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Chef Emma Cardarelli’s a celebrated mind behind the restaurants Nora Gray, Elena, and Gia Vin & Grill, and her influence on the city’s dining scene is profound.
Emma Cardarelli’s culinary journey has been one marked by determination and a passion for her craft that’s resonated through Montreal.
Cardarelli’s story began with her academic pursuits in English and Psychology at the University of King’s College, a far cry from the bustling kitchens she would later inhabit. However, a serendipitous summer job at Lake O’Hara Lodge in the Rockies set her on an unexpected path. She found herself drawn to the kitchen, an experience that proved transformative, sparking a passion that led her back to Montreal to attend the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ).
At ITHQ, Cardarelli faced the challenge of studying in French, a language she wasn’t entirely fluent in. Despite her initial fears, she quickly became a top student. This eventually led to a mentorship under Fred Morin and David McMillan, and working at some of the city’s most esteemed restaurants, including Globe and Liverpool House.
In 2011, Cardarelli, along with partners Ryan Gray and Lisa McConnell, opened Nora Gray in Griffintown. The restaurant quickly became an institution, known for its celebration of Italian cuisine’s simplicity and seasonality. Nora Gray's success can be attributed not only to Cardarelli's culinary expertise but also to her commitment to creating a dining experience that feels as welcoming as it is refined.
Building on the success of Nora Gray, Cardarelli expanded her culinary repertoire with the opening of Elena in 2018, a stylish pizzeria and café located in Saint-Henri. Named after Cardarelli’s grandmother, the restaurant brought a fresh perspective to Italian dining in the city, focusing on wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and carefully curated wines.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Cardarelli further solidified her influence on her city’s dining scene with Gia Vin & Grill in late 2021, a fresh yet nostalgic take on Italian dining in a converted garage. Inspired by the traditional grills of central Italy, the dishes are complemented by an emphasis on natural and robust Italian wines.
All this being said, Emma Cardarelli is a leading figure in Montreal’s landscape. Her restaurants stand as testaments to her skill, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
These are Emma Cardarelli’s favourite restaurants in Montreal.
Side note: She also shouts out @castelfrancos as a chef everyone should know, and that Supermarché PA is an essential spot for groceries.
Nestled in a semi-basement on Park Avenue, Double's Late Night embodies a contemporary dive bar ethos on the Mile End scene. It’s a great place to unwind over drinks, games, and bites. The decor, with traditional dive bar elements infused with modern twists, features a long bar, pool table, and TVs broadcasting sports. Chef Danny Smiles’ simple menu highlights signature burgers, onion rings, fish and chips, and a revolving set of other delicious options (oftentimes Italian) when his mood strikes.
Mon Lapin has forged its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city thanks to its impeccable consistency on all levels. The restaurant on Saint-Zotique Street has distinguished itself since its opening by offering refined cuisine, personalized service, an exceptional wine list, and a unique atmosphere.
A hidden gem of Westmount, this French-forward bistro is equal parts traditional dishes done to perfection and a level of experimentation you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
In Saint-Henri, Elena emerges as a testament to Italian cuisine reimagined. Opened in early 2018 by the team behind Nora Gray, this spot pays homage to inspiring individuals like Elena Pantaleoni, whose spirit infuses the establishment’s warm, unpretentious hospitality. It integrates seamlessly into the neighborhood, reflecting its evolution with a vibrant, inviting space designed by Kyle Adams Goforth. The menu, crafted by Emma Cardarelli and Janice Tiefenbach, showcases dynamic iterations of Italian classics—from artisanal pizzas to homemade pastas, all complemented by Ryan Gray’s meticulously curated natural wine list. This new culinary landmark not only promises exquisite dishes but also embodies a modern trattoria's soul, where every detail underscores a commitment to quality and community.
Back when we got in touch with the chef running the show of this new spot in Villeray, Charles-Tristan Prévost, we were told that while Casavant is a proper French brasserie, it’s very much meant to be the kind of place you could roll through in shorts in the summer. That means this place from vinvinvin alumni and other industry vets is making a point of keeping things fun and casual while upholding quality. In a slicky designed place by MRDK, the kitchen churns out classics like tartare, tartes Provençale, chanterelle risotto, and more thatès carefully with wines from owner Matisse Deslauriersès wine import agency, À Boire Debout, which pulls in bottles from Italy and France with a bit of the States, Spain and Germany as well.
Pho Tay Ho is a beloved Vietnamese restaurant located on Saint-Denis Street, celebrated for its comforting and flavorful northern Vietnamese cuisine, especially its pho soups. Established decades ago by the Tran family, who immigrated from North Vietnam in the late 1970s, the restaurant offers dishes that reflect a rich culinary heritage. The signature pho ga, a chicken pho with a clear broth, and the traditional Hanoi dish bun cha with grilled pork and vine leaf-wrapped dumplings, are standout offerings. With a welcoming ambiance and a dedication to authenticity, Pho Tay Ho remains a cherished institution in Montreal's Vietnamese dining scene.
Kazamaza has quietly become a beloved institution in Montréal’s dining scene, offering a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavours in a cozy, unpretentious setting. Since its opening, the restaurant has captivated locals with its warm, exposed brick interior and a menu that celebrates the diverse culinary traditions of Syria and Lebanon. Under the guidance of chef Marcelino Younes, each dish is prepared with meticulous care, whether it’s the simple yet flavourful kibbe nayyé or the richly layered fatteh. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging diners to explore a variety of meze and entrées that showcase the vibrant, aromatic spices of the region.
The ambiance at Kazamaza is relaxed and inviting, with a focus on enjoying good food at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re savouring a glass of arak or diving into a plate of makanek, the experience feels both familiar and transporting. For those seeking a genuine taste of the Middle East in Montréal, Kazamaza offers an exceptional and affordable culinary journey.
Pizza Bouquet, a beloved slice shop in Little Italy, has grown from humble beginnings at the Notre-Dame-des-Quilles bar to its own dedicated space across the street. Founded by André Thériault, the pizzeria is known for its no-frills approach to food while retaining their inimitable goofy charm, serving up 16-inch New York-style pies that balance a great crust with creative toppings. Whether it’s the soppressata with spicy honey or the upside-down options, each offer reflects quality and simplicity.
The new location, opened in 2021, allows Thériault and his team to triple their pizza output, thanks to a thoughtfully designed kitchen that addresses the space constraints of their original setup. Despite the expanded capacity, Pizza Bouquet remains true to its roots, focusing on a straightforward menu that has earned it a loyal following. Pizza Bouquet continues to be a go-to spot for Montrealers seeking a delicious, unpretentious meal.
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