Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante — Restaurant in Niagara Falls

If I could give this place no stars I would.

My husband and I have always throughly enjoyed dining here & go out of our way on date night to make the hour drive to Niagara Falls to go to Antica. Whenever we go here we spend a minimum of $150 if not more.

My husband and I are younger (24M) and (23F) we always drink responsibly and have never had any issues at any establishment before. We arrived, were seated & the waitress asked for our drink order which we gave. My husband got a pop while I ordered a L of sangria. I asked if the waitress wanted to see my ID to which she responded “no I believe you” & so we didn’t think anything of it. She brought out the pitcher & pop, and said “this is for both of you right” to which we said no. My husband is having health issues and can’t drink at the moment, my birthday was the day before so we were just celebrating it. She refused to let us have the pitcher saying she took a course & can’t allow me to drink it. She would be held responsible if I left “drunk”…To which we responded okay and didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. She then proceeded to check my ID and said she would ask her boss and see what they said as to whether or not I could drink this pitcher.

She comes back to say “Sorry Bella but I can’t let you drink this on your own. I can monitor you and pour you a glass of it when you want but I can leave it here. If you leave drunk I’m held responsible. We understood the liability portion but that isn’t what bothered us. It was the assumption that me, a grown 23 year old woman cannot handle her liquor. That I don’t know when I need to stop, that I can’t enjoy myself. She shamed me for wanting to have a couple glasses. The thing that bothered my husband and I was the assumption that as a female I shouldn’t be drinking this much, I will 100% leave here drunk if I were to drink the whole pitcher.

What doesn’t make sense is that she would be totally fine to serve multiple glasses to equate to one litre but wouldn’t leave a whole pitcher. My husband and I have shared this & I have had it on my own before. Not once did we have any issues, not once did either of us leave Antica “drunk”. We have never had any issues with any waiter or waitresses prior to this experience. To be shamed & be told that I would leave here “drunk” was beyond hurtful. The assumption and accusation is so far fetched. There are tons of establishments that serve pitchers of alcohol or multiple glasses that would in the end equate to a L if not more. We’ve never had any issues at any other establishments, bars or high end restaurants before. It’s such a shame because this became our favourite restaurant quickly and we always recommended it. Will not be returning and do not recommend it if you are of the younger crowd, it is...

Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante in Niagara Falls, Ontario, delivers on its promise of authentic Italian tradition, making it a must-visit whether you're a local or a tourist.

With an unbeatable location and a decades-long commitment to quality, Antica is a truly established gem.

Atmosphere & Ambiance: Stepping into Antica is like being welcomed into a warm, classic Italian home. The ambiance is charming, featuring beautiful exposed brickwork throughout the space—even on the impressive arched ceiling (as seen in the photos). The walls are decorated with evocative Italian posters and artwork, including a striking black and white photo with the "Birra Peroni" sign.

The restaurant also features a magnificent stone oven where you can see the chefs (like the one in the photo) preparing the incredible pizzas. It’s a comfortable and intimate setting that avoids the overly-touristy feel of the area.

Location: You can't beat the spot! Antica is perfectly situated directly across from the entrance to Clifton Hill, making it an easy and convenient stop before or after exploring the main attractions.

Food & Drink: The food at Antica is a testament to fresh ingredients and traditional preparation. The Pizza - As noted, the pizza is truly amazing. The photo of the Margherita pizza shows a beautifully baked crust and the freshest ingredients—mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fragrant basil. The anchovies were a standout with the drizzle of oil oil and fresh herbs! The Salad - an incredibly fresh and vibrant Apple Beet and Goat Cheese Salad or Arugula Pear Salad featuring fresh greens, sliced apples, and almonds. Enough to share. Drink Selection - The beverage choices are excellent, including both local and world-renowned options. Including authentic Italian beer, specifically Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

Overall Value: Given the high quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the experience, the pricing is very reasonable.

Service & History: The impeccable service stands out, and it's clearly a reflection of the restaurant's deep-rooted history.

Antica has been family-owned for 35 years. The founders—a mother and father who immigrated from Italy—raised four sons who continue to run the business and uphold its traditions.

You can even see the parents helping with preparation in the mornings, a clear sign of the care and pride that goes into every dish.

Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an authentic, high-quality Italian meal in...

Title: Disappointing Experience: Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante Review

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

I recently visited Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante with high hopes for a delightful dining experience, but unfortunately, my visit was anything but enjoyable. Despite the restaurant's reputation for serving decent food, the overall experience was marred by poor service, incompetent staff, and careless management.

First and foremost, the service was abysmal. From the moment we stepped foot into the restaurant, it was evident that the staff lacked professionalism and basic hospitality skills. We were greeted with indifference, and it seemed as though our presence inconvenienced them. Throughout the meal, our server was inattentive and dismissive, making us feel like an afterthought.

Moreover, the incompetence of the staff was glaringly apparent. Orders were mixed up, and simple requests were forgotten or ignored. It was frustrating to witness the disorganization and lack of communication among the staff members. It appeared as though they were ill-prepared to handle even the most basic tasks, let alone provide quality service to patrons.

To make matters worse, the management seemed disinterested in addressing the issues at hand. There was a pervasive sense of apathy, as if customer satisfaction was not a priority. It was evident that there was a lack of leadership and accountability, leading to a chaotic and unpleasant dining experience.

While the food at Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante was not entirely disappointing, it certainly did not make up for the shortcomings in service and management. Despite the decent quality of the cuisine, I would strongly advise against visiting this establishment. The poor service, incompetence of the staff, and careless management overshadow any positive aspects of the dining experience. Save yourself the frustration and disappointment and explore other dining options...