Excellent food. Great atmosphere. Been there several times and never disappointed. Do yourself a favor and eat at Cenacola. Loved the ricotta gnocchi! read more

I want to start this review by saying that the food at Cenacolo is a 5, full stop. There are many Italian places in southwest PA, but the cuisine at this one beats them all. Simply fantastic, with house-made pasta and real traditional dishes. I had the ricotta gnocchi with short rib ragu off the regular menu, and it's changed my life. Sooooo good... My wife had one of the nightly specials - shrimp and crab ravioli in a gruyère cheese cream sauce. She loved it. Finally, my mother-in-law had the bruco...perfect. You simply can't beat the food here, and you get a ton of it. Do not fill up on the bread before your entree arrives, because the portion sizes are HUGE. I got another full meal out of mine the next day, and it was just like raiding an Italian grandma's fridge. My wife got a two leftover meals from hers. I'm sure the apps and deserts are equally as good, but I can't see ordering one knowing that a giant plate of hot pasta is on the way. The wine list is very basic, and I honestly don't know what brand of red blend they brought me, but it was very good anyway. It's kind of quaint in the face of so many other places flexing huge lists while their food is boring. They also have a full bar and several specialty cocktails. My wife enjoyed her watermelon something-or-other. At the end of the meal they serve complimentary limoncello and the tiniest little almond cookies. Very nice. Okay, so why am I giving them a 4? Two reasons- location and service. If you don't already know where Cenacolo is located, good luck finding it. It's tucked away in the middle of a residential area in what looks like a mostly vacant mixed office and light industrial complex, and they share a long approach with a postal sorting facility. It's pretty well hidden, and GPS will have trouble getting you there. Once you do find it, the interior is very dated and well worn. It feels like a basement and could use a refresh. The second issue we had was slow service. We were seated quickly and our waitress took our drink order, but after that we spent a lot of time waiting for things and trying to get her attention. She also looked like she had just worked a double shift in the kitchen, with her all black outfit covered with stains and flour. It was a bit off-putting. Regardless, I'll be back again soon and often. This place is great, and the food far outweighs any negatives. read more

We came for dinner one night while we were in the area visiting. We had a reservation and were seated quickly at a table next to the bar. I really enjoy that the pasta is fresh and the menu isn't 40 pages long. It's straight to the point and you know what you're getting based on what is listed under the pasta shape. My short rib ricotta gnocchi was good but I do wish it had a bit more salt to bring more of the flavor to the front. The gnocchi texture was perfect and pillowy. The short rib mixed in nicely with all of the pasta and the sauce. My spouse enjoyed the cannelloni, which was pretty much their lasagna but also wanted a bit more salt. Our server was very nice and walked us through the menu options as well as told us about the seafood special for the night. The bread came out first and was delicious. The salad was also good and I don't usually like arugula. You could tell the ingredients were fresh and I enjoy that they take the time to do that. The space is very cute and you can't really miss it even with it being in an executive building. It's a smaller area but it can seat a good amount of people. We noticed they had a pasta making class so maybe next time we're in town, we can do it. The red sangria had a great balance where it wasn't too sweet. We didn't do dessert but we did enjoy the digestif at the end with limoncello and my spouse ate the amaretti cookies as I couldn't. read more

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They deliver a truly unique Italian dining experience centered around homemade pasta and thoughtfully crafted sauces. Everything is made from scratch, from the noodles to the sauce. The pasta shapes are unlike anything else you'll find in Western PA. They even offer complimentary limoncello and Amaretti cookies to end your meal, which is a really nice touch. They have family style options for groups who want to try a variety of dishes, but the menu is just as fitting for a date night. Bonus: the leftovers taste just as good the next day! The space can get a bit loud with high ceilings and a full house, but the lively energy reflects how much people are enjoying the experience. Service was friendly and helpful with suggestions. The owner even stopped by tables to check on guests. It's tucked inside an industrial park and may be a little tricky to find if you're unfamiliar with the area, but GPS and signage get you there without much trouble. Definitely worth the visit! read more

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Been coming here with my mom for as long as I can remember. Totally worth the 45 minute drive for me. Honestly between service atmosphere and food I don't know what's better. I always get fresh pasta and sauce to go because honestly you'll be thinking about it for days to follow - so make some at home! 10/10! read more

