G Pizzas: NDG’s Best-Kept Secret for Roman-Style Pizza, Ribs, Meatballs and More

Glenn J. Nashen: A new Vietnamese experience at Tran Cantine

When it comes to a Vietnamese dining-out experience in Montreal look no further than the Tran Family. Following up on our recent sensational night out at the newly launched Hang Bar in Old Montreal, Judy and I, along with our friends Dana and Jeff accepted an invitation to Marilyn Tran’s diner in St. Henri, aptly named Tran Cantine.

Review of Restaurant Hang: Glenn J. Nashen: Montreal’s Top-Notch Vietnamese Cuisine

What secret treasures await when a new restaurant opens? One can only imagine, until being lucky enough to be exposed to the sights, smells and tastes of Restaurant Hang. Such was the experience on a recent Thursday night when my wife and I made reservations at what has been billed as the “first haute cuisine Vietnamese restaurant” in Montreal. Sure, our city has plenty of upscale trendy places, but nothing quite like this new concept in Asian fine dining. It tantalized all of our senses, from the moment we walked through the doors and took in the sumptuous decor. Hang arrives as the newest restaurant in the renowned hospitality group JEGantic’s portfolio. Vietnamese cuisine will be elevated from its usual humble “mom and pop” eateries to a refined haute cuisine experience that celebrates the unique flavours of the Southeast Asian country. Montrealers will be fittingly welcomed to come “hang” and indulge in a culinary journey that reflects Vietnam’s rich heritage with an innovative spin on favourite dishes. We were greeted by Joyce Phanekham, the effervescent general manager, who was helpful and attentive to her guests throughout our two-and-a-half-hour dining experience. She promptly introduced us to one of the most personable restauranteurs we have yet to meet, Marylyn Tran. Marylyn teamed up with her husband Alain and the folks from JEGantic to create an experiential and uniquely Asian venue for traditional, authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a class of its own. And who better to know how to achieve this pinnacle other than the Tran family who already own several restaurants under the Tran Cantine banner? After all, Marylyn was raised in her parent’s kitchen where she acquired her unique taste, over at their St. Denis Street Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Tay Ho. The family started this business back in 1986 and it is still going strong. Indeed, the name Hang is a nod of appreciation to Marylyn’s mom. Marylyn grew up cherishing the culinary and cultural intricacies that captivated their family, friends and clientele and eventually branched out, opening her own chain of traditional Vietnamese restos. Located between Griffintown and Old Montreal, Hang will surely attract the young in-crowd, as well as tourists seeking a memorable night out on the town. Marylyn introduced us to her right-hand man, Marco, a knowledgeable and experienced server and cook who took care of us for our date-night. He described in great detail each dish served, with ease and familiarity as though he himself was the chef. We started out with, what else, Pho Wagyu Consommé, a classic noodle soup that Hang has enhanced with its elaborate preparation: 14 hours of cooking over at Tran Cantine. It had many delicate ingredients including Wagyu beef and fresh rice noodles. The aroma of truffle alone made this a mouth-watering winning choice. Judy’s Franco-Viet Salmon Tartare tasted “like the ocean.” This dish of salmon was served with old-fashioned mustard, crispy rice, shallots, green onions and long red peppers. My Five-Spiced Buttered Scalloped – Ngo Vi Houng consisted of three pan-fried scallops each nestled in its own Asian soup spoon and bathed in secret fish sauce. They were garnished with crushed nuts and a hint of lemon making them simply perfect. Judy enjoyed her main course of Vegan Red Curry, a locally sourced seasonal vegetable medley stewed in red curry paste, coconut milk, palm sugar and julienned taro. I literally licked my fingers while eating a homemade order of Banh Mi Foie Gras. Imagine pan-seared foie gras, caramelized onions, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, coriander, and homemade mayo with Hang special sauce on a soft baguette, an ode to Alain’s native city of Paris. It was served on a large banana leaf, and the garnish on all their plates was a work of art. So too was the elegantly designed cutlery. Joyce describes Hang as a chill environment to linger, drink, talk and share delicious dishes among friends. All the staff were extremely personable, friendly and helpful. The decor features exotic nature elements that mimic the dense greenery of Da Nang’s jungle. The soaring ceilings, leafy chandeliers and striking wood columns add an impressive grandeur to the place. There was a great vibe throughout our evening with lots of smiling, happy young patrons. Indeed, owing to the immersive bar environment diners must be 18 or older at Hang. Finally, our dessert was served. Gateau au Pandan was quite distinct and attractive but we both decided that the Creamy Coconut Flan with Banana was the clear winner. Hang has a flair for mixology. From our opening round of shots to our cocktails, and mocktails and ending with a Vietnamese Coffee Martini, they are pros at presentation, taste and hospitality. Marylyn and her crew may be new to the high-end market but the high-end market is also new to Vietnamese cuisine. They are truly passionate about their mission and are on a winning track. Our experience was delightful and our evening was enriched by their warm and hospitable demeanour. We felt like we were hanging out (no pun intended) with friends and family around an exquisitely prepared table of outstanding cultural cuisine. Who could ask for more? Hang is poised to become Montreal’s new must-visit dining destination. It is located at 686 Notre Dame Ouest in Old Montreal, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. Visit hangbar.ca or call 514 910-2227.

