Cantina Italiana

Name: Cantina Italiana
Address: 346 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, United States, 02113
Telephone: (617) 723-4577
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2556 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

An iconic tradition in Boston's "Little Italy", Cantina Italiana serves the tastes that make the North End famous. Started in 1931, Cantina Italiana is the oldest restaurant in the historic North End of Boston. We boast over 90 years of tradition in providing the best in homestyle Italian American and authentic southern Italian cuisine, the freshest New England seafood, and unparalleled service and experience. Cantina Italiana's warm, charming, and traditional atmosphere gives our restaurant a relaxed setting to enjoy you meal amongst the most important parts of your dining and drink experience: family, friends, and of course...food! Enjoy and cheer among us as we would at home: Mangia, Beve, e Buona Salute!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 723-4577
Website
http://www.cantinaitaliana.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Ciriaco Colella
Catering
Catering is available upon request.

Location
346 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113
Neighborhood
North End
Cross street
Fleet Street
Parking details
We offer valet parking after 4:00pm daily. The cost is $24 per car. We also validate @ the Parcel 7 garage near Haymarket Square.
Public transit
Closest stops are North Station and Haymarket
Entertainment
We are offering a special menu on SUNDAYS from 12:00pm-10:30pm, 2 courses for $25.00.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Popular dishes

Bruschetta$7.00
Grilled Italian bread topped with marinated plum tomatoes and Mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil and basil
Caprese$13.00
Imported fresh Mozzarella cheese served with tomatoes, roasted red peppers and basil, drizzled with olive oil
Zuppa di Cozze$11.00
Sautéed mussels with black pepper, lemon and olive oil
Frittura di Calamari$12.00
Fried calamari tossed with garlic and cherry peppers, served with marinara sauce
Insalata della Casa$9.00
Mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, grape tomatoes and red onions, served with homemade creamy Italian or Balsamic
- With Grilled Chicken$14.00
- With Calamari or Shrimp$16.00
Insalata Cesare$9.00
Romaine lettuce tossed with homemade Caesar dressing, served with garlic croutons and shaved Parmigiano cheese
- With Grilled Chicken$14.00
- With Calamari or Shrimp$16.00
Spinaci con Noci e Gorgonzola$9.00
Baby spinach tossed with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, with honey toasted walnuts and crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- With Grilled Chicken$14.00
- With Calamari or Shrimp$16.00
Pizzetta Margherita$12.00
Topped with fresh tomato sauce, basil, Parmigiano and Mozzarella cheese
Pizzetta al Prosciutto$15.00
Topped with fresh tomato sauce, Parmigiano cheese, Mozzarella cheese and Prosciutto
Pizzetta con Salsiccia$14.00
Topped with fresh tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese, caramelized onions and spicy Italian sausage
Pizzetta Quattro Stagioni$15.00
Topped with fresh tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese, roasted peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, Calamata olives
Pizzetta Capricciosa$14.00
Topped with fresh tomato sauce, Mozzarella cheese, artichokes, mushrooms and Parma Cotta ham
Pizzetta con Funghi$14.00
Topped with fresh tomato sauce, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola cheese and wild mushroom
Gnocchi di Patate$14.00
Homemade potato gnocchi tossed with a choice of fresh tomato or Bolognese sauce
Ravioli di Ricotta$15.00
Cheese stuffed ravioli served with a San Marzano tomato sauce
Parmigiana di Melanzane$15.00
Baked breaded eggplant layered with Mozzarella cheese with a plum tomato sauce and Parmigiano cheese
Maccheroni al Forno$14.00
Baked pasta tossed with spicy sausage, plum tomato sauce, Parmigiano and Goat cheese
Maccheroni alla Boscaila$14.00
Homemade pasta with sautéed mushrooms and Parma ham, tossed in a tomato cream sauce with fresh basil
Tagliatelle$14.00
Homemade Tagliatelle pasta tossed with a choice of a classic tomato, Bolognese or Amatriciana sauce
Spaghetti con Polpette$15.00
Spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce topped with homemade sirloin meatballs
Lasagna al Forno$17.00
Layers of homemade pasta sheets, besciamela and meat sauce, topped with Mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection
Maccheroni con Pollo e Broccoli$15.00
Chicken sauteed with garlic and broccoli in a white wine Parmigiano cheese sauce with pasta
Pollo Marsala$15.00
Boneless chicken breast sautéed with mushrooms and sweet Marsala wine
Parmigiana di Pollo$14.00
Our traditional Chicken Parmigiana or Veal Parmigiana, served with pasta
- Vitello$16.00
Spaghetti con le Cozze$13.00
Mussels' sautéed in a light cherry tomato sauce, served over Spaghetti
Spaghetti con Calamari$14.00
Calamari sautéed with fresh garlic and basil in a plum tomato sauce, served with spaghetti
Spaghetti con le Vongole$15.00
Clams sautéed with garlic and olive oil in a white wine sauce, tossed with spaghetti

