Dana Dishes: Cantina Di Gerardo

3 out of 5 stars

Cantina Di Gerardo has the best Italian food I've tasted since being at Lyndon State.

This family owned Italian cantina, located on Railroad Street in St. Johnsbury, is somewhat of a hidden jewel. 

I emphasize somewhat. 

There is nothing special about the atmosphere of the Cantina, but the food separates this Italian restaurant from their competitors. 

The food at Cantina Di Gerardo is fresh and authentic Italian cuisine.  The food is delivered hot, right from the kitchen by the cook himself.  The transition of the meal from the cook to the customer is a very personal junction, more personal than chain restaurants. 

The menu was that of a typical Italian restaurant worded with traditional names for the authentic cuisine.  There were a numerous amount of entrée dishes to choose from, as well as soups, salads, pizzas, and pastas. 

Prices are a little expensive for my student budget with lunch dishes ranging from $6-$15 and dinner dishes from $15-$30 each.  The food is certainly worth the price they charge, it is just more than I can afford on a regular basis. 

Unfortunately the food and the personal relationship with the cook are the only aspects of this restaurant that are good.  I wish I could tell you that this cantina was great in every way, but that is just not the case. 

The service, after being seated, consisted of one visit to order the food and drinks, one by the cook to give us the food, and one more to give us the check.  This was clearly due to the fact that there were only two people working, and those two people also had to keep watch of young children running around the restaurant.

There were kids clothes on a number of tables, which limited where I was able to sit.  I was very turned off by the lack of service that I received from the only two people working.

Don't go to this restaurant for free refills.  Soda is expensive at $2.50 a glass, and there are no free refills.  I like to drink a lot with my meal, and I struggle when I have to ration my drink throughout the whole meal. 

Overall I give this restaurant three stars solely on the quality and taste of their food.  It was not a place that I would go back to based on their service, location, and atmosphere in the restaurant.  I would like a place where I can sit down and not have to worry about screaming and crying children, and I didn't get that here.

If you are in the mood for fantastic Italian food, I would suggest going and getting take-out, but please, don't go for a sit down meal.

What to try: Chicken parmesan sandwich, veal parmesan, any of their pizza, ­and/or caprese salad

What to skip: The espresso bar – not good espresso.