Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen

5 Reviews on “Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen”

• Rose

  Rose. I had a gift certificate to the Old Canteen from friends, as they knew it was my favorite Federal Hill restaurant. I called them on December 26, 2011, and inquired about the dress code for lunch. I was told that it was business casual, no jeans, shorts, etc.. I decided to get take out for my family and called back with an order after we reviewed the menu online. We were sent to the bartender to place our order. The menu stated that soup or antipasto, pasta or potato and vegetables were included with two of the selections we made. I ordered the Veal Parmigana and all I got was the veal – no pasta, soup, antipasto. My husband had selected the lamb chops, he got potato and vegetables, but,again, no soup or antipasto. The other entree was okay. I was told that my order would take about 20 minutes to prepare, and took at least 35 minutes. As I waited in the bar area, I noticed there were patrons in the dining area with jeans and t-shirts on. I was confused and waited for my order. When I got home, I looked at my orders and couldn’t believe nothing was with the veal. I reviewed the menu again, saw that I was supposed to get either soup or salad and either pasta or potatoes / vegetables with my entree as well. I tried to call back to talk to a manager, which took over one and a half hours, as the phone was constantly busy. I finally got through, was told that whoever told me no jeans was wrong and asked if they could help me. After I explained my problem, the guy told me that I’d have to call the next day and talk to a manager, which he knew I was looking for a manager when he answered the phone. I decided to write a letter to complain, and that was the beginning of January, but still haven’t hear a reply. If that’s the way they’re going to do business, I’m done with them. My gift certificate was for $80.00 and I had to put in another $2.50 for my order, but I didn’t get what I was supposed to get. There is no where on the menu to indicate the options weren’t available with takeout orders. Better off going to Cassarino’s or Blue Grotto for the same quality and better customer service.

  May 6, 2012, 7:26 pm

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• Experienced

  Finally made it after listening to Buddy Cianci ramble on forever about it. It is a bit like stepping back in time and the Pepto Bismol pink decor takes getting used to. The service was great. The menu is huge but really uninspired. We had an antipasti plate that was straight out of 1958 with iceberg lettuce and a hard boiled egg. I kid you not. This place is a slice of history though and definitely worth a visit.

  March 3, 2012, 1:07 pm

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• Docluvski

  Not good. If your only goal is to get a lot of food for your money, come here. If you want anything edible, turn around. The food is just not good. The sauce is terrible. The decor is like being in a senile grandma’s house.

  February 8, 2012, 6:11 pm

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• Ashley

  Love. What a classic restaurant, true elegance makes you feel like your at your grandmas or in this case, nonnas. The lamb chops with the pepper are great. Love it there!

  May 8, 2011, 10:40 pm

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• Voracious Gourmet

  Crowded and charming. The menu is a bit overwhelming, but go straight to the Osso Bucco, and discover heaven on the Hill. Whichever entree you pick, choose the option–for an extra 2 bucks or so–to get the antipasto/soup/dessert add on. I’ll admit the ice cream (square of harlequin) will make you think you’re at Grandma’s, but hey, Grandma’s was pretty cool sometimes!Old world Italian that never disappoints. Just don’t expect Veal florentine in a carmelized reduction…

  July 5, 2009, 11:04 am

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