PASTIFICIO ETNA

Etna, a Mediterranean Aperitivo Bar, Has Settled in Villeray | Eater Montreal

"On the corner of Henri-Julien on Jarry Street between St-Laurent and St-Denis, this new wine bar from Claudia Fancello and Sergio Conde is inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo bars and rooted in the pair’s backgrounds (Conde from Malaga, Fancello with Sardinian family ties). They’ve returned to their restaurant roots to create an apero-focused spot offering charcuterie and cheese planchettes made with Quebec produce and a range of small plates blending Italian and Andalusian influences — notably albondigas made to Conde’s mother’s recipe with a saffron-almond sauce and a sweet-and-sour, vegan-friendly caponata with polenta devised by Fancello. The menu is deliberately affordable ($4–$18) because they live in the neighbourhood and want an accessible, friendly spot. The wine list is “succinct but really curated,” mostly private imports with an emphasis on natural and organic options and glasses starting at $8; aperitivo-style drinks like vermouth, Negronis, spritzes and a non-alcoholic spritz are also available. The cozy interior, redesigned by architect Michael Hall with custom lighting by Conde, is a modern take on a late‑’70s vibe featuring lots of gold, wood and Mediterranean‑style teal‑green tiles, and the owners plan to add more artwork over time. Etna is open at 244 Jarry E (currently 4–10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 4–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Monday–Wednesday with plans to expand)." - Tim Forster