A Smithdown Road restaurant has been labelled a ‘hidden gem’ by fans who can’t stop talking about the venue.
Family-run Italian restaurant Cantina e Cucina is based on Smithdown Road and has been gaining recognition for its hospitality and value for money. The restaurant is designed as a converted barn with Mediterranean décor throughout.
The menu includes rustic dishes such as ‘Branzino la Cantina’; pan-fried seabass served with shallots, green beans, and lemon butter sauce, the ‘Penne Piccanti’; penne pasta with spicy sausages, onions, garlic, and Nduja and tomato sauce, and ‘Bistecca de la Casa’; a T-Bone steak served with mushroom, grilled tomato and chips.
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The drinks menu features Italian white and red wines as well as cocktails, beer, cider and soft drink options. Cantina e Cucina has a five star rating on review website TripAdvisor, where it has racked up more than 100 five star reviews.
Among the reviews, one person said: “A great new little restaurant. Heard about this new restaurant but unsure what it was like. We needn't have worried. It was superb. Excellent food, lovely staff and an interesting old building”.
A second wrote: ”Best food ever. I went there with my friends and it was the best meal I had in a while. The pastas are amazing, I would recommend the pasta picante, affogato and profiteroles. Very welcoming and friendly manager, will definitely come back. Worth to give it a try [five star emojis]”.
Another added: “A hidden little gem! GREAT food and a calm inviting atmosphere. We will definitely be back. Staff really helpful and did not rush us.”
Klinton, head chef and owner of Cantina e Cucina, said: “We are so happy to be open and trading our new restaurant after the last few unprecedented years, with the covid-19 pandemic affecting everyone, especially those of us in hospitality. Our aim in Cantina e Cucina is to offer authentic Italian food in a local neighbourhood site.
“Everything is fresh and we have been really popular with families since recently opening, which has been great to see. We look forward to being part of this great city's food scene for many years to come.”
Cantina e Cucina is based at 321/A Smithdown Road, L15 3JA, and is open Wednesday to Monday.
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