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Cucina Italiana
- Hours:
Wed-Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Cucina Italiana
Review Highlights
22 reviews in English
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Review from Anisha H.
Sacramento, CA
12/12/2011
This is definitely off the beaten path but totally worth the drive. We were staying in Calistoga for the weekend but wanted to try and find a local place to eat at. We read the reviews on yelp and decided what the heck how can 20 people be wrong. I'm so glad we made the drive!
The building is not big and fancy building but the inside is nice and it looked like there were a group of locals enjoying themselves at a large table. That's always a good indicator of a great place to eat. The tables had the full set up including balsamic and olive oil in a dipping bowl just waiting to have bread dipped in it. And it was delicious!
First let me say the food came out steaming hot. I love that it came straight from the kitchen to our tables. It was especially nice since it was a cold evening that night. I had the homemade pappardelle pasta with meat sauce and the server offered to have the chef add in some sausage because I mentioned an interest in another dish with sausage in it. My boyfriend had Spaghetti Pomodoro with roasted sausage. The brought out the food and the portions are not small. Both of these dishes would be shareable with an appetizer or two. The homemade pasta was cooked perfectly and the sausage was some of the best sausage I've had. I didn't try my boyfriends spaghetti but it had nice chunks of tomato in it and normally he pushes those aside. This time I notice him eating the tomato chunks and he said they were very good, not mushy and cooked perfectly. During our meal the chef/owner Stefano came and checked on us to see how everything was and asked if we needed anything. Impressive.
I really wanted to try the tiramisu but there was no way I could eat another bite. I'll just have make plans for another visit.
My only complaint was that it was quite drafty inside and we had to wear our coats during our meal. It was a very cold night though (40's) so I don't know if it's normally like that. I'm certainly not marking them down on that though because that had nothing to do with the food. I would definitely come back! -
Review from Eric M.
Stockton, CA
4/18/2011
This is the Best Food I've Ever had in my life! I kidnapped my wife for the weekend getaway to Napa and wanted to take her to a unique place to eat dinner. As we all know you can eat in those over hyped Napa places, but I found This Awesome Place on trip advisor and called at 7:30am Saturday Morning thinking i would get the answering machine to have them call me back later when they got in to see if we could make a reservation, to my amazement a man answered and identified himself as Chef Stephano and he took my Reservation .... Holy crap this place is gonna be great if the chef answers the phone!!. We got in our car and went on the drive from our resort in Napa, its not a short drive but not a long drive either, its beautiful and very romantic.
After arriving to Cucina Italiana we were greated at our table by the owner Sharon who talked with us for awhile and made us feel at home. We ordered two different itiems off the menu and soaked in the surroundings. I ordered the filet migion and it was simply put the best steak i've ever had.. the best it was served with homemade mash potatoes and asparagas and was stunning a mouth orgasim!
They brought out a side of pasta and home made sausage and covered in the best sauce ever. To top things off, sharon brought over tiramisu for us and it was OMG great, I hate chocolate and I was eating it like a fat kid eats cake!!!!
To finish this review I say this . Eat here screw the rest of the same ole same in Napa make the drive and eat food that will fill your soul with love and make you thankful that people still make food from the Heart!!!! -
Review from C J.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 6/3/2011
I LOVE THIS PLACE!
I think it has become my all-time favorite!
The food is unbelievably good!
It's worth the drive from San Francisco to Lake Berryessa, just for dinner!
Yes, it's that good!3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/15/2010
Once again we had a great time here!!!!!
The owners, Stephano and Sharon are so warm and friendly!
The… Read more »
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Review from Tom P.
Del Mar, CA
5/28/2011
Romantic, 5 star service, with Great pasta, soups, salads, and dessert.
The chef is personable, and checked on us and the food several times.
This is a must stop experience if you are in Napa. Homemade pasta and fresh from the vine veggies. -
Review from Daniel L.
Sacramento, CA
9/4/2011
My girlfriend and I, without hesitation, gladly make the hour trip out to Cucina Italiana from Sacramento for a meal. The drive winds and twists you through great canyon roads, offering scenic greenery along the way.
We've ordered different dishes on every visit and enjoyed each one immensely. Their red sauce is creamy without being overly thick and rich; the pasta is undoubtedly cooked perfectly; and the portions are borderline gigantic yet somehow just right. During our most recent trip, my girlfriend had the linguine with clams in a garlic sauce, and it was stunning. The sauce's creamy density paired boldly with the oceanic saltiness of the clams.