What 2,556 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

2,556 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
You simply have to order the bombolotti! Their caprese appetizer was also delicious. The restaurant was crowded and loud, in the best old-school-Italian way. Their cocktails are also fantastic. Our server was quite attentive, despite how busy the restaurant was, and they never pressured us to leave our table. It was a fun and cozy atmosphere, and it was well-decorated to kick off the Christmas season.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
Incredible service, great drinks, great atmosphere. Highly recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service. Atmosphere was buzzing! Stuffed veal special was amazing.
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RM
RobinM
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommend this restaurant. The staff was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Food was excellent.
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JL
JohnL
Las Vegas
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience3
Incompetent staff both at hostess station and then even worse with the server. Penalized for checking in without the whole party there, she literally called a party of four to come and tell them the table was ready when we were there waiting for 30 minutes. The server didn’t understand English or Spanish and didn’t comprehend that we wanted still and sparkling with separate glasses for each. Food was mediocre at best, calamari was greasy and chewy, heirloom tomatoes were $0.99 Aldi clearance and their homemade pinwheels were globs of dough. Look elsewhere
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M
Mikeinbed
New Hampshire
61 reviews
vip
4.0
61 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The food and service were very good. The birthday girl got a free dessert. A nice touch.
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DG
DeniseG
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food’s incredible. Classic Italian, everything homemade, made fresh, served immediately. Pricey but worth it.
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KO
KathleenO
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Cantina Italiana. The food is excellent and so is the service!
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LB
LewisB
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience5
My wife’s meat ball order was served warm not hot. It took some time for us to get them to a waiter and back… Server could have been more attentive. He disappeared for awhile…I started coming to Cantina 65 years ago…
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience2
Food was not good. Carbonara had a weird after taste. Seats were old and need to be updated, tight quarters to get around.
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JL
JeffreyL
Greater Boston
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
I have been coming to this restaurant off and on for nearly 30 years. I keep coming back because the food and service are always great!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Coastal Georgia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was excellent!! Would definitely recommend!
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TC
TonyC
Greater Boston
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding Food & Service. Server was very attentive
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M
Manny
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best Italian food, service, wine and thank you Omar. You’re the best, see you soon. Bring back the gamberi crostini. My wife’s favorite appetizer. Thank you Omar. Manny and Melissa
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CS
CarsonS
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had an excellent dinner with my family, and superb service. 5 star evening
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PW
PhilW
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Once again, another great meal and Omar was fantastic
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RH
RebekahH
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was EXCELLENT!! Restaurant was extremely warm and tables were very tight.
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ER
ElliottRichardson
Kinki Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
Does not live up to the hype … early reservation, we’re on time and left standing outside for our table … we were not alone, everyone had to wait. Ho hum filet. Prize for their sauces! But you lost me at the start … sorry.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Would definitely go back to Cantina Italiana. Had dinner with my two kids 3 and 6 yrs old on a Friday Night, sat us at a large booth. Waitress was very friendly and service was great.
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K
Kris
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a neighborhood gem in the North End! Outstanding food—the appetizer meatballs were divine! When I return, I plan to get a pasta dish—after having a bite of a family member’s pasta dish, you can tell the pasta is freshly homemade!
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EC
EmilyC
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
We enjoyed a traditional Italian dining experience. Delicious handmade pasta. No rush service. We dined for 2 hours. The restaurant was thriving and bustling. All diners were enjoying their food and company. Great location too. Right around the corner from the Old North Church.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time. We tried multiple items and our whole party was happy
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AS
AlisonS
Greater Boston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Overall very good. But for an 8:00 reservation, we were eventually seated at 8:30, which wasn’t right. It was likely that they overbooked.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall2food4service3ambience3
Waited 2 hours after our reservation time…. Food was good
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m
mp2100
Greater Boston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
While we had a bit of a wait even though we made a reservation, it ended up being worth it. The service was excellent, our waiter Omar was awesome!! All 4 of us loved our meals. We look forward to going back!
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AH
AllisonH
Alabama
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was wonderful! Our server was impeccable. Food was everything I ever dreamt of.
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JS
JaymeS
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was amazing as was the service. They were spot on. A great find in the north end. It is a great local place with fantastic food. Highly recommended.
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AM
AnneM
Greater Boston
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
The gnocchi , arancini and bolognese as well as caesar salad were excellent. The chicken with the eggplant was bland except for the bitterness of the eggplant. The service is top notch. It is a loud restaurant (which doesnt bother us) but if you are looking for something quiet, tihis is not the place. I will definitely go back.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Not worth the hype, mid. Service stunk, food was not very good at all, drinks were excellent, and overpriced.
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SS
SheldonS
Greater Boston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love going to the Cantina Italina, I have been going there for over 10 years. the food is great and the servers are wonderful!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
We booked a reservation for a Thursday afternoon lunch, but really did not need one, although restaurant and Open Table indicated it was required . North End of Boston was busy that day, and weather was beautiful.
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V
Versch
San Francisco
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our experience was beyond expectations! The house-made pasta and bread were wonderful. Our server was a delight, and the wine list was exceptional. Food came to the table after the briefest of waits, but we never felt rushed. We will definitely return.
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OB
OrsolyaB
London
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Amazing Italian food, perfect pasta! Highly recommended!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Omaha
9 reviews
1.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience4
We reviewed the online menu and prices were at least 30% greater in the restaurant. There was no pizza on the dinner menu which was the only menu given to us. We asked for a lunch. We called while at the restaurant to cancel our reservation and as the phone rang, no one picked it up to answer it. We left. Won’t be back. There should be standards that restaurants should follow to join open table or I will not make reservations through this company.
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TC
TonyC
Greater Boston
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very attentive server and excellent food preparation and presentation.
Is this helpful?
LB
LauraB
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
I loved everything about this restaurant. The salad was fresh and the dressing was delicious. The pasta was homemade and fabulous. I ordered a spicy dish and so did my husband. Mine was too spicy and his was not. So, we traded dishes. Oh my gosh absolutely delicious!!! The bread was fresh and perfect: soft in the middle with a nice crusty crust. Just perfect!!! The wait staff were all kind and eager to please. We didn’t want or wait for anything. The ambiance was perfect and decor tastefully done. I love this place and highly recommend it!!!
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MP
MiguelP
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
the food was very good. excellent treatment. They treated us with great love and respect. they are the best
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great dinner choices and delicious food. The service was outstanding.
Is this helpful?
MM
MikeM
Atlanta Metro
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
You really have to appreciate a restaurant in the North End of Boston that's been around since the 1930s! Food was excellent, service efficient and charming, and the portions were huge. Definitely a great experience.
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B
Birdlives
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding. Nothing more really needs to be said.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Cantina Italiana using the Order Online button. Cantina Italiana also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 723-4577.