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This hidden gem must be kept a secret! My parents recommended this restaurant after someone took them here for dinner. The restaurant is located in their old warehouse where they originally just made the noodles. Now they do everything here! So the industrial chic vibes are off the charts. The food is even better. WARNING: you will not finish everything. And that's okay, it's meant to be like this. Be prepared to take leftovers and enjoy them the next day. I highly recommend getting a charcuterie board, burrata, burrino, or really any appetizer especially the cheesy bread. My main entree: Tagliolini had jumbo lump crab meat. It tasted even better the next day! The wine was divine. We'd probably eat here more often if it wasn't so far away. read more

I went to Cenacolo for the first time recently. It is a family owned pasta house. Therefore, the menu is limited to some appetizers and pasta dishes (pasta comes with bread and a salad). Nice atmosphere with dim lighting and nice decor. Server was friendly and helpful in explaining the different kinds of pasta. It is a bit pricey, but the pasta is homemade and very tasty. My mom and I shared the Pinna. (The photo is of just some that I put on a separate plate for myself). It was $40. Fairly large portion and came with big pieces of crab meat. Enough crab to have some in every bite! This made the price more worth it. We tried a chocolate mousse dessert. It was not very big for $15. Tasted good but not worth $15 in my opinion. Next time I'll skip dessert. Overall a pleasant experience and some of the best pasta I've had. I'll definitely go again sometime. read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - Pinna with crab meat (the portion is way bigger than in photo, I was sharing it so this is just some that I put on my plate). - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

This place is the real deal. You can tell right away they take their food seriously. The fresh pasta alone is worth the visit. It is not just a menu item here, it is the star of the show. Everything tastes like it was made from scratch that day, because it probably was. I had the house made fettuccine and it was on another level. Perfect texture, rich sauce, and portions that actually leave you satisfied. Even the bread and appetizers felt elevated, not like an afterthought. The atmosphere hits that sweet spot too. Upscale without feeling stuffy. Great for a date night or just treating yourself to a quality meal. Service was sharp, attentive, and knew the menu inside and out. If you are looking for authentic Italian that does not cut corners, this is one of those places you keep coming back to. read more

First time eating here. Reservation at 8. They close at 9. They didn't rush us at all which was so nice. Had a group of 6 and everyone got different dishes so we tried each others. Fantastic is all I can say. Everything was amazing. Good portions. We had appetizers and took most of our main meal home. Italian Margarita was the bomb!! read more

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Enjoyed a nice quiet Thursday night dinner at Cenacolo. It's been a while since we've visited but the standard continues-food and service are always great. read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - Chicken, pancetta, arugula - but I can't remember the dish/pasta name! - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

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We don't get out this way very often but am so glad we remembered this amazing restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ate. The meal started off with the burratino which was, as my mom said, like the best grilled cheese you could ever eat. The bread was buttery, cheesy goodness. The salads were so fresh and delish. Loved the balsamic vinegar, tomato and grated cheese. Mmmmm. The gnocchi had a huge amount of the most tender short rib and the gnocchis were so tender. My husband had the daily special with beef, pork and lamb. He absolutely loved it and thought it was so super tender and flavorful. My mom loved her Cretino. The pasta was huge, the meatballs were tender, the pancetta was crispy and everything was flavorful. You got huge portions which make the price tag easier to take. Loved the limoncello and amaretti cookies at the end! What a great surprise! The hostess, waitress and rest of the staff were all very nice, accommodating and knew how to treat their customers. You must have this delicious food when out this way. You will love it and won't be sorry. read more

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what a great place! they were willing to customize and make things work for. y gluten and cow dairy allergy. i will say the gf pasta is boxed and its not great. what was great accommodations, Brussel sprouts, wine selection, service! everyone else in my party loved their food!!! read more

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Went here first dinner on a local recommendation. Upon arrival, the waitress told us that the pasta dishes were named after the type of pasta it's made of. She also made sure to tell us that since they make their own pasta it's fresher and tastes. The menu was short and succinct, which was nice to see. No overly large menu with a million options, just a small one with a few dishes they can do well. Each meal comes with olives, bread, and a small house salad with a homemade balsamic dressing. That salad was the best part of the meal. I could have been happy with a larger one as my meal. As for my meal, I had the Rigatoni as my meal. Overall it was just ok. The sauce was pretty good, but the pasta itself was kinda chewy, and to be honest, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between it and dried pasta from the grocery store. That was kind of dissapointing based upon the hype they were pushing for it. The others I was with said their meals were pretty good, but I'd only give mine a 3 out of 5 stars. For the price ($33), I would have hoped for something a little better. I guess it just depends on what you get as to if it's OK or really good.... good luck. UPDATE: So I received a message from this place. Apparently they cannot accept an honest review. There was no ill intent in my review, yet they decided that if it's not a 5 star review then they better tell me so. If you're charging $33 for a padta dish, it better be really good, and this one was only meh... judge for yourself. Here was their message to me... "John, Wish you would have said something while you were eating.  We would have made you something more of your liking.   Instead you decide to give us a 3 start review. Another keyboard warrior! Good luck? I would have given it a recommendation, but with an ego like this, not a chance. read more

