Cantina e Cucina
Cantina e Cucina Photos
CANTINA E CUCINA ATMOSPHERE
Recommended Reviews - Cantina e Cucina
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
The food was outstanding, as was the service. A cozy little place tucked down a narrow street, you could call it a hole in the wall, but it actually is quite spacious. The waitstaff kindly advised us to wait so we had more space, and had very good suggestions for our meal. The food itself was delicious, and came in surprisingly large portions. I wasn't able to finish. A true gem tucked away in Rome.
Ambiance: the overall vibe is less Italian, and their food is generally more adaptive to the taste of international tourists Service: very friendly and patient with questions, provided useful suggestions about their specialities Food & Drink: classic menu for pasta, pizza, and meat entrees LASAGNA "Bolognese" - ***** so creamy and soft with flavorful meat sauce, tasted freshly made in the same day, melting in your mouth, highly recommend Hot Focaccia with E.V.O. Oil and Rosemary - **** very crispy and tasty, recommend Capricciosa - **** tomato, mozzarella, cooked ham, egg olives, artichoke and mushrooms, less traditional Italian pizza but still tasty, recommend Birra Peroni Gran Riserva 0,4 - *** average taste not worth the cost Price: generous portions and affordable prices for food and hefty for drinks, expect €25 per person
Cantina E. Cucina was absolutely refreshing and delicious. We are traveling here in Italy, and it's just amazing to find these spots. We had to wait in line for a bit, but I'd do it all over again, lol. It feels weird since we are from the state and dining in Italian restaurants. America usually over does the Italian "style" and then to just be in an Italian restaurant in Italy you just note there is not style to it. They have their vibe and history, and it's great. The service was perfect and attentive. It amazes me how many languages our hosts knew. We had Swiss German, Spanish, and English, and we were all able to communicate effectively. They were polite. Fun and just made the experience amazing. Food wise... Cantina E hit all the musical notes. It all was fresh, as you can get with distinct flavors. The Caprese was so amazing that we got two. The flavors' breads with them made it sooooo much better. We got two pizzas, which were so good with a light, crispy crust and flavorful. Both dishes were fantastic. The ravioli was stuffed to perfection, and you could taste ever cheese and sauce. This was definitely one of my favorite restaurants to go to while in Italy... I recommend this to anyone.
I was drawn to Cantina e Cucina due to all the great reviews I saw & photos made the food look super delicious. It's located near Piazza Navona & lots of restaurants in this area seem quite popular & busy, including this one. When we got here, there was already a line/queue. The wait was about 30ish minutes for a table of 4. We ordered the bruschetta, 2 tonnarello spaghetti w/ meatballs, lasagna, & gnocchi w/ clams. All of the dishes were very underwhelming & mid. Spaghetti was undercooked, flavor for all the dishes were severely lacking. Our server also charged us extra for flatbread when we didn't order it + didn't touch it. Did not enjoy Cantina e Cucina & would not come back here.
Don't tell Garfield about the lasagna here. It is truly magical. I'm not sure how they made this lasagna light as a feather yet oh so rich. As melty as each bite was, the structure of the lasagna stayed true and didn't collapse into an awful swimming pool of wrecked pasta sheets, watery tomato sauce and gut busting cheese. Yes, you know what I'm talking about, when the pasta sheets are overcooked prior to assembling, wilting under the enormous pressure of holding up layer after layer of sauce and cheese, contributing to a plate of what looks like a messy baked ziti when it is all said and done. Don't get me wrong, I like baked ziti but baked ziti is a weeknight, let's mash everything together, I-need-a-shower, after work quick meal. Lasagna is Sunday table best and each bite should represent as intended, each layer, a perfect bite. This lasagna was that truely perfect layered bite. I've never made a plate of lasagna disappear faster than the one I was served here. Garfield couldn't have eaten it any faster than I did. If lasagna was like this everywhere I'd be eating more lasagna in my life. Their rendition of spaghetti and meatballs were delicious, although the meatballs were a little more dense than the others I tried in Italy. The steak was also a tough chew, but maybe it was because I had just tried a Bistec Florentine the night before. Of the side dishes I tried, the potatoes were delicious. Get the potatoes as a side if feel you need more carbs. LOL. I wanted dinner at 6pm and didn't wait at all on a Friday night which I know isn't the norm. This was also yet another meal where I doggie bagged unfinished business but believe me it was finished before the evening passed. LOL. Edited 6/8/24 - Thanks to John D for reminding it was Garfield not Heathcliff. Thanks John!
Perf spot to end my visit to Rome! I went at a weird time, so was able to pick a little table in the corner. The staff was soooo sweet and def made the meal even better - which was tough because the cacio e Pepe was perfect. Portions are big, so expect a heavier meal if you get pasta (in a good way lol).
The food, service and atmosphere was amazing! Our waiter (Ali) was phenomenal! He was able to keep us laughing while working on numerous other tables...made our night! The pasta was out of this world, and my son swore the carbonara and tiramisu were the best he's ever had! We'll definitely be returning! If you're visiting Rome, Cantina e Cucina is a must!
The pasta here is amazing. I had an amazing Tonnarello Carbonara (Pasta Carbonara) and my husband had the Tonnarello (pasta with meatballs) which he loved. Their pasta noodles were sooooooo much better than what you get in the US and their carbonara is by far the best carbonara I've had in my life! Also their Tiramisu was also the best I've ever had. It was so creamy!!! If you are visiting Rome I highly recommend you dine here once.
Well we just returned from Italy, we were there for our 32nd Anniversary, we decided to return to Cantina e Cucina to see if it was still as great as we remembered, and it did not disappoint! What I love about this restaurant is no matter how crowded they will always find a table for you! You must have the Pan Per Focaccia which comes out hot , with E.V.O (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). My wife had the Lasagna Bolognese, I decided to have the Carbonara, which was outstanding! This may be one of the best restaurants in Roma !
Some of the BEST lasagna I have ever had. Also their pizza was delicious. Their staff was also amazing. My phone must have dropped somewhere while I was in there and I was so worried but our someone found it and immediately handed it to me. Thanks for not only having great food but also an amazing staff. Thank you.
6 months ago
3 days ago
If you want delicious pizza by the slice and a great glass of wine. This is the place. The Calice di Chianti is a nice wine to pair with your pizza. They also have many pastries to choose from as well. Check this one out when in Rome read more
March 2019, an unexpected weekend in Rome. At the time I didn't know how popular Cantina e Cucina was, but we found our way here by chance. One of my coworkers goals is to have pizza in every country we visit. This was a work weekend, and a one night stay in Rome. The food was excellent and the ambiance fit the bill. Very nice decor to give a feeling that you are in Italy. The service was great as well, granted I don't speak Italian but I would say this was one of the best stops we made in Rome. The capricciosa pizza was one of my favorites, as I enjoyed the hard boiled eggs. I would definitely love to go back one day. read more
2 months ago
The food was outstanding, as was the service. A cozy little place tucked down a narrow street, you could call it a hole in the wall, but it actually is quite spacious. The waitstaff kindly advised us to wait so we had more space, and had very good suggestions for our meal. The food itself was delicious, and came in surprisingly large portions. I wasn't able to finish. A true gem tucked away in Rome. read more
Ambiance: the overall vibe is less Italian, and their food is generally more adaptive to the taste of international tourists Service: very friendly and patient with questions, provided useful suggestions about their specialities Food & Drink: classic menu for pasta, pizza, and meat entrees LASAGNA "Bolognese" - ***** so creamy and soft with flavorful meat sauce, tasted freshly made in the same day, melting in your mouth, highly recommend Hot Focaccia with E.V.O. Oil and Rosemary - **** very crispy and tasty, recommend Capricciosa - **** tomato, mozzarella, cooked ham, egg olives, artichoke and mushrooms, less traditional Italian pizza but still tasty, recommend Birra Peroni Gran Riserva 0,4 - *** average taste not worth the cost Price: generous portions and affordable prices for food and hefty for drinks, expect €25 per person read more
Food: The pizza was really good, and the meatballs were as well! Portions are also good size for splitting. Service: Food was really fast. Ambiance: There is a ton of seating inside. There are bathrooms as well. It's in a great area of Rome. I would come back to try other dishes! read more
8 months ago
2 years ago