Although it may not be in a more trafficked area of Napa, this restaurant is more than worth a visit. The environment is quaint, and you've got to love Stefano's Italian charm. Delicious food, a heartfelt atmosphere, and an engaging road to get here will twist you lovingly around and into Cucina Italiana's honest passion for serving tremendously flavorful food. -
Review from raque m.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2011
The other night was my first time here & I was very impressed the Setting is intimate, & the atmosphere is great. I had a ceaser salad & the crutons must have been toasted & soaked in a Rosemary olive oil which I have never had, but they were to die for. There pepper corn sauce was another hit!! It wad lite but had fantastic flavors and complimented they beef tenderloin soo well. Wine was very good, great quality for an affordable price. And finally the tiramusu wad out of this world!!! Also I've never had such a great experience, I work in a restaurant, but this owner was by far the best I've encountered. He came out numerous timed checked on us, & held great conversation. Overall a very genuine good hearted man. Can't wait to go back!
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Review from Brad W.
Avalon, CA
5/25/2011
We ate after my wife's Triathlon. Food was excellent, but the service was even better! Two thumbs up and 5 stars.
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Review from Kathleen W.
Albany, CA
6/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
We were staying at the R-Ranch for a weekend of camping. So we decided to kick it off by having Italian for dinner ....
This place is the only (surviving / open) restaurant for miles ... or at least that's been reviewed on Yelp. It was fancier than I had wanted in my hiking boots and bandana (I was dressing for a weekend of playing cowgirl), but the staff was super friendly and the décor warm and cozy. Staff was very nice and thoughtful (bringing more bread, turning down the fan, keep our water glasses filled etc). It's probably a family owned restaurant with people who take pride in their work.
The quantities are very generous and for the most part, everyone was happy with their food. I ordered the special - a seafood ravioli which was ... unexpected and somewhat disappointing. Everything else that was ordered was pretty standard (not a fancy dish) - and looked like it used excellent / fresh ingredients. My ravioli used squid ink (I think) - so the pasta itself was black / purple (and not what I was expecting). There was salmon and scallops in the ravioli - but it had been pureed when I'd been expecting chunks of seafood. It wasn't that the food wasn't good ... so much as not what I had expected. It's like getting foie gras when you are in the mood for spinach dip. I guess this could have been avoided if the specials were printed out and I could read a full description. -
Review from Joey L.
St Helena, CA
7/17/2011
My fiancee and I decided to try out this restaurant for our 3rd anniversary. We heard from someone who heard from someone that it was a really good authentic Italian joint. So since we live relatively nearby and the majority of reviews we read were raving about the place, we decided to try it out. Unfortunately, we came to really regret the decision.
We started out with a decent antipasto appetizer that consisted of salami, prosciutto, cheese, olives, artichoke heart and enjoyed it. It wasn't spectacular but it was decent since it's hard to mess up those ingredients. Not very long afterwards, we were served our main courses. This was probably the worst pasta my soon to be wife and I have ever had. I had the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken that was horrendous. The sauce was bland, it had a strange aftertaste and had no creamy consistency. It wasn't a normal creamy cheesy white sauce. It seemed like a hybrid of a red and white sauce and it was probably the worst Alfredo sauce I've ever had. That, I could deal with because I am not a picky person and normally don't complain at restaurants even though I probably should. What really ruined my dish was the large tough pieces of flavorless chicken that came with my dish. It was awful and I could only stand a few bites. So I ate around the chicken and just ate the bland noodles.
My fiancee ordered the linguine with clams in a white wine sauce. This is your run of the mill Italian served dish that she's ordered before from various restaurants. She was equally dissatisfied with her meal. The looks alone were unappetizing as it simply looked like a bowl of soup with linguine noodles and clams added. Again, my fiance is not one to complain or have her meal returned, so she reluctantly pressed on. Her first bite proved that, in this case, looks were not deceiving. The dish had no flavor with the exception of a mild garlic aftertaste. She wasn't able to finish due to the lack of flavor.
In conclusion, the service was good, the ambiance was pleasant but our overall experience was disappointing. We were expecting fantastic Italian food and ended our $80 dining experience with empty bellies and a bad taste in our mouths.
On a side note and in defense of the restaurant. On that particular night, their oven had malfunctioned so they had to prepare everything on the stove. Perhaps they were rushed to cook without an oven and their quality suffered. -
Review from Kenny R.
Napa, CA
Updated - 3/1/2009 10 photos
Saturday, February 28th, was 'Open That Bottle Night' up on Knoxville Road. One nice Berryessa couple brought in their own Cab and shared a glass with us. They wanted to offer a glass to Stefano, Cucina Italiana's chef. "Can he drink and cook at the same time?" they asked. Sharyn, Stefano's partner in crime, blurted, "He can't drink and do anything at the same time." He was in the back creating magic over open flames. The cuter the women that arrived, the higher the flames - A black charred ceiling by the end of the night was likely.
