LA CUCINA Italian Kitchen
| Address: | 6811 TN-67, Mountain City, TN 37683, USA |
| Phone: | +1 423-727-0205 |
| Site: | facebook.com |
| Rating: | 4.9 |
| Working: | Closed Closed 5–8PM 5–8PM 5–8PM 5–8PM 11:30AM–2:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 19
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Bill Glover
What a place! From the get go, the surroundings, the cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff, the chef and the owner. From actual waiting upon us, not just walking by and maybe thinking about us, WOW! Then the food. The bread and the dips for the bread, heavenly. I tried all of them and ended up liking the spicy dips the best. The entrees were beyond description, wonderful to the palate, with the chef/owner coming over to the table and sharing where certain meats came from in northern Italy. The desserts were beyond my pitiful ability to describe in taste, texture and portion. What a place, what a menu, what a location, what food, what staff! Make your reservation or wait outside, it is well worth the trip through E. Tennessee to get to and well worth your time to get to. Leave a big tip because the staff deserves it! On my "eat-o-meter" scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best, I give La Cucina a 1,000!
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Mitch Gordon
A gem in the rough. La Cucina is between Mountain City and Butler TN. Not what you would expect to find in this neck of the woods. Rivals any top quality big city Italian restaurant and better than some weve been to in Italy. Reasonable prices for the quality of food. All of the dishes weve tried have been excellent. Everything is cooked to order. A couple of our favorites are the truffle ravioli and Orchiete (spelling). The bread (homemade) and dipping sauces superb. Fortunately we are close but worth the drive if not. Bring your own wine, the county is dry and make reservations, seating is limited.
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Ben Goddard
DO NOT GO HERE IF YOURE IN A RUSH! Why? Because each dish is handcrafted by one man, Chef Matteo, on a six-burner stove-top. Everything, pasta, sauces, bread, and desserts is made in house daily, and is truly authentic Italian. My family has been raving about this place to me for quite awhile, and Matteo more than lived up to the hype. The staff is extremely friendly, and they make you feel like family. Cant recommend this place enough. Go there. Now. Why are you still reading this review? Side note: this is a cash only establishment, so make sure you hit up an ATM on your way there.
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Megan Hively
Hidden treasure! Truly authentic, and will change the way you view major Italian inspired food chains. This is not one of those. Forgive my probably repeated rave review lingo but this place is beautiful. First, place a reservation! second, get ready to walk in to what feels like an inviting home, the smells, the atmosphere. See the kitchen area, which noise level if any stays pleasantly in the background. Last but not least: get ready to eat flavorful Italian food. Dolly our waitress was extremely helpful and friendly. So much love for this place!
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Liz Norred
What a find! Be aware this place is CASH ONLY, and reservations are recommended. This place has some of the best Italian food Ive ever had in the US. We visited La Cucina while on a long run through Northeast Tennessee, only expecting to come across fast food and truck stops. Instead we got an exceptional meal and exceptionally friendly people! The pasta here is made fresh and the veggie lasagna I had was unbelievable. Im definitely bringing friends back here the next time Im in this part of the state.
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Lori Bidgood
BEST AUTHENTIC ITALIAN CUISINE EVER. We came in with a Harley group of about 10 without reservations on a Saturday night. They usually take reservations, but were very accommodating. The menu was very limited that night because it was late, but what they did have was exceptional. Friendly service and they grow their own veggies & herbs out back. After we placed our orders, the hostess went out and came back in from picking fresh basil and tomatoes for the Caprese salad! Cant get any fresher than that!
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Taylor Nick
Mateo is the an amazing Italian chef; not just notable for tri-cities, but nationally and perhaps worldwide. The lasagna is the most original and flavorful I have ever tasted, the caprese salad is bright, crisp and savory. You can look out the window and see his extensive garden with all fresh herbs and veggies. The dining room is tiny, in an ideal cozy way, so make sure you have a reservation! And dont skimp on dessert! Its a must
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Terry Mahoney
Ive been eating Italian food all my life and this place really does meet the standards of an excellent Italian restaurant. If you pulled it out of Mountain City, Tennessee and dropped it into Little Italy in Baltimore it would be one of the better places. The chef focuses on a limited menu and does it really well. His pasta is perfectly made a perfectly cooked. Definitely get reservations you will need them
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Julia Snyder
Amazing food, incredible wait staff, and wonderful chef/host. I love this place - the best Italian ever. Definitely one of the best meals I have ever had. Make sure to get reservations and take cash - the last time I was there they did not take plastic. This place is worth the drive - I highly recommend the lasagna, shrimp arrabiata, country carbonara, and the misto appetizer. :)
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Vikki Woods
Small casually elegant and superb food. Not your normal Italian of lasagna and meat balls, but Northern Italian with a very creative touch. Even Matteos lasagna is light and full of flavor. Fresh bread...be careful not to eat too much and spoil your appetite. Its easy to do! The soup is enough for a meal.
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Babs Ausherman
Love this restaurant. The food is always fresh and the bread is lovely - crusty and chewy! The menu has a limited number of items, but the sauces are tasty and have great flavors. The size and price of the meals is good and not oversized like so many restaurants. Glad to have this restaurant in the area!
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Elizabeth London
Some of the most delicious Italian food we have ever eaten! From the bread to the tiramisu and everything in between. The staff was very pleasant and the restaurant was clean, which made for an excellent experience. I only wish we lived closer so we could come back!
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Maryann Hanrahan
Magnifico! La Cucina is truly a dining experience! FRESH, exquisitely prepared and presented, there is no wrong choice on the menu! The service is friendly and warm...truly feels like visiting the home of your Italian friends. Cash only and bring your apetito!
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edwin Gerace
You do not have to go to Italy to dine on great Italian food. It is just an hour away from Johnson ccity and the food is the real mcoy. It is like having an Italian diiner in a small Italian village. Edwin Gerace Johnson City Tennessee.
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C redd
Amazing find in lovely pastoral setting. Tiny family run restaurant with a personal touch. The owner is chef. Very friendly and welcoming with home baked breads and high quality food prepared to order. The lasagna is to die for.
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Antonio T
La Cucina is a little hidden gem in the mountains. From the freshly baked bread made every morning to the homemade desserts this place is a MUST GO!! I highly recommended. The food is AMAZING!!
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Loralee
Unbelievably fresh delicious food! Couldnt have had a better Birthday dinner. Not our first visit and far from our last. Thank you Rick and Matteo for making it so special!
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Kate Smith
Matteo is a master! He expertly cooks each and every meal himself! Such a lovely place with lovely people. Make sure you read "his story" on the menu.
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Adam Cahoon
Great food great service. Very nice place feels almost like eating at home looking forward to stopping in for another bite before heading home
