Cucina Maria

I had much higher hopes for this place, but we were for the most part not enthusiastic about our meals. Service was decent, but we were only 1 of two tables in the place between lunch and dinner service. We started with the fried calamari and the antipasto, both of which were really disappointing. The antipasto had minimal ingredients (far less than the price would indicate). The calamari was so rubbery, so much so that we did not finish it. They did bring out some bruschetta for the table before the meal, which was very tasty. The chicken parm was good, and the gorgonzola cream sauce was tasty but was pretty dry (not enough for the amount of pasta). The meatballs had a funky flavor to them. Not sure what it was, but some kind of citrus flavor profile. In any event, there are far better options for Italian food in South Philly, so we'll go back to those in the future.

I ordered takeout. The ricotta/gargonzola gnocchi looked nothing like the photo I saw online. Texture was all off, almost tasted spoiled. So much sauce it was like soup.

To say the food is abysmal, is an understatement.Our appetizer- grilled calamari was 4 pieces about 4 inches big and thick , chewy tufts.We had to spit them out after about a minute of chewing. Rubbery and gross.Surrounded by few sprigs of arugula and tablespoon of tomatoes, doused with balsamic glaze. Ughhh we left it uneatenSanchetti was tough as eraser pasta, with pork mince which looked like stale. Again tough and weird tasting..Branzini with vegetables(ONLY broccoli) and crispy(boiled and mushy) potatoes, served with foamy tomato. Actual foam !!The fish was the worst. Stale, stiff and had a horrible tasteWe were in a mood for dessert so we walked to isigro couple of blocks over.Didn't wanna pay them any more money.Worst Italian food I've ever had "Authentic" Italian run by non italians... what's more to say

To be fair, I should know better than order seafood on a Sunday. Our group started with the calamari, clams, and mussels. The calamari was ok, but could have stayed in the fryer for another minute and the portion was rather small. The accompanying sauce was excellent though. The mussels in red sauce and clams in white wine sauce seamed a bit over date. The star of the night however was the veal chop. Stuffed with prosciutto and cheese served with your choice of fresh house made pasta. The chop was seasoned beautifully and cooked medium rare. The pasta I chose was a beet fettuccine that was absolutely perfect. The service is good and not overbearing that pairs well with the ambiance that is straight out of a Godfather movie. Don't forget to BYO and consider an Uber as parking in this area at times can be difficult.

This is my friend's favorite local Italian restaurant. We shared the ricotta gnocchi with porcini sauce and spinach gnocchi with marinara.The gnocchi and sauces are homemade, and that's evident. The gnocchi is soft, smooth, and dense, and they nailed the porcini sauce.It was so good my friend stopped eating the spinach gnocchi. The only critique is it wasn't salted enough for me, but adding the parmesan made it perfect. I'm now craving it.

Came here on the StrEats of Philly food tour and so glad that they introduced us to this place. The spinach gnocchi with blush sauce is the best gnocchi I have ever had. I can't put it into words but you MUST order the gnocchi. This place is BYOB so our group enjoyed a few bottles of red wine we brought with us. This place will be a must for me anytime I'm in Philly.

Great gem in South Philly! While in the area and sort of lost looking for an early ish dinner for my family - we stumbled on this place. They were super accommodating with our walk in request on a Saturday night and within seconds, we had a seat, a seat for my 3 yr old, and a place for my infant and stroller. They even had a kids menu! Service was friendly and attentive.We got the fried calamari to start ($16) which was just the right amount of crisp. I had scallops in a cream sauce over fettuccini ($25) which was also very delicious. My husband got the chicken parm which was huge while my daughter got spaghetti and meatballs which was flavorful and a huge kids portion that could probably feed about 4 toddlers. All in all - a really great place to have a nice quality Italian meal in South Philly! Highly recommend.

Today, I had linguine and clams with red sauce (which I requested), and it was fabulous!! Yum yum!!!

Quaint restaurant with homemade everything! From the bread to the appetizers to the entrees, everything was flavorful and delightful. The steamed clams and calamaris were fresh and delicious. The lobster raviolis and spaghetti with marinara sauce were amazing. Will return.

This restaurant is owned by the chef who learned Italian cuisine from an Italian chef for 22 years . You can read more of the story in Inquirer online. Just Google Cucina Maria and you'll find the story.I have the privilege to talk to her husband, who was super nice and friendly. He brought out the food from the kitchen. Our waiter was a quiet young gentleman who once in a while came over to make sure that we were ok.Complimentary bread was fresh, homemade, and light with a nice crust. It's served with olive oil and fresh marinara. I can easily eat the whole basket.Appetizers:Fried calamari. Definitely get it. Calamari was fresh, not chewy, and the breading was light and crunchy. It's served with fresh marinara wit crushed red pepper.Portobello with Gorgonzola. Super creamy and great Gorgonzola flavor. I cannot see the portobello because it's completely covered in cream. Great to dunk your bread to clean up the plate.Entrée I picked salmon. It's served with broccoli, potatoes, peppers in wine sauce. I don't like salty food so it's perfect for me. Make sure you squeeze the lemon to add more flavor. My husband had creamy fettuccine with scallops. I had a bite and it was delicious. Pasta was fresh and had great flavor.My friend has mushroom risotto but she said it was kinda bland so she asked for cheese and salt.DessertNutella cheesecake was decentTo conclude, service was great. Food came right away. I recommend getting the pasta dish as the entree.