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4 stars 54 reviews

La Cantina Ristorante Italiano

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60 Walnut St S
Hamilton, ON  L8N 2L1

(905) 521-8989

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Reviews [3]
English
4 star rating
Virginia Toronto August 15, 2011
Delicious Italian Food

La Cantina is my favourite Italian restaurant bar none. The lasagna is served straight from the oven and is still bubbling when it hits the table. The Glazed Walnut salad is also definitely worth trying as a shared appetizer or a main course. If you can get your hands on the mushroom soup (it is sometimes featured as the soup du jour) don't even think just order it!
La Cantina also has some of the best Sangria I've ever had as well as deliciously decadent homemade tirimisu.
Their pizzas also make an amazing entree--sometimes I get the margherita pizza to share as an appetizer--they have a real wood-burning oven which makes the pizza extraordinary.

4 star rating
BB November 30, 2010
World Class Restuarant

La Cantina is a great place to take family or friends who are visitting Hamilton from out of town. It's an impressive, casual yet somewhat fancy place where you'll feel at home dressed smart casual or dressy. The food is amazing. The salads are huge. my favourite soup anywhere on earth is from here: the Strachatella (sp)! And their Italian food is to die for. They have food heared to special dietary restrictions too, including rice noodles, gluten free and whole wheat.

4 star rating
kslack Ontario, Canada September 02, 2010
Number 1 for Italian in Hamilton

La Cantina is my go-to place for Italian. They have 3 different areas to dine - The patio, the bar and the dining room. All have that great ambiance that makes you feel like you're one of the family. This is Italian food the way that it was meant to be. Fresh ingredients, warm bread and HUGE portions will make La Cantina your favourite too.

Editorial Reviews from the web
English
4 star rating
January 13, 2012

This is really two restaurants in one. A dining room serves up plates of veal scaloppini in a dry Marsala sauce, and seared ostrich medallions cooked with pinot noir. The casual pizzeria features more than 20 varieties of pizza, including the traditional Quattro Stagione (four seasons) with prosciutto, artichokes, olives, and mozzarella. This is a very popular spot, so try to make a reservation... more

Brought to you by frommersca

Other Reviews from the web
English
4 star rating
November 03, 2014

This used to be my favorite place to go but wow has it gotten bad. The pastas were kind of soggy. To their credit the olive oil based ones were okay but the cream pastas were more like risotto. The pasta was over cooked but what did it in was the service. It took almost 40 minutes all in all to get the wine. It was much more labor intensive than getting wine should be. So bad service, not great... more

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4 star rating
Enjoyable Lunch
June 29, 2014

Recently spend a leisure lunch on the patio at La Cantina, I enjoyed the meatball Panini and my husband had the penne arribiatta, both meals were delicious and portion sizes were good.

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What Happened
March 13, 2014

From one of our favorite restaurants ........... Two weeks in a row the bread was salty. Pizza was hard ,cold and terrible on this visit. Pasta was not cooked properly. As for the service, other then being really slow, our table was not cleared in a timely fashion and the bill took 10 minutes to receive. My stomach is upset... more

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Our Hands Down Fave
March 10, 2014

This restaurant is one of our hands down favorites. You can choose to eat on the upscale or casual side however, both menus are available on both sides. Atmosphere is charming. Great patio in the summer! Meal has never been a disappointment. Service has always been good and prices are very reasonable. Our fave is the bruschetta Calabrese but the... more

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The Best Italian Restaurant in the Area
March 09, 2014

I have eaten at La Cantina many times, and it is my favorite Italian restaurant in the Hamilton area.
The food is MUCH better than Baci and I have enjoyed the food here more than at Lo Presti's.
I included a picture of their delicious Bruschetta alla Molisana - made with goat cheese and sundried tomato puree.
I have also... more

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Tops in Hamilton
March 05, 2014

Great atmosphere and service from their roots. Always a great menu, how can you argue prosciutto and gorgonzola.

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Wow...Just WOW
February 09, 2014

First, I have to say that I have been fortunate to dine in a wide array of places in my lifetime. From delicious downtown dives to high end haute cuisine, I've eaten it all.
When I was a child my parents used to treat their best customers to dinner at La Cantina (since there was very little else in the... more

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4 star rating
December 23, 2013

pretty good food, large portions, but sloooooow service -- i.e. we arrived and ordered 6:15pm and it's now 8pm and we're finished.. food arrived about 7:30
Service was described accurately by someone else as "pleasant, but not quick"
They gave us dessert on them though because we mentioned the slow service.

