For 20 years, Bleu Marin, was known as “the” Italian Seafood Restaurant specializing in simple, perfectly prepared, market-fresh fish and seafood. Today, it’s called Ristorante Pesca - a new name and location but with the same “mouth watering” menu Montrealers remember so well.

Situated in the heart of Little Italy, on St. Laurent , Ristorante Pesca is all about the best and freshest. Start your dining experience with an assortment of Antipasti – very thin slices of grilled zucchini and eggplant – lightly brushed with olive oil and vinegar – delicious; mussels and clams with a light gratiné of cheese that has been just touched by the grill – wonderful; followed by fresh red snapper, sea bass or choose from several selections of the very freshest fish served grilled with lemon, olive oil and capers – “perfecto” or oven-baked with olive oil, garlic, white wine, light tomato sauce and capers – “delicioso”.

And, for the meat lovers, there’s an unbelievable 12 oz. veal chop that’s lightly dusted with salt and pepper then seared against the coal – the meat is perfectly tender and “simply buono.” There are also many wonderful Vegetarian pastas, but one of the ones you will surely fall in love with is the “Penne Melanzani“. It’s simply grilled eggplant, flavored with garlic, olive oil, lemon and hot pepper and is always served perfectly “al dente.”

Sunday Brunch, an entirely new concept to Matteo’s former restaurants, give Brunch a whole new meaning with the “Il tavalo des la Nonna”, literally meaning Grandmother’s table, and if you’re Italian you know that means an absolutely delicious Sunday luncheon. Traditional Scrambled eggs, Omelets, and French toast are part of it, but the Italian eating experience begins when you see and taste the wonderfully fresh mussel, clam, and shrimp salad, giant oyster and portobello mushrooms redolent with olive oil, garlic, and white wine then topped by fresh and aromatic parsley. Succulent stuffed squid simmered in a light tomato sauce melt in your mouth; and lasagna, chicken cacciatore, and stuffed ravioli are only a few of the dishes that are a feast for your eyes and a treat for your palate. And, if that isn’t enough, there’s an entire table devoted to croissants, “petit pains”, Italian pastries, and desserts - a perfect finale to an amazing eating experience. Pesca’s Brunch is not “Il tavalo de la Nona”, it’s “Il tavalo a la Matteo” and it’s an Italian food lovers dream. Surprisingly, the entire Brunch, is only $29.00 per person.

Pesca is larger than Scanzano’s other restaurants, however there’s still a huge showcase filled with fresh fish and seafood in the middle and he’s divided the restaurant into three intimate dining areas. Two Mediterranean style frescos adorn the walls giving an atmosphere that brings you back to Italy in “la moda Italiano.” (Italian style)

Bleu Marin and now Pesca… what more is there to say but “thank you”, you’re finally back! Your name may have changed but your food is just as scrumptious and all your fans welcome you back with open arms and “three kisses!” Ristorante Pesca is located at 6834 boul. St. Laurent in Little Italy. Reservations (514) 667-3867. Terrace for dining. Free Valet Parking on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Menu starts from $8.00 for Antipasta, Pastas start from $12.00 and Secondi Piatti (Main Course) from $19.00. Hours: Monday thru Saturday 6pm – 10.00pm Sunday 11am – 10pm Full Bar, Wheelchair Access.