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

2495 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

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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 2,495 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
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

2,495 Reviews

TB
TaylorB
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
After years, I finally made a reservation and ate here. They exceeded our expectations.
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NM
NancyM
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall EXCELLENT!! My only negative would be we had a 6:30 reservation and was not seated until 7:15.
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X
Xenody
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is good, definitely recommend. The 2 times I’ve been here, at quiet and busy times, the food does take a while to come out. So if you’re in a rush, I wouldn’t recommend this place. But if you can take your time, it’s a must go!
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AT
ArnaudT
France
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience2
Très bons plats de pâtes, copieux. Service standard mais ambiance bien trop bruyante
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JP
JohnP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Omar was an outstanding waiter! We were there on a rainy, but busy Saturday evening - reservation for 6:30 pm. Just a great old school North End restaurant (might be the oldest in the neighborhood at this point?) No frills, good atmosphere. Young people, families, couples, large groups. Bar was also nice and busy-Red Sox game was on up there. Food was great! Went with the fusilli and sausage pasta dish and veal saltimbocca with homemade pasta for main course. Had the antipasto special with mozzarella, prosciutto, artichoke, and red pepper for appetizer. Amazing. And for desert - the lemon zest cannoli with choc chips. Maine Lunch on tap and Montepulciano wine. 100% recommend.
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R
Rafy0511
Cincinnati
49 reviews
vip
4.0
49 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Not many restaurants open on rainy Saturday afternoon. It did have great reviews and the food and service did not disappoint. The veal and chicken Parmesan were excellent. It was louder than I liked but it was a packed house! Excellent place to dine for any occasion.
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TC
TonyC
Greater Boston
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
As usual, a great experience. Server was very attentive and accommodating. I had asked for Pasta dish to be altered with a light sauce rather than Far Diavolo. Without hesitation, the server agreed. server recommendations were detailed and accurate. Great food and a very enjoyable experience with my family of 6. /will be going back soon with guests.
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BL
BostonLH
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is phenomenal! Great staff, great food and great cocktails. I would definitely recommend the pasta dish with sausage and goat cheese. And their seasonal pear cocktail was perfect!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was perfect and the food was delicious . Would go back again!
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JO
JayO
Greater Boston
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
You feel like you are in Italy. We went right before a Peter Gabriel concert at TD Garden and it was an easy 15 minute walk to the show. We orederd our food at 6:30 p.m. and were in our seats before 8 p.m.
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d
davidf
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, very kind pleasant servers. Always my go to Italian place when I'm in Boston.
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KV
KellieV
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious from start to finish. Tried the Bombolotti and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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AL
AmyL
Indiana
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Omar did an amazing job taking care of us! His food recommendations were spot on.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really beautiful spot had a lot of fun with my husband! Really loud restaurant
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DC
DebbyC
Greater Boston
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hadn’t been here since before the pandemic. We went with friends and were very happy to see the the food was still great and the service was too! Love the home made pasta!
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GS
GraceS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pasta dishes are absolutely to die for. The restaurant gives you old “ma & pap” vibes and the handmade pasta is out of this world.
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SB
SBPinthene
Greater Boston
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoyed a delicious meal of rughetta salads and pollo e broccoli americano. Service is always attentive, Fatima was exceptional.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Fort Lauderdale
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Great food.. have the papardelle with pesto and the artichoke appetizer
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k
keithg
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place would definitely recommend. Food was amazing.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was wonderful and service was great- would definitely dine here again. Also really happy to have delicious gluten-free pasta options!
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LB
LouisB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Good flavors, well executed dishes and reasonably priced. Glad I tried them out would be back if I was local.
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SB
ShelleyB
San Antonio
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was phenomenal. Definitely a must if you come to Boston for Italian food.
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BP
BillP
Las Vegas
4 reviews
vip
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Staff was very good and attentive. Meals were average and not really on par with other restaurants in the neighborhood. A bit expensive for the mediocre meals we ordered.
1 person found this helpful
JH
JamesH
Minneapolis
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Delicious meal and wonderful host. Saint Anthony festival was going on so high energy all around. A definite must.
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CG
CherylG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We drive about an hour to eat here. Its our favorite Italian restaurant for all of our special occasions!
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m
mkchag
Greater Boston
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good! First time here and no one in our group was disappointed. We’ll be back!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Detroit
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Overall it was pretty good. Very typically good for the North End. It was me and my grandparents and the food tasted great. Grandma had the lasagna and said it was AMAZING! Grandpa had their signature pasta shape with a sausage dish, good. I had the fusilli pasta with spicy sausage & broccoli rabe , which I thought was great. Tiramisu was great, very soft, not very sturdy if that’s what you’re looking for, but delicious. I tried to pay but they beat me to it, so I have no idea what the total $$ was. North end is always expensive, but you have to bring your guests, so it is what it is. I’d come back definitely
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AH
AndreaH
Greater Boston
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant! Food was delicious, and the service was fantastic!
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A
Anonymous
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good was delicious and reasonably priced for downtown Boston. Our server Omar, was great!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience3
Eat here every time I come to Boston!! Excellent!!
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RM
RichardM
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had guests in town. Everything was delicious, service was wonderful, outstanding local restaurant.
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b
bethl
Greater Boston
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have eaten in the north end for decades. For some reason I never tried here but decided to during Dine Out Boston. This is the BEST restaurant I have ever eater in in the North End. I will be going back soon!
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m
mj0414
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I found this online when trying to pick a spot on Hanover. It did not disappoint and I’m not sure we’ll go try anywhere else if we return. The food and staff were wonderful!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Service was excellent, dishes were filling, drinks and dessert were a treat!
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M
Mbsteak
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food! We all devoured our meals. Make sure to make a reservation!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
79 reviews
vip
4.0
79 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
great location with great service. Salmon was best dish. Everyone else enjoyed their meal. $3 validated parking at Haymarket Garage a big plus. Note they do not have outdoor seating currently.
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MG
MarkG
Greater Boston
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience and our server was so welcoming and accommodating. Amazing food.
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DJ
DandJfromCenterville
Greater Boston
6 reviews
vip
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience3
Nice hole in the wall restaurant on Hanover Street. Very nice staff. Seating was very tight and a little dated (a hard seated booth) with dim lighting making hard to read the menu. Food was good but not great. It was very busy on a Wednesday night and the noise level was pretty loud due to the hard surfaces everywhere.
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SK
StevenK
New York Area
8 reviews
vip
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience4
Food was pretty bland. The Chicken Parm I had had almost no flavor, not sure how that’s possible. Plus it was not hot. Bread looked like it was from a supermarket and not freshly made. Total disappointment
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KM
KristyM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
We were visiting Boston and able to make a last minute reservation. The staff was friendly and the service was great! It was quite warm in the restaurant. Added bonus there was an Italian festival going on! Would recommend this restaurant to anyone!
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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 2495 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

Oct 2, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 28 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
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

Saltimbocca di Vitello

Antipasto All 'italiana

Prosciutto and Mozz

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