I love everything about Cenacolo! Food was delicious! Our server was excellent!! Great night! Can't wait to go back!! read more

Love the food and Rachel was the best server! Tye drinks and for were great. Will definitely be back there soon.

Cenacolo Italian Restaurant is truly a hidden gem in Irwin, PA, and we owe the discovery of this culinary treasure to our daughter, who insisted we give it a try. And boy, are we glad we did! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that immediately made us feel at home. The ambiance was cozy and inviting, setting the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience. The menu at Cenacolo is a testament to authentic Italian cuisine, with a wide range of mouthwatering options to choose from. Each dish we tried was a culinary masterpiece, bursting with flavor and prepared with obvious care and attention to detail. But what truly set Cenacolo apart was the impeccable service. Our server she was knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our meal was perfect. From recommendations on wine pairings to accommodating special dietary requests, they exceeded our expectations at every turn. As for the food itself, it was nothing short of divine. From the savory pasta dishes to the decadent desserts, each bite was a symphony of flavors that left us craving more. It's clear that the chefs at Cenacolo are passionate about their craft, and it shines through in every dish they create. Originally I ordered a glass of wine which was 13 per glass, and quickly after we drank 4 glasses of wine I thought it served us better to have a bottle and get more out of that. Which was the key to dinner. Wine was superb. A little marked up but I get it. The brussel sprouts are a must to try for an appetizer, you will not go wrong and can't stop eating them. They're so damn good. In conclusion, Cenacolo Italian Restaurant is a true hidden gem in Irwin, PA, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have stumbled upon it. Whether you're a local looking for a new favorite spot or just passing through town, do yourself a favor and pay them a visit. You won't be disappointed! When you're finished with your meal, they bring a shot of limoncello and a cookie out. Which is super fantastic. read more

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I first tried the braised short rib gnocchi from here at a catered event, and it was maybe the best thing I ever tasted. My boyfriend and I recently went to the restaurant for dinner and it did not disappoint! For an appetizer, we ordered meatballs. They were very soft and flavorful! We also had to get the braised short rib gnocchi again, and we got a seafood pasta that was a special containing crab, tomato, and lemon. Both dinners were amazing, huge portions as well! I thought the service was great and enjoyed the olives and lemon cookies provided at the start and end of the meal! They offer a lot of cooking classes here as well which seems really fun! read more

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The food was absolutely terrible and the customer sevice is horrendous. They have dirty people prepping your "food"

Owner very rude. Doesn't care about his customers. We waited 2 hours for warm (not hot) mediocre food. Got upset because we complained about the wait. Accused us of wanting free food. We didn't accept anything they offered. Very overrated. Does not know how to run a business. Mother's Day or not, I've never waited two hours. Owner says we are banned from this restaurant. No worries here. Weren't going to return anyway. Food was not good. I've had better. Paid the bill in full with a 20% tip. Didn't even receive the complimentary lemoncello. read more

The food was beyond amazing, even for the price. The service was great, and there's a fantastic atmosphere with the old brick.

We recently hosted a mini-class-reunion party at Cenacolo for 50 people. The owners Steve and Jen were professional, accommodating, and very pleasant to work with. They offered excellent guidance on everything we needed. We loved the look and warm feel of the rustic private party space--unique and festive. The night turned out perfectly; the appetizers and dinner suggested by Steve were spectacular. Wait staff Shelby and Cat and their team were efficient, attentive and gracious. They helped us with every need and kept the night flowing beautifully. I highly recommend Cenacolo for any type of gathering. read more

Outstanding food! Both service and management are warm and welcoming. Love the decor, but wish outside seating would return.

