Must Try: Venti Osteria

Venti Osteria (372 St. Paul W), is Montreal’s newest Italian powerhouse in the restaurant world. It has quickly turned into a popular lunch spot for young professionals, located on one of the hottest blocks in the Old Port of Old Montreal’s financial district. Chef and Owner Michele Forgione realized his childhood dream of celebrating the twenty (venti) regions of Italy with the opening of Venti and serves both a lunch and dinner menu that brings Italian regional cuisine to its patrons in a friendly neighborhood vibe. Forgione’s specialty is authentic Italian cuisine with a twist.

He is known to be a rare back-of-the-house guy who is all smiles and happiness. Over the years in the industry, he has developed a respectable reputation for his contributions to the Montreal culinary scene.  Former Head Chef at big Montreal restaurant names such as Verses in the Hotel Nelligan, and Koko in the Opus Hotel, he is finally living out his dream as owner of his own spot to showcase his passion.

The vibe in Venti is warm and inviting. Forgione went for a modern design but kept it cozy at the same time. Fiorgone’s lunch menu is brilliant, offering two different options; two choices at $18 (choice of main with an appetizer or dessert), and three choices at $23 (choice of appetizer, main, and dessert). For an appetizer, we have to recommend the Gamberi e Cannelini (marinated shrimps with beans), while our favourite main was the Orechhiette Con Broccoli Aglio e Olio (orecchiette, broccoli, garlic and olive oil).

For dinner, the menu expands and goes back to regular a la carte. Between selections of crostinis and authentic antipasti as appetizers, you will not be disappointed with either. We recommend the chicken liver crostini and the braised octopus salad with fennel and capers to start. The mains are broken down between primi and secondi, offering up a selection of side dishes as well. Our favorites amongst these are the rigatoni with veal and tomato sauce (all pastas are offered in half portions), and the duck breast with lentils. Get an order of their brussel sprouts with pancetta and baked semolina gnocchi done Roman-style on the side.

Trust us when we say this spot is worth an immediate reservation.