La Cucina Ristorante

Comparable pricing to other restaurants in Guelph, when it used to be considered expensive. The food was nice. We had a few starters. I ordered the pork and my partner ordered the daily fish feature, which was halibut. Flavourful and nice presentation. Service was prompt and attentive. We've been served by the same gentleman at their other location, and he was professional and pleasant, as always. Decor and atmosphere was also nice, if slightly too bright. That might just be me, though -- and I also realize it's an open kitchen and bar, so it's likely for the staff to be able to get through service safely. Thank you! I look forward to coming by and enjoying your patio in the summer :)

The real italian deal, reminds me so much of the restaurants in Italy! Food and service were amazing!

We went in today and the pizza was good but the pasta was overcooked and gummy. I don’t understand how they could serve pasta like that. We won’t be back.

Our visit to La Cucina Ristorante was remarkable. This must-visit Italian restaurant is an intimate gem tucked away, on the second floor of a limestone two-storey, on funky Macdonell Street. You really do get a European vibe as you climb the flight of stairs to the dining room. This space welcomes you with stone and wood architecture, tastefully decorated with artwork. I can't wait to try the open air terrace. Our party of four shared a polenta special (and it was indeed special) served with asparagus, and a wonderful salad (Insalata del Nord). Our excellent server, who seemed to know what we wanted before we asked, had provided us with warm bread, oil, and vinegar to get the party started. My entree was the profoundly delicious Tagliatelle All'aragosta; a fettuccini (handmade of course) dish that featured lobster and shrimp in a "whiskey rose crème sauce." For dessert I chose the spectacular lemon blueberry cheesecake. Superb! There is an extensive drinks list that is sure to please. I look forward to a return visit.

This was the most disappointing meal out in recent memory. I split the carpaccio with my date to start, which was actually quite nice, but the portion was very light. It was well seasoned with fresh grated parm, black pepper, balsamic, and was very fresh. The best part of the meal by far. I had the maialino in crusta. The pork was cooked past well done and had become stringy and chewy. The pastry was overdone on the outer layer, but raw in the layers underneath, giving me the impression the whole dish was pre-cooked then heated under a broiler? The asparagus was barely cooked past raw, and the onion was burnt on one edge. I split the tiramisu for dessert with my date. The dish arrived as a handful of some kind of dry, brittle cookies on a plate. It was smothered in a cream sauce that did not resemble the taste nor the texture of marscapone. It was dusted with cocoa powder and chocolate sundae sauce, but not any kind of coffee. I wish I had something redeeming to say about the restaurant, but the service experience was just OK at best. I can’t recommend this place to anyone based on my experience - other Italian places in Guelph deliver both a superior meal and experience for a lower cost.

We had not been to La Cucina for a long time and decided to treat ourselves to a night out. The food and service are still excellent and the interior of the restaurant is still very welcoming. It is a lovely view to look out the window and see the skating rink at City Hall lit up at night. I do have one issue though. The tables for two are way too close together in the rear of the restaurant. I don't want to be able to reach over and almost touch the table beside me. It was not an issue the night we were there as it was not that busy and nobody was seated beside us (if there had been I would have requested another table). They should simply remove one of the tables for 2 in the back and that would allow enough space for an intimate dinner. I have eaten at their sister restaurant and noticed the same thing. My only other comment is that they should update their photos. The picture of the caprese salad is not how it is served. All in all, a very nice meal.

This is our family's go-to place for special occasions. The service and food are the best in the City of Guelph. Authentic italian food and attentive service.

I think I just had my favourite meal of the year! Everything was perfect / the food, the atmosphere and the service. Well done! This evening was terrific!

Un punto di riferimento per le mie trasferte a Guelph, il cibo è italiano al 100 % ottima anche la location. O in loco o con delivery riesco a soddisfare le mie voglie culinarie anche in Canada. Bravi