Cantina Italiana

Name: Cantina Italiana
Address: 346 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, United States, 02113
Telephone: (617) 723-4577
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2114 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

Jul 5, 2022

8:30 PM

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 723-4577

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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 2,114 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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G
Gonzo
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall1food1service1ambience1
Hard to review since they did not seat my husband w our open table reservation
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall1food4service1ambience1
The food was pretty good. It’s too bad the service was SO atrocious that I would never ever go back to this establishment. It’s a wonder that this place has stayed in business for as long as it has. Perhaps it’s because we came on the 4th of July, but the staff working this evening clearly did not want to be there, nor did they want any of their customers to be there. There were two busboys working, neither of which who were properly trained. We ordered appetizers and finished. One of the busboys brought our entrees out without first clearing the table, and basically left us to clear the table for him so he could set our food down. I asked for more water, an extra plate, and some lemon for my daughter’s water. He brought exactly none of those items. The server came by to “check” on us, so I asked for the same three things. We got 2/3. We saw our server twice: once after we asked for someone to come take our order (she did not take a drink order, and had some words with the hostess prior to coming by our table), and the second time as previously mentioned. Once our plates were empty, nobody came by to see if we wanted dessert or bring us a check. We got tired of waiting after about 20 minutes, and asked the hostess to pay. More waiting. My dad, who has been in the service industry, had had enough and did not leave a tip. The server then had the audacity to ask for one! As I’m writing this review, it’s hard to believe that we actually endured such a ridiculously terrible experience at a place with reasonably decent food. I asked my husband if we were on Restaurant Impossible, because a proper restaurant owner would be utterly embarrassed by the behavior we experienced tonight.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent service and amazing Italian food! The signature homemade bombalatti pasta is incredible. Generous entree servings. I had the Bellini for a cocktail and it was delicious!
LS
LilaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Meal was delicious and came out very quickly. Service was excellent. Right in the heart of the north end so excellent location. Can easily walk to Italian dessert places or get dessert there. Highly recommend any pasta they have and the calamari.
D
David
Miami
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food5service5ambience4
A little warm but excellent food and service!
NN
NaomiN
Washington DC
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food2service4ambience3
Food was average a best. Red sauce might as well have been poured from a can. The pasta was not freshly made. Service was very good and outdoor seats provided a lively atmosphere.
Z
Zappa
St. Louis
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall3food4service3ambience3
Food was very good,, but the Service was OK. Primarily the bar area had issues with serving the right drinks.
AA
AtillaA
New England
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall1food2service1ambience3
I have eaten at many places in the North End of Boston over the years. This was my first time trying Cantina Italiana. Overall reviews looked good. We may have caught them on a bad night. Service was so slow, at lease 10 minutes went by before someone came to table and took a drink order. We ordered appetizers and meals at that time also. Appetizers (Calamari) was dropped off in a reasonable amount of time, but we had no plates , napkins or utensils. Food came out quite a bit later and was slightly warm and tasted OK at best. Cheese for our meals was offered as we were finishing. Oil for the bread came out as we finished the basket. We then didn't see a waitress for at least 30 minutes after we finished eating, after about 45 minutes we asked the hostess for our bill. She was prompt and efficient.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience2
Slowest service ever. My salmon was way overcooked. My 2 extra sides of broccoli were cold. No one ever checked on us after being served. Never eat at this place again. Definitely do not recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience3
I have never left a poor review before now, but feel compelled to leave one now. Unfortunately the service was horrible. We interacted with our server twice, once to order and once when we asked for our check, thank God for the food runners. No one ever checked on us, cleared our appetizer plates or even bothered to refill our water. In addition to the service, the food was mediocre at best. The “housemade” gnocchi was dense and doughy. Overall the good was edible, but if you’re looking for something more than edible keep looking.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
We had an amazing dinner last night. Everything was perfect!
JO
JayO
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reservation was perfect, like everything else.
C
Chrisc
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was fantastic, GM was incredibly attentive and engaged. Definitely going back!
DB
DoeB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service. We sat outside on Hanover Street for 5pm reservations. Hanover Street was vibrant and alive with many people. Car traffic was moderate. Too bad they can’t shut down Hanover Street to traffic….
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing homemade pasta and delicious wine! Bartender helped recommended wine and server was outstanding!
LL
LeslieL
New England
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service is always superb and food is amazingly flavored Italian
