It has been six years since Montreal-based restaurant franchisor Foodtastic acquired the Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna chain. There were only four locations at the time and they have since expanded with five more.
Enoteca Monza offers both traditional and contemporary Italian dishes with a vast wine menu for the perfect pairing, all in a trendy and classic wine bar atmosphere. The flames of the pizza oven are a design focal point, creating a warm and chic ambiance for their modern dining rooms. There are locations in downtown Montreal, Centropolis Laval, Dollard des Ormeaux, Lachenaie, Gatineau, St Bruno, and Blainville.
Renovation Plans for Laval
We recently went for a lovely dinner at the Laval spot, which is about to undergo extensive renovations to mark its 15th anniversary. On October 7, 2024, the locale will shut down for at least a month for a total revamp, including the bar, lighting, floors, walls and seating. The downtown McGill College spot just completed a significant facelift.
I wish to thank Laval franchisee Robert Zanandria and top-notch server Joe, who has been at this locale since day one. Joe had an absolutely delightful personality that made our dining experience exceptional. From the moment we were seated, he greeted us with a warm and genuine smile that instantly put us at ease. His enthusiasm and passion for his job were evident in every interaction. He was not only attentive but also remarkably personable, taking the time to engage in friendly conversation and make thoughtful recommendations based on our preferences. His positive attitude and sense of humor made the meal feel like a special occasion. It was clear that he took pride in his work and cared deeply about providing outstanding service. Overall, his charm and professionalism significantly enhanced our dining experience and left a lasting impression.
One of Monza’s delicious pizzas.
Enoteca means “wine bar” in Italian. The glass wine cellars at each location showcase their wine with sophistication. Dare to explore the various notes and flavours of wine from different regions of Italy. Enoteca Monza locations represent the ideal destination for 5 à 7 with colleagues, or a romantic date night, with a bar menu designed for sharing,
True to Nonna’s recipes, locations use only the best fresh local and imported Italian products. Their authentically Italian pasta dishes are always prepared Al Dente, sautéed in their homemade sauce. Pizzas are made with their homemade dough, using the best Italian Caputo 00 flour, baked in their wood fire stone oven at 800°F to achieve the perfectly crisp thin crust.
Quality Meat and Fish
The restaurants take pride in serving quality meat and fish prepared with fresh, simple ingredients without compromising flavour. Their lunch menu offers a variety of options from fresh salads and fire-grilled never-pressed paninis.
We started off with some glasses of wine and shared the focaccia quattro formaggi appetizer and a fabulous burrata. The former contained pizza flatbread, roasted garlic and herb butter, parmigiano regianno, mozzarella provolone and ricotta. As for the burrata, the combination of grape tomatoes, red onions, arugula, radicchio, basil pesto, focaccia, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction and red wine vinaigrette was superb.
For the main courses, our table went for the margherita pizza (fior di latte, basil, extra virgin olive oil and parmigiano Reggiano), the vitello alla parmigiano (breaded veal cutlets, San Marzano tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmigiano Reggiano, fresh basil and spaghetti pomodoro) and tortellini rosé (veal stuffed tortellini and rosé sauce). Everything was superb!
After sharing some glasses of limoncello, we ordered some cups of cappuccino and tea and waited for the decadent desserts to arrive: a piece of key lime pie and the dulce chocolate cake.
The menu also includes sandwiches, burgers, steak and more.
Expansion to Calgary
Brand leader Daniel Harvey notes that the Monza menu has remained very much the same since the purchase by Foodtastic, “It continues to evolve, but we are trying to be innovative,” he said. “Our cocktail menu has been totally reviewed as we now have a mixologist on board. As for the wine list, we take a fresh look at it every six to nine months.”
What is next? In early 2025 Monza will open its first location outside of Quebec in Calgary. “Once that occurs, we will look to bring a further presence to the brand there,” Harvey said. “We have done well in Gatineau, so Ottawa also represents a logical spot for us.”
A new menu will be launched on October 7 that will include new wood oven pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, risotto and tartare. I look forward to checking that out!
For more information log on to https://restaurantmonza.com/en/ The Laval location, which can seat almost 200 people inside and almost 180, is at 505 Promenade du Centropolis. You can call 450 973-3400
Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca
Bonjour, je suis allée avec des amis au Restaurant Monza au Centropolis à Laval et tous ont adoré les orechiette saucisses, rapini, tomates séchées. Malheureusement on nous a dit que ce plat ne serait plus disponible,c’était sur le menu d’été seulement, on ne pourrait pas l’offrir sur le menu régulier, ce qui vous distinguerait de tous les autres restaurants italiens à Laval, une formule gagnante.
Merci de prendre en considération pour vous attirer une clientèle.