Locali: the new pizzeria from the NO.900 group

At just 14 years old, Alexandre Brunet began his first job in an Italian restaurant. It was the start of a lifelong love affair with Italian cuisine.

A few years later—well before launching the first NO.900 pizzeria—Alexandre opened Stromboli in 1996, his very first restaurant. Nearly 20 years on, he felt nostalgic for that Italian eatery, which he ran until its closure in 2012. That nostalgia is one of the reasons he decided to launch his newest project: Locali, a neighborhood pizzeria now located in the former Morso space on 1028 Saint-Zotique Street. Unlike NO.900, Locali serves New York–style pizza—or as Alexandre likes to call it, “Québécois style.” He opened the project with Mélanie Mailhiot, with whom he had also launched the very first NO.900 on Bernard Street back in 2014.

The name Locali perfectly reflects the concept: the restaurant sources almost all of its ingredients from Quebec. It’s a word that blends Quebecois and Italian culture—just like the menu. “At Locali, everything is rooted in nostalgia.” The dishes are inspired by flavors that remind us of our childhood.

The menu features several pizzas, available in 11-inch or 16-inch sizes for dine-in, as well as pizza by the slice for takeout. And for longtime Stromboli fans, a beloved classic makes a comeback: the fried zucchini, a dish that was never once taken off Stromboli’s menu in 17 years. It’s easy to see why. Locali also offers three hearty main dishes: a rich and indulgent lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and a pasta plate.

Behind the menu is Fiodar Huminski, also part of the NO.900 team. In fact, it was Locali’s pizza dough recipe that won him a podium spot at the World Pizza Championship.

At Locali, the vibe is casual yet warm. It’s a family-friendly spot (there’s even a kids’ menu!), not only thanks to its welcoming atmosphere but also because of the extremely affordable prices. “I wanted people to be able to come here regularly, to make it so inexpensive that cooking at home almost wouldn’t be worth it.” Locali is just as perfect for a quick lunch on the go as it is for a relaxed dinner in the dining room. The restaurant is open every day for both lunch and dinner.

Locali will open on Sunday, September 28, starting at 5 PM. The perfect spot to enjoy a generous, comforting pizza—without breaking the bank.

Buon appetito!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery