We love this family owned restaurant. It's got an "old school" feel and the service is excellent as well as the food. Great pricing as well. You probably drive by all the time and miss it. Go in and enjoy! read more

Cantina D'Italia - Braised Lamb Shank over mashed potatoes. So delicious!!! Plenty filling. - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

I went cause i had a gift certificate for 25. The food is not too expensive at all. I orders mozzarella sticks, drink and fettuccine bolognese all to make sure I didnt have money left over. Staff was great, polite, and kept checking in. I came in after errands and had lunch. It wasnt busy. Salad and bread came with the meal. Food was good. Just im not a big fan of pasta. I always hear people talk about the restaurant. I do think for the price it was great! You leave feeling content and still have left overs. If in the area can top by but I wouldn't go out of my way. read more

Cantina D'Italia - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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I heard SO MUCH about this spot and am so happy I finally got to eat here! Hidden in the Fairlakes Shopping strip mall, this spot is a gem! The inside is old school - not necessarily old school Italian, but definitely something to talk about. Their menu centers around homemade classic Italian dishes and are large portion sizes. The food is always fresh and hot. The cheesy bread is SO GOOD - you won't want to pass on getting it! The antipasta salad was very good and easy to split as a dinner salad. The chicken parmesan was delicious, but the winner is always the linguine with clam sauce. The service was a bit slow the last time we went (Valentines day), but the server was so kind and gave us a free piece of tiramisu! It was amazing. I can't wait to go back! read more

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My husband and I have been frequenting Cantina D'Italia for 30 years! It is our go to date night restaurant every few weeks. What's not to like about Mike & Denise's gem? Family owned and operated where the locals go to enjoy a delicious, quiet lunch, dinner or just a drink at their intimate bar, it's the best in town! read more

A neighborhood mom and pop shop that we always drove by and finally decided to check out. The restaurant was much larger than I thought it was and also had a pretty extensive menu. Whenever I see clams in wine sauce, I have to try it and this place did not disappoint. The clams were big and simmered in an addictive sauce that went perfect with bread. The pasta here was also pretty good. The piccata was a little more sour/tangy than I'm used to, but still solid. The Salmon Della Cantina was amazing - slightly sweet and acidic red sauce that complimented the chunks of crab and salmon perfectly. Good neighborhood Italian shop that we will definitely be coming back to! Apps: Clams Caprese Entrees: Chicken Piccata and Salmon della Cantina read more

Cantina D'Italia - Clam Caprese - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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My daughter and I had dinner at Cantina D'Italia last evening and we really enjoyed our experience. The service was excellent. The restaurant was quite busy for a weeknight. We ordered the fettuccine carbonara and the penne a la vodka. Both portions were large and came with warm bread as well as a salad. My daughter felt that the salad was over seasoned, but I didn't mind it. The pasta was a tad over cooked, but the flavor was wonderful. We will definitely come back and try more things on the menu. read more

Cantina D'Italia - Side Salad - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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I found Cantina D'Italia on Yelp and was pleasantly surprised! Classic dishes and excellent execution. We called ahead to place a to-go order, and all of the food was hot and fresh, thoughtfully packaged, and ready by the requested time. There was a large menu selection of Italian signatures. We ordered the mussels caprese, fried calamari, gnocchi alle chef (potato gnocchi with mushrooms in a pink cream sauce), and veal parmigiana sub. The pasta entrees came with bread and salad (all packaged separately to go) and the sub came with french fries. They even included ketchup packets with the fries. The bread was soft and delicious, and great for dipping in all of the sauces. I wish they provided some pats of butter to-go, but it's not a dealbreaker. The salads were bagged separately from the hot foods and included dressing on the side. I appreciate how expertly our carryout order was packaged. We loved the mussels caprese appetizer. The mussels were clean and tender, and the white wine sauce was divine! This was a favorite of the evening. Since we ordered the fried calamari to go, I knew it would be soggy by the time we broke into it (but that's not the restaurant's fault). The flavor was still great and more importantly, the calamari was perfectly tender and still warm! The to-go container also included a tomato dipping sauce and the juiciest lemons that we were able to squeeze generously atop the calamari. The fried calamari appetizer did not disappoint. For my entree, I ordered the gnocchi alle chef. The gnocchi were light and delicate - just as they should be - and were served in a creamy pink sauce. I'm not sure if it was the gnocchi dough or the sauce (I think it was the dough, but I'm not certain), but it had a sour flavor - almost like a sourdough. I happen to like sourdough, so I didn't mind the flavor. It wasn't bad... it was just different. I was satisfied with the meal overall and coming across Cantina D'Italia on Yelp was such a great find! If we dined in, I would've definitely ordered dessert. Next time, because there WILL be a next time! read more

Cantina D'Italia - Calamari Fritti and Mussels Caprese - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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I've been a repeat customer for over forty years! Their veal piccata is the best around!!! Food is excellent and the service is always polite and attentive. Highly recommend! read more

Great unassuming spot for a family dinner! Service was fantastic and the food was worth coming back for. The calamari melted in your mouth, the house Chianti was smooth and the fettuccini bolognese is something I now crave. Can't wait to go back and try this famous tiramisu! read more

Wonderful staff!! Ambiance is good. The food is a solid 4/5, nothing too special but obviously better than your Olive Garden. read more

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Been years since we've been here for a meal. Good memories, but not this time! Ghastliest salad. Was dressed only with cheapest red wine vinegar, from what I tasted. Inedible and didn't finish. I get it that restaurants are always watching their profits; there aren't olive oil decanters on the tables like there used to be. But no olive oil on the salad? On to the pasta: the cook must really seriously love sour. Red sauce was sour instead of savory and delicious. My dad was a chef for an Italian restaurant, so I know what good red sauce should be. Won't be returning. read more

My table had the chicken piccata and the stuff eggplant. Both were very good dishes and the serving size for these entrees could have easily served 4 people. The restaurant itself was clean and the staff very friendly. This being my first time going to this restaurant, I'm sure to return in the future. read more

I absolutely love this place! I called on an early afternoon to see if they could host our Hickory Soccer team later that evening and Jason was so accommodating in having us for dinner. We were traveling 4+ hours and showed a few minutes late but they were ready for us and served us some incredible Italian meals and the service was top notch. The owners were so friendly and helpful in making the dinner such a great experience! I will be back again when in the area!! I highly recommend!! read more

The restaurant is in Fairlakes Shopping strip mall. It is a great place to wait out rush hour or visit while running errands. The menu includes pasta, salads and great entrees. read more

We went there Friday evening . Nicely decorated. Ordered their special pizza and pasta with Salmon . Food was delicious.Generous portions . They make everything fresh . House wine was good too . I just wish they served better quality bread . The bread was ok . Salad was good came with the platter . read more

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Food was ok. My noodles were over cooked. Everyone else's meals were ok too. Wish they had fresh grated Parmesan. read more

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Veal Brunello pasta overcooked, sauce pre-cooked, mushrooms canned, veal, somewhat tough about 4 ounces total needed seasoning for the veal. Generous portion, but with overcooked fettuccine, who cares . Bread boring without any real flavor. Side salad ok for what it is. Waiter asked how things were in passing not really interested in my answer because his stance was past me and he didn't back up to listen to or look at me. He didn't say I'm sorry I'll tell the chef -- nothing. So he didn't care. The tiramisu tasted watery,?mushy, and lacked any deep coffee flavor, or Galliano flavor, which it's supposed to have according to the menu. Didn't need the strange flavor or the sweetening of the whipped cream. The espresso was good and the martini was well-made and a good price at 12 bucks for top shelf. Ambience dated and tired. At 5 o'clock Saturday there were only a few tables occupied but by 6:15 it was packed with a line waiting for tables. read more

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Love Cantina D'Italia is an amazing experience with great food, warm welcoming service and a pleasant atmosphere. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner in the evening. read more

Great atmosphere. Atmosphere is relaxing. Food is delicious. Staff is very nice. They really move fast to turnover the tables. But recommend as a delicious Italian spot in the area. read more

What is not to like about a restaurant that cares! My server was very attentive, but not bugging me all the time. He just kept an appropriate eye on me. I am a first timer at this restaurant and hhad a terrific experience, meal, drink, service! Drinks are on point. I added a couple of items to my meal and it didn't send them into a tizzy! I love the low lighting for dinner. I stopped on my way home working late, so I was solo. On a Thursday nnight, it was pretty full. So I thought it must be good and they were. Don't miss out on this hidden gem. They care abou you, their food and their service! Mangia. I ordered the Chicken Rolatini with capers! Nam, Nam! read more

Cantina D'Italia - Chicken Rollatini with Mushtooms and Capers! - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

4 of us visited for the first time on a Saturday evening after hiking all day. It was a perfect way to replenish our energy. We were seated right away and service was prompt and friendly. Their menu is HUGE. Thankfully everyone was very happy with their entree as well as the appetizer we shared. I would definitely go back again and recommend to others. Inside is a casual diner atmosphere. We were there in hiking clothes and didn't feel under dressed. If I had to complain, about something, it would be that it's not closer to my home Check it out if you haven't...you wont regret it!!! read more

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Takeout order. We ordered two appetizers, a salad and pizza. The appetizers and pizza lacked flavor. The pizza tasted it tasted sour. Despite the issues with the food, the service was positive. read more

I order carryout regularly and have eaten in the restaurant a handful of times, almost always ordering either the eggplant parmesan or lasagna. The food is consistently good every time, the service friendly without being intrusive, and the atmosphere is peaceful. The carryout process is simple and the food is always ready when they say it will be. Despite the fact that I'm usually in and out rather quickly, I'm frequently greeted as an old friend. I was surprised this past week when the owner (or manager?) was leaving and removed his hat, and grabbed my hand to shake it, saying, "It's so good to see you again." You always leave this place feeling better than when you entered it. read more

Below average food service and decor. Overpriced for tasteless slop.......... Owner is rude and pushy read more

It is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. Mike is the owner and the food is terrific. Always feel invited and well taken care of. It is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. Mike is the owner and the food is terrific. Always feel invited and well taken care of. read more

The most authentic and delicious Italian I've experienced! The service was top notch- not missing a single beat! They were patient with all our questions and gave some great recommendations! The ambiance was casual yet nice and very Italian! I absolutely recoiled the bruschetta with cheese! You won't be disappointed! read more

Cantina D'Italia - Apps! Yummy! - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Been coming here for 20 years. Simply the best and freshest seafood and pasta around. Always a great time. Amazing staff and great location

We got take out, and it was great. Boring people--we both got shrimp fra diavolo (not spicy--we're boring), but it was great. As it was takeout, and we got the same thing, there's too much more to say. read more

Had not been here in many years. Since Espositos closed we have had to go further out from Fairfax City to find a decent Italian Restaurant. Service was great. Atmosphere cozy. Food was fresh and well prepared. Chicken piccata: Good except one piece of chicken was gristly. Waiter quickly replaced it with another freshly cooked piece. Also would have liked a half piece of lemon. I should have asked. Chicken Parm: Was good. Next time I will get it with Meat sauce. I found the marinara a bit acidy for my taste. Salad: Very good. Bread: not what I remember. This was a sub roll. read more

This review is long overdue. While, the service here is spectacular--the food leaves much to be desired. I ordered the pasta primavera, and sadly it was reminiscent of eating a tv dinner during my middle school days. $20 for unseasoned watery pasta with broccoli and eggplant as bland as a paper napkin saddened me. There is something to be said of a business that serves something as such. I'm flabbergasted. read more

Great family owned Italian place in Fair Lakes! It's been many years since we've been here, the food is still great! Our waiter was super nice and friendly. We started with calamari and mozzarella sticks. Calamari was rings only, flavorful and tender. Mozzarella sticks were good, you really can't mess that up. We ordered braised lamb with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and baby spinach, gnocchi topped with grilled chicken, chicken parm and the cantina pizza! The lamb was tender and the sauce was a perfectly matched with the mash potatoes and spinach. The gnocchi tasted fresh and chicken seasoned just right. Chicken parm was delicious and portions big! The cantina pizza was balanced with slices of mozzarella and tomatoes. Nice change from the chain Italian places. read more

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Came here for lunch on a weekday in May 2021. We sat outside. Our server was wearing his mask on - Good. I ordered Linguine Caesar and it came with a good portion salad and some bread. The linguine had calamari, mussels, clams, in while wine sauce. A very satisfying portion of seafood. Overall, it was a great value for the price I paid. read more

Cantina D'Italia - Linguine Caesar - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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Nothing to write home about. Only 1 size pizza. Meatball sub was bland and barely any cheese. Steak & cheese sub was mediocre and dry. Probably never go back read more

Great service. Wish the spaghetti was al dente. Chicken breast sandwich was great. Thanks

Picked up dinner Friday night. I enjoyed the linguini aglio e olio (garlic and oil). It was very garlicky, which I appreciate. The portion was good. It came with a nice little side salad. The dressing was spicy, which I didn't expect. Also ordered garlic bread with cheese. The bread was way too soft and mushy, and there was no discernible garlic taste. The plain bread that came with the meal was also mush. In my opinion, Italian restaurants should know to serve crusty bread. read more

Cantina D'Italia - Linguini aglio e olio - Italian Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

I have eaten here twice so far. Lunch and dinner. I have had veal both times -- very tender and well prepared. Good, solid Italian food. The menu is huge ! They can do anything Italian. Service is good. Prices are fair. The atmosphere is nice. read more

This place has our attention. We decided to come in and order takeout after a friend said it was some of the best Italian food in NOVA. Wowza it did not disappoint! We ordered the spaghetti carbonara and the portion was huge! It was packed with flavor and plenty of bacon... YUM. We also decided to try their pizza. We got the cantina special pizza with added ham and mushroom. The home made crust was top notch and we would definitely order this again. Next were the mussels caprese that had an incredible garlicky wine taste and the perfect hint of lemon. They also gave us an order of the insalata della cantina and bread on the side which were both great. It is so nice knowing that we have a dependable high quality family owned Italian restaurant right around the corner from us. We look forward to coming back and trying more of the menu soon! read more

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Awesome food, as always. I ordered the baked ziti, penne alla vodka, and ravioli. The pasta is always cooked perfect and the sauces are excellent. The pastas come with bread and salad. read more

Really solid place. Service was good, wine selection is overall decent and had a few nice bottles! The chicken parm. Was A+++!! Holy cow one of the best I've had! Loved it. Will go back for a second visit. Great neighborhood gem! read more

I highly recommend their grilled lamb or the "bistecca" (sirloin steak). A Negroni cocktail was superb, man I love it. Service was attentive but not overwhelming; nice! Ambiance was pleasant and welcoming. The only reason for 4 stars was the calamari: meh I would take a pass. With that I'm sure I will go back for more; very happy. read more