Glenn J. Nashen’s Five Alarm Culinary Adventure at Sushi Taxi

Not even a major shutdown of Notre Dame Street in Little Burgundy could keep us away from a gastronomic luxury take-out of sushi and Asian fusion at Sushi Taxi. No exaggeration! The fire department literally closed down the street for an emergency. However, the conscientious staff called to say, ‘stand by’. As soon as the ‘all clear’ sounded we headed into the bistro-chique locale.

Glenn J. Nashen discovers more than a good dinner at Casa Grecque in Chomedey

I was looking for a tasty, family-friendly take-out dinner and Casa Grecque in Chomedey was my next pick. My family and I love plentiful Greek salads and tangy appetizers, particularly during long, cold Quebec winters when delicious, plump red tomatoes are not in abundance. What I found at this spacious, well-decorated restaurant in Chomedey at the corner of St. Martin Blvd. and Daniel-Johnson Blvd. was far more than I could have imagined.

Nashen does Take-Out: Bistro Amerigo still heating up on Monkland

Bistro Amerigo may be a relatively small eatery, but during the pandemic lockdown the well-known West-End restaurant is doing large scale take-out and delivery. I last reported on Amerigo some two-and-a-half years ago and have returned numerous times with friends and family since then. The local “Garde Manger Italien” (or kitchen pantry) has maintained its flair for fine authentic dishes at reasonable prices, not far from home.

Glenn J. Nashen grabs a kosher slice at PizzaPita Prime

PizzaPita has been going strong in the Snowdon area for more than 30 years. With their recent move across Decarie Boulevard to the former Pizza Hut location in front of Decarie Square, at the corner of Decarie and Vezina, they have a prime spot to garner the attention of thousands of commuters, shoppers and locals each and every day. Hence they’ve rebranded PizzaPita to PizzaPita Prime.

G Pizzas owner Giuseppe Sacchetti holding pizzas and meatballs in Montreal

Mike Cohen

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 and @mikecohencsl

Is G Pizzas the best-kept culinary secret in Montreal’s West End?

If it is, I can certainly understand why. I had driven past this unassuming storefront for years without giving it a second thought, only discovering its existence after owner Giuseppe Sacchetti personally invited me to stop by. Curious to see what all the fuss was about, I recently dropped in with my colleague Mario for a weeknight visit.

Located at 5463 St-Jacques Street West near Girouard, G Pizzas may not look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find a serious passion project. While the spacious kitchen reveals the operation’s ambitious scope, the intimate dining room, a recent addition, features just a handful of tables that create a warm, personal atmosphere.

In 2020, after years of refining his craft in some of Montreal’s most prestigious kitchens and dining rooms, working alongside top chefs, Sacchetti launched G Pizzas with a mission: to elevate pizza in Montreal through exceptional ingredients, meticulous technique, and a commitment to quality.

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That philosophy is evident in every aspect of the menu. Inspired by Roman pizza traditions, Sacchetti sources Canadian and Quebec grains for his dough and carefully selects cheeses and ingredients that highlight local producers. The result is food that respects old-world traditions while embracing Montreal’s vibrant culinary identity.

“I began operating as a wholesale bakery and takeout,” Sacchetti explained. “Over the last year we’ve opened our dining room, and this year we’ve added a terrace. We currently have 14 seats, with room to expand for private events.”

Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, having food delivered, or bringing ready-to-bake pizzas home, G Pizzas offers a modern, flexible experience focused on flavour, texture, craftsmanship and premium ingredients.

While the restaurant enjoys a strong reputation for pickup and delivery, the real magic happens when you experience the pizzas fresh from the oven. The dining room channels the energy of a traditional Roman bottega, complete with an open kitchen that allows guests to watch the action unfold and feel fully immersed in the experience.

The menu features both round and Roman-style pizzas crafted with slow-fermented doughs, premium toppings, and creative flavour combinations that distinguish them from the competition.

Ready-to-heat pizzas from G Pizzas in NDG Montreal

A Meal to Remember

Mario and I began by sharing two standout appetizers: the St. Louis-cut pork ribs and the hot meatball.

The ribs, slow-cooked and braised in tomato sauce, delivered the comforting flavours of a traditional Italian Sunday family meal. They were remarkably tender, practically falling apart with each bite.

