Solaia Cucina e Cantina

Review summary

1. T

   Tracey

   Toronto

   5 reviews

   3.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 9 November 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   Food was good but not great. Food pricing was slightly on the high side of fair for the area. But for the quality, I have gotten better food for a lower price in just as nice of an ambience within a block and a half in either direction of the restaurant. Our server was distracted. I told her I had a gluten allergy. And she asked at the end of the order if there were any allergies. When her colleague came out to serve appetizers, she seemed surprised that there was an allergy and food I couldn't eat was being placed in front of me instead of my husband. So I was a little concerned about my food throughout the meal. Fortunately I had no reaction following the meal. We frequent downtown St Catharines quiet a bit. And we have walked past this restaurant many times. I'm glad I went because I was curious. However, I will likely not be putting this on our regular route of venues to visit. I will, however, watch this restaurant to see if prices come down, quality goes up, or service improves. I think at least 2 out of 3 of these things have to happen in order for us to revisit. Externally presents like a $40 a plate restaurant, but the experience is more like a $25 a plate restaurant. Please note, I rarely leave a bad review. It is my desire to be able to leave a good one. If you look at my other reviews, most of them are positive, and in many cases glowing. But in this case, I think a little constructive feedback is necessary. I hope, should I visit again, that my next experience is much different.
   

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2. M

   Melissa

   Toronto

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 8 November 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Great spot.... loved the interior. Service was great and prompt. Will try food again...looking for the wow factor.
   

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3. D

   Debbie

   Toronto

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 1 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food experience was wonderful. The ambience of the room is soft lighting and beautiful decor. The atmosphere is perfect until a table for 6 women is added to the mix. Loud laughter means increased volume of music which makes that situation even louder. What can you do? The guests were having fun but the noise was hard to hear or speak over.
   

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4. A

   Anna

   Toronto

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 17 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I have recently returned from Italy, Solaia is the only Italian restaurant in Niagara that tastes like & is the calibre of quality that you get in Italy. Absolutely delicious! Run to this restaurant, you will not be disappointed.
   

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5. E

   Emilio

   Chicago

   21 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on 9 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The best in st Catharines. Always great food. Great service.
   

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6. G

   George

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 29 September 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   We came to St Catherine’s to see a concert and had trouble on the internet finding a resturant. Open table led us to Solaia. The food was excellent especially the Arancini appetizer. All of the staff were low key and very friendly. The price was moderate but well worth the quality of the meal.
   

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7. J

   John

   Toronto

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 26 September 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our first time having dinner at Solaia and was really impressed with the whole experience. Reservation was easy with Open Table, the atmosphere was excellent and our wait staff was knowledgeable and attentive. The food was above anything else I have had in St. Catharines with a good representation of cuisine that you would find throughout Italy. My antipasto of beef carpaccio with tuna was perfect. Very thinly sliced veal and a finely chopped ahi tuna resting on top and my main was the seared tuna and scallop with seasonal vegetables and oven roasted potato. We were a party of four and we each ordered a different dish and of course we sampled each other’s dish and I must say all was excellent. I’ve had upscale Italian cuisine many times and Solaia is up there with the best I’ve had, including in Italy. I will definitely go back and can’t wait to try their new autumn inspired dishes such as pasta e fagioli and a few others they will introduce. Bonus, Chef Davide came out to introduce himself to our party and we chatted for a minute or two. Thank you Davide, that was super nice of you and your talent is obvious when you see and taste the food.
   

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8. D

   Doug

   Tahoe

   4 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on 17 August 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great menu, food, and service in a crowded segment (Italian). Love their ambition!
   

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9. J

   Julian

   Toronto

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 8 August 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Great food with great service, favourite dish was the caesar salad, would definitely recommend and would go again
   

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10. J

    John

    Toronto

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on 17 July 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Amazing experience we had for our anniversary dinner. Highly recommend this place. 🙏
    

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