Montage Italian Grill

Upon arriving we were greeted in an unfriendly tone asking us first if we had made reservations. When we had said we had not the hostess showed us to a table with a setting for two when we were a party of three. When we simply asked if we could sit at a table with a view we were told a table with a view was only possible with a reservation. The hostess did suggest we could go downstairs to the bar that had a view if we were willing to be waited on by the bartender. After sitting there for a few minutes without any attention being paid to us we decided to take our business elsewhere. Very surprising to see the other two reviews rate the service so high.

Amazing view of Seneca Lake. I had the shrimp scampi. The shrimp was huge. My husband had spaghetti & meatballs. Both meals were very good plus quick service!

Montage also has a Unilocal listing as Montage Italian Grill.
I’m conflicted whether to rate this 2 or 3 stars but will give them the benefit of the doubt. On the plus side, it’s a beautiful location on the west side of Seneca Lake just outside Watkins Glen. Great view. Lots of tables along the fully windowed wall looking out on the lake. We had an pleasant, attentive and experienced waitress.
Split an appetizer – Calamari Fritte (lightly breaded tender calamari flash fried and tossed with a spicy lemon-​sriracha sauce) – delicious but I didn’t notice any spiciness! Nice little salad, not too much and they brought my dressing on the side as I requested. My dining companion had Ravioli Bolognese (extra-​large ravioli stuffed with a creamy blend of four Italian cheeses and finished with chef’s veal bolognese sauce). Such a large helping that he took some home.
I ordered the Veal Cutlet (hand breaded and fried golden brown, then finished with limoncello demi-​glacé and served with pasta and sauce). The pasta and sauce were excellent and just the right amount. Shredded parmesan on the side.
Now, about the veal… it was tender, perfectly cooked. However, I should have sent it back after the first bite, but no, I didn’t. I ate about half, took the rest home and ate that later. Boy, what that did to my sodium level! Did someone accidentally drop an entire salt shaker in the breading? Tasted like it. Why, oh why, did I eat it? I knew it was too salty, but hate to make waves. Shame on me.
Also on the plus side, the place was very clean, including bathrooms. But, definitely needs updating. Things are peeling and chipping and getting old.
There is on-​site, off-​road parking, plenty of it. When you first walk in, you’re at a sign-​in desk for the motel in the rear. The dining area is straight ahead and easy to spot. A real red rose on every table. I like fresh flowers on the tables. Our waitress poured iced lemon water and left the pitcher at the table. We were the first diners to show up about 5 PM. By the time we left (about 7), 6 – 7 more tables were full.
Would I go back. I might, but believe me, I’d speak up this time if need be.

We have wanted to go there for years; gave it a try last night for our anniversary. Love the old-​fashioned race memorabilia, the quaint lounge, and spectacular views. The food was excellent, uniquely prepared and a normal portion size. Can’t wait to go back.

We were looking for restaurants on Unilocal on the way to Watkins Glen from Rochester and pretty much everything was in town. Being a weekend we wanted to avoid the crowd, parking and get a quick lunch before we saw the Watkins Glen State Park (a must see attraction, 5 stars for that). There was no reviews for this place on Unilocal but we decided to do it the old fashion way, actually try it out. Montage Italian Grill is a restaurant at the Glen Motor Inn on Route 14. You get a great view of the Seneca lake from the restaurant. The service was fast, friendly and food very economical. We ordered soup of the day, Italian Grill Chicken Salad and Italian Melt. Everything was fresh and decent. Everything on the lunch menu was pretty much under $ 10 and coming from NYC that felt impossible. Do not expect gourmet food, but reasonably priced decent food and great service. An honest place in my opinion.

Wasn’t sure after reading the mixed reviews whether I’d try it… but we did.
I can now disagree with the negative reviewers and concur with the positive reviewers.
Very good food. We had the grilled shrimp appetizer, fettuccini carbonara, and tenderloin tips with peppers. I’d give the grilled shrimp appetizer an A, and the Fettuccini a A-​,
The Tenderloin tips entrée had plenty of peppers but I really did not care about the pepper quantity like another reviewer. I was however more than surprised with the beef portion size, quality, and doneness… all of which were excellent, The house salads with the meal were excellent and I enjoyed the Pinot Grigio (from Italy which was great because I haven’t discovered a NYS Pinot Grigio that I like very much yet.)
Service was okay (good) on this busy with «local» customers Friday night.
The view of Seneca lake was spectacular… wished I’d brought my binocs.
Yep, the décor is very dated… but it is clean and neat. You can’t eat the décor and the food is worth coming back for… which is what I plan to do.
Dinner for two with wine including tax and a generous tip came to under $ 45.00 person… not bad considering the view and food quality.