Casa Rugantino is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in Kitchener, where the ambience exudes a warm, family-style vibe reminiscent of a cozy Nonna's kitchen. Diners rave about the attentive service, describing staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient—key factors that enhance the overall experience.
The standout dishes make a strong case for this eatery's deserved spot among the region’s best Italian joints. Customers have highlighted the clam and scallop appetizers, which sing with fresh, vibrant flavors. The osso bucco is celebrated for its tender, fall-apart quality, while the penne carbonara is noted for its perfect balance of sauce and texture. Vegetarian options, like the cappelini, are equally well-received, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
For dessert, the pistachio gellato and Tartufo provide a delightful finish without being overly sweet. Patrons leave Casa Rugantino not only satisfied but eager to return, reaffirming its status as a hidden gem worth discovering. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a family gathering, this gem promises an inviting Italian dining experience that lingers long after the meal is over.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Food
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Photos
Reviews For Casa Rugantino
Ladislav Hudec
Jul 12,2025
We came here for the first time this weekend, and it won't be our last visit. The place was very busy at 7pm (a good sign, but a bit noisier, we didn't mind), and we got a couple of really good drinks from the bar while we waited for our table. The bar staff was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient ... our drinks came quickly and were poured properly. The clam and scallop appetizers were amazingly tasty and perfectly prepared. We both agreed that the clam broth could have easily been served as seafood soup ... it's that good. The osso bucco was delicious and fall-apart tender, and the penne carbonara was perfectly cooked and sauced. With these large portions, there was plenty of leftovers. We both shared the amazing pistachio gellato, which was easily one of the better gellatos we have enjoyed in a long time. A perfectly made machiato finalized this amazing dinner. We both agreed that this is easily one of the top Italian joints in the area ... and yes, we'll be back.
Media Prime
Jun 15,2025
A beautiful little restaurant with charming wood beam ceilings that instantly gives you that warm, family-style Italian vibe — like Nonna’s in the kitchen cooking just for you. The staff were lovely, the food was absolutely delicious, and it checked every box we were hoping for. Definitely a hidden gem worth discovering.
V A
Jun 12,2025
I brought my grandparents here and I had high hopes for the food and service, and I wasn't disappointed. They ordered the 4 item pizza, and my mom and I shared the veggiterian cappelini. When we told the waitress that we will be sharing, they separated our dish before bringing it out and made sure both had the same type of veggies. Both the pasta and pizza tasted great. Even my grandpa, who's very picky, loved the food. We also ordered two desserts at the end. They both were delicious and not overly sweet. The Tartufo's chocolate shell had small pieces of hazelnut in it, which added to the flavour. We also ordered one 6oz red wine, and one mixed drink. The service was good and our waitress was polite and helpful. We sat inside right by the window, which meant great lighting and made for a cozy yet lovely experience. Our total came to 67 before tip. I'd definitely recommend this place for anyone who's looking for a good Italian restaurant! Update: the food and service was as great as my visit 4yrs ago. This time I ordered the special veal ravioli, and it was lip-smacking delicious!
Marylynn Forrest
Apr 29,2025
My sister and I enjoyed a great dinner here tonight. Unfortunately my sister had quite a medical situation. The staff were absolutely amazing, calling 911, keeping us calm and focused and talking all the necessary steps to ensure all would be well. They stayed one on one till the paramedics got there. We can’t thank the staff there enough...you are amazing. Many many thanks to you.
May Bo
Apr 29,2025
Really enjoyed dinner here on a Friday night, although we probably should have called in to make a reservation. We had the pizza pocket and the special that night - spinach artichoke chicken fettuccine! It’s been a few days but I still long for it. Would definitely return to try their other pastas.
Sam Grolla
Apr 11,2025
Amazing food, amazing service, amazing food 10/10 would recommend
karim walji
Apr 5,2025
We had a great time for Valentine's. The food , service and atmosphere was great.
Anna Shershun
Mar 28,2025
Had a lovely dinner at this Italian restaurant! Both the pizza and the wine were absolutely delicious — a real treat. I forgot to make a reservation, but the staff handled it wonderfully and managed to find a table for six of us in just 5–10 minutes — truly appreciated! Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos since we were a big group and I simply forgot. A big shoutout to the waitress who took care of us — thank you for your patience and that always beautiful smile on your face!
Reviews For Casa Rugantino