La Cucina Italian Eatery - Somerville

I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant for dinner. The drinks and food were fantastic, and the service was friendly. Although they were quite busy, which caused a slight delay in receiving our meals, I completely understand given the current circumstances. The chicken for their chicken parmesan was surprisingly hearty—more like a chicken steak! I noticed that the menu was different from what’s listed on their website, but everyone in my group enjoyed their choices. Be sure to ask your server about the specials. The tiramisu was light and ample for sharing. I would definitely return!

**Decor:** The restaurant boasts an interesting layout with five distinct areas: outdoor seating, a lounge, a bar, dining tables, and an upper floor. Each zone has its own unique atmosphere. **Service:** Our waiter was attentive and friendly, enhancing our dining experience. **Food:** The food was delicious. While the beef tartare was somewhat small in portion, it paired excellently with the chips. We were particularly impressed with the pasta, which is often a point of skepticism for us. My husband ordered the veal chop, which was also very tasty. We indulged in desserts as well, and both were outstanding. We will definitely return, and I highly recommend this restaurant to others.

Revised review: My first couple of visits here weren't the best, but my third visit was a charm. The service was significantly better, and the management was very attentive. The standout aspect was definitely the food—it was truly authentic Italian. The dishes were simple yet packed with flavor, leaving me pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend this restaurant, especially for its wonderful holiday atmosphere.

La Cucina is a delightful addition to the increasingly popular Assembly Row, bringing elevated Italian cuisine and a gracious staff to this vibrant community. As a local resident, I can confidently say it’s a pleasure to have such a high-end Italian restaurant right next door, allowing you to skip the long trip to Boston's North End while enjoying everything Assembly Row has to offer. Upon entering, the spacious design is impressive, featuring a long bar, comfortable seating, a lofted area for additional diners, and even an event space. The ambiance beautifully interweaves upscale Italian dining with a nod to the history of Assembly Row as a former Ford Motor Company assembly plant, evident in details like beer taps made from hand tools, Ford blue leather chairs, and the emblem painted on the wall. Having already dined at La Cucina twice since its recent opening, I can affirm that it’s the perfect spot for a special evening. The wine list is excellent, the cocktails are creative, and there’s a great selection of local beers to help you unwind after a hectic day—be it from work or shopping. The staff is knowledgeable and ready to offer recommendations, making navigating the extensive Italian menu a breeze, even for those a bit intimidated by the language. We began our meal with arancini filled with braised pork shoulder and traditional meatballs topped with fresh mozzarella. As you decide on your entrée, don’t forget to ask for the bar menu, which features their selection of flatbread pizzas baked in a brick oven. While the ‘North End Favorite’ Rigatoni Bolognese was delicious, I cannot recommend the Squid Ink Risotto with Scallops enough. My girlfriend requested her shrimp and prawn pasta dish without tomato sauce, and the staff was more than accommodating, even suggesting a wonderful shrimp scampi alternative, which she thoroughly enjoyed. To conclude our meal, we indulged in fresh vanilla gelato and chocolate cake served with espresso. During dessert, the General Manager visited our table to share some exciting future plans, including a new pastificio next door focused on quick-service Italian takeout. We can’t wait for this to open, especially for those busy weeknight dinners. Additionally, he mentioned that they plan to offer a lunch menu featuring more Americanized Italian dishes, like chicken parmigiana, making it ideal for families looking to enjoy a sit-down meal on weekends. Overall, despite still getting acclimated to the new space, the staff operates with cheerful diligence, and the managers are eager to gather feedback. We look forward to watching La Cucina continue to thrive alongside the rest of Assembly Row.

I found the food to be excellent. The ordering system is quite effective, once you figure out how to navigate it properly. However, clearer instructions would make it easier to understand. I believe such systems will become more prevalent as restaurants look to cut costs by streamlining the ordering process. I'm unsure about the tipping etiquette since the wait staff mainly deliver and clear plates without providing much service. If the restaurant had organized the kitchen to bring the plates closer to the table, I would have gladly handled the final steps myself to save 20%. The robotic future is nearly here, and it's a positive development!