La Cantina's co-founder and executive chef, Maurizio Grande, was born in 1963 the youngest of four boys. Life was difficult as a youngster, opportunities scarce and a dream brewing.
I have been to La Cantina twice now and was very pleased (in all aspects) both times.
The atmosphere is extremely pleasant. I found myself in two situations. First on a romantic date with my boyfriend, secondly out to an early dinner in a party of 4. The evening atmosphere is perfect, with a fabulous ambiance. The afternoon atmosphere is comfortable and social, as the sun is still out.
The first time I went I ordered a pasta dish with cream sauce and salmon. I can't for the life of me remember any of the dish names as I don't speak Italian! The salmon pasta was amazing. The cream sauce had a perfect consistency, and the salmon came in small shards spread through the sauce. The fish itself had a slightly smokey, but appealing salmon taste. My boyfriend ordered pasta primavera with cream sauce, which I almost enjoyed more than my own meal. There is a fantastic variety of vegetables, and again, perfect consistency in the cream sauce.
The afternoon visit was also enjoyable. Everyone immensely enjoyed their dishes (all four I cannot remember). I personally had a dish with whole wheat pasta, goat cheese, and roasted vegetables. Odd variety of vegetables, but still very tasty. A little too dry with the sauce but none-the-less delicious.
Service during the evening visit was exceptional. The waitress was extremely attentive despite her having several tables on a busy night.
Would (and will) visit again. Highly recommended. An oasis of pleasantry in an otherwise rather unwelcoming downtown.
Haven`t been in a little while, but the service has always been good in the past, as well as the food. I really enjoy the salad with the cranberries in it! And the brushetta calabrese is always a must for me! Nice decor and relatively good prices! Good cappuccino and desserts as well.
I took a group of 17 here for a business function. The food was outstanding. Everyone enjoyed their meals. The staff was pleasant and paid attention to our needs.
I will definitely go back!
In our opinion this is the best Italian restaurant in Hamilton. Food was great, atmosphere relaxing and the waiter (Italian accent) was a 10 out of 10.
We have been here several times and it's never disappointing.
This is the third time I have gone to the fine dining side of the rest and the third time I have found it to be average at best. You are paying fine dining prices for average food. The casual side with the pizza and pasta (which are both good) is worthwhile but the fine dining food is DEF NOT. We had steak which was nothing special and paid $38 for a rack of lamb which was about 60% fat. I will not be returning.