We arrived early in the afternoon and enjoyed the greetings of Berryessa neighbors as they stopped by to make sure they weren't missing out. Margaret and I brought along a bottle of Sean Minor's 4 Bears Cab. It was a great choice and the perfect medium-bodied conversation starter. Sharyn shared the Flying Horse Napa Valley Cab - an excellent bottle of worldliness from Aetna Springs. Peter from the Berryessa newspaper arrived at five to take pictures and try some new wine. He floated from table to table with an eager wine glass.
What a feast! Everything was delicious and fresh - Warm baked bread with balsamic vinegar and olive oil for dipping or for drowning. Freshly shaved parmesan cheese for dipping, for putting on your salad, for everything. The beet salad was killer: a fresh vinaigrette splashed on beets, arugula, and spinach. The chicken parmigiana was perfect - A big slice of breaded chicken covered in hot mozzarella and a tangy red sauce. We passed food around endlessly and got to try everything. We still found room for the Fruit Crisp a la Mode - A delightful combination of fruit, brown sugar, browned oats, and ice cream. Damn.
As we were leaving, the parking lot was still filling up. It was hard to say goodbye, but we'll be back to share a bottle and a story amongst the natives of Spanish Flats again... and to see what else Sharyn and Stefano have up their sleeves.Listed in: You got that right!, Yelp's Grand Slams, Good for Bliss
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/3/2008
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Sunday - 7 PM
Barreling down the curvaceous roads with the windows rolled up isn't the best way to… Read more »
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Review from Marc F.
Richmond, CA
7/26/2011
We've been to Cucina Italina twice in the past year and with one exception, every item we tried on the menu has been well-executed and delicious. Clams in broth-excellent, ravioli-excellent, gnocci-excellent. The one exception was the cioppino; one or more seafood components of the dish wasn't as fresh as it should have been and the whole thing was tainted as a result. Service has always been prompt and friendly so I'm puzzled by some of the negative reviews in that respect.
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Review from Melanie G.
Santa Rosa, CA
Updated - 10/15/2008
After I posted my review I received the email posted below. I do not think the review i previously wrote was a poor review. Anyone who reads this review please go check this restaurant out and let me know what they think. If I receive back good reviews i will try it again..............
"As I said when you called to let us know that we made a mistake on your order, I would happily make it up to you next time you came in...I don't know why you found it necessary to write a poor review of your neighbor-we are just a struggling business in a poor economy who lost our customer base this summer when the government closed the resorts. We do try very hard to be the best we can be using the best ingredients. We never compromise on quality.I guess one can't be all things to all people, but I promise Stefano puts his heart into everything he prepares.
P.S. We don't use vinegar on the Carpaccio. I am sorry you didn't enjoy it, but my husband is from Parma Italy and he prepares it traditionally, that is with lemon & wine.
Best regards,Sharyn"1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/29/2008
I am sad to say that my experience wasn't quite like the other reviews. My boyfriend and I stopped… Read more »
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Review from Dave T.
Angwin, CA
5/18/2011
We got there in the mid afternoon...'round 4...not expecting too much; but considering they serve the local area of around 100 homes and it was only 21.5 miles from where we live, they were in a good spot for us. The result was that we stumbled in on them in an off time. She met us as we entered and entered into a dialogue with us for a bit. He was in the background...lurking, but did come out a couple times and see how things were going. The food we got was delicious. Made-there Sausage Ravioli; Made-there Pesto Gnocchi; Wine that was sublime...a Local Old Vine combination....Cesars Salad...which may have been overdressed...but which was eaten none the same. They gave us bread that was cold when served at first; then gave us some more of the same bread served hot. What a difference...with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The Home-made Coffee Gelato was delicious. The Tiramisu was maybe a day late but very nice. Next time we go we'll get into the meats...
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Review from Wynny H.
Oakland, CA
7/10/2010
Best Italian meal I've ever had. Everything was perfect: quality, care, authenticity. Simply cannot wait to go back.
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Review from zeestacers M.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2010
Where do I begin?! I am so, soooo excited about this place!!!
It was Valentines Day, and my boyfriend and I were adventuring through the wineries on the Silverado Trail. We were starving, and the last winery we visted, Nichelini, had flyers for Cucina Italiana. We asked them about the restaurant and they highly recommended it.
