Review Archives

Zagat Survey
Summer 2003

"Delicious","homey" food "like your Italian grandmother used to make" earns oodles of kudos for this "nostalgic favorite" in the North End; it may seem "cheesy from the outside", but "don't let the looks scare you", as they "belie the well-prepared, traditional offerings" awating within; "bucking the neighborhood's move to trendier, pricier restaurants", this "old-school" ristorante continues to please with its "tried and true dishes."

Excerpt from Phantom's Great Ate for the North End:

Cantina Italiana is easily recognized by its landmark sign: a large, neon bottle pouring wine. The North End legend has been serving traditional Italian-American favorites since 1931. It is about as far from New Italian or Cal-Italian as you can get; this is the Italian of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Some would call Cantina's menu and atmosphere outdated, but Phantom finds little touches of home in every corner. Sit in one of the black and red booths, order a bottle of Chianti, and start with the house antipasto. All the old favorites like Baked Lasagna, Potato Gnocci, and Spaghetti with Red Sauce are on the menu.