Amerigo & The Italian Pantry

We used to live around the corner from The Italian Pantry and we visited it ALL the time for their ready meals, excellent Italian grocery products and just to have a chat with friendly owner Steve.  We don’t live on that street anymore and don’t get to visit nearly enough but when I reached exhaustion point with family dinnertime Amerigo was the first place that came to mind to take the family.

Amerigo & The Italian Pantry have now combined into one cozy little location across the street from the old Italian Pantry location.  Amerigo serves up rustic Italian food perfect for the family.  Steve is happy to do child portions and the location is family friendly.

There are two tables of four and one table of eight.  When we arrived, at the toddler friendly hour of 5:15, all the tables were reserved for 6:00 so I suggest if you are interested in eating at that peak time to reserve.  The rest of the seating near the window is on tall chairs which isn’t great for little ones.

Our kids can last around 45 minutes at the restaurant right now so we just ordered a bunch of stuff and asked them to bring it to the table.  Stand outs include the calamari which was SO good, and the kids spaghetti was amazing too.  The rest of the stuff is all great, basic but well done Italian favourites and there is pretty much something for everyone.

There is also a little bar in case you want a cocktail (yes please!)

I think it’s such a great choice in the area for families or if you aren’t up for eating out there is a great selection of food to take away.

Amerigo & The Italian Pantry, 6127 Monkland

Decor: Cute and decorated but not over the top.  Italian TV was playing silently, which half allowed me to dream I was back in Italy instead of (on that day) snowy, rainy Montreal.

Service: Super fast, but we were the only ones there so I can’t really comment on a peak time.

Prices: Fair

Food: Great, basic Italian fare.

Good For: Families, friends in the neighbourhood wanting to catch up.

Child Friendly: Yes.  There are high chairs and a clip on high chair would work too.  There isn’t a ton of room for strollers.

ps Sorry – no photos of the food.  That’s crazy time with two kids and not great with a big camera!