la cantinetta

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La Cantinetta in Liège: Authentic Italian Trattoria with Bib Gourmand

La Cantinetta: A Family's Italian Legacy in Liège

Since opening its doors on February 9, 1998, La Cantinetta has been a cornerstone of authentic Italian dining in the Grivegnée district of Liège. The story begins with Francesca Esposito and Michel Giannuzzi, who, after a trip to Tuscany, decided to bring the warmth of an Italian table to Belgium. The name itself was inspired by a fine food shop in the center of Siena.

Today, the restaurant is run by their sons, Mathias and Thomas, who grew up in the business. Mathias, the chef, is inspired each week by the market, seasonal discoveries, and his travels in Italy. His cooking is a direct reflection of the family's roots: Sicilian from Agrigento and Palermo on their mother's side, and Pugliese from Castellana Grotte on their father's. "They passed on to us the taste and art of our regions, which we are so proud to share with you every day," say Mathias and Thomas.

The atmosphere is that of a genuine Italian trattoria, a place where you come for the food and the conviviality. The restaurant evolved from a single room that served as both a counter and a grocery, where customers could buy prepared dishes or eat them on the spot. The kitchen is a daily celebration of Italian cuisine, driven by a passion for seasonal, local, and homemade cooking.

This dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, La Cantinetta was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, a distinction that recognizes good quality, good value cooking. The Gault & Millau guide has also praised the restaurant, noting the authentic atmosphere and the "casalinga" (home-style) preparations of a gifted chef.

Menus change monthly, reflecting the market and the seasons. For lunch, a minimum of two services is offered, while Friday and Saturday evenings feature a set four- or five-course menu. The restaurant is also a caterer, extending its Italian hospitality beyond its own walls.