Bar Bello

In Montréal's charming Little Italy, Bar Bello transforms the ritual of aperitivo into an immersive Italian social club experience, where Matt Baker's expertly crafted cocktails flow from a vintage Negroni machine and guests lose themselves in the warm embrace of mid-century Milan nostalgia.

Bar Bello + Montréal represents the visionary collaboration between hospitality maven Kevin Demers—the creative force behind The Coldroom and Bisou Bisou—and beloved neighborhood figure Benny Bello of Bello Deli fame. Since opening in August 2023, this sophisticated cocktail destination has redefined Montréal's bar landscape by authentically channeling the convivial spirit of 1950s Brooklyn Italian-American clubs and Milan's legendary Bar Basso. Under mixologist Matt Baker's expert guidance, the bar has quickly established itself as the city's premier destination for Italian cocktail culture, earning recognition for its innovative approach to traditional aperitivo rituals.

The cocktail program at this luxury Montréal bar celebrates Italy's liquid heritage through an extensive collection of rare amari and premium vermouths. Baker's signature creations include the dessert-inspired "Tiramisu" featuring aged rum and coffee liqueur, and the neighborhood-honoring "Petite Italie" combining cognac, sweet vermouth, Cynar, and maraschino. Classic Italian cocktails—Negroni, Sbagliato, Garibaldi, and Milano-Torino—are executed with meticulous attention to traditional recipes, while the bar's crown jewel, a retrofitted 1980s Coca-Cola dispenser serving fresh Negronis on tap, adds theatrical flair to the premium craft cocktail experience. The carefully curated spirits selection emphasizes Italian producers, with rare bottles and vintage vermouths commanding ultra-luxury positioning.

Amlyne Phillips of La Chambre Design & Co. has created an atmosphere that seamlessly blends retro Italian elegance with contemporary sophistication. Black-and-white checkered floors anchor the 65-seat interior, while navy blue velvet banquettes and warm leather seating invite lingering conversations over marble tabletops. Wood paneling and softly glowing wall sconces evoke intimate European café culture, enhanced by exposed speakers spinning Italo disco vinyl. The impressive bar showcases the extensive Italian spirits collection, while the 60-seat terrace extends the social club atmosphere outdoors. Service embodies genuine Italian hospitality—warm, knowledgeable, and unhurried—with staff expertly guiding guests through antipasti pairings and cocktail selections. Smart casual dress code maintains the sophisticated ambiance without intimidation.

Bar Bello offers Montréal's most authentic Italian cocktail experience, where every Negroni tells a story and aperitivo hour extends well into the evening. Reservations are recommended for this increasingly popular destination, particularly for weekend visits when the terrace buzzes with neighborhood energy and visiting cocktail connoisseurs alike.