of being done just right. For the price point, I feel like the quality of the execution should really be higher.

Here's what we ate: the fennel salad had all the ingredients right, but was overdressed which killed it. The grilled octopus was okay, but the bean purée it came with was bland and not seasoned at all, bringing the whole dish down. The asparagus were okay, cooked well and the Fontina and breading on top brought flavour, but overall very average and underwhelming. Salmon tartare: same thing, just fell very flat after a few bites, nothing particular, but really not hitting the spot. The lobster linguine was the biggest let down. For some reason, the lobster meat wasn't served in fresh chunks; it seems as though they just took lobster meat and stuffed it into some sort of mold and cut it up and threw it in the pasta - the shape of the meat was in these compressed little rectangles, very bizarre. Maybe because it isn't lobster season, so they use flaked lobster meat instead of cooking fresh lobsters and shucking them into the dish? Either way, the sauce also didn't taste much of lobster, which would be the case if they used fresh lobster. If it truly is as raved about as the servers say, I would suggest to keep it a seasonal dish, rather than have an expensive, disappointing dish half of the year. The filet mignon was good, but the char made by the sauce made the outside bites bitter. They also don't seem to serve their meat with any sides here, just a plate of meat, so it was very intense with the foie gras - it would've been nice to have anything to cut the richness of the dish. If the desserts are consistent with the olive oil cake and chocolate terrine, I would say to avoid desserts in general. They just fell short as a whole, nothing amazing, didn't really hit the spot. I would choose a different shape for the cake and add stronger accompanying flavor, otherwise it is just lacking. The chocolate terrine's texture was just off, kinda like a really fudgey chocolate. Not enjoyable at all unfortunately.

I will say that the ragu pasta was spot on though! Execution was right, flavors were on point, portion was perfect - very satisfying. Maybe this restaurant is more of a pizza and pasta joint? In which case my ordering was just off and that's on me. But if that is the case, I would prefer they put what they are good at on the menu, and take off everything else. Having items on the menu that are barely average or below satisfaction really lowered the experience of this place.

I did comment about the salad to my server, to which the chef offered to compensate with a dessert. But after everything tasted, I found it wasn't worth mentioning every little detail to the server since the issue here doesn't seem to be a one-off, but rather just a lack of execution as a whole. I find this really unfortunate, because if everything was, at a minimum, seasoned right and executed right, this place could be a solid regular neighborhood joint. Alas, I find myself full, but not satisfied, and out 500$.

I do not recommend this place, but I am sending love and hope my comments can be...

Donato, nestled in the heart of Westmount, is a culinary gem that truly deserves a five-star rating. I recently had the pleasure of dining at this exquisite establishment, and I can't praise it enough for its exceptional food, impeccable service, and inviting atmosphere.

Upon entering Donato, I was immediately struck by its elegant yet welcoming ambiance. The decor exudes sophistication, with warm lighting, tasteful artwork, and plush seating that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or seeking an intimate dinner for two, Donato offers the perfect backdrop.

Now, let's talk about the food – an absolute masterpiece. Donato's menu is a symphony of Italian flavors, expertly crafted by a talented kitchen team. The appetizers, like the burrata with heirloom tomatoes, were a delightful start to the meal. Each dish showcased the use of high-quality, fresh ingredients that elevated the dining experience.

The pasta dishes at Donato are nothing short of divine. The handmade pasta, cooked to perfection, combined with rich and flavorful sauces, made each bite a true revelation. The linguine with seafood was a standout, boasting a harmonious blend of flavors that transported my taste buds to Italy.

The main courses were equally impressive. The veal chop, cooked to a succulent medium-rare, was a carnivore's dream. The careful attention to seasoning and cooking techniques was evident in every bite.

What truly sets Donato apart, besides its outstanding cuisine, is the impeccable service. The staff is attentive without being intrusive, and their knowledge of the menu and wine selection is impressive. They are more than willing to offer recommendations and accommodate dietary preferences, making the dining experience even more personalized.

While Donato offers an exceptional dining experience, it's worth noting that this level of excellence does come at a price. Dining here is an investment, but one that is absolutely worth it for a special occasion or when you crave the finest Italian cuisine.

In conclusion, Donato in Westmount is a culinary treasure. Its combination of exquisite food, elegant ambiance, and top-notch service make it a five-star dining destination. If you're seeking an unforgettable Italian dining experience, look no further than Donato – it's a masterpiece of gastronomy that leaves a...

🍝✨ Ristorante Donato — Fine Dining with Flair ✨🍝

Walking in, the vibe immediately whispers fine dining meets business power lunch 💼🍷 — but don’t worry, even in a dress with sneakers, I felt totally at home (and maybe even a little chic 😏). The place oozes elegance with its lush greenery 🌿, statement furniture, and those dreamy lighting fixtures that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magazine spread. Bonus: the flowers at the entrance? So stunning we thought they were fake 🌸😂.

👨‍🍳 Food Highlights: • Arancini = fantabulous little golden bites of joy 🤌🧀. • Beet salad = fresh, earthy, colorful — a plate that could double as art 🎨🥗. • Fennel salad stole the show — crisp, refreshing, and dressed perfectly. It was so good I forgot to take a picture 📸 (food blogger fail!). • Mushroom pasta 🍄: generous portion, beautifully cheesy with Parmesan snow ❄️🧀 — though slightly undercooked. Still tasty enough that I didn’t send it back. • Tiramisu = creamy but… meh. Missing that bold coffee + cocoa punch ☕🍫. The fruit on the side, however, did bring some redemption. • Garlic focaccia = warm, fresh, fluffy carb-love 🥖💛. Complimentary, but tasted like it deserved its own spot on the menu.

🥂 My friend sipped her bubbly Prosecco with a grin, and the staff even slipped a candle into her dessert 🎂✨ for her birthday. Sweet touch!

👩‍💼 Service: Good and efficient, but not overly warm. The hostess, however, was lovely and welcoming right from the start.

⸻

👉 Verdict: Donato is where you go when you want refined dining, gorgeous ambiance, and plates you’d never whip up at home. Some dishes absolutely sang 🎶 (hello fennel salad + arancini), others could use a bit more wow factor (sorry tiramisu 👀). Still, with the elegant décor and thoughtful touches, it’s a place that makes you feel like you’ve traveled — even if you haven’t hopped on...