Cantina Italiana

Seems like where the locals go, which is always a good thing! Sat at the bar with several dinner regulars and had a fantastic meal. Bombolotti is the unique item on the menu and it was definitely a treat in a fra diavolo prostration with lobster and shrimp. The seafood was cooked as perfectly as the bombolotti and it was in a deliciously spicy sauce. Great feel to the place!

First of, reservations are highly recommended; however, don't do it via OpenTable because according to the hostess, it doesn't appear in their system. We went on a Saturday night, there was a line and it was a bit of a wait. The hostess was wayyy better than the host. She was more informative and helpful. The guy was not helpful whatsoever, like he didn't even suggest for us to see if there was seating in the bar, which is on a first come first serve basis. He also didn't offer to put us down in the waitlist either. He plainly and bluntly states that they were not talking any walk-ins. We made way to the bar and wait for a spot to open and after 10 minutes we managed to get two seats at the bar. The bartenders were very nice, accommodating and attentive! The food was freaking delishhhhhious! It was perfect portions and we did also order the scampi for appetizers and we received complimentary bread to start.

We have eaten at a half dozen restaurants in the North End now, and Cantina Italiana is my favorite so far for the overall experience. For starters, the food was good and did not seem like an American interpretation of Italian cuisine. I had the Gnocchi alla Norcina, which is by far the best gnocchi I have had outside of Italy. My gin martini was also delicious, and was delivered like all martinis should be: quickly. For me, though, there were two other details that elevated Cantina Italiana above most of the other restaurants we've tried. First, the service was friendly and fast. We tend to eat unfashionable early these days, and that often helps us get a table, but here it was bustling and we got a table quickly anyway. Our server checked on us frequently. Second, there was live music - in the form of an older gentleman walking around serenading diners on his accordion. It was lovely. He played just long enough to be romantic, but didn't overstay his welcome. For my money, this is the place. The food is good, the service is great, and the atmosphere was perfetto.

Wonderful place to get authentic Italian cuisine! Loved the decor (the vintage mirrors!), the food, and the service! Ordered the Bombolotti alla Buongustaia and the sauce had a lot of flavor and depth! My partner ordered the classic spaghetti with meatballs, and it’s safe to say that he ate everything off the plate! It can be difficult to choose which Italian restaurant to eat at in the Boston Italian district, but I just have to say that this place did not disappoint! We loved it!

Stopped by on a whim when my favorite restaurant was full. Very glad we came here. The service was welcoming and very attentive. Nice cocktail options. We had the stuffed zucchini which was a special and it was delicious served on arugula and cheese. The bolognese was extraordinary. Large portion. I had the chicken w prosciutto, wine sauce, and mushrooms. Came w two large pieces. For an extra charge of $7 you can add a choice of homemade pasta so I added gnocchi and it was perfect. We will definitely return.

It was very busy but they took our group of 5 in quickly where others estimated an hour or more. Our waitress was friendly and efficient. There were musicians walking around and food came quickly.

had lisa as a server, she gave us great advice for food choices, she recommended the chicken parm with vodka sauce, it was delicious, she was extremely friendly and helpful, made us feel welcomed. definitely coming back here again, staff is extremely friendly and food services are fast and food quality is great

Visiting Boston to move two of my kids into college, we strolled Hanover for a place to eat and stumbled upon Cantina Italiana. I'm so glad we did! Our waiter, Orazio, took the time to answer all of our questions about the menu and offered some suggestions. We got the meatballs for an appetizer, and we loved them. I got the . . . Orazio called it a seafood stew with pasta, but I can't remember the actual name of it. My wife got the lobster ravioli. My meal was phenomenal, and my wife raved about her ravioli, as well. I can't recommend this place enough. And if you can, ask for Orazio. If you get him, make sure to ask for his recommendations. He goes above and beyond, for sure.