By Mike Cohen and Tony Medeiros
We love pizza and Italian food, so it was fun to experience Li n’ Lo in Laval. Located on Boulevard des Laurentides, the name is derived from the owner’s name Lillo Russo. This pizzeria has a menu heavily inspired by Lillo’s Italian roots.
The fast-casual restaurant opened its doors two years ago. Their delicious menu consists of Neapolitan pizzas, grilled chicken, pasta, Italian staples such as homemade tiramisu and so much more. The trendy interior includes an open kitchen concept where patrons can see their pizzas cooked in their imported pizza oven.
Lillo has been in the restaurant for a long time. He started in the business as a dishwasher at restaurants in Little Italy. In 2002 he opened his place on Jarry called Dalelillo. Soon after he started another dining establishment called Grill & Go on Fleury Street. By 2020, Lillo decided it was time to take a complete break. The restaurant business can be grueling, with endless shifts. That is especially the case when you are the owner. Then he got bored. A longtime resident of Laval, he knew that Boulevard des Laurentides in the Auteuil district was a strip known for a wide choice of dining establishments so along came Li n’ Lo. There are 40 seats indoors. A seasonal patio we took advantage of can accommodate 30 more people.
Take-out and delivery are popular here. Lillo brought along some of the staff from the former restaurant and he also engaged a new server named Mario, who became an instant hit. Before we took our seats, we could hear customers shouting enthusiastic comments like “Thanks Mario.” We can attest to his excellent service.
The menu was accessed through a QR code, adding a modern touch to our dining experience. Each of us placed our pizza orders—one opting for a classic all-dressed, while the other chose the intriguing combination of prosciutto and honey. As a delightful surprise, Mario, our host, treated us to a sample of gnocchi. Soft and pillowy, the gnocchi was nothing short of heavenly, a perfect prelude to the main event.
When the pizzas arrived, they did not disappoint. Both were baked to perfection, with a delicate thin crust that crackled delightfully with each bite. The toppings were fresh and flavorful, with the prosciutto and honey pairing being a revelation of savory and sweet. We indulged in an all-dressed pizza, where the crunchy, golden dough cradled a medley of fresh, vibrant ingredients, making it the true ambrosia of pizzas.
The secret to a Neapolitan pizza is that the foundation of its magic lies in the dough—the essential ingredient that brings it all together. But equally important is the heat, and not just any heat; it has to come from the right kind of oven, one that imparts that perfect char and crispness. There’s nothing quite like the heavenly fusion of well-crafted dough, oven-kissed heat, and top-tier toppings to create a pizza so irresistible that you can devour it with ease.
Alongside our pizzas, we decided to indulge further with a few sides. The penne marinara was comforting, smothered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, while the Italian poutine added a decadent twist to our meal. Many pizza restaurants offer this delectable twist on the classic poutine, but this one was unlike any other. Served sizzling in a hot skillet, it arrived with golden fries bathed in rich, velvety tomato sauce, and topped with luscious curd cheese. The cheese stretched and melted into a long, mouthwatering string of savory sweetness. You will never experience Italian poutine quite like this. It was a feast of flavors that left us more than satisfied.
In addition, Lillo sent over some of his secret recipes for grilled chicken. The latter was exceptional. “We let our homemade sauce sit and marinate for a week,” Lillo says.
Business has indeed been good, says Lillo. “First of all, so many of my former customers crossed the bridge to try the new place out and they liked it,” he stated. “Those people have been coming back. We are also on a terrific street for restaurants. People found us.”
Laval, says Lillo, is a good place for restaurants. “People have more money to spend on dining here,” he insists. “They like to go out. That is my observation.”
We enjoyed testing out the menu and enjoying some nice glasses of vino.
Li n’ Lo is located at 5200 Boulevard des Laurentides, You can call (450) 622-1000 and see their menu at https://li-n-lo.com/menu
The restaurant is open Sunday from 4 pm to 9:30 pm; Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 9:30 pm, Fridays from 9 am to 11 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.