Al Cantuccio
March 16, 2008
150 Jean Talon East
Price range: Inexpensive to Moderate
Food: Excellent
Service: Excellent
Décor: Good
An Italian restaurant which benefits from its proximity to the Jean Talon farmers’ market, the interior is decorated with mosaic, oil paintings, large plants, an aquarium and mirrors to give an illusion of space. The effect is clean and bright. Tables are close together and, when crowded, the restaurant is extremely noisy. Besides the standard hors d’oeuvres, the menu includes Moules et Palourdes à la marinara. The garlic is not too strong and the wine sauce is excellent. The mixed antipasta is not exceptional but is attractively presented. Soup is homemade, very substantial, hot and very good. There are some delicious items on the menu; the Scallopine de Veau au Citron — tender pieces of veal done with lemon is a choice dish. The Copa Bianca (custard with wine) is on display in the glass case at the bar and probably is a favorite. It is scrumptious. Italian wine, available in three sizes of carafons is excellent. To end the meal, small glass cups of espresso coffee are a change from the usual beverage. On Fridays, a complete fish menu is offered, including an Italian Bouillabaise. Service is cheerful and helpful even when the restaurant is very crowded.
À la carte main dishes at lunch and dinner from $4.95 to $8.75; daily specials $2.50 to $3.25. Open six days a week 11:30 a.m. to midnight Tues. thru Sun. Closed Mondays and Christmas Day. Reservations necessary. Group lunches and dinners at regular menu prices. Fully licensed. Honors CX, AE, MC.
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Notes for 2008 Readers
This restaurant, reviewed in 1976, no longer exists. Another Italian restaurant, Il Bongusto, now operates from the same address.
Share your memories of this restaurant in the comments. If you have period (1974-1979) or current (2006-2008) photographs of this location that you’d like to share, drop us a line at gyron.malloway@gmail.com.
