It's not often you find yourself sitting down to a dining "experience" anymore, however, Italian Cucina is in a class of its own! We stumbled upon this quiet retreat back in Feb 2010 for V-Day and have been back many times since! Every last bite of our meal was fresh, flavorful and outstanding; the ambiance truly made us feel as if we were back in Italy; and the staff simply remarkable! This is now considered "our favorite spot" and we bring our most special friends and family here. Each time we enter Cucina, we're greeted with friendly smiles and welcoming arms. For a truly unique and memorable dining occasion,this is IT! Absolutely amazing - we love you guys...
By Anthony & Lauren Smith on July 2, 2010
Food was fantastic and not overpriced! The seafood was really fresh, the staff was extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. The owner is awesome and very personable, we sat and talked with him forever! He even gave us a free cannoli! The place is really tiny but I think it makes it special, and the candlelight along with the Sinatra playing in the background made it romantic! The chicken bruschetta was to die for. The menu changes seasonally. Definitely a hidden gem on main street. BYOB which is also awesome and rare to find in a town with soooo many bars on the same street. We will absolutely be coming back here!
By Kim
Ever since accidentally discovering Cucina three years ago this has been our most treasured and special place to eat. Very small and cozy - but overwhelmingly inviting and warm. We have loved great Italian food all over the world, but this is some of the vest best! Sauces to die for! By now we just show up and ask Joe and the staff to give us whatever they are inspired to select - and have never had anything but a wonderful meal. Prices very reasonable - so much so that we often wonder how they manage to keep open. It feels more like family dining that a formal restaurant experience - and Joe is always quick to introduce you to a guest if he thinks there might be some wonderful chemistry. He's usually right! My only reservation about giving this review is that I don't want it to get any harder to get a table when we're looking for a special dinner. And we'll just have to ask that they save a portion of the lobster ravioli in advance.
By Sandi Cutler on May 15, 2010
Had dinner with friends this past Saturday evening, which was our second time at the restaurant. Both times, we had a ball, and the food is amazing! We will definitely be back, and are suggesting to our friends, that they try it out. I actually did a blog post about our experience, at www.BucksCountyPaToday.com. Can't wait to see you again.
By Marty Millner on May 10, 2010
SEE OUR REVIEW IN THE TRENTON TIMES!!
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Great Service! Excellent Food!!! Massive Quantities... It will be one of our regular places
March 24th, 2010 by Peter
Some friends and I wanted to try New Hopes' Rest. week and decided on Cucina. Are we glad we did! The food was Amazing! The atmosphere was so friendly, it felt like we were eating at a friends' home. Everyone was so personable. Did I mention the food? Each course was delectable. We had a hard time deciding on what to order. Joey, thank you for a great evening...amazing food, good friends...we'll definately be back!
March 23, 2010 by Ann Z.
Joe, Your food bursts at the seams with flavor! The bruschetta chicken and scallops paired perfectly with the Portugese Vhino Verde we brought.
April 4, 2010 Myles & Marcye
Amazing Amazing Amazing !!!
We were looking for a place to just have a quick dessert and came upon this little house tucked away in the alley. Once we walked in the aroma of DELICIOUSNESS and Home cooking slapped us right across the face!!! We were wishing we had not just had dinner down the street, the food looked and smelled amazing that we knew we had to come back for more than just dessert, so we did a few weeks later. Our dinner experience was unforgettable. Everything was so fresh and the wonderful family that runs Italian Cucina are so warm and welcoming like we were at their own home. I highly recommend this lovely little place. We are spending our first Valentines Day there this year and were driving from Connecticut it's so fantastic. YUMMY all around!!!
February 11, 2010 by Adiela and Anthony in Danbury, CT
These guys will treat you like family. Keep a sharp eye because this place is set back from the road a bit and very easy to miss. Expect great home cooking in a very laid bake casual atmosphere. Nothing fancy - its all about decent eats and real character.
March 28, 2009 by Chuku (On Samir & Young's Shin Wedding Google Map)
The Italian Cucina is the best kept secret in Bucks County. We have never tasted food that was so authentic and wonderfully prepared as well as absolutely delicious. Joe is beyond delightful and always greets us with a hug and kiss. The staff there is wonderful and the customers all act like family during meals. This is the best place ever, hands down!! We love this place and we recommend this treasure to everyone we know. Great job!!
