In Conversation with Mano Cornuto, Montreal's Iconic Italian Restaurant Café
Mano Cornuto, a renowned Italian restaurant in Montreal, is a true gem in the city's dining scene. With its trendy yet classic ambience, it evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of authentic Italian coffee shops, where spirited conversations and passionate gestures filled the air. Founded by the incredibly cool team of Tyler Maher, Vito Ciocca, James Baran, and Alex Ragoussis, who boast extensive experience working in some of Montreal's most esteemed restaurants, Mano Cornuto brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, infusing the Griffintown neighbourhood with its innate coolness.
The menu at Mano Cornuto is a testament to their creativity and talent. With seasonal offerings that occasionally reflect their mood, their concise yet delicious menu boasts the freshest ingredients. Whilst some items remain constant, such as their beloved Caesar salad, the freshly made pastas steal the show with their incredible flavours and flawless execution. The service is friendly, the ambience unique, and at times delightfully chaotic. Their wine list is impeccable, featuring perfect selections to complement the delectable dishes, along with masterfully crafted cocktails.
Griffintown, a neighbourhood known for its bustling energy, was in need of a simpler dining option, and Mano Cornuto fulfilled that void with excellence. As you step inside, the inviting aroma of freshly baked focaccia fills the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience in a laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying the honey truffle ricotta focaccia alongside the renowned Caesar salad or indulging in the mouthwatering fish crudo, each bite is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. The atmosphere buzzes with conversations, owners skillfully manoeuvring through the open kitchen with plates in hand, mixologists crafting liquid masterpieces, and the sight of fresh pasta emerging from the machine. And let's not forget the coffee, which is as exceptional as the food. Whether you opt for a traditional straight espresso or break the Italian norm with a foamy cappuccino, Mano Cornuto's coffee is a delightful indulgence. Comfortably defying the famous "no cappuccino after 11am" rule, they create a welcoming atmosphere where you can savour every sip.
Having frequented Mano Cornuto on numerous occasions, our personal connection with this place runs deep. Intrigued by its journey, we sat down with Tyler Maher, one of the founders, for a relaxed conversation that revealed the essence and cool vibe of this beloved caffè that has captured our hearts time and time again.
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Could you please share with us the story behind the opening of Mano Cornuto and its journey of evolution over the years?
Mano Cornuto opened in August of 2019 as a "caffè" offering wine, cocktails, and some food. Since then, it has transformed into a classic Italian restaurant experience, open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm. We have also expanded with the addition of Umarell Wine bar and Mano Figa Take Out Caffè, which serves our signature Italian Schiacciate sandwiches on house-made Foccacia.
We would love to hear about the founders of Mano Cornuto and how you all came together to open the restaurant.
The founding team of Mano Cornuto consists of James Baran (chef), Vito Ciocca (bar/FOH), Tyler Maher (FOH/Marketing & Branding), and Alex Ragoussis (Logistics, HR, Accounting). We are individuals who have worked in the restaurant and hospitality scene in Montreal for the past 15 years. Our shared experiences and passion led us to create something that combined our visions and the nostalgia of our families' Italian heritage.
What was the inspiration behind the concept of Mano Cornuto, and what sets it apart from other Italian restaurants in Montreal?
Our inspiration was to create an accessible Italian experience without pretension, offering a real local neighbourhood feel and serving the food we love to eat. We wanted to channel a European vibe, and the energy and authenticity of Mano Cornuto truly sets it apart. What you see is what you get - no gimmicks, just genuine Italian cuisine.
How do you go about sourcing your ingredients and developing the menu at Mano Cornuto, and is there a particular signature style?
We strive to source our ingredients as locally as possible, supporting the people we have built relationships with over the years. Our menu changes with the seasons, so our relationships with purveyors are crucial. We keep things fairly simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine. Our focus is on sourcing and good execution while incorporating traditional Italian classics.
We are impressed by the elevated menu offered at Mano Cornuto, despite its casual atmosphere. Do you (the owners) enjoy the juxtaposition of great food and wine in a laid-back environment?
Absolutely! We envisioned our clients coming in curious and leaving impressed with the level of food they experience. Food should be fun and accessible, and we aim to remove the pretension of dining out. At Mano Cornuto, we want people to share a carefree setting and have a memorable and unique culinary experience.
The unique ambiance of Mano Cornuto has an authentic Italian coffee shop feel. Could you share how you created this atmosphere, or did it come about naturally over time?
It's a combination of both. We wanted to capture the casual and accessible vibe of an Italian caffè while bringing the authentic energy of an Italian enoteca, bar, and caffè. Over time, it has evolved into the distinct atmosphere that is Mano Cornuto.
Balancing traditional Italian cuisine with modern techniques and flavours is no easy feat. How do you approach this at Mano Cornuto?
By keeping the ingredients simple and fresh, we are able to create more modern, seasonally relevant dishes while staying true to the classic Italian roots. Our focus is on sourcing quality ingredients and executing dishes with thoughtful simplicity.
The wine and cocktail list at Mano Cornuto is always exceptional. Could you tell us about your philosophy when creating these lists and how you approach pairings?
Our wine list caters to all levels of wine drinkers, featuring natural, low intervention, and traditional wines. We spotlight winemakers who prioritise growing healthy soil, trees, and animals and have chosen a more responsible and interesting path to tell their stories. When it comes to pairings, it's all about finding the right wine for the right time.
Can you share the concept behind Mano Figa, the coffee shop next door? Was the idea to offer fresh Italian bites and good coffee for people on the go, or was there a different inspiration?
Mano Figa was born out of the demand for a real take-out business and our initial vision for a caffè. Over time, it has become a unique entity that showcases our pastry department's talents and explores new possibilities within this setting.
Given the unique experience and atmosphere at Mano Cornuto, do you think it would be possible to open a second location, or will Mano Cornuto always be the one and only under this name?
Never say never, but we see Mano Cornuto as the showroom and flagship of what is possible within our group. Mano Figa represents a repeatable model if we choose to expand. It's all about finding the right balance, and a combination of the two could create an interesting hybrid. Only time will tell.