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Amazing Venue and Cuisine
November 24, 2013

I am look for nothing more than Authentic Italian food when the weather turns cold. I was just introduced to this spot and can’t believe I never heard of this place.
From the appetizer to the main course everything was amazing.
I really liked the fact that the service was at nice slow pace, and I even stressed to our... more

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Good food, average service
November 07, 2013

This place was a refuge from very bad hotel food on a recent trip. The pasta servings were huge, although my shells were overdone. The bread served was ok, but cold as ice along with butter that was hard as rock. The service was friendly but slow. It seemed like wonderful food in comparison to garbage we had served to... more

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Great food but slowest service ever
November 02, 2013

I had the opportunity to eat at La Cantina on November 2, 2013, a night before the Hamilton Marathon Road to Hope, after having a wonderful meal there last year, prior to the marathon. We made a reservation and arrived there just prior to 6pm. Our order was taken at 6:07pm, and within 5 minutes, our bruschetta came out, which... more

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4 star rating
great summer restaurant
November 01, 2013

We had a lovely summer evening here on their patio, the food was excellent and a nice selection of European beers and nice wines. Lovely atmosphere, we were there for about 2 hours eating our dinner, felt like when we were in Europe and unlike some of the other Italian restaurant that have tight reservations and space and expect you... more

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Great Place
September 21, 2013

Second time here. Very nice dinner, all food tried was excellent. Pizza very authentic. Will be back.

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4 star rating
Good food
August 26, 2013

The smell of the pasta when it was placed in front of us, was just to warm you up for how good it tasted! Even the left overs the next day was great! Nice atmosphere. Will go back again!

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4 star rating
Among the best in Hamilton
July 28, 2013

I visit LaCantina often and the food is consistently delicious, especially given the competitive prices. Their pizzas are certainly their speciality, and the gorgonzola pizza in particular is to die for. If you are eating on the "fancy" side of the restaurant, (I believe it's called Viccolo), you must get the mushroom risotto. However, I think that the best option... more

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4 star rating
Service great, Il Fornello in Oakville better for pizza
July 26, 2013

Veronica was an attentive, efficient, knowledgeable server. Grilled vegetables with goats cheese was a light appetizer. Had two different kinds of pizza. Both were very, very salty, which detracted from the meal. Il Fornello in Oakville and of course Libretto in Toronto are far superior for wood oven pizza.
Restaurant is quiet, so nice for a romantic meal.

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4 star rating
Never disappoints
July 15, 2013

Every time my husband and I want to celebrate an occasion or take guests to an authentic Italian restaurant- this is it!!. We have travelled many times to Italy, and the meals cannot compare.
La Cantina is as close to an authentic pizza, pasta and atmosphere as you can get here in Canada. Enjoy chin chin!!

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4 star rating
Amazing Place
July 14, 2013

My wife and I had an anniversary dinner here recently, on the advice of some friends who live in the area. Have to say, the place did not disappoint. The food's simply delicious, the service impeccable, and the decor tasteful. My wife had the farfalle primavera and I had the gnocchi alla gorgonzola. Both outstanding and the portions were generous... more

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4 star rating
great food and service
June 19, 2013

three of us went for dinner during the week. It was busy but we got a table right away. The server was excellent and everyone still talks about the meal.
We'll be back

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4 star rating
May 14, 2013

I had hoped for better when eating at La Cantina, but walked out disappointed. First thing that upsets me is that the place is split into two sections. If you want to eat the better items on the menu, you have to eat in a specific section which ends up costing more, which in my opinion is a rip. It shouldn't matter where we sit, I should have access to the full menu whether I'm inside or out on... more

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4 star rating
For great Italian food, eat at La Cantina
May 14, 2013

There are several different rooms in this complex, and all have a lovely atmosphere. Whether it's the red tile floors in the main dining room, the pizza section where you can watch the pizzas being prepared and cooked, or the outdoor seating in a sheltered patio during the summer - this restaurant is a winner in my book. The quality... more

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4 star rating
Excellent
April 20, 2013

My family and I went out for dinner last minute. We tried everywhere for a reservation, over busy dinner night anywhere in Hamilton. We were lucky to get a table for 4 in the bar area. The food was awesome as was the service. portions of apps ans mains are ample. Go for the smaller option....more than enough.

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4 star rating
Great
April 12, 2013

Loved it here. We were a group of 6 so we tried a lot on the menu! Every dish was amazing and there was an assortment of various types of bruschetta, with different types of cheese. The portions for the apps, mains, and desserts really big! Even the smaller dinner portion you could choose to have was a lot! We... more

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4 star rating
Great value
March 23, 2013

Loved the veal meatballs. Very healthy size dish of pasta and cooked just right, al dente. So mush so, that i believe they could take about a quarter of the dish out and still be plenty. Four huge meatballs and a tasty sauce. The bread was served fresh and hot. The atmosphere was cute and the service was pleasant. Overall,... more

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4 star rating
Excellent Food
March 23, 2013