February 14, 2010 by Alison & Steve
Incredible! My husband and I are always on the search for new places to eat, we found yours by accident. I've been to many remarkable Italian restaurants, yours is right there with "the hole in the wall" greats in NY. Very casual, friendly, surprising, best of all, delicious. We will be back!
February 12, 2010 by Nicole, Jeffrey, Abella, Ava & Malia
We have been to your restaurant twice, and both times have been wonderful experiences! The first, we were looking for a quick bite after strolling around New Hope. The second, we returned with our family for a birthday celebration. The food is absolutely amazing - we love the open menu. The service is perfect, and the ambiance is like sitting in a family members kitchen - warm and comfortable. We have told so many people about your restaurant, and will continue to send people to you! Thanks for your continuing dedication to your customers! We LOVE the Italian Cucina!
February 11, 2010 by Liz & Norm Miles
Joe, What a great dinning pleasure !! We will be telling others of your place.'What a fine group of people working for you. The Marshalls were on the money. Thanks again..
January 31, 2010 Gus & Carolyn
We found the Italian Cucina about 2 years ago. We felt like family as soon as we walked through the door. We had lunch there that afternoon. My husband had a chicken panini with roasted peppers & fresh mozzarella. And I had a salad with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a basalmic dressing that is out of this world! When we visit New Hope we make sure we have lunch or dinner at the Cucina. We had dinner on Thursday January 22, 2010. It was my birthday and it was also Tapas night. The best tasting food we've ever had. Not to mention Joe and his crew :) Thank you, Joe
January 30, 2010 Mark & Connie Tyler Toms River, NJ
I was far too enthralled by the food and the people to take pictures while we were there, but Italian Cucina at 95 South Main is possibly the best off-the-beaten-path restaurant I’ve been to in my life. A side note: I used to be a caterer; my dad’s a chef. I’m super-critical about restaurant food, and usually don’t care a heck of a lot for it. This? Was incredible. Joe Lombardi, the owner, and his sidekick/restaurant manager, whose name I have sadly forgotten, catered to our every whim, telling us outrageous stories and making sure we left well-fed. And oh, gods, the food. I had butternut squash ravioli in a cinnamon-sugar butter sauce that was lunch, dessert, and paradise all in one bowl. I don’t remember what Mer and Lois ate…I was too busy trying to inhale my food. And, of course, now I’m getting hungry. The food was drop-dead amazing, the people are fabulous, and it’s totally off the main path. We’re told it’s a favorite of the locals and I can totally see why…it’s enough to make me want to move to New Hope. They don’t have a presence online, so click the map above for directions on how to get there.
Sweet Taragon Blog
May 4, 2009
We've had dinner at Joe's restaurant a number of times now, and have not once had less than a fantastic meal. Our first time we walked to the front door, looked around, and almost left. But this is a classic case of don't judge the book by it's cover! Two ladies who were leaving told us that we'd be missing a tremendous meal, and so we ventured inside. There we met Joe and the two young ladies who make the place run. We not only had a great dinner that first night, but great conversation, service, warmth, and hospitality that you don't see anymore. When you dine at Joe's Cucina, you are not a customer, you are a valued guest. After a few visits you become part of the experience. Tonight we had the Shrimp on Fire for the first time, and it was absolutely incredible - not to be missed! The salads are always great as are the main dishes. The homemade sausage in any dish is not to be missed. I had lasagna tonight, and the meat filling was filet mignon and the sausage. My wife had the porcini ravioli which were equally amazing. Top it all off with the cannoli or tartufo and what meal. We find ourselves making excuses to go to New Hope just so we can eat here. Not to be missed! Dave and Judy
January 16, 2010 by Dave and Judy
Dear Joe,
I had to write to thank you for both the womderful meal and interesting people that we met at your restaurant the past Friday night.
To refresh your memory, I'm the crazy lady from Pittsburgh that had a long disappointing day up until arriving at your door. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals and felt both welcomed and comfortable in your establishment. We definetly plan a return visit and will be sure to tell all of our friends about your fine food and company.
