The culinary landscape of Montpellier is a vibrant tapestry woven with Mediterranean sunshine and rich Languedoc traditions. While the city is renowned for its fresh seafood and rustic local bistros, it also harbors a deep and abiding love for Italian cuisine. From the historic cobblestone lanes of the Écusson to the trendy avenues of Antigone, the aroma of wood-fired dough and simmering tomato sauce is never far away. Whether you are a local seeking a new favorite trattoria or a traveler looking to trade cassoulet for carbonara for an evening, the options are impressively diverse.
Finding genuine Italian food in France can sometimes be a gamble, often diluted by tourist traps and pre-made sauces. However, Montpellier’s dining scene has matured significantly, welcoming a wave of chefs who prioritize authenticity, imported ingredients, and time-honored techniques. You can find everything from Neapolitan pizzas with perfectly leopard-spotted crusts to handmade pasta dishes that taste like a Sunday lunch in Rome. It is a city where the passion for "la dolce vita" is taken just as seriously as a fine French wine list.
This guide cuts through the noise to bring you the definitive list of the best Italian tables in the city. We have evaluated these restaurants based on the quality of their ingredients, the skill of their pizza chefs (pizzaiolos), the warmth of their service, and the consistency of their execution. We understand that the best Italian meal is about more than just food; it is about atmosphere, hospitality, and that satisfying feeling of being well cared for. You will find options here for romantic dates, family gatherings, and quick, high-quality lunches.
Montpellier’s proximity to Italy and the Mediterranean coast ensures that many of these kitchens have access to exceptional produce. From San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella from Campania to flour milled specifically for high-hydration doughs, the dedication to detail is palpable. Whether you are a purist who judges a restaurant solely on its Margherita or an adventurer looking for truffle-infused specials, this curated selection has a spot for you.
We have personally navigated the busy terraces and hidden dining rooms to bring you this selection, ensuring that each recommendation offers a memorable experience. It is time to ditch the generic chain restaurants and explore the independent artisans who are shaping Montpellier’s Italian food scene. Prepare your appetite for a journey through Italy without ever leaving the south of France.
Here are the 12 best Italian restaurants in Montpellier that you simply cannot miss.
Bambino Rocco
| Address | 20 Rue de l'Aiguillerie, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
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| Phone | 04 67 05 39 87 |
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Jessie Williams★★★★★
Sat outside, which was nice at 9pm after 32degrees all day!
The signature cocktail had a basil oil in it that was like nothing i have ever tried before. The waitress was really lovely and she suggested an alteration to my starter that was to die for.
The main is some of the best pasta I've had outside of Italy. If I was here for longer I would 1000% come back, and I will recommend to anyone that comes here.
Far enough from the tourist area to feel relaxed and enjoyable, but close enough that you don't have to walk too far.
Mayra de Armas★★★★★
Excellent restaurant, excellent service, very friendly staff, delicious food, perfect flavors in their dishes, thank you so much for making our dinner a pleasant experience!!
miradeboose★★★★★
Would absolutely recommend, I came back here 3 times during my little solo-trip to this beautiful city. The food was delicious (I loved the tomato and basilicum pasta!), the wine exquisite and the staff extremely kind and friendly. The location is also perfect!
Teena French★★★★☆
Just a nice simple Italian meal! We had Regina pizza which is nice but need a bit more sauce/flavor and veal escalope for dinner 🥘
Nanna Rintala★★★★☆
Nice service, very good recommendation for what to eat from the chef. Amazing mushroom and truffle pasta, awesome tiramisu. We were so happy. Only thing we wondered was we were seated in the very back with no other people, while the front of the restaurant was really busy and full off life!
Casa Di Giorgio - Restaurant Italien à Montpellier
| Address | 10 Rue de la Loge, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
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| Phone | 04 67 66 04 17 |
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Mihael Silac★★★★★
We had a great dinner at Casa Di Giorgio on Jean Jaurès in Montpellier. We ordered pizzas and finished with tiramisu for dessert. The pizzas were really well prepared — thin, nicely baked crust with quality ingredients and balanced flavours. You can tell they pay attention to the dough and freshness of the toppings.
The tiramisu was creamy, light and not overly sweet, which made it the perfect ending to the meal. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, especially because of its central location, but still comfortable for a relaxed evening. Service was friendly and efficient despite the restaurant being busy.
Overall, a very enjoyable Italian dining experience. We would definitely come back for the pizzas again.
Maya Magdy★★★★★
Really had a great meal at Casa di Giorgio. The food was amazing and delicious. We tried the pasta Carbonara and Gambas à la Toscana. Both dishes were excellent. We had a mix of antipasti of arancini and salad. The waitress recommended some nice wine to go with the meal. Service was pretty good despite the restaurant being too busy on a Sunday night. We will be back to try other dishes and probably dessert which we skipped this time.
Andy Wade★★★★★
What a wonderful spot to sit outside and have dinner! We enjoyed watching the people go by, as well as the mix of street performers. The staff was very helpful, and provided English menus. The food was good - we were just in Italy and had so much wonderful food so our standards are likely high for carbonara and lasagna! Nice wine choice and plenty of other beverages. We had a great meal experience!
Fraser R★★☆☆☆
Booked a table inside as there was aircon. Unfortunately it only worked for 2 mins at a time. We were given the controller to try & work it out ourselves 😁
Waited ages to order, getting hotter every 2 mins. Eventually ordered some wine, 2 simple pasta dishes & some bread. Another long wait & the wine arrived. This was followed by the food almost after we had finished the wine. No bread though.
The Arrabiata was nuclear hot. All the chilli powder was on the top couple of pasta pieces & it was bland underneath. No fresh chilli.
We were going to order some desert but got fed up waiting so joined the queue to pay our bill.
Graciously the manager removed the Arrabiata from the bill.
I’d be careful at this restaurant, if it’s busy I’d suggest elsewhere. If you order anything with spice mix it yourself 😁
Had many much better Italian dinners.
Fabio Diglio★★☆☆☆
Casa di Giorgio is a nicely decorated restaurant which serves Italian dishes, on one of Montpellier most famous streets (Rue de la Loge)
From outside the place looks smaller than it is actually, as it has an “hidden” room on the back
I went there for the proximity to my hotel and for reviews they got and, true to be told, I was very disappointed.
I ordered a classic and simple Margherita, which was thin, crisp and rather dry with little mozzarella and - for the very first time in my life - black olives.
I do not know if that’s their standard, I made a bad choice or the pizza maker had a bad night.
Prices of water bottles, starting from 5,00€, are out of this world.
Antonio e Marco - Montpellier
| Address | 23 Rue de Chio, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:30 – 10:30 PM |
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| Phone | 04 99 53 33 57 |
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Mahmoud Hashoush★★★★★
Amazing place, great food and very welcoming staff... The ingredients are fresh and the atmosphere is very positive... What else would one ask for? 🙌
When you go there, don't forget to try the pistachio tiramisù 😉
Everett P'an★★★★★
Three words: really good pizza.
This place opened up where one of my favorite local biere places was... this place recently opened and I had to give it a try.
Pizza crust is VERY good! Quality of ingredients is fresh and generous, and the ambiance seems great (even though I had takeaway). Priced are reasonable, considering the quality of the food.
I will return in the future, for sure!
nazanin karimi★★★★☆
Everything was fine, except for the service. We had to wait a long time to get a table, even though some tables were already empty and just needed to be cleaned.
H Long★★★☆☆
Cute restaurant and concept but the service was inexplicably slow. 20 minutes after seating before we were even acknowledged. After ordering the food it took another 30 minutes to arrive. We did notice that some regulars or locals were served much quicker. Food was average not really worth the wait.
Alex Feix★☆☆☆☆
I can’t say anything about the food. After 1h waiting. They told me there was a „mistake“ with the system - thanks and good luck
FRICACCIA : Italian Street Food - Montpellier
| Address | 16 Rue des Étuves, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
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| Phone | 04 58 28 44 21 |
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Nicolas Suarez★★★★★
Very lovely meal, using the proper Italian recipes, and probably the best tiramisu I've ever had in France! Service is also attentive and friendly. Surely will comeback
Dimitrije Pavlovic★★★★★
Amazing experience! The staff were super friendly and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this place. I even made a new friend on the staff—Muchacco! 10,000/10. Keep up the awesome work, guys!
Amy Timmons Stumpf★★★★★
Terrific service, fun menu and all pasta has gluten free option!
I had the pistachio pesto burrata pasta - sooo yummy, after a day at the sea.
Dario Strickler★★★★★
We had dinner at Fricaccia. They had a great food and drink selection. We had a focaccia, a pinsa and a cannolo for dessert. Everything was very tasty. We would visit again ☺️.
Birte Anthes★★★★★
Very nice atmosphere and personnel and a lovely interior 😍, the food was fine as well 🙂↕️
Il Pastaiolo
| Address | 18 Rue Henri René, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 5:30 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 11:30 PM |
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| Phone | 09 54 77 15 17 |
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Flam Bo★★★★★
We stumbled across this venue by chance. It doesn’t look like much from the outside — more of a kebab‑house or takeaway feel, with limited seating inside and outdoor tables shared with the restaurant opposite — but don’t let appearances fool you. This is a genuinely authentic, family‑run place serving all home‑made food, from the pasta to the desserts. Portions are generous, flavours spot‑on, and the service is absolutely first‑class. They also offer some adventurous twists on pasta — my curry‑chicken pasta dish was excellent. The focaccia is a must‑try, and the home‑made desserts are superb. If you want honest cooking, warm hospitality, and great value, this is the place.
[The pictures do not do the food justice - taken after we threw parmesan over it!]
Jadyn Chin★★★★★
Amazing service and the best food!! Discovered this real hidden gem. The focaccia was crazy good with its freshness and warmth.
Bridget Stobie★★★★★
Very small amount of seating but an amazing place to eat. Owner was very welcoming and helpful and obviously passionate about his pasta. We tried three different dishes and each one was delicious. Very generous serving sizes as well. Highly recommend this if you are after an authentic pasta experience- bring your appetite!
Kevin Plenio★★★★★
Wow! We loved it. Carbonara, Bolognese and the Focaccia are unbelievable.
Tytus Lubomirski★★★★★
Great authentic Italian pasta. Super tasty and at a good price, run by very nice people! I highly recommend!
Pinocchio - Restaurant Italien Montpellier
| Address | 5 Pl. Jean Jaurès, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM |
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| Phone | 07 66 97 84 82 |
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Helmut Silver★★★★★
Great little spot for a straightforward casual feed on a Sunday evening after a long travel day! Tasty risotto brimming with chunky mushrooms and an unusual but tasty pistachio-lover's pizza.
Service was quick and friendly and the location for al fresco in a busy square completely apt for a warm sunny evening.
B.★★★★☆
Nice restaurant, good Pizza with a very good dough, thin but crispy and tasty. It was a little too thin with the thick tomato too eat properly but still tasty. We had a salad before which was also good. Seating inside (it was raining) is ok, clean and relatively new. Staff was nice and friendly. Price was also fair. So, everything was good and nice, it's just that with a 4.9 rating you expect a little more. It's good and I would go again but it's not special, it's not a 4.9 (but then everything in Montpellier seems to be a little overrated). It is definetely recommendable for a normal night out with pizza, but not if you are looking for something special (which it is not claiming to be).
Katie Farmand★★★★★
Delish dinner in a bustling square. We enjoyed the pasta and pizza we ordered and also had an excellent Aperol spritz. Service was friendly and the food came out super fast. Highly recommend!
Pia Winter★★★☆☆
Really enjoyed our lunch here. Two small gripes: 6€ for two small scoops of ice cream felt a bit steep, and when paying by card, the waiter added a 10% tip himself without asking before handing over the terminal. We would have happily tipped anyway, so it just felt unnecessary – maybe a sign that staff aren’t paid enough and feel they have to build it in?
Johannes Maximilian★★★★★
Delicious italian Restaurant in the heart of the city, wonderful pasta
Osteria dell'Orso
| Address | 43 Rue de la Cavalerie, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 04 67 04 17 60 |
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Alain S★★★★★
Located in the Beaux-Arts district, this restaurant is in a fairly quiet spot with a cute little terrace. The food is delicious, everything is homemade, and you can tell. Plus, the waitress was lovely. She even managed to seat us outside even though the restaurant was full. I highly recommend it.
Bpt★★★★★
Great experience. The products are good and it shows, the staff are welcoming, all for a very reasonable price considering the quality. I recommend it!
Evelyne S★★★★★
Great evening with friends, featuring delicious pasta and a very refreshing limocello tiramisu. We'll definitely be back!
nathalie llinares★★★★★
A wonderful discovery!
A very good Italian restaurant, delicious dishes, fresh and homemade ingredients, attentive service and a warm welcome, very reasonable prices—all the ingredients were there for a great evening!
Excellent value for money!
cloe★★★★★
Great Italian restaurant, good quality food, pleasant service.
La Nonna Restaurant Montpellier Millénaire
| Address | 1086 Av. Albert Einstein, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed |
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| Phone | 09 70 66 95 96 |
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Jessica Bechaalani★★★★★
Such a great place. The food and service were amazing. We ordered appetizers, main dishes and the tiramisu is something else!!
Alexandra Bishop★★★★★
Such a great place for food. Service was amazing and couldn’t fault our visit.
Randomly behind a doctor’s surgery in an industrial estate, but definitely worth a visit.
We stopped here for lunch before heading to Chateau de Flaugergues for wine tasting. Would recommend this as a day out.
Axel Bernstorff★★★★★
Just had a wonderful dinner at this lovely Restaurant. Valerio is a super host and is running a great place don’t miss this gem.
van Raak★★★★★
“Service was great, and the people were super friendly. We were pleasantly surprised at first — it’s such a hidden gem! The quality of the food was excellent. Sadly, we live in the Netherlands, otherwise we’d definitely come back. We absolutely love Italian food!”
Ghassen Abichou★★★★★
During a business trip in Montpellier I had a dinner in this restaurant. It’s an amazing restaurant like we can find in Italy. Presentation, taste and the guest are incredible ! Strongly recommended !
IL BORGHETTO RISTORANTE
| Address | 4 bis Cr Gambetta, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
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| Phone | 04 11 93 79 72 |
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Anesti Gospodinov★★★★★
Unique and delicious pizza that is worth the price. The desserts did not disappoint either, some of the staff are actually Italian and the atmosphere was friendly and relaxing. I would definitely visit again.
Bobby Hill★☆☆☆☆
Very misleading details about their brunch service on Sunday. On instagram it says Brunch from 11:30 - 15:00, this is not correct, it actually stops at 13:00. I am currently on crutches and it is painful to walk, I made the effort to walk for 20 mins to this place to arrive at 12:40, to be told we would have 20 mins to eat and that would be it, we obviously refused.
If the brunch ends at 13:00 why mislead people and let them make the effort to come there? We were also told we could have reserved a table, this is also not true, we tried to reserve the day before but all Sundays on their online reservation service are greyed out so you cant reserve any Sunday. Sort yourself out guys.
Ben Steiger★★★★★
Sunday Italian brunch- is a large buffet spread of antipasti/breads/cured meats/cheese/pizza/la with coffee and cold drinks for 28€. Desert including Panna Cotta/tiramisu/mouse/cakes. Food was great. Like any buffet, is better when it's fresh/hot. The staff were great and filter coffee was good. Good value and nice outlook.
Zak Ezzati★★☆☆☆
Pretty poor meal. Started with a lovely Caprese salad but then went downhill fast. The meatballs were completely raw inside and they didn’t seem at all bothered but tried to fix things by overcooking it and sending it back. Unfortunately this just made the dish inedible. Then the waitress dropped the Parmesan on the floor. It was like a comedy sketch show. No sense of apology. And the plates were dirty. What a disaster.
Murray Mackenzie★★★★★
Ate at Little Italy on Saturday. We have been travelling in Europe for over two months and this was a good as anything we've had. Great food, great atmosphere and lovely helpful staff. Highly recommended!
Volfoni Montpellier – Restaurant Italien Pizzeria & Cocktails
| Address | Av. du Pirée, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 11:45 AM – 2:30 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
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| Phone | 04 99 64 87 45 |
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ARRAN Oakes★★★★★
Alone having lost my wife but was made to feel welcome and the atmosphere was relaxed The young lady was professional and spoke some english which was a huge benefit as my french is beginner level but im learning best whishes for yoir futures
DANY SAKR★★★★★
Food was delicious 😋
Service was excellent and so cooperative
Atmosphere was good but loud due to lack of sound isolation in curtains or false ceiling
Paul Vivas★★★★★
Fantastic restaurant in Montpellier
Whenever we are in Montpellier we come to this restaurant. We really like it and the food is delicious. One of the best options if you are in this area.
It changes to eat Italian rather than eating steak all the time.
Greatly recommended by us!
Elham Reviews★★★★★
Food was so delicious, tasted like homemade dishes.
Sérgio Coelho Santos★★★★★
One of the best restaurants i've been to in recent times. The staff is really friendly and efficient, the place is spacious and cosy (even with a full house) and beautifully decorated, the food is superb. Plus, there was easy parking right next to it.
IT - Italian Trattoria Montpellier
| Address | 2bis Rue de Verdun, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
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| Phone | 04 67 56 34 65 |
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Divyang Oza★★★★☆
Visited Italian Trattoria near Comedie several times, and it’s a nice, reliable spot for pizzas and pasta. One thing that really stands out is that the food is fresh and prepared live in front of you, which adds to the overall experience.
The pizzas are fresh, light, and easy to enjoy. My all-time favorite is their Margherita pizza - I’ve also tried the Funghi and Parmigiano, which were good, but the Margherita remains the best for me.
Overall, it’s a good, decent place to enjoy a satisfying meal in Comedie.
Valerii Artemenko★★★★★
Nice self service place with unbelievable menu and type of the dishes! Recommend!
tina De La Rosa★★★★★
Italian Trattoria is truly one of those places you instantly feel comfortable in. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and lively without being overwhelming — perfect whether you're coming with friends, family, or even on your own. It really has that authentic, convivial Italian vibe that makes you want to stay and enjoy the moment.
What makes it even better is how affordable everything is. The prices are surprisingly low considering the quality of the food, which is absolutely delicious. Every dish feels fresh, flavorful, and made with care — you can really taste the passion behind it.
I also have to mention the girl at the cashier, who is genuinely adorable. She always welcomes customers with a bright, sincere smile that instantly puts you in a good mood. It’s small details like that that make a big difference.
More generally, the entire team is amazing — super welcoming, attentive, and always smiling. You can tell they enjoy what they do, and it creates such a positive and relaxed atmosphere for everyone.
Honestly, it’s a place I would highly recommend to anyone looking for great food, great prices, and an even better experience!
Shipra Gupta★★★★★
Beautiful atmosphere. Need more settings, though. Slower service, because it is very crowded. Excellent food. Many vegetarian options are available. If you let them know, they will inform you appropriately. For us, they told us, that the éclairs were prepared with lard. So that helped a lot.
Sérgio Vinícius de Sá Lucena★★★★☆
Good food and service was very nice. The staff seems to be quite happy working there and they were super kind. We even found out a brazilian works there. Important to notice: you need to order the food in the bar.
Rocco et sa mère
| Address | 8 Rue du Plan d'Agde, 34000 Montpellier |
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| Maps | Click here |
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| Website | Click here |
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| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 2:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:00 PM |
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| Phone | 04 67 57 35 03 |
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reviews by riri★★★★☆
The food was good and the atmosphere was nice and cozy. However, it took a very long time for us to be seated. The service was also quite slow, and we felt the prices were a bit high for the experience. Overall, good food, but the service and value could improve.
David Jones★★★★★
Booked a table for supper on a Sunday evening (a good idea as it quickly filled up). Very friendly front of house who encouraged me to order in french but spoke to me in english so we could both practice.