Cantina Italiana is rated 4.7 stars by 2556 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

346 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Fleet Street
Neighborhood
North End
Hours of operation
Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:30 pm Sat 12:00 pm–12:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We offer valet parking after 4:00pm daily. The cost is $24 per car. We also validate @ the Parcel 7 garage near Haymarket Square.
Public transit
Closest stops are North Station and Haymarket
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ciriaco Colella
Entertainment
We are offering a special menu on SUNDAYS from 12:00pm-10:30pm, 2 courses for $25.00.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.cantinaitaliana.com/
Phone number
(617) 723-4577
Catering
Catering is available upon request.

Cantina Italiana

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Gnocchi di Patate

Saltimbocca di Vitello

Arancini

Main

Bruschetta$7.00

Caprese$13.00

Zuppa di Cozze$11.00

Frittura di Calamari$12.00

Insalata della Casa$9.00

Insalata Cesare$9.00

Spinaci con Noci e Gorgonzola$9.00

Pizzetta Margherita$12.00

Pizzetta al Prosciutto$15.00

Pizzetta con Salsiccia$14.00

Pizzetta Quattro Stagioni$15.00

Pizzetta Capricciosa$14.00

Pizzetta con Funghi$14.00

Gnocchi di Patate$14.00

Ravioli di Ricotta$15.00

Parmigiana di Melanzane$15.00

Maccheroni al Forno$14.00

Maccheroni alla Boscaila$14.00

Tagliatelle$14.00

Spaghetti con Polpette$15.00

Lasagna al Forno$17.00

Maccheroni con Pollo e Broccoli$15.00

Pollo Marsala$15.00

Parmigiana di Pollo$14.00

Spaghetti con le Cozze$13.00

Spaghetti con Calamari$14.00

Spaghetti con le Vongole$15.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Cleaning & sanitizing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Cantina Italiana offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Cantina Italiana restaurant rated?

Is Cantina Italiana currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information