Sincerely,
Sue Varga
14 September 2009
Simply the best! The food is out of this world fantastic and Joe and Maria make you feel at home.
January 14, 2010 by George & Jill, New Hope, PA
We love Joe's place. Always the best and freshest food ever. The hospitality is warm and friendly. They always make you feel welcome.
January 13, 2010 by Judy & Tom, Inn at Stoney Hill, New Hope, PA
Six of us traveled from Connecticit to new hope over the Thanksgiving weekend, with the intention of experiencing the culinary delights of New Hope. We found Joe and Maria and that's as far as we got. We went back 2 nights in a row and by the time we finished our first meal, we all felt like family. It was like being at home in our warm West Haven kitchen, great food, great friends (old and new) and just a wonderful experience all round. Worth the trip and many more return trips. Thank you Joe and Maria for a wonderful time.
January 11, 2010 by Linda Plenderleith West Haven, Connecticut
We absolutely love this restaurant. The food and service are excellent. It is such a comfortable atmosphere. New Hope's best kept secret.
December 27, 2009 by Bill & Lisa
Quite simply, the Cucina is the best! Joe and his staff make everyone feel like family, and the meals he prepares are generous and absolutely delicious! A winner in every way.
December 7, 2009 by Bill & Linda, New Hope, PA
What do you want to know?
To the point, Gourmet food in your Italian Grandmother's kitchen.
A unique and wonderful dining experience. Wonderful food, service and new friends.
October 30, 2009 by CAROL & IRWIN GLADSTONE in Richboro, PA
Very nice!
My family and I stumbled upon this quaint restaurant when looking for a place to have lunch while showing our relatives the area. This restaurant is family owned and very homey. We walked in and were greeted immediately with smiles and warmth. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you like friendly service and great food!
November 12, 2009 by Zane
My wife and I went down to New Hope to have dinner and celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Well lucky for us my buddy from work Paul B. suggested Italian Cucina...My God..from top to bottom..soup to nuts...THE best dining experience my wife and I ever shared! The food was exceptional! To Joe and the gang...Thank You for making our anniversary a special night...best of luck in the future. Hope to see you soon.
--Mark & Nancy Nuzzi
What a GREAT Experience!
My husband and I has the pleasure of dining at the Italian Cucina in New Hope, PA this evening. I can't say enough about the wonderful food, and the hospitality that made the night so memorable. Maria was our waitress, and was very polite and friendly, and Joe, the chef/owner, went out of his way to make sure that we were well-fed and happy when we left. He sat down at our table with us and chatted about life. We felt like we had know him forever! The food at Italian Cucina was amazing! They have an oral menu - nothing to read, the waitress tells you what is on the menu that evening. This is a testament t Joe's commitment to freshness. The menu changes so often because he will only use what is fresh/in season. He truly goes out of his way to care for each ingredient. You can taste the love here! This is absolutely one of the best places I have ever eaten, and will return again and again! A great find and a great value for the money!
July 25, 2009 by Elizabeth M. in Willow Grove, PA
More than just great food, it's an experience!!
The feeling that this wonderful place gives you is that you are sitting in your favorite Italian uncle's kitchen as he prepares dinner for you, and to your good fortune that uncle just happens to be one of the most amazing chefs in the world.
I've had the privilege of dining here 3 times and it always feels like home! Food of this caliber usually requires a jacket and tie, yet this dining room is the most relaxed and welcoming place you will ever visit. Regardless of who you are, where you're from, or how you look; Joe and his staff with greet you with open arms.
On every one of my three visits the patrons end up talking to each other. It usually starts because everyone is raving about the food they are eating.
Italian Cucina is truly a one of a kind restaurant. Not to be missed!
June 21, 2009 by Lars in Hanover, PA
A Hidden Gem!
Living in New Hope, my fiancee and I have the distinction of being able to try all of the local restaurants. We consider ourselves 'foodies' and know a well-cooked and prepared meal when we have one. We discovered the Cucina a few years ago and have eaten there on countless occassions.