Ordered calamari to share to start, delicious, hot and crispy and then two pizzas (Margherita and Napoletana), both really good thin dough and well topped. Other food that passed by the table also looked delicious (profiteroles!). Good Sicilian wine to wash them down..
Would recommend and we will probably return to try the pasta dishes and profiteroles…
Chris Vargas★★★★★
Incredible atmosphere. It’s at the foot of a beautiful medieval church. Food was fantastic. Amazing pizza and carbonara. 5 stars all the way around.
Ivo Essenberg★★★★☆
Great location with beautiful sights. The food is good, from a limited menu. Service can be hit and miss but is definitely friendly. The gnocchis are great, the pizzas are not as Italian as we are used to. But definitely a good location for a good meal. We will be back.
Hannah Esch★★★☆☆
Cannot fault the food. It was absolutely delicious. However, we asked if there was any seating outside where people wouldn’t smoke and they said no. Put us indoors which was fine however they then offered another couple to open the doors and put their table outside separate from the smoking area which we also would have appreciated.
Tips for Choosing the Best Italian Food in Montpellier
Navigating a city with such a high density of Italian restaurants can be overwhelming, and not every menu is created equal. To ensure you have the best possible dining experience, it helps to know what separates a truly great Italian kitchen from a mediocre imitation. The following tips will help you identify authenticity and quality, ensuring your meal is worth every euro spent. Whether you are a pizza aficionado or a pasta purist, these guidelines will elevate your search for the perfect plate.
Check the Flour and the Oven
Authentic Neapolitan or Roman pizza requires specific equipment and ingredients. Look for restaurants that advertise wood-fired ovens (four à bois) or high-temperature electric stone ovens. A great crust should be light, airy, and easily digestible, which often indicates a long fermentation process of at least 24 to 48 hours. If the menu or the staff can tell you about their dough process, it is a very good sign.
Look for Seasonal Specials
While the classic carbonara and margherita should always be available, the best restaurants change their menus with the seasons. Italy’s cuisine is fundamentally based on what is fresh at the market. If a restaurant offers a special featuring fresh porcini mushrooms in autumn, artichokes in spring, or specific summer truffles, it demonstrates a commitment to quality sourcing rather than frozen supply chains.
Beware of Overloaded Menus
A menu that tries to be everything to everyone—serving sushi, burgers, and pizza—rarely does any of them well. The best Italian spots in Montpellier tend to specialize. A focused menu with a limited number of pizzas and a handful of fresh pasta dishes usually indicates that the kitchen is making things in-house rather than reheating bulk-produced food.
Ask About the Pasta
Fresh pasta and dried pasta are not interchangeable; they are used for different sauces. A knowledgeable server will know if the tagliatelle is made in-house daily and will recommend the correct shape for the sauce you choose. If a restaurant claims to be high-end but serves mushy, overcooked pasta, or if the sauce is watery, the quality is lacking. Pasta should always be served "al dente."
Assess the Wine List
Montpellier is surrounded by incredible Languedoc vineyards, but a great Italian restaurant should offer a robust selection of Italian wines too. Look for regional variety—such as Chianti, Barolo, Primitivo, or Nero d’Avola—rather than just a generic "house red." A well-curated Italian wine list shows that the owners care about the full gastronomic experience.
The beauty of Montpellier’s Italian dining scene lies in its variety. You can spend a leisurely evening lingering over a multi-course meal with a bottle of Barolo, or you can grab a quick, perfect slice of pizza al taglio while exploring the city. The common thread among the best establishments is a deep respect for the ingredients and a desire to transport you to Italy, even if just for an hour.
As the culinary boundaries of Montpellier continue to expand, these Italian kitchens remain steadfast anchors of comfort and quality. Whether you are a visitor falling in love with the city’s southern charm or a resident looking to rediscover your own backyard, booking a table at one of these restaurants is always a good idea. Buon appetito!
Freya Belle is a content writer and travel journalist specializing in European destinations. With experience exploring over 30 European countries, she focuses on providing in-depth guides to authentic cuisine, historical culture, and hidden gems often overlooked by mainstream tourists. Her writing helps travelers experience Europe like a local.
