Closure: Italian restaurant announces ‘soft closing’ after 37 years in Hamilton

Hamilton Closings Food

By

Published October 4, 2023 at 11:23 am

A staple for fine Italian food in Hamilton has announced a “soft closing” after 37 years in the city.

La Cantina Ristorante will go on hiatus starting this fall, according to a post from the restaurant on Instagram.

The family restaurant opened in December 1986 at 54 Queen St., Hamilton. They quickly outgrew the location and moved to the current spot at 60 Walnut St. S. in the winter of 1994.

But now the restaurant owners are looking for some time away.

“It is with much gratitude and mixed emotions that Chef Maurizio and I announce the soft closing of our dear La Cantina Ristorante as a general public venue restaurant end of October/ early November,” the Instagram post reads.

“We are going on hiatus—we pause and rest with the satisfaction to have always kept our namesake and operations in our family. We are proud to have held steadfast to our principles, heritage and strong family values throughout our careers.”

The restaurant says it has been an “incredible journey” but at this time they are taking a break.

“It has been a life-changing experience, but now, at this stage in our lives, it is time for us to share some quiet time with our family and friends,” the Instagram post reads.

However, they will continue with private bookings of prix-fixe menus, prepared foods for takeout in December for the holidays and into the new year.

And people can still book Christmas parties at the restaurant.

La Cantina thanked the community.

“We have dedicated 37 years of our lives to our wonderful community of Hamilton and the surrounding areas,” they wrote. “It has been our pleasure to serve you and to celebrate life’s most memorable moments with you. We are overwhelmed and humbled by all the years of your love and support. We thank you all for having put your trust in us for almost four decades!”