The first thing that strikes you as different is the atmosphere. Joe treats you like family. The menu is always varied, though there are a few staples that always remain. We always have the salad with the raspberry goat cheese. I don't even eat portabello mushrooms but on one occasion I had one topped with vinagerette, mandarin oranges, and goat cheese over greens and it was amazing. The dinners are amazing, no matter what you order. It's a BYOB but on occasion Joe will offer you a complimentary glass of wine if he happens to have some around. The breakfast panini's are top notch and we usually split one. And oh yes, the desserts.... wow. Grab some cannoli's to go, or maybe some of those amazing sticky buns.
June 12, 2009 by Bill in New Hope, PA
Don't Let Looks Turn You Away
The appearance of this tiny, 10-table restaurant could be your grandma's chochki-filled kitchen. But the food is top pf the line, made to order and better than you'll find at any famous Italian restaurant off the Italian Market in Philly. Joe, the owner/chef, make your dished with the utmost of care and the love of a family member. I'm not sure how the crab cake stayed together because it was pure sweet crab meat without any fillers. It has a fabulous finish of just a little spice. I'm no fan of veggie meals, but the vegetable ravioli was so rich and delicious I thought there must be meat in it.
Don't miss this gem, hidden behind Havanah in New Hope.
May 25, 2009 by Julie M in Bensalem, PA
Not to be Missed!
The minute you walk into that dining room, you are greeted like family. There is no menu, rather the server describes in detail each offering that day. We have been there about 5 times now and the menu has been different every time. Each entree sounds more delicious than the next - we has a hard time deciding. Nothing frozen or 'pre-fab'. Each and every meal is cooked to order and you are updated often on when your food is coming. While you wait, Joe and his server stop by and chat and even introduce all the other diners to each other! It is an incredibly warm and inviting environment (only 8 tables) and you do feel like you are part of the family. The 'gravy' and homemade sausage were amazing. Also highly recommened is the portabella tower appetizer and the butternut squash ravioli. Cucina is truly a not to be missed place while in New Hope. FYI - it is across the street from John & Peter's and is set back a bit.
They also serve breakfast and lunch which we cant wait to try.
November 24, 2008 by Lisa in Phoenixville, PA
"Don't Forget the Cannoli"
This restaurant is hidden treasure. I have never has a more delicious Italian meal in my life, and cannoli to die for. We tried everything, homemade mozzarella with Jersey tomatoes, clams sauteed in Yuengling, sausage, ravioli, and more. The owners Joe and Patti are the best - it was like enjoying a family meal. Again, the Italian Cucina serves the best Italian food that I've ever tasted, and I've tried some of the best in NYC and Philadelphia.
September 21, 2008 by Jeannie in Philadelphia, PA
"The food could not possibly be any better. Simply the freshest, most flavorable Italian cuisine you will ever taste. And it's all served in the most welcoming, relaxed, and casual 1 room building by an owner and staff who treats you like family. It's an experience you will not forget!"
June 21, 2009 by Lars in Hanover, PA
Like sitting in an Italian kitchen...name is perfect!
If you like quiet, formal dining with fancy menus and fawning service, this place is NOT for you.
Very informal and friendly, Joe the chef/owner makes amazing food and loves mingling with his guests during less-busy times. One of my favorite local places.
October 25, 2008 by Joe Wilcox
Wonderful evening. The whole Cucina family worked together to make our party feel welcome. Joe is like a favorite uncle that is always happy you came for a visit.
October 24, 2010 by Dorian
I love the Cucina and dine there almost weekly. But on Halloween night I had dinner there with several of my friends and we had an awesome time! Food was served family style and was absolutely fantastic. Joe and staff are super friendly and treat everyone like family. The best!
November 10, 2010 by Mike
I adored this restaurant! It's a cozy home-style atmosphere, with exquisite food,and a charming owner and chef who oozes charisma and warmth!
February 17, 2011 by Carol Oberto
We had dinner there on Valentines Day, I can't say enough we laughed the entire time and the food was delicious. We normally do not do Pre-fix menus, but to my shock it was wonderful and so much of it. From the heaping salads, bread, appetizers that should have been the main course then thru dinner and dessert. Even the little care package Maria sent us home with. There was so much food we took 1/2 of our dinners home. Joe and Maria were spectacular. They made us feel like family. I can't wait to go back in a few weeks. And yes Joe is one of a kind, loved him!!!
February 15, 2011 by Ellen