Julija Dutton
Did not get pictures of the food because we ate it so fast and it was fantastic. The chef is from Italy and he spends 4 months out of the year still in Italy- all the food tasted amazing and home made. We ordered the spaghetti with meatballs for our toddler and those meatballs were so tasty- my husband and I got chicken Alfredo and shrimp Alfredo. Delicious! Portions were also European and not overwhelmingly huge like it’s typical in America. Pasta was homemade as well. The caprese salad appetizer was phenomenal too!
The atmosphere is so cozy and cute- you feel like you’re eating in Somebody’s house In Italy! Tons of outdoor seating too and we got to play in the yard after.
It’s reservation and cash only! The staff was incredibly friendly and the experience was great- definitely recommend and will be back! Fairly priced as well
… moreMountains Are Best
Year later 2025. This is the best restaurant in our region. Period. Make reservation by text.
Another visit May 10th: Trouble making reservation, called twice, no reservation on arrival. Texting preferred. That said, the owner and staff were VERY accommodating and we had another wonderful experience! Appetizer, main course, and dessert were all just superb!
Thanks to all.
Third visit: November 2023
This is, bar none, one of the best restaurants I’ve been in from Maine to Florida. The place is immaculately clean, the service is excellent, and the food is about 3 clicks past that. We’ve eaten here three times in the last month if that counts and taken about five other diners to boot. Everyone, and there were some picky eaters in the bunch, enjoyed the truly fine fare. Little pricey, but good for the quality. Parking is sometimes a problem but this small inconvenience is well worth putting up with. Great food, great people. What a treasure to have.
Just fantastic! Parking somewhat problematic, but everything else was superb. We had the nightly special, cod and shrimp, along with fresh baked bread with dips. Shrimp is US sourced too! To top it, a bit of dessert and excellent coffee. As an illustration of what a nice experience this was, we made two more reservations. Try it!
… moreAndrew Adkins
We had a great date night at La Cucina, driving over from Johnson City. The pastas, desserts, and bread were terrific. Highly recommend.
… moreDebbie Clabough
Everything was perfect! The best food! My husband ordered lasagna that melted in your mouth and I got the Ravioloni Truffle Porcini Mushroom that was so delicious. You walk into the front door and the aroma just hits you, it smells so good in there. The house is turned into a restaurant and that just adds to the coziness. We will definitely be back
… moreRobyn Young
This was my first time in Mountain City. A local resident brought us here for dinner! Highly recommend the lasagna, ravioli, salad, antipasto, and bread. We were served family style and tasted a bit of everything. Delicious! Friendly owner/chef and servers!
… moreDeborah Restivo
The experience begins with homemade Ciabatta bread with EVOO, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. In fact, every authentic Italian bite is made from scratch. Everything we ordered was exceptional!
… moreLynda Wood
BYOB and enjoy one of the best Italian meals in the region. Authentic, delicious Italian cuisine in a cafe style atmosphere with friendly and personal service. Great attention to detail on every level. It’s a must visit whenever we’re in the area.
… moreDavid Shook
Finest gluten free dishes anywhere!! Our gluten free dishes tasted just as great as the regular dishes ordered. I was the taster, not my wife. Chef said the pasta was brown rice flour imported from Tuscany. Wonderful atmosphere with a freshly prepared meal from a Master Chef. Bravo!! Remember cash and reservations are necessary.
… moreDawn Monk
This place is simply amazing! The food was great, the atmosphere was cozy and the staff were friendly! This is true authentic Italian food! It is a must try place! A little piece of Italy in rural Mountain City, TN. We will go back, we want to try everything at least once!
… moreWallace Shealy
You have to go to Italy for better. The homemade noodles melt in your mouth. The lasagna was the best I have had since Florence. We discovered a true gem out in Johnson County. La Cucina, a Matteo family restaurant by reservation only. Authentic Italian food made by hand. Home-made pasta, ciabatta, and desserts. Small, only 24 seats. Started with Caprese, Misto, then Lasagna and Shrimp Puttanesca.. BYOW/$5 Cork. Nice desserts to end.
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