Now, I am "funny" about Italian food. Don't get me wrong, it's my favorite cuisine, but after visiting Italy and eating in Italy, Italian food never tasted quite the same again, eating in the U.S. I have been frequently disappointed by Italian restaurants in San Francisco.
The drive to the restaurant was gorgeous. I hadn't been to Lake Berryessa for so long. It took us about 15 minutes to get there from the Silverado Trail.
Now, remember it was Valentines Day, and we knew we were pressing our luck. The day of all days, and we hadn't made any reservations! So, as we entered the small, charming restaurant, we had our hopes up. The aroma of Italy wafted through the air, making our stomachs grumble! The tables were full, and the dinners looked amazing.
The hostess lady came up to us and asked if we had called. We shook our heads "no", and she smiled and said that she'd accomodate us somehow. We were in luck! As we waited, we watched the chef from the open kitchen. He was literally dancing around the kitchen, smiling, and looking as if he was having a great time cooking. As we were reading the menu, it said that the chef was from Italy and went to the culinary academy there. I couldn't believe it! Could this be my authentic Italian restaurant I've been searching for??
And it was! After waiting patiently, we got a table. We started off with two appetizers --- the Carpaccio and the Antipasti. The Carpaccio was extraordinary! Simple, yet delicious. The meat, mixed with olive oil and special herbs and lemon was something that rocked my mouth! The Antipasti was the closest I have ever come to eating antipasti in Italy. The prosciutto and salame were highest quality.
Next, we split a salad. It was the roasted beet salad and it really went well with the appetizers. The beets were wonderfully roasted and went well with the fresh, organic greens.
For our entrees, I had the Penne with Sausage and shitake mushrooms which was amazing. Everything about it screamed ITALY. It was the closest meal that I had in the US that tasted authentic. My boyfriend had the Cartaccio, a seafood pasta. THAT was my ultimate favorite dish. It was sooooo yummy. I kept eating his meal! It had clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp with linguine noodles in a red sauce. All the seafood was fresh and the sauce was so, sooo good. As I'm writing this, I am getting so hungry!!!
The service was also very wonderful. On Valentines day, I was amazed that they had only one amazing chef cooking all these meals. Our server, I think the only one that night besides the hostess lady, was extremely polite.
Cucina Italiana is a place worth writing home about!!! Even when you ARE home!!! I cannot wait to visit this special place again. -
Review from d. j.
Pacifica, CA
11/24/2008
This place is such a gem. Nice atmosphere, very friendly people who make you feel so welcome and food that is just wonderful. You can tell it is cooked with love and served so attractively. The portions are really large so be careful what you order . . . actually it is so good leftover, forget what I just said. After "roughing it" on the lake, it was always such a pleasure to go to this cool, friendly place and enjoy an incredible meal with friends. I hope the lake opens some services soon so we can return. I hope they are still doing okay since so many of us have not been able to go to our favorite spots. I think we will drive up soon just to see them.
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Review from Dianna M.
Hopland, CA
2/8/2009
I have been meaning to write a review on Cucina Italiana for months. I have told SO many people about this place - you'd think I was on the take (which I am not). It is worth the drive from ANYWHERE (I come down from Mendocino County) just to dine at this place. I have not found an Italian restaurant in the United States like this one. It is like they plucked it out of Italy (OK - well Stefano is from Parma after all) and set it down near Lake Berryessa. If there was some way I could convince them to move up my way and start a restaurant in my neck of the woods - I eat there more nights than not - and I happen to be a great cook myself.
It is probably obvious I am a foodie... lifelong. I can't get enough of this place... I order extra meals to take with me - on top of the leftovers from every meal. Why? The food is always fresh and either with an incredible zest or such savoriness (umami) that my mouth can water just talking about the meals I've had in this darling restaurant. Sometimes I am so amazed at something new I try - I have them add another to what I am eating to add to take my away order. (Like the time with the absolutely INCREDIBLE artichoke risotto. So then I call a couple of friends and invite then over for "leftovers" the next night!)
The gnocchi (in pomodoro sauce) are by far the best I have ever had. Rather than the usual firm nuggets, these are huge soft pillows that melt in your mouth. The pomodoro sauce is not just sauce - it has huge chunks of fresh tomato, garlic and herbs. Makes my knees weak. All of their pasta is homemade. The papradelle with homemade roasted sausage in a tomato cream sauce (even if it's not on the specials menu - I ask for it) is so divine and savory that my taste buds can't believe how great it is.
