Click to EnlargeImagine being able to travel seasonally to regional Italy...well you can. At La Cucina we are committed to bringing all the wonder and beauty of Italian food and culture right to your table. We do this with a spectacular seasonal menu boasting all the merits and ideals of Slow Food and nature's quattro stagioni (four seasons).more...See more text
We frequent LaCucina and feel it is by far the best restaurant in Guelph. My wife and I love to eat and have dined at some of the best restaurants in the world. The chef, Marurizio, could easily hold his own in larger cities like Toronto with his creativity and quality of food. The service is outstanding as they anticipate our needs and consistently go out of their way to accomodate us. Although the prices are not cheap, you pay for what you get and they are reasonable for fine dining. More restaurants in Guelph could follow LaCucina's lead for uniqueness, professionalism and dining experience.
The appetizer and pasta were fantastic, as well...
The appetizer and pasta were fantastic, as well as the sides with the main course. The osso bucco and lamb were nice, but not as nice as I would expect for the price.
The concept of the restaurant is interesting, you ideally get an appetizer, then a pasta course, then a meat course. My date and I shared the appetizer, which was a huge portion and absolutely fantastic, then we were served a complimentary slice of fried polenta with a nice dill sauce.
We shared the ravioli, which again was fantastic and eagerly awaited out mains.
unfortunately the main course was the only piece of the meal that was not outstanding. There was nothing wrong with it, but compared to the rest of the meal it was lacking.
To finish we shared panna cotta with figs, and I cannot expound enough on how fantastic it was. I would go back for the panna cotta alone.
Considering out bill was $130 before tip for two people we won't be going back consistenly, but would recommend for special occasions. The other option we considered is just getting an appetizer and pasta course, the portion sizes were large enough that you would leave fully satisfied.
As well the decor and service were fantastic. Next time we are definitely sitting at the table overlooking the beautiful kitchen.
An overall amazing culinary and dining out experience. I can't wait until summer time to go back and eat on their upstairs patio!
We sat at the, so-called, kitchen table. This table is located in the kitchen, but isn't the chef's table, which is like a bar table directly overlooking the chefs.
It was a lot of fun watching everything that went into preparing our amazing dinner. I haven't given any restaurant a 10 for food yet, but the ravioli was an 11! All the pasta is made in-house and it's delicious.
The menu changes based on the seasons and presents seasonal Italian items from different regions. This appeals to me because I know there will be some variety in the menu if I only go every so often.
It's a little expensive, and a little difficult to find... but worth it for a fabulous evening with loved ones.
Each time my boyfriend and I have been here, we...
Each time my boyfriend and I have been here, we have been treated like family. The waiters have always been gracious and attentive, while explaining the regional dishes. Often we choose to have a 3 course meal and have never been disappointed. The wine selection is always a treat for us and often the focus of our meal.
The atmosphere is perfect for those of us who want to experience a full-fledged fine dining environment, but don't want to feel overcome by the decor. In the summer, the patio is an incredible, romantic experience and in the winter, it is cozy and warm. We come here for all of our special occasions, and don't mind paying the extra bit of money for our meals. Even entering the restaurant through the stone silent hallway that opens up to a staircase of smells and sounds, is an experience.
Well done Ralph.