EB
EricB
Houston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience3
Bar - meager, watery Martini. Food - meh. Our server was very attentive and caring. She really tried, but the kitchen was poor in performance. Calamari was fried to toughness. Pasta dishes weren’t impressive. Menu is dominated by very traditional Italian American choices, and nothing special. Ambiance is stuck in the 1960’s, including the background music, and stereotypical. We won’t be back. Love the people, but the rest was disappointing.
AS
AmandaS
Austin
7 reviews
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall2food2service5ambience1
Our server was WONDERFUL! The food was very average and overpriced. One dish (the bolognese) was quite awful and had no flavor and the pasta was too thick and stuck together. It was very, very loud and just felt like a big tourist trap. I think there are likely much better options for North End Italian food. Skip this one.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our meal was delicious, service was very good as well. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner spot, this is not your spot. Very loud but fun environment. We’ll definitely go back!
JR
JenniR
Nashville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was delicious and service was excellent. I would recommend to anyone.
A
Andrea
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our server Omar was excellent. He was a true hospitality professional and made our family dinner extra special. He was spot on with his order taking and special requests. Food was great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall2food1service3ambience2
Food was nothing special. Antipasto … not aged Italian meats and cheese… just store bought uugh. Seafood pasta was okay. Seafood was cooked well but pasta and sauce was not anything to rave about. Expected so much more having dined in the North End many times before. Won’t return here.
Z
Zappa
St. Louis
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly enjoyable night. This was the first time we went to Cantina Italiana, and was happy to experience a great night where the food was great and Anna our server was even better. I would highly recommend trying Cantina Italiana!!
GD
GastronautDC
Washington DC
114 reviews
vip
4.0
114 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience3
A nice spot in North End.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visiting family
PC
PatrickC
New England
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great neighborhood spot, the food and staff are wonderful
TT
TeresaT
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So amazing!!! Best ever! Service was awesome!!! I will go back a thousand times
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went there for my graduation dinner. The food was amazing, and they had gluten-free options, which I didn’t realize when I booked it. I was really pleased with that. We ended up being g able to sit outside, which had the perfect breeze. The entire street is adorable with really cute restaurants and amazing smells. The only thing that we didn’t like was the wait to be seated. We made reservations, but it still took 20-30 minutes for the hostess to seat us. There were empty tables, she just couldn’t keep up. But the food was worth it. Yum.
MF
MikeF
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food as usual. Will be back the next time we are in Boston.
A
Andrea
New England
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anniversary
JY
JoelY
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing from start to finish. Our waitress was charming and well acquainted with the menu. Her recommended plates were perfect. It made our anniversary more special. Wonderful.
PK
PaulK
Savannah
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cantina Italiana has been our #1 choice in the North End for years. The service is always great, and the food is outstanding.
SK
SusanK
Pittsburgh
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great food with good presentation. Very authentic.
LL
LeslieL
New England
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service and delicious food from beginning to end
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall3food4service5ambience2
Waitress was great however booked an outdoor reservation and was told upon arrival that it’s only first come first serve and we had to sit inside which was the reason I booked there. Should update OpenTable
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food and service… bad acoustics and super noisy- Hard to hear people in your own party.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 11, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience3
Was not my favorite North End experience. Had good memories of this place but this time it felt like a tourist trap. Arancini appetizer was excellent and we enjoyed some good cocktails but the pasta entrees (bolognese and alla vodka) were a bit pricey and underwhelming. Attentive waitstaff. Front of restaurant is nice with light from front windows but the back (which is where they seated us) is a bit dreary. So not a bad experience but not great either. Felt like I could have made a better choice.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service, great food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Mother’s Day dinner
RS
RobertS
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cantina is always spot on, authentic Italian food. Best carbonara in the North End.

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 4.4 stars by 2114 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

Jul 5, 2022

8:30 PM

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 723-4577

Other options

Order online

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
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

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Veal Chop Parmigiana

Arancini

Scampi

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

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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

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information