Il Cantinori
“Tonight I had the special Kale and Anchovy salad, followed by the Pappardelle Alla Buttera and both were equally delicious.”
“A classic and all time neighborhood favorite, many special occasions celebrated here!.”
“And the hazelnut ice cream sandwich was like heaven in my mouth.”
Il Cantinori
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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Hurray for NYC's Restaurant Week and Il Cantinori for being a part of it! After sifting through a million restaurants that offer the $25 lunch/$38 dinner three-course meal (an absolute bargain for pasta, steak, seafood), I finally came across Il Cantinori and reserved for a late Friday lunch. The restaurant was not very full, but it still offered a nice ambience. You could absolutely tell you were in an upscale Italian restaurant – the white linen tablecloths adorned with the signature olive oil and fresh roses in a glass (which by no means were overwhelming once we had stepped inside and adjusted our noses). We had several waiters, but all of them were so friendly and accommodating. They always took our dishes away and did not rush us with the check at all.
Onto the food… I had their eggplant appetizer – creamed spinach and tomato sauce wrapped in a thin slice of eggplant. It seems really small, but it is extremely hearty and delicious. My friend opted for their lentil soup – also very delicious! I also had their salmon – it was just a perfect portion. Smothered in creamy mustard sauce (also hearty enough that the cream almost masked the mustard), the salmon was perfect: soft and pink. They also have vegetarian option of pasta – head for the rigatoni, the portion may seem a bit small but the sauce is very hearty. There were string beans that accompanied this salmon, but obviously the salmon stole the show. For dessert, we tried the tiramisu and it could not have been prepared any better. Just a bit of fresh fruit and delicious cream can really make a difference for your tiramisu.
Also, did I mention that the bread is just to die for? It's not your traditional focaccia bread – it's a more traditional leavened bread that was airy and fluffy (I know, I had their delicious salmon and here I am raving about their complimentary bread, which they did give us many baskets of after realizing how much we loved their bread!).
Il Cantinori is definitely the star of Restaurant Week right now in terms of Italian food. Definitely a must try!
Great Italian restaurant tucked away on 10th st just south of Union Square (away from all the chaos). Nice bar area though not huge – bartender was extremely efficient and friendly. Spent awhile chatting with him and he actually brought back complimentary Prosecco after dinner – not necessary but definitely appreciated! We sat in the back area which I prefer to the front. Had the salmon which was perfectly cooked – would definitely go back.
I went into this dining experience knowing I was going to order risotto. I have never had it before but felt it should be a side dish; however, that's seldom the case. Close your eyes and picture this: grilled salmon with a side of risotto… Yum.
Anyways, we stumbled across il cantinori because my friend wanted to find a restaurant that had good risotto because I really wanted to try it. This restaurant can make any type of risotto, you just have to ask.
We started with the insalata tricolore, it was refreshing. I then ordered a wild mushroom risotto and my friend ordered veal. The risotto was very good. I would have preferred if the mushrooms were cut a little smaller. You have to eat risotto fairly quickly because it gets cold fast and once cold, its not great.
For dessert I ordered the bread budding and my friend ordered a cannoli. I wasn't a fan of either.
The service was fantastic. We got up to leave and everyone was so friendly and said goodbye.
They have a coat check!
Overall I rate my dining experience 3.5 stars out of 5 stars
Love this place — OMG the food and service!
We went with friends who come here regularly.
The food is great! I had the Veal Milanese (chop) with arugula and green and red tomatoes. It was a big offering, but I finished it all as it seemed a crime to waste any. Melt in your mouth!
My hubby had the pasta special with clams and white fish — looked yummy also.
Wish we could have done dessert — as those I saw around me looked great — but just could not find the space for it! Next time for sure.
Recommend reservations as this is a busy spot.
The back room is more quiet and intimate if you prefer. The front room can be lively.
Came here for restaurant week and this place definitely did not disappoint! The ambiance is classy and intimate, with fresh roses on every table. Waitstaff was attentive and helpful with wine suggestions. For the appetizer we got a beef carpaccio which was good, but the star of the appetizer round was the eggplant rotini. Delicious, smoky and complex, with a lovely texture and sauce to match. Main course was good. The best part of the meal was the dessert, specifically the hazelnut ice cream sandwich. One of the best desserts I've had anywhere! Great use of restaurant week by this place, I would definitely come back here on any normal day.
Overall experience: 8.5/10
Food: 8.5/10
Atmosphere: 8/10
Service: 8/10
Was hoping for a celebrity sighting, but alas, I got:
– some fantastic dishes – the pasta tastes so homemade and just comforting
– a quaint and intimate environment that's great for a date for 2
– decent service, but feeling like the manager/staff pay much more mind to their regulars than first timers (who could become regulars!)
THE BOTTOM LINE: food is great, and I'm hoping I become a regular to be treated extra special
Went here for restaurant week,
Passed amanda seyfried outside. This is really old school italian, even the feel
Of the restaurant. It is open air which is so lovely on a summer night. Lots of staff on your behalf at the table.
Amazing complimentary focaccia
To start. Arugula and shaved beef salad was good, not exceptional. Ricotta ravioli in cream sauce was so decadent and the flourless cake was of course amazing. The vibe was families and date nights through and through. I can see why this is a nyc classic, the staff and chef are the real deal. My friend had the sole and it
Was amazing
This place is really good but I've never had to pay out of pocket so I can't comment on value. Food is top notch both in quality and uniqueness; ambiance is impeccable/location is amazing, and service is very good, as you'd expect from a place of this caliber.
I've had the veal milanese before and this thing is DELICIOUS. It's a huge hunk of veal and the milanese really draws out the flavor, though note that I have no idea how much it costs so that could add to my favorable appraisal. I've also had the bolognese pasta and I believe the restaurant uses lamb to make and this is also very good. Other than that, their caprese is good, chicken livers for appetizers are also delish, and their desserts are also on point (the pistachio ice cream thing covered in a chocolate shell is very well done). One of the best parts about this place is their unlimited bread basket–the square shaped breads are especially awesome; they're extremely chewy, buttery tasting, and melt in your mouth. The waiters also provide mounds of butter that they generously refill upon request.
Ambiance is great – sorta dimly lit venue with a tuscan feel, light music playing the back, and large tables (especially for this area of town) that are widely spread such that it's intimate but you definitely get your own space and by no means will overhear any conversations but that of your own party. The tablecloths, wine glasses, and everything are also quite nice.
Service is amazing but that may be because the member of my party who I come with is BFF with the owner and everyone here.