Cantina E. Cucina was absolutely refreshing and delicious. We are traveling here in Italy, and it's just amazing to find these spots. We had to wait in line for a bit, but I'd do it all over again, lol. It feels weird since we are from the state and dining in Italian restaurants. America usually over does the Italian "style" and then to just be in an Italian restaurant in Italy you just note there is not style to it. They have their vibe and history, and it's great. The service was perfect and attentive. It amazes me how many languages our hosts knew. We had Swiss German, Spanish, and English, and we were all able to communicate effectively. They were polite. Fun and just made the experience amazing. Food wise... Cantina E hit all the musical notes. It all was fresh, as you can get with distinct flavors. The Caprese was so amazing that we got two. The flavors' breads with them made it sooooo much better. We got two pizzas, which were so good with a light, crispy crust and flavorful. Both dishes were fantastic. The ravioli was stuffed to perfection, and you could taste ever cheese and sauce. This was definitely one of my favorite restaurants to go to while in Italy... I recommend this to anyone. read more
I was drawn to Cantina e Cucina due to all the great reviews I saw & photos made the food look super delicious. It's located near Piazza Navona & lots of restaurants in this area seem quite popular & busy, including this one. When we got here, there was already a line/queue. The wait was about 30ish minutes for a table of 4. We ordered the bruschetta, 2 tonnarello spaghetti w/ meatballs, lasagna, & gnocchi w/ clams. All of the dishes were very underwhelming & mid. Spaghetti was undercooked, flavor for all the dishes were severely lacking. Our server also charged us extra for flatbread when we didn't order it + didn't touch it. Did not enjoy Cantina e Cucina & would not come back here. read more
Don't tell Garfield about the lasagna here. It is truly magical. I'm not sure how they made this lasagna light as a feather yet oh so rich. As melty as each bite was, the structure of the lasagna stayed true and didn't collapse into an awful swimming pool of wrecked pasta sheets, watery tomato sauce and gut busting cheese. Yes, you know what I'm talking about, when the pasta sheets are overcooked prior to assembling, wilting under the enormous pressure of holding up layer after layer of sauce and cheese, contributing to a plate of what looks like a messy baked ziti when it is all said and done. Don't get me wrong, I like baked ziti but baked ziti is a weeknight, let's mash everything together, I-need-a-shower, after work quick meal. Lasagna is Sunday table best and each bite should represent as intended, each layer, a perfect bite. This lasagna was that truely perfect layered bite. I've never made a plate of lasagna disappear faster than the one I was served here. Garfield couldn't have eaten it any faster than I did. If lasagna was like this everywhere I'd be eating more lasagna in my life. Their rendition of spaghetti and meatballs were delicious, although the meatballs were a little more dense than the others I tried in Italy. The steak was also a tough chew, but maybe it was because I had just tried a Bistec Florentine the night before. Of the side dishes I tried, the potatoes were delicious. Get the potatoes as a side if feel you need more carbs. LOL. I wanted dinner at 6pm and didn't wait at all on a Friday night which I know isn't the norm. This was also yet another meal where I doggie bagged unfinished business but believe me it was finished before the evening passed. LOL. Edited 6/8/24 - Thanks to John D for reminding it was Garfield not Heathcliff. Thanks John! read more
1 year ago
Perf spot to end my visit to Rome! I went at a weird time, so was able to pick a little table in the corner. The staff was soooo sweet and def made the meal even better - which was tough because the cacio e Pepe was perfect. Portions are big, so expect a heavier meal if you get pasta (in a good way lol). read more
8 months ago
The food, service and atmosphere was amazing! Our waiter (Ali) was phenomenal! He was able to keep us laughing while working on numerous other tables...made our night! The pasta was out of this world, and my son swore the carbonara and tiramisu were the best he's ever had! We'll definitely be returning! If you're visiting Rome, Cantina e Cucina is a must! read more
5 months ago
The food was great. We got the lasagna. Carbonara, pizza and tiramisu. All was delicious. The service was great as soon as we walked in. Alfonso was very friendly and helpful. read more
8 months ago
The pasta here is amazing. I had an amazing Tonnarello Carbonara (Pasta Carbonara) and my husband had the Tonnarello (pasta with meatballs) which he loved. Their pasta noodles were sooooooo much better than what you get in the US and their carbonara is by far the best carbonara I've had in my life! Also their Tiramisu was also the best I've ever had. It was so creamy!!! If you are visiting Rome I highly recommend you dine here once. read more
