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

2093 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

May 20, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 723-4577

Delivery

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 2,093 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

4.5Food
4.4Service
4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

SK
SusanK
Pittsburgh
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great food with good presentation. Very authentic.
LL
LeslieL
New England
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service and delicious food from beginning to end
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
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 6 days ago
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
3 reviews
5.0
3 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.
B
Beverlymas
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service!!
BN
BillN
New England
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Excellent Food!. Not fancy just great food and service. Been many times and never disappoints.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day dinner.
TS
TimothyS
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great place to eat in the North End, I highly recommend it!
SS
SheldonS
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent! Omar was awesome
DG
DebG
Western NC
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience1
I went home hungry. I really cannot provide any positive feedback regarding this dining experience. Wait staff were slow and didn’t keep an eye on us, and the food was just awful. I took only a few bites of my entree and pushed it aside, and our waiter never even noticed what was happening. From the start, this meal was a disaster. The bread was stale and cold, the bruschetta was bitter (assuming it was the garlic or perhaps the oil was rancid), and the pastas were WAY over cooked along with the seafood (I detest rubbery seafood). Save yourself the heartache of a bad Italian meal in the North End and go to one of the many excellent choices surrounding this place. I’m heartbroken that my last evening in Boston (and my only dinner in North End) was at this establishment.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best Italian food in the North End. Keep walking until you get there. It’s worth it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The what I think was the owner was incredible and was able to seat us immediately. Food was quickly served and FANTASTIC! Our waitress was knowledgeable and so friendly. 5 stars, couldn’t recommend more.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service
j
julespville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience from start to end! The hostess was super accommodating and friendly when we needed to adjust our party size. Our waiter was the BEST…friendly, knowledgeable, and funny! And the food was AMAZING! We will be back!
KD
KarD
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience1
Service was poor. Not attentive or helpful. Not rude just not present at all Food was good !
DF
DavidF
Atlantic City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We are from NJ and have been here 3 times and never disapoints. Food and service is fantastic!
LC
LisaC
New England
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
great luncheon, we had a bit of everything from the menu, great service and value
L
Leah
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome food and service The waiter was stellar.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience4
Good service. Food is so- so.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
great waitress
RR
RobR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Food was great, service excellent, but it’s a bit loud. Wouldn’t stop me from returning though
D
Dora
Surrey
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience1
Very disappointing experience. Poor service, dilapidated restaurant. Food appeared randomly. Food was tasty but I’d never go again.
AB
AngelaB
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall2food4service1ambience2
Booked a few weeks in advance as the party were running the Boston marathon the following day. Despite confirming the booking the day before, we turned up and were told they wouldn't be able to seat us for 40 mins as they were busy! There was no apology and we felt like we were being a nuisance by asking for updates on the timescale for us to be seated. They eventually managed to find a table for us after a 15-20 minute wait. Food was very good but I wouldn't recommend based on the uncertainty of actually getting a table even if you have made a reservation.
CM
ChrisM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good was excellent as always and Omar’s service was GREAT !
MJ
MJP2558
New England
46 reviews
vip
2.0
46 reviews
Dined on April 16, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience3
My wife and I ordered the fettuccine carbonara, had to send it back as it was dry and pasty. Second try was not much better, you would think everyone in the North End could make this easy but favorite dish without fail !! Our friends ordered the gnocchi and veal with egg plant. Both dishes were good. Drinks and service was satisfactory. We have dined in the North End many times and have had dinner here before, something was off as It felt like they were just going through the motions ? Does not compare to some of the other local eateries.
SB
SirBC
Pittsburgh
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, and service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waitress was bellissima!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my favorites. Lovely frutti di mare and pappardelle bolognese. The refurbed interior is very open and simple — definitely bringing more people, next time!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Service person appeared to be a manager and he could
CG
CaitlinG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
We had a delicious dinner here for a friend’s birthday midweek. Our waiter Omar was super friendly and helpful, all four of us really enjoyed our meals, and they make a really good espresso martini. Overall I would definitely recommend La Cantina and thanks again to Omar for a lovely experience.
D
Dani
New England
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
If this restaurant was good in the past, it’s no longer. Mozzarella app came without bread or basil, had to ask for olive oil, and then server cam to drip it out little by little on the plate. Food was pasty and not appetizing. Sad to see a number of solos sitting at the bar during the middle of the day. Made for less classy ambiance as did the mostly empty dining room, tattered and old decor. Would not return or recommend.
s
shannon
Detroit
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great old school Italian restaurant in the North End. Food and service were outstanding. It’s extremely noisy though so if you are looking for a romantic date night dinner, this isn’t the place. If you are looking for amazing red sauce Italian dishes, this is your place. Our waitress was fantastic.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great!
TG
TriciaG
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We had a wonderful experience at Cantina Italiana. The food was delicious and we appreciated the vast menu selections. Our server Layla was very attentive and made some great menu selections for us. We also enjoyed the wine and lemon martinis. Restaurant and rest rooms were very clean as well.
NV
NicV
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very attentive wait staff. Our food was delicious, the mussels were the best I’ve ever had. Overall a very enjoyable experience. Would recommend this place.
RB
RiBa
Orlando
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience. Restaurant has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and staff is attentive and pleasant. The food was absolutely delicious. Made a reservation and was seated within minutes. I don't live in town, but if I visit again, will be sure to return for another meal.

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 2093 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

May 20, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 723-4577

Delivery

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

Delivery

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

Delivery

Dining areas

Additional information