The meatball was equally impressive, made with fresh ground beef, Grana Padano cheese, milk, bread, herbs and spices, all simmered in a rich, flavourful tomato sauce. Simple ingredients executed exceptionally well.

Of course, pizza was the main attraction.

Mario chose the classic All Dressed, while I ventured into new territory with my first-ever Chicken Parm Pizza. Topped with crispy chicken cutlet, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it was a delicious twist on two comfort-food favourites and one of the evening’s highlights.

Yet pizza is only part of the story here. The menu also features Roman pizza squares, fresh salads, zucchini dishes, all-dressed focaccia, all-beef hot dogs, hand-rolled manicotti, chicken parmigiana, and a comforting Roman-style egg drop soup.

Save Room for Dessert

Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, dessert arrived.

Triple chocolate chunk cookies served at G Pizzas in NDG Montreal

The Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies are baked to order and loaded with four varieties of chocolate. Inspired by Christina Tosi’s celebrated Milk Bar creations, these cookies were specifically designed to follow a pizza feast.

Warm, soft and chewy in the centre, with just the right amount of crispness around the edges, they delivered the perfect sweet finish to the meal.

To wash everything down, I enjoyed a refreshing bottle of San Benedetto Lemon Iced Tea, a simple but satisfying pairing.

Bringing G Pizzas Home

Before leaving, don’t forget to pick up a few ready-to-heat pizzas and jars of the house-made hot peppers. It’s an easy way to bring a little bit of the G Pizzas experience home with you.

The restaurant also offers catering services for a wide variety of occasions, including corporate lunches, grazing tables, pizza parties, picnics, and special celebrations.

The verdict? What started as a hidden gem is quickly becoming a destination. G Pizzas combines old-school Italian comfort, Roman-inspired craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality to create an experience that’s worth seeking out. If you haven’t discovered it yet, consider this your invitation.

Rating: 8.5/10 🍕🍕🍕🍕½

Standouts: Chicken Parm Pizza, St. Louis ribs, hot meatballs, and those unforgettable triple chocolate cookies.

G Pizzas is located at 5463 St-Jacques Street West. Operating hours are Tuesday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday from noon to 9 p.m. Orders can be placed online or through DoorDash. For catering and private events, call 514-312-9865 or email G@Gsacchetti.com.

🍕 About G Pizzas

G Pizzas is the creation of Chef Giuseppe Sacchetti, whose obsession with pizza began in 2009 and eventually led him on a long search for the perfect crust. Drawing on his Roman heritage and Montreal upbringing, Giuseppe studied with masters including Gabriele Bonci in Rome and Jeffrey Finkelstein at Montreal’s Hof Kelsten Bakery. In 2020, after years of experimentation and a career in some of Montreal’s most prestigious kitchens and dining rooms, he launched G Pizzas with a goal of raising the standard for pizza in Montreal. Today, the NDG pizzeria combines Roman-inspired technique with Montreal creativity, offering round tonda pizzas, square al taglio, focaccia, sides and ready-to-heat products built around carefully selected Canadian and Quebec ingredients.

⭐ Good to Know

Cuisine: Roman-style pizza & Italian-inspired dishes
Established: 2020
Chef: Giuseppe Sacchetti
Known For: Roman tonda, pizza al taglio, focaccia and creative Montreal-inspired toppings
Price: $$
Reservations: Not generally required; ordering ahead is recommended
Ordering: Pickup, delivery and online ordering available
G’s Grocery: Ready-to-heat pizzas and Italian grocery products
Phone: (514) 312-9865

🍁 Montreal Food Scene

Neighbourhood: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (NDG)
Montreal Identity: A chef-driven Montreal pizzeria blending Roman tradition with local influences
Food Scene: Artisan pizza, Italian baking traditions and Montreal’s evolving independent restaurant culture
Local Character: A small, intimate, kitchen-focused operation where the chef and the pizza-making process are central to the experience
Pizza Connection: G Pizzas is part of Montreal’s growing interest in Roman pizza styles, including both round tonda and rectangular al taglio

📍 G Pizzas — NDG

5463 Rue Saint-Jacques Ouest
Montréal, QC H4A 2E1
Area: Notre-Dame-de-Grâce / Saint-Jacques Street

🔎 Explore More

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⭐ What Diners Are Saying

4.6 ★★★★★
Google · 100+ reviews

What reviewers consistently mention

Diners frequently praise G Pizzas for its light, crisp crust, quality ingredients, Italian-style flavours and the personal presence of Chef Giuseppe. The restaurant is also often described as a hidden gem in the NDG area, with many reviewers making particular mention of the dough and the freshness of the toppings.

View current Google reviews →

Review snapshot

Current third-party review coverage is strongly positive overall, with praise concentrating on the pizza’s crust, ingredients, Italian character and the warm, chef-led service. Some reviews also note the intimate size of the operation and that pickup can provide the best experience.

View current review coverage →

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