Had been wanting to go to dinner here for a while and finally did! The food is fabulous, the service was excellent, and the vibe is comfortable. Highly recommend and I am definitely a food snob, especially Italian food having grown up second generation Sicilian. You will not be disappointed!! read more

Really nice ambiance , perfect for a dinner party or date night, Pasta is incredible- always take the bait and order something out of your food comfort zone. You will be pleasantly surprised! Servers have always been top notch . Bonus points for delicious salad and honey butter. read more

Everything (service, food, and ambiance) was absolutely perfect! Highly recommend for any occassion!!!

This place was absolutely incredible. I've been dreaming about it ever since we went. Service was super friendly and spot on with their suggestions. We started with some bread and honey butter, and it was to die for. We had to force ourselves to stop eating it so we would have room for dinner. I had the Bruco pasta dish, and I think it lasted me 3 days with all the leftovers I had. Best tasting pasta I've ever had in Pittsburgh. They end your experience with some tasting of limoncello and a small almond cookie which topped off the night perfectly. 10/10 would recommend!!! read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - They bring you complimentary limoncello and an almond cookie to top off your night :) - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

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Cenacolo is the hidden gem of Irwin. Homemade pastas, so many options, and a great wine list! The Burrata appetizer (not pictured) is delicious. It is perfect to split between 4-5 people before dinner. The warm bread is served with a honey butter which is to die for. Every entree comes with an Arugula Salad which is so simple but delicious. It comes with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, and shaved parm. SO GOOD I have two absolute favorites from here depending on what im in the mood for! The Bruco Pasta is a thick creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms. It is easily the best pasta I have ever had but it can be very heavy! When Im in the mood for something a little lighter I go with their "spaghetti", which is not what you typically think when you hear spaghetti. It comes with pesto, shrimp, burrata, and tomatoes. It is so complex with flavors and every mouthful is bursting with flavor! They always have great desert options and everyone gets a Lemoncello shot at the end! You'll leave here with a full belly and what still feels like 5 pounds of pasta in your to go box. The servings are very generous. We have always had amazing service, everyone is always so welcoming & friendly! read more

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How disappointing. Haven't been there in 3 years and it's amazing how much it's gone downhill. Menu restricted to appetizers and 7 pasta dishes. No soup or salad on menu - a tiny salad comes with the meal. Ordered 2 appetizers to share at the table and they came out at different times. Green and beans were mush. Sat down about the same time as another group we knew, and they were paying their check before we got our food. Tag lions did not come with chunks of crabmeat as stated in an earlier review, but small pieces. read more

We went here for lunch and were very disappointed. We were having a day out and decided to get some Italian, and Cenacolo was a real let down mostly because of the service. It was us and one other table at the time, they did say there was a party coming in, however, that should not have impacted our service our server couldn't pronounce the specials, didn't know anything about drinks offered, and frankly it didn't feel like she remembered we were there most of the visit. It took 45 minutes for our "cheese and bread" appetizer, which really was just toasted bread with melted cheese on it, so not sure why it took 45 minutes. Anytime we asked our server about something we had previously ordered/asked for we were told "it's coming" we lost all faith that we'd ever receive anything. When we received our entrees we asked about bread service and we were told yet again @its coming" in a restaurant that offered bread service, we probably should have received it prior to entrees, and should NOT have had to ask for it. Now the entrees were good. The pasta tasted fresh and we were all extremely pleased with our food. The portion was extremely generous, we couldn't believe we received half portions, because they were huge! So the food was good, but the service was 0 stars, and for a lunch, it should not have taken 2 hours. Thankfully we were not on a lunch break and had the day off because this is definitely not the place to go for lunch in a work day. read more

Two word sentences should sum up my food and dining experience at Cenacolo Food experience : Very heavy Hearty portions Fresh pasta Unique selections Limited menu Homemade Bread Delectable appetizers Expect leftovers Dining experience: Easy reservations Unique location Bustling atmosphere Uncomfortable seats Exceptional service Brunch offered Fun setting First visit went well. We were seated in the small dining area adjacent to the kitchen. Enjoyable experience for the most part, but too much in, and out, activity with servers entering and exiting the kitchen doors. Chairs are solid wood, and are not conducive for leisurely dining. read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - Ricotta Gnocchi - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

