Cucina Casalinga

The story

Cucina Casalinga: Southern Italian Cooking in Amsterdam

The Kitchen and Its Founder

At Cucina Casalinga in Amsterdam, the kitchen centers on refined Southern Italian cooking. Giovanni Carmelitano has guided the stove for over two decades, starting with location catering before opening a fixed venue. His approach balances modern techniques with a steadfast respect for classic Italian culinary traditions. Diners receive a Gault&Millau score of twelve for a kitchen that treats regional heritage as both foundation and inspiration.

Ingredients and the Menu

Weekly deliveries arrive directly from Sicily and Campania, bringing fresh herbs, vegetables, and seasonal fruit straight to the prep stations. The pantry relies heavily on these imports alongside certified Italian olive oils, Benedetto Cavalieri pasta, and preserved capers from Lipari. Guests typically navigate a four course menu priced at €69.50. The main course rotates between sustainably sourced fish, pasture raised meat, and plant forward preparations.

An Intimate Living Room

The dining space operates as a living room restaurant where wooden tables sit close together and conversation flows easily. Staff members greet guests with the same generous warmth characteristic of households across the Mezzogiorno region. Every detail reinforces a consistent Mediterranean rhythm, from the casual table settings to the steady hum of shared plates. This enduring neighborhood staple has welcomed regulars for twenty five years without chasing fleeting trends.