My husband - a meat and potatoes guy - had NEVER ordered gnocchi in his life - even when we went to Italy. Even HE orders it as his main course or as an additional side... always happy to have extra to take home. Another friend we go with often - swears by the Spaghetti Alla Putanesca. And their Insalata di Parma is great - enough for two to share. The Tiramisu is definitely one of the better ones I've had too! They always have an extensive specials menu in addition to their already good sized regular menu.
They have a wonderful wine list.... all of the wines are the same price by the glass and all same price by the bottle - and VERY reasonable.
Stefano and Sharyn are delightful. The place is cozy, a little noisy when it fills up - but feels like you are right at home with an Italian family. Great outdoor seating when the weather permits. This is not a place to rush through dinner - sit back have a glass of wine or a beer and enjoy each and every wonderful course - and be willing to share! There are few places I go that can continue to amaze me over and over with their food - but this is one of them. Enjoy! -
Review from valerie c.
Sonoma, CA
2/8/2011
Every time we go to Cucina we have wonderful food and great wine. They are the most awesome and wonderful couple. It is worth the drive!!!!
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Review from Peter K.
Napa, CA
Updated - 12/20/2010 2 photos
Cucina Italiana now has a video so that you can see what all the other great reviews have been about: http://www.lakeberryes...
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/18/2010
As a local resident, I'm one of the VERY lucky ones who gets to eat at Cucina Italiana on a regular… Read more »
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Review from Sasha P.
San Francisco, CA
12/7/2008
when you got it - you got it and cucina italiana gets it.
ever find yourself taking a scenic drive and come upon a small town made of mystery? This is how I found this "hot italian pit stop"of a place -one that even makes their own pasta noodles from scratch! From the moment I parked my car, walked by the multi-colored bocce balls, waited for the wild turkeys to cross in front of me I finally made it to the front door. Hunger hit me as soon as it opened with tingering garlic and spices - and was greeted with a smile. "Sit down, take a load off, enjoy, have more bread, want some tiramisu?, eat more eat more! are a few of the encouraging words I was hearing. As my italian sponge bread soaked up the incredible balsamic dipping sauce I wondered if it would look bad if I asked for more but I did and continued to try to figure out what the ingredients were that made it so awesome. I finally ordered after having to ask the greeter/server/owner what she recommended and of course everything was recommended so I ordered the chicken parmagna since it is one of my favorites - as I waited I sipped on some deelissshous red vino and watched the warm sun gleem through the windows and into my glass of wine. Warm thoughts of happiness swirled around me as my eyes spanned the restaurant and then noticed huge flames coming from the kitchen, I was slightly alarmed at first but it came to me that it must of been some beautiful dish that was being prepared and saute'd back where the flames were coming from - I anticipated it to be for me. My dish came fast and steamin' hot with the glorious italian sauce. I asked for more wine and it was gladly given. The portions are very generous which always means for me - late night snack or next day lunchie. The chicken was perfect and tender and the noodles just right. I had a great feeling about this place that was one of those nice discoveries. Looking forward to that drive again some day sooner than later...this time I am coming with my friends.
Thanks for the great time Cucina Italiana. -
Review from Papa R.
San Leandro, CA
11/9/2010
Simply love this place. It is a friendly, make you feel welcome, restaurant. Sharyn knows her wine and has great suggestions for your meal choice. Give CI a try. The food, the wine, the ambiance... you won't be disappointed.
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Review from punk l.
Idyllwild Pine Cove, CA
6/15/2010
We used to live in San Francisco, so we know good food. As well we have been to Italy, so we know good Italian food, and this is it. I am so glad to have them out in Berryessa, but don't think they get enough of a clientele they are worthy of. We were there for the second time last Saturday night, and it was every bit as good as we remember. We had chicken parm, and seafood ravioli in a lemon cream sauce. Dynamite! Ingredients were so fresh, so authentic, we went back in time to Italy. The aroma from the fresh herbs is as prevalent as the flavor. And as if it couldn't get better, they are more than reasonable with their wine prices. The best part being, you can get all by the glass for $6. The first red on the list was one of the best I've ever tasted. Finally, the service: impeccable, as this husband and wife team serve you themselves. Stephano brought the dish, and came out again to make sure all was well. Sharon, his wife covers the floor, she is attentive, knowledgeable and genuine. We chatted wines, the area, R Ranch etc. We will be back every time we are in the area. Oh ya, P.S. Just a note to Melanie who wrote a crap review: What the **** were you thinking? How can you write a review on take out food? And nevertheless a bad one? I think you should give Cucina another chance and remove your bad review. I am happy to see the response from the owners was posted, it further confirms what a class act they are. One more thing to really look forward to at the lake.
