For almost 20 years Lucca has been serving traditional Italian fare from Little Italy. The house specialty is linguine frutti di mare alla marinara — linguine with a melange of seafood and tomato sauce. If that doesn’t do it, tagliatelle with rabbit ragu is a great bet.

Pasta may not be the sole emphasis here, but what Inferno lacks in selection, it makes up for in quality. Italian classics like spaghetti vongole with clams and guanciale in white wine sauce steal the show.

Michele Forgione and Stefano Faita’s spot in Little Italy is a go-to for modern Italian in the city. Their pasta and gnocchi is made in-house about as authentic as it gets, and should make any nonnas in the neighbourhood proud.

One of the newer Italian spots in the area, this trattoria isn’t to be overlooked simply because of a lack of history in the neighbourhood. Chef and owner Luciano D’Orazio does great justice to his heritage and market ingredients. Naturally, pasta is included.

This spot just north of St. Viateur on Parc specializes in northern Italian dishes. The selection changes from day to day but pasta, gnocchi, and risotto are all menu staples.

Little more than a shopfront window selling jars of pasta sauce and more, Drogheria Fine also makes some fine gnocchi. Pillowy bites of potato dumpling are smothered in tomato sauce and a liberal helping of parmesan cheese — and it’s just a few dollars for a solid takeout container of it.

Maison Publique’s ever-changing pasta specials can be some of the most creative and out-there takes on the staple in the city. (Given pasta fan Jamie Oliver’sconnection to the restaurant, it makes sense.) Keep an eye out for everything from tortellini stuffed with winter squash, to maccheroni (a type of long, square edged noodle) with egg and bottarga.

Montreal classic L’Express may be oh-so-French, but its homemade ravioli should not be overlooked. Stuffed with veal and mushrooms, they’re the ideal ratio of filling to pasta, not to mention a complete umami bomb.

想把一個浪漫的約會之夜和一個不是ta fix all in one go? Nora Gray isn’t archetypal Italian, but it is seductively delicious. All primi (pasta) courses come in two sizes, to facilitate sampling.

Pasta is what truly shines at this Italian cousin to Le Club Chasse et Pêche. The menu changes seasonally to reflect all that is fresh and abundant, while still satisfying the comforting aspect of truly excellent pasta. The same restaurant groupalso recently addedthe much-more-casual pasta counter, Il Miglio.

Graziella Batista is one of the finest Italian chefs in the city, and this Old Montreal restaurant is where she showcases it all. Options like juicy duck confit ravioli and pillowy gnocchi shine on a small, but very refined menu.