Joe Marzilli's Old Canteen Italian Restaurant

Was super excited to be able to get some delicious and authentic Italian food just to be absolutely disappointed by the service and quality of the food. I had made a reservation for 6:30pm and was told that valet parking would be available. That was my first mistake. Myself and my mother both got an attitude from the valet guy talking about how there was no parking while he gladly took a tip and the car of someone who had a car that was a luxury brand. One of the people in my party has a physical disability which also made it even more infuriating. When we FINALLY located a spot, we walked in and it took almost a half hour to get drinks and menus. After that, it was another half an hour until we ordered and it took about an hour to even get food. No water refills or drink refills happened during that time until we got our food and it was ONE refill. It also took another 20-30 minutes to get the check and get things wrapped up after having to prompt staff multiple times. By the time we left it was 9:10pm and our reservation was at 6:30pm. This was probably the worst experience I’ve ever had a restaurant. Oh and the food when it finally came out? The quality was terrible and definitely was warmed in a microwave or cooked and reheated due to the issue at hand. My advice? Hire more waiters or train people and work on the quality of food as well. So disappointing.

I wish they had at least a chair lift up those stairs. All the customers are elderly

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Had the most delicious lunch today with great friends, so happy that Paul was our waiter he is one of the best, food was absolutely delicious, drinks were excellent and the service was top notch !!
You NEVER disappoint!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place!!! Great food, great service, authentic as is gets. Take it easy and treat yourself to Old

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Ravioli

Authentic italian restorant. Very good food and service. EXCELLENT PLACE!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always great food, excellent service and Old World ambiance. I've gone there for 60 years and have had business luncheons there for 35 years.

This Landmark opened in 1956 ' the year I was born. Alas, Sal Marzilli has run it so well, for so many decades; but now, the building and businesses is up for sale. Totally can't understand, in this era of wealth, when someone hasn't scooped it up to be their residence and private restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lasagna, Haddock, Ravioli, Chicken Marsala Funghi, Veal Piccata, Boneless Chicken Parmigiana, Broccoli Rabe, Chicken Soup, Seafood Fra Diavolo, Fettuccine Alfredo, Tiramisu, Clam Chowder, Braciole, Osso Buco, Clams Casino, Stuffed Mushrooms

Never a disappointment.. always phenomenal... enjoy your fine dining while sitting at the bar being served by the best "elderly jimmy" bartender ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great atmosphere
Paul our waiter was excellent
Food was delicious
Thank you

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It's the best Italian food in the state.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lasagna, Veal Piccata, Boneless Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Rollatini, Fettuccine Alfredo, Tiramisu

Super fun old school joint with pink walls, good food, and happy customers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ate lunch at this place today. The food and service was incredible. I will be returning back!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. Upon walking in the man at the desk gave me and my boyfriend dirty looks and when we proceeded to ask for a table for 2 he asked us if we had a reservation to which half the restaurant was empty. Then he told us to sit in the table in the corner…. as he’s walking us over he proceeds to pull on my boyfriend’s jacket and say “this needs to come off cause if he sees this he’s not gonna like it and you guys won’t be able to eat here”…. First of all don’t touch other people, period. If he had a problem with how we were dressed he could’ve said something when we walked in politely just saying we have a dress code if you guys don’t know etc… instead of giving us nasty looks then walking us to a table and then tugging on my boyfriends jacket and being completely inappropriate and embarrassing paying customers in front of the whole restaurant! Absolutely diabolical behavior would never come here ever again plenty of better restaurants to eat with better Italian food. Save yourself the time , money and aggravation and go somewhere else!!!

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

Been eating the roast Veal there for 29 years. Always amazing.

maybe good in the day...did not appreciate guy at desk asking if we had reservation there was at least 12 tables open..but thanks for fitting us in to eat your sub par italian food...server was great food especially sauce not great...good luck..go elsewhere...

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 5

My family has known Joe and Sal for many years, it was a pleasure bringing my partner there to experience one of the most precious gems of Federal Hill. Sal’s sauce on the tripe and Haddock special had the right amount of spice and flavor that I crave from my childhood, and the dessert with coffee was a perfect touch of remembering traditional Italian hospitality. Thank you for the wonderful experience Sal, we will see you soon! Brittany Lombardi