6 months ago
Well we just returned from Italy, we were there for our 32nd Anniversary, we decided to return to Cantina e Cucina to see if it was still as great as we remembered, and it did not disappoint! What I love about this restaurant is no matter how crowded they will always find a table for you! You must have the Pan Per Focaccia which comes out hot , with E.V.O (Extra Virgin Olive Oil). My wife had the Lasagna Bolognese, I decided to have the Carbonara, which was outstanding! This may be one of the best restaurants in Roma ! read more
2 years ago
Some of the BEST lasagna I have ever had. Also their pizza was delicious. Their staff was also amazing. My phone must have dropped somewhere while I was in there and I was so worried but our someone found it and immediately handed it to me. Thanks for not only having great food but also an amazing staff. Thank you. read more
7 months ago
Homey restaurant in the middle of a super busy tourist area, this was a lovely first meal to our arrival to Rome with great pasta and reasonable prices. Staff were so playful, friendly, and kind. Food: -Cacio e pepe 3/5 - Made a bit more Al dente than I am used to in the US, the cheesey flavor yummy but slightly overwhelming to the dish. -Spaghetti and meatballs: 4/5 - would definitely come back for this one. The tomatoes gave the perfect amount of that mouthwatering sour and the meatballs were large. -Calamari: 4/5 - one of the highlights, is lightly bartered and not oily, the pieces with tentacles added depth in flavor and it was perfect with the lemon Since we opted not to get dessert, the waitress gave us little pieces of their home made biscotti which was EXCELLENT. I'm not sure if you can order this on its own, but it was such a pleasant surprise and ending to our meal. read more
2 years ago
This hovers between 3 & 4. The service was great, the place is charming, but the food was good, not special. The service was attentive, but not overbearing. They bring you a shot glass of limoncello with your bill. I had the pizza Buffalino with fresh cherry tomatoes, Buffalo mozzarella and basil. The crust was light and crunchy. The place is charming with small tables, booths and tables. read more
Great place with delicious food and wonderful service. My wife and I stopped in for pizza but we elected you share the meatballs as well. The meatballs were to die for and they came with these wonderfully made potatoes. They have a delicious D'Asti moscato which I could have sipped on all day long but we had things to do :) The tables are super close together but it doesn't take away from the romantic ambiance that comes along with the quaint restaurant. Enjoy! read more
3 years ago
Came here early Sep and the city was crowded. There was a line wrapped around the building around 8:45pm. Although there were only 4-5 people/couples in front of me, I waited a while the line did not move fast. Service inside was attentive and people were hustling. It was a rushed dinner. I got the fried artichoke which was tasty although a little greasy. I also got a pizza which I enjoyed. It was very good but next time I'd find a place with a lesser wait time. read more
This place was super cozy w/ a real family atmosphere. Unfortunately we were a party of 3 so our wait to be seated was a lot longer. Dined on a Sun evening and it was fairly busy. Waited almost an hr because of our group size but the groups of 2 were prioritized. Host did give us a glass of champagne for our Troubles while we waited. It was worth it, food was amazing, pasta was sooo fresh! melt in your mouth. The meatballs were thick & flavorful My friends thoroughly enjoyed their lasagna & pizza read more
This was highly-rated on Trip Advisor and so we showed up early (like right when they opened), to avoid long wait times. The roman artichoke was legit. Definitely a great appetizer to set the tone. The calamari served in a cone was so good, so fresh and lightly breaded just the way I like it. The pizza with salsiccia and patate had really good flavor although I would have preferred a thinner crust. read more
3 years ago
The restaurant itself is incredibly small, but so so charming! I got a pasta dish that was incredible and an artichoke appetizer that was a bit bizarre. If you are looking for a place to grab a casual lunch in the city, it is definitely worth checking out. read more
1 year ago
Food is amazing and excellent service. Restaurant is in a busy and pedestrian area. Entrance looks small but dining area is huge inside. If I come back to visit Rome again then I will definitely come to eat here! read more
