La Cucina Ristorante

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.

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 🙂

If I could give 6 stars, I would. I went here for the first time with my girlfriend on our anniversary and the experience was spectacular. Maria took care of us, and arranged a beautiful card wishing us a happy anniversary which was placed at our table for our reservation time. We ordered bruschetta, calamari, and their lobster pasta. The food was delicious. Thank you Maria, and La Cucina staff for an amazing night!

We always have a lovely experience at La Cucina — food, service, and atmosphere are all wonderful. Thanks for a memorable evening!

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.