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Outstanding! Not your typical Italian food but so good. Be warned though that the food is incredibly rich (not a bad thing!). We started with the fresh mozzarella which is served with toast spread with pesto and a roasted red pepper. So creamy and delicious. I had the Bruco topped with crab and the birthday boy had the tagliatelle which had just the right amount of spiciness. They also bring you a salad with sweet balsamic dressing and warm bread with sweetened whipped butter. It is pricey but portions are enormous. Our bill was $95 for the appetizer and 2 entrees. They have wine and beer but we did not partake. You end the experience with a shot of limoncello and a small almond cookie. Michelle was our server and she did a great job! read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - Bruco with crab - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

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This was our first time here without it being a large group event. We started out with an appetizer- Burrata which is like a make your own bruschetta. Delicious! My husband got the risotto with shrimp and scallops. Hearty portion that he ate every bite. I ordered the Bruco pasta. Omg! So good. I can't wait to eat some for lunch tomorrow! The homemade dressing was amazing. And the limoncello was better than I had in Italy! Oh, and Chris was the most wonderful waiter. Answered all our questions, gave suggestions, checked on us just often enough. Great service. Can't wait to go back again! read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - Bruco pasta - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

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Amazing as always! Service was on point. Food was incredible. This is a must do when you are on the east side of town! read more

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I wasn't sure what to expect when driving up to Cenacolo, as it is located discreetly in a strip of other businesses and offices. Upon walking in, the staff was super friendly, and we were immediately seated. Our server was fantastic - you can tell that he actually enjoys his job and was excited to explain everything to us and offer his personal recommendations. We started with the crab cakes and meatball appetizers, and both were to die for! This was the perfect amount of food to start off with for our group of 6. For our entree, we ordered 4 different pasta dishes, which was more than enough to share with everyone. I can't remember the names of each one we ordered but each were absolutely delicious! All of their pasta is made fresh daily and was served piping hot, in large portions. Each entree each included a salad with fresh Parmesan and a yummy balsamic dressing. As if the apps, salad, and entrees weren't great enough, they also gave each of us a small cookie and shot of limoncello to end the meal. I highly recommend Cenacolo's for an authentic Italian meal, where the staff makes you feel like family. read more

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Cenacolo is our choice for any special occasion! They never disappoint and always make the occasion so special! Their pasta is all handmade and delicious! We love going for Restaurant Week to try all of their one-off pasts. The greens and beans are a MUST! Come hungry. My favorite Italian restaurant in or around pittsburgh!! read more

This was experience I had. With the regulations currently in place for mask wearing I felt very unsafe at Cenacolo. We had a reservation for 6 people - and left. We all Used to love cenacolo, but no longer. People were seated at the bar, all staff (hostess, bartender, servers) not wearing masks. When we spoke with a manager they stated that the owner was not requiring masks - to the degree if employees showed up with masks - they would be told to leave. Eater beware. read more

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Quick update because it's been a while. We are regulars at Cenacolo alternating between carry out and eating in. Lovely outdoor seating in the nice weather and comfortable roomy seating indoors, with various dining room options. A group of 12 went Weds before Thanksgiving and ate family style, giving us a chance to try 4 different options. The seafood mezzaluna (Sp?) was outstanding as well as the pumpkin gnocchi. Tonight my husband and I had a date at the bar where we enjoyed a couple of apps and beverages. The Brussels sprouts are life-changing. The Salvi family are amazing community supporters and lovely people. Our server, Jules, was great as was front of the house manager, Jamie. Enjoyed every minute of a happy hump day. read more

Botched event... Read a Facebook ad for a "fun night out" including pizza ovens, wine, bands. The ad said to call Cenacolo for reservation's, so I did. The ad NEVER mentioned this was a pop-up pizza event, separate from the restaurant. Upon arrival, we were sat in the main restaurant, away from the event. When I asked if there was availability in the event room, which I thought I originally booked, I was passed around to multiple, clueless hostesses who were unable to accommodate my family of 4. Since the children were looking forward to pizza and would not have access to that on the restaurant side, we left. This whole situation was handled horribly by the business, who refused to admit fault in their misleading ad. I've been to this place many times before with no issues, but this situation will be hard to recover from, especially with the unnecessary attitude from ownership. read more

Cenacolo Restaurant - The ad that NEVER mentioned this was a separate pop up pizza event.... - Italian Near Me - North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Absolutely amazing meal, highly recommended! We had one of the best tomato mozzarella salad with prosciutto we have ever had, followed by a table Side pasta dish, seafood pasta and a delicious dessert! The service was also great--we will be back! read more

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Great food and service Very cute place Hard to find this place.but a place you will never forget hand made pastas and new meals read more