This is a place that we keep going back to because we know we will always have a excellent meal. We have never, ever been disappointed.
From appetizers to the main course the quality is consistent. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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4 star rating
Average Italian Food, with Noise
January 29, 2013

To be honest, I don't understand the popularity of this place. The food is OK, I suppose - nothing fantastic, and overpriced. The service is average, but the wait times to get a table are a little silly. What irks me about this place is the noise level...it's like dining at a roadside bar - definitely anything but relaxing. I... more

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4 star rating
Good food, but that's it
January 23, 2013

I used to love this little place. It was a gem in the city, and I'm not sure what happened. On a recent business lunch, upon arrival, the hostess looks at us and says "dinning room or bar?". No hello, no "Welcome to La Cantina", nothing.
When our waiter came, he did not make eye contact with me once, he... more

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4 star rating
Not as good as it was a few years ago
January 22, 2013

I recently had a business dinner for ten at La Cantina. We went here based on prior visits. The quality of the food is significantly below prior visits and not worth the prices. The grilled calamari was so rubbery it was inedible. The steaks were average and the pasta dish arrived lukewarm. The service was a little slow. There are... more

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4 star rating
Hard not to like this place
January 20, 2013

Trendy decor with a good, varied menu with reasonable pricing. We have only had the opportunity to go once, but should make a point of trying it again soon.

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4 star rating
Yummy food
January 19, 2013

Great food but a bit pricey. Love Italian food and you get good food here. Need to clarify that the La Cantina in downtown is where I have eaten. They participate every year in the Hamilton Business Bureau Food tour and it always goes above and beyond for its part. Lovely

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4 star rating
January 10, 2013

Wooooooooooo
carb overload to the extreme
So good you just can't stop!
Definitely need to do a 10k after eating here lol

Brought to you by yelp

4 star rating
Excellent meal, but the parking.....ouch
January 05, 2013

We had a delicious meal here last night with another couple. This was our first visit, and would definitely return. Very nice atmosphere with multiple rooms, so that although it is a relatively large restaurant, it still feels intimate and cozy. We had a very small, two-table room, that was VERY intimate. Service from Sylvia was impeccable. We had a... more

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4 star rating
Consistently great
December 28, 2012

Service, atmosphere and topping the list of positives excellent food! The only problem is usually your stomach is smaller than the portions. Fresh breads, brick oven pizza....great produce is used. The chef has seasonal specials. Give it a try!

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4 star rating
What a wonderful Restaurant. I shall return
December 25, 2012

This was my first time at this very lovely restaurant in Hamilton. We sat in the fine dining section.
I was there with a party of 5 to celebrate a very special 60th b'day for my partner.
We had a variety of items from the menu from the Veal to Pasta to Fish all the food was terrific the service... more

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4 star rating
My Favorite Place
December 18, 2012

I absolutely love this place.....I have been going to La Cantina long before they moved to their present location. The service is top notch...the food is beyond words....I love the choice between the two dinner menus and the patio makes you feel like you are in a quaint garden in Italy....being Sicilian I just love this place....I go here every... more

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4 star rating
Dinner before the Show
November 21, 2012

Made las tminute reservations for dinner before the TSO show at Copps. Reservation quickly taken no problem. Greeted by hostess upon arrival and quickly taken to seating in the 'fine dining' side of the restaurant. There is a different menu on this side - obviously higher end than the pizza side of the house. The drawback is that the table... more

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4 star rating
Great food
November 18, 2012

I used to go to this restaurant when they were in the small strip plaza on Queen St. and the food was great.....that was more than 20 years ago, and the only thing that has changed is the location (now on Walnut St.)
Went there Nov.16, 2012 for dinner with the family. All of us enjoyed the food, atmosphere, service.....everything.....did... more

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4 star rating
Italian at their best
October 30, 2012

I love the bread at this restaurant, the food is very authentic, however the last time there the service was meh? the food was not hot, it was a b'day dinner and they seem not to really care... more

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4 star rating
the pizza is amazing
October 24, 2012

wood oven pizza, very creative topping combos, excellent service...and reliably good for years and years. If you like it spicey, try the diavolo pizza....heaven on a plate!

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4 star rating
best italian dinner in a long time
October 17, 2012

the food was so good and the staff there where good they explain everything on menu....next time i am in town i would go back there four sure 100 percent!!!!!!!!

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4 star rating
The best! Amazing food, great value and atmosphere
September 30, 2012

Been going for over 10 years and have never had anything but consistent quality! Fabulous pizza and the best caesar salad I've ever had.

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4 star rating
Go-to Italian in Hamilton
September 26, 2012

I've been to La Cantina many times, most recently two weeks ago for my boyfriend's birthday. The service is always top notch and the food is flavourful. We always start with the beef carpaccio and molisana bruschetta, which have always come out perfectly. I haven't had any other entrees at this place, as we usually order an item no longer... more

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4 star rating
Excellant home cooking
September 25, 2012

I can truly say if you don't like this place there is something wrong with you and you should go back to your Chef Boyardee. Everything is home made and cooked with love.
You can go for a quick pizza or a full meal. Portions are excellant.

