Whether you're a pork fan, or just a lover of good food, you've got to try this place.  Porchetta now has 4 locations in the Montreal area (downtown, Little Italy, St. Leonard, and Terrebonne).  We recently visited the location in Little Italy.   

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Located on St. Laurent Boulevard in the Little Italy area of Montreal, it is situated across the street from the famous Milano grocery store.  It's a short walk from the Jean Talon Market, and to all the espresso sports bars, so you can make a day of it in this part of town. 

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The restaurant's name is taken from the Italian dish of the same name.  Pork belly is rolled up with herbs and spices into a roast, which is then roasted for many hours till the meat is savory, fatty, and tender.  The best part of this entire roast, however, is the pork skin.  It is super crunchy and full of flavor.  Yum !

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The restaurant in Little Italy is bright, spacious, and nicely decorated.  You order your food at the service counter, and find a seat at the many communal tables or counters that line the walls and storefront.   Hang on to your receipt because on it is your order number.   Once your order is ready, the number will be called, or they may just bring it to you.

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The menu consists of sandwiches or platters, with the most popular order being the Panini Porchetta Classico sandwich.  It's a delicious panini full of porchetta meat, their special mayo, and salsa verde.   If you want a bit of heat, ask for some giardiniera in the sandwich. 

 

Giardiniera is a tasty and spicy mixture of pickled carrots, peppers, onions, carrots, and cauliflower.   It adds another taste dimension to the sandwich, or any other Italian dish.  The giardiniera served at Porchetta is prepared for them by the famous Montreal chef, Chuck Hughes.  The product is sold here, but can now also be found in many IGA stores.

 

The sandwich itself is fantastic.  The meat is moist and tender, and the panini bread is chewy and flavorful.   It can get a bit messy, with the juicy meat and salsa verde oil dripping down your hands.   We were absolutely blown away.

 

Sides like rapini, arancini (rice balls), roasted brussel sprouts, and potato wedges are available to accompany your meal.   If sandwiches are not your thing, you're able to order the porchetta as a platter with a choice of different side dishes.  Either way, you can get to that tasty meat. 

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We discovered this place when we needed a unique main course for a dinner party.   The owner, Jonathan, was a great help in answering all my questions, and in deciding the quantity of meat we'd require. His estimates were perfect.  He was friendly and accommodating, and even prepared our take-out order himself.  Needless to say, dinner was a success.  

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What a great treasure to have in Montreal.   It's a fantastic place for a quick meal, but can also be a tasty and unique option for dinners or get-togethers.   Surprise your dinner guests.   Give it a try  --  you'll be in pork heaven.

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