La Cucina Ristorante Italiano

I was disappointed with our experience tonight. This place had good reviews so it was disheartening to see it fall so short of expectations. First of all, We had trouble finding the restaurant so trying to call them before our reservation time, which was the time they open for dinner, proved futile. Nobody cares to answer the phone. After getting lucky and finding it a couple minutes before our reservation time, the restaurant is still closed, about 5 minutes past 5:30. We weren’t greeted properly which was a little rude, just asked if we had a reservation, so I said “YES” and walked right past the hostess/waitress (I’m guessing that’s who she was because she didn’t identify herself as part of a normal restaurant greeting). No menus, and looking at the online-only menu, I find out the main courses need to be ordered 48 hours in advance. Looking back at my email reservation, it was in the disclaimer at the bottom of a later message, so I guess that’s my fault. But who reads all that junk right? LoL! Oh well! Food was bland, flavors not married well, presentation was as lackluster as the taste. Some dishes had potential, but overall execution seemed that of someone who doesn’t understand Italian food nor had proper training. We weren’t asked how the food was, or if there was anything we’d like to drink, service was just as lackluster for a place that charges the kind of prices they do. I am a former chef, culinary school graduate, and worked in a few high end restaurants. I’ve also dined in many high end restaurants and have had a lot of fabulous dining experiences. I am not an expert food critic, but I definitely know when a place falls quite short of a lot of things. Lessons learned.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Really delicious food. The only thing is that you can only reserve by email and you better check your email for further confirmation the day before or you will lose your spot.
Despite all of that, it's worth it.

Overall, the food is good for the area. It’s not the best Italian food ever but the pasta are nice and they’re pretty close to authentic, they were cooked well.
The dining area itself it’s kind of mid and they need some sound dampening

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

No frills , just great Italian food. Same Chef from the old Mediteraneo restaurant on King St.

The food was fantastic—fresh and unique—but slow service and a warm dining room made the evening less enjoyable. If you’re patient, it’s a great spot, but for faster service with good food, consider other options on the island.

The food was amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It takes days and many emails to secure a reservation. Even though the table was ready we were not seated for another 7 minutes and had to wait outside. Ridiculous! The food was very good, but the effort it took, in my opinion is not worth going there a second time.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Wow, wow, wow! Just had an incredible dinner at this Italian spot! The Risotto and Pollo Piccata was TOO GOOD - the chicken was cooked to perfection, and the risotto was creamy and rich. Service was on point, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. Can't wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The gnocchi and fettuccine were delicious

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Reservation is via email only.
When you arrive for your reservation, you must stand outside the front door as the staff is focusing on the customers already seated OR as they are trying to get your table ready. We waited about 20 mins before we were called to enter and be seated.

The bone marrow is DELICIOUS! We would come back for a few more of those even as a meal.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

The carbonara was simply 👌 to die for.
The red sauce wasn't that great. Pesto was above average Nickle and dime you for bread and don't tell you they charge for it.

Says open, we arrived, and it is closed. Security guy said over the speaker to the entrance of imperial plaza. Update your hours in google.

Shared two appetizers, two mains, two desserts and an aperitif. The brussel sprouts and Pappardelle Norcina was divine. We ordered a lot of food, so our price pet person was higher than you need to go. It made for a wonderful date. Definitely recommend reservations far in advance. There is bar seating but it is first come first serve. Staff was attentive without being intrusive. We also have our order in advance to make sure they'd have what we wanted. As of September '25 they were working on an automated system for reservations but was not implemented quite yet.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely love this place! 🤩best pasta on island!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Bruh 🤤 🤯 WOW! AMAZING! One of the best by far. Definitely coming back here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5