Solaia Cucina e Cantina — Restaurant in St. Catharines

That feeling when you’ve been dying to try a restaurant, book that reso and finally get to go and it does not live up to the hype.

Had the service been better the experience could have been entirely different. Our server was hard to get to our table and when we did ask for something it would take far too long. This wasn’t because the restaurant was too busy, we would see him hanging out behind the bar and socializing with the one table in particular that he was constantly tending to (there was another server there who actually came to check on us a few times, noticing that we needed a beverage or to ask for something).

After we ordered we were told menu is changing for the season so the buratta dish was different than advertised (mushroom and carmelized onion) and was simply just buratta on a bed of lettuce, with a few tomatoes, salt, pepper and a small drizzle of balsamic glaze, leaving something to be desired. The Cesar salad was good, but not the best I’ve ever had, probably because we had to struggle to cut through it with a butter knife (I love a whole leaf Caesar but a good knife is a must).

The mains were the saving grace of the evening. The gnocchi was light and fluffy and the lamb shank special was tender and flavourful (we did have to flag down another waiter for some pepper as the server just dropped them at the table and ran). The cannoli for dessert was also nice. I will note that if it weren’t for the apps, and the waiting too long for simple things like pepper or proper cutlery to even dig into our meal, the food would have been ranked a 4 instead of a 3.

However, the two mains + dessert were not worth the $350 bill with the terrible service. When you’re paying that much money for dinner for 2 people, there are certain standards that should be non negotiable… with the type of restaurants Niagara is becoming home to, this money would have been better spend...

My husband and I went to Solaia on a Wednesday night at 5:30pm. Early dining time and we had the place to ourselves. This meant attentive service and our food was fresh and piping hot. We started with the Cesar salad with fried polenta as croutons and full leaves of romaine that you cut yourself. Authentic Italian style with the a fresh twist. I also ordered an Aperol Spritz which was good but could use something new or different to set it apart from other restaurants (especially on a hot summer evening).

The homemade focaccia with asparagus and the red pepper butter satiated our appetite while we waited for each course. In hindsight we wish that we had kept some for dipping in the sauce from our pasta dishes.

Next our entrees. My husband had the gnocchi alla amatriciana and I had the braised rabbit gnocchi. The gnocchi was homemade and delicious. They weren’t too heavy and perfect size. They held the sauce nicely, and there was a perfect proportion of pasta to sauce. I dislike when a restaurant drenches the pasta in sauce. Like they have something to hide. My husband’s dish had a wonderful heat to it but not over done. The braised rabbit was a new choice for me but it did not disappoint. We both finished our dishes without that heavy feeling.

We opted not to have dessert or coffee/tea but I imagine that the handmade cannoli would have been special.

Overall we absolutely enjoyed our evening and would highly recommend this restaurant to others. We were in the middle of a heat wave when we went so we ate inside but this restaurant has a couple tables out front and a back door lounge that...

A Perfect Ten – Culinary Excellence at Solaia Cucina e Cantina

A few weeks ago, I had one of the most memorable dining experiences of the year at Solaia Cucina e Cantina in St. Catharines. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was struck by the refined yet inviting atmosphere, seamlessly blending rustic charm with modern elegance. Every detail of the décor was thoughtful and sophisticated—dim lighting, textured finishes, and a layout that invites conversation and comfort.

The menu is nothing short of extraordinary—a masterclass in Italian cuisine, balancing bold flavours with delicate finesse. Every plate that came to our table was prepared with intention, heart, and technical precision. I was so moved by the quality of the meal that I asked to visit the kitchen to personally thank both the chef and owner—an experience I won’t forget. His passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence radiated just as much as his culinary creations.

The beverage program deserves its own standing ovation. The wine list is impressively curated, and the cocktails are crafted with care and creativity. I ordered a Vesper, and I can confidently say it was the best I’ve ever had—perfectly balanced, impeccably chilled, and served with effortless class.

Solaia doesn’t just serve food; it tells a story—of tradition, innovation, and deep respect for ingredients. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. It’s a perfect ten in every way.

This is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination....