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

2322 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

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 77 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 2,322 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

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.5Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

KM
KellyM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent and the servers were prompt and courteous.
SM
ScottM
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful pre-concert dinner. Public parking is nearby and the location is away from the fray. Authentic, flavorful food served by smiling, knowledgeable, and quick servers. A casual dining atmosphere but a sophisticated menu and drink menu give life to it.
DS
DavidS
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great pasta dishes. Everyone had a nice meal. The kids really enjoyed the spaghetti.
GR
GaryR
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great night out. We were seated quickly, at our reservation time. The food was excellent - we were a party of 6 and all raved about their meal. Ambience was nice, a quaint, older place. The only concern was the fairly loud noise level, but we were generally expecting that in the North End. Highly recommend the Cantina.
JS
JasonS
Coastal Georgia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Way too loud due to be seated next to a large group in the back
MM
MarkM
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We made an early reservation and had the pick of seats. Service was excellent, attentive and waitress made some great recommendations. Food was excellent, atmosphere was perfect for a great night out. Highly recommend.
SB
SBPinthene
New England
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great dinner! Server was very attentive, food was delicious!
LL
LauraL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was outstanding!! I can’t wait to go back.
M
nicoleM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food and service was amazing. The decor/seating & tables could use a little updating.
LB
LikesBoston
New England
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
They were welcoming and you were made to feel that they were there to serve you.
SB
SandyB
New York Area
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our family, including two children, had a great dinner here. Food was served hot, the service was excellent, and portions perfect.
c
chavans
New England
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was really good
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First thing out of my father’s mouth was “They really care about food, here.” Lovely dinner out. One of my preferred spots in the North End. The roasted artichokes were awesome and the ragu special was an A+.
DK
DavidK
Puerto Vallarta
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was as advertised. Good food and amazing staff. Loved it.
A
Anonymous
Naples
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Not exceptional, not horrible. Service very transactional and unrefined. Wine list minimal. Wasn’t offered bottled water only served tap water. Cold, mediocre bread served to start. Food was fine but fairly boring. Mozzarella and prosciutto lacked salt, basil, EVOO and presentation.
DO
DanieleO
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fresh, tasty, authentic Italian food with impeccable service, and a nice atmosphere!!! Highly recommend for Italian North End dining in Boston!!! 😁
KS
KristenS
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
So delicious!!! Very knowledgeable and invested wait staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baltimore
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Food and Service was excellent this place gets very loud and is hard to talk atleast in front room back maybe better but food and service were worth it!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Cute little Italian restaurant with delicious food and drinks! Will definitely be back!
SR
StaceyR
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing! Thank you Omar and staff for an absolutely wonderful meal.
A
Andrew
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great atmosphere for Valentines date, had candles and roses at all tables which was a plus. Short rib was very tender but lacked flavor. Pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and very good. Good restaurant overall but feels the same as all other places in the North End
LW
LisaW
New England
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was amazing as always. Service top notch. Always my go to when visiting the North End.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always we had a delicious dinner! The staff were so attentive and kind! We loved the specials!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Slapped so hard, loved the fish
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal!!!! The service was top notch. And the food was amazing. Delicious. Will definitely return and enjoy again.
PC
PhilipC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Very good food in a charming, bustling dining room
MM
MichelleM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for my husbands Birthday on Friday night 2/10. We had the best service ever! We will be back again soon.
KV
KValItal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and variety of selections for everyone in our party. A really nice variety of cocktails and wines available. Appetizers were well portioned and exceeded expectations.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
North End Staple. The meatballs and arancini will make you pass out. The pesto pasta will make you forget your name and have you speaking Italian and Orazio will make you feel right at home. Run don’t walk here and have a blast!
A
Asian1996
New England
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The manager is the best.
EJ
EdgeJ
Western NC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Not as upscale as some restaurants in the North End, Cantina Italiana has a more old school, pre gentrification vibe. Think red leather booths and white table cloths with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra piped in. The food is always phenomenal and service is top notch. Highly recommended!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We frequent the North End for dinner, and although there are far fancier places, Cantina is consistent and always delicious—a staple. The service was impeccable and friendly. We loved every dish we ate. We had the only window table and we had a great night!
AN
ANDREWV
Philadelphia
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Food was excellent! Drinks were sub-par for the price. Would go back but would stick with wine.
N
Nick
New Orleans
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
To be honest I don’t even know why I made a reservation because we weren’t seated until an HOUR! after our reserved time. Had wine at the bar to pass the time. When we were finally seated the server was a delight, and the food came out lightning fast. And the quality of it was superb, with very reasonable prices. Wine by the glass was a snore so went with a Montalcino bottle which was exemplary. Would definitely consider returning with family. Buyer beware with the wait time - don’t come starving. Only other comment is that it would’ve been nice to get something comped for the outrageous wait time. Oh well.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food and service were outstanding but the noise level was loud
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great and service was even better! Highly recommended
DK
DonnaK
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They take reservations, so book ahead. Great food, drinks, and service.
CH
ChannelH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Honestly best food service I have received ever, all the waitstaff were amazing and lovely. They really made the birthday girl happy! We will be going again soon!
SM
ShellyM
Hawaii
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is an outstanding Italian restaurant. We had fantastic service from Youssef and Omar. Will go back anytime I am in Boston!!
m
marleef
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our waiter was very sweet. He checked in on us multiple times throughout the night with a smile and a bright laugh. It made my friends birthday dinner awesome.

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 2322 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

Mar 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 77 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

Scampi

Calamari Fritti

Grilled Calamari

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

Sort by

Filters

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