I would go back to Rome just for the weekend to be able to eat at the restaurant again. My family and I went back twice to this amazing spot. The lasagna is on point and the salads are so fresh and filling after a week of eating heavy pasta and pizza. The ladies here are amazing. read more
5 months ago
After 2 failed attempts to visit for dinner LAL (long @$$ line), we visited for lunch and were able to snag a table early. Filled up by the time we were done. Such a delightful little spot! Charm galore. But that's not why you should go. Go for the good. Solid, well priced, and delicious. Classics reign supreme. read more
6 months ago
This is one of the best pizza restaurant in Rome, Italy, while there are tons of pizza joint in Rome, none were able to compare to Cantina & Cucina. It was on a regular weeknight, around 8pm, this place was already packed. The line was moving fairly quickly, and we were finally seated after 30min. American style pizzas and Roman style Pizzas are not the same, and honestly Roman's pizzas are so much better, even their pepperoni tasted better... We ordered a pepperoni pizza, fried calamari, and fried potatoes, the meal was simple, yet very delicious. The pizza and calamari were not oily at all, minimum oil were used but still able maintain moisture inside. The pizza dough came with thin crust, and the cheese was generously prepared, cheese pulls were epicly created on almost every single bite, it was so satisfying! This place has a great vibe and ambient, I will def come back next time when I am in Rome again. https://www.instagram.com/p/CfzM-qzjDi4/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= read more
Cute restaurant in downtown Rome. A bit cramped. Waiter's really nice. 4/5 pizza's good but nothing shocking or standing out. Prosciutto kinda do things by itself and I wish it was a bit stronger flavor 4/5 pasta carbonara is very creamy and eggy. Porchetta's flavor's really good, just some bits are too hard. They also send some free alcohol drink. Too strong for me but you may like it. read more
This was one of our favorite restaurant in Rome. Everything we ordered were delicious. We especially liked the fried calamari and spaghetti with meatballs. The fried calamari was one of the best I've ever tasted. It was very lightly dusted and fried perfectly and extremely fresh. Although the carbonara was good it was also on the heavier side. If you are ever in Rome give this place a try. read more
This place was so cute. I picked it because we were starving and there were so many options near Piazza Navona. We did not realize that there would be a line, but there was. Luckily, our timing was great, but some people ahead of us waited a lot longer. First and foremost, this is not an authentic Italian experience in that this restaurant is full of expats and all of the servers spoke perfect English. Our server, Ella, was the best. She guided us through appetizers and wine. We had the fried artichoke (you eat the leaves whole), bruschetta, and two pizzas. If you are looking for great food, cool atmosphere, and sadly no Italians, this is your place. read more
10 months ago
It's a good place, I don't think it's worth the wait. Staff is friendly food is good nothing to wow about. The fried squid was great the fried artichoke was ok, I didn't think it was worth it. Lasagna was good more like how it's made in America not the way it's made, very saucy, I like how they make lasagna in Bologna where it looks dry but very moist and tasty. The gnocchi was also good. All was good meal but no wow factor. I was surprised on the limited choices of a meal you can get. Mostly pasta dishes with very limited in protein serving. read more
1 year ago
Page 1 of 20
More info about Cantina e Cucina
Via del Governo Vecchio 87
00186 Rome
Italy
Centro Storico
Directions
06 6892574
Call Now
Visit Website
https://cantinaecucina.it
Hours
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
Cantina e Cucina Reviews in Other Languages
Review Highlights - Cantina e Cucina
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
10 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
1 year ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
3 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
7 years ago
7 years ago
Cantina e Cucina - cafeteria - Updated May 2026
Browse Brands
Browse Articles
People who viewed Cantina e Cucina also viewed
Ai Tre Scalini
493 reviews
Monti
€€
Sorpasso
190 reviews
Prati
€€
Cantina dei Papi
575 reviews
Centro Storico
€€
Trattoria da Alfredo e Ada
113 reviews
Centro Storico
€€
Il Bocconcino
100 reviews
Aventino
€€
Tonnarello
618 reviews
Trastevere
€€
That's Amore
748 reviews
Centro Storico
€€
Babette
87 reviews
Flaminio
€€€
Mimì e Cocò
252 reviews
Centro Storico
€€
Ristorante Rossini
60 reviews
Centro Storico
€€