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4 star rating
It was recommended to us
September 03, 2012

A family friend recommended this place to us. She is Italian and she claimed it was like being in a restaurant in Italy. I've been to restaurants in Italy and they were a lot better than this.
The place was very busy and very noisy. There seemed to be a much younger crowd in the other side of the restaurant... more

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4 star rating
Truly Italian
August 06, 2012

One of my favourite restaurants in the area! The food is genuinely italian (coming from an Italian)! Whenever I am in town for dinner, la Cantina is definitely on the list. My family has also had a few events here that were very enjoyable!

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4 star rating
July 11, 2012

This was a nice Italian restaurant in the heart of Hamilton. My colleague and I shared the calamari, which was a bit chewy and possibly under-cooked. He ordered a pizza that looked delicious and my gnocci were very tasty (I substituted red sauce instead of the heavy cream white sauce).

Service was excellent and the patio outside was perfect! I would def. return here.

Brought to you by yelp

4 star rating
July 03, 2012

Awesome place! Great food, great wines and good service

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4 star rating
Athentic Italian Eatery
June 27, 2012

La Cantina is a little taste of Italy smack dab in the middle of Hamilton. From the moment you step inside the door and are greeted by the aroma of garlic and fresh seasonings, you know you are in for a treat. The decor is decidedly Italian country kitchen and the blasts of delicious wafting from the wood pizza oven... more

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4 star rating
Rude manager
June 19, 2012

Very good food- hit and miss service. Will do take out, but not over the phone. Tried to get a pizza and risotto take out for a birthday dinner for family member with Alzheimer's, but manager, Patricia, would not allow take out unless we drove to restaurant and waited even though we were willing to pay the full amount in... more

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4 star rating
Love this place
June 10, 2012

Probably my favorite restaurant in Hamilton.
I have been eating here for roughly 15 years and aside from a few "off nights" the food is consistently great - always fresh and good quality with strong flavours. We love the appetizers so much that that is all that we order (4 or 5)and ask that they come out staggered. Our favs,... more

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Hamilton's Finest Italian Restaurant
May 28, 2012

La Cantina is the epitome of the Old World Style Italian Restaurant. Magnifico!
Although they are always busy, the service is always great!
La Cantina is fairly big square footage wise, but broken down into wonderfully different and quaint little sections which all offer there own special charms. In the warmer seasons there is a substantially large but private patio.... more

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4 star rating
Always A Great Lunch
May 15, 2012

We go to this restaurant every Christmas for lunch with our bosses, and any excuse we have to celebrate at work, we take a trip to La Cantina.
I have never had a dish that I was disappointed with. I have had their pizza, mussels, seafood pasta, their alfredo, and their Glazed Walnut Salad is delicious. It has beets, walnuts,... more

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4 star rating
Really good
May 09, 2012

My husband and I had dinner there not long ago. We started with a vegetarian pizza that was absolutely perfect. We were seated right by the pizza oven so we saw the guy making it. So yummy. For mains I had the vegetarian lasagna. The veggies were freshly grilled and nicely charred. Huge portion. Only complaint is that there was... more

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4 star rating
Tasty, but not up to the usual standards
April 13, 2012

I've been to La Cantina several times over the years and really do enjoy the food. We went this time for my birthday dinner because I was craving good homemade Italian food. We sat in the dining room as opposed to the less formal bar area. We were seated at a table for 2 next to an opening that had... more

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4 star rating
The Best Italian Food Around
March 31, 2012

Consistant homemade Italian food , It boasts the best Margarita pizza anywhere and I have had pizza in Naples , Rome , Sicily. You wont be disapointed

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4 star rating
Wonderful Italian Food
March 18, 2012

Great salads, pasta dishes and love the atmosphere. Really good wine list as well. Excellent service.

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4 star rating
November 11, 2011

Italian in Hamilton... Okay, it's okay. It is a nice venue with a sizable outdoor patio. The service is pleasant but not quick, usually covering too many tables. The menu is not as impressive as it reads unfortunately. Most of the apps and entrees were not great. Stick to the pizzas, which are creative and good.

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4 star rating
August 16, 2011

Delicious food. I had the veal. My mother had one of the pasta dishes. Pretty casual. A bit pricey. But again, delicious food.

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4 star rating
March 19, 2005

If you are looking for some authentic homemade Italian cooking then stop here, .... it is the real thing...the atmosphere is quaint and could be very romantic with the right person...give it a try... more

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4 star rating
April 23, 2004

this is an excellet restaurant to visit if you need to impress a first date with class, but at a very affordable price.

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