Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen

Went with a large group. We had limited time, and Patricia and Paul were friendly yet very efficient to see that we met our tour group. Excellent food, and the luncheon specials were a surprising bargain for a full course meal. I had not seen these on their website, so it was a pleasant surprise. One of our party dropped their wallet, and Patricia ran outside to the bus to see that she got it. All in all a pleasant experience.

The service was spotty due to our waiter being pulled away from taking our order (s), checking in, etc… numerous times by other wait staff. He appeared to be spread thin.
The food was okay-​I had built this restaurant up in my head as it being part of the old guard on the hill, but the menu was overly full and there was nothing exceptional about the overall experience.

We stopped here at my request for lunch today. This has always been my favorite restaurant, but hubby prefers the east side of providence. Wow were we all disappointed. Five of us ate lunch, including soft drinks was $ 100. My middle daughter did not touch hers as she did not like it, but no one came by to ask how things were and even when a different waitress came at the end to box our lunches, we told her not to box my daughters as she did not care for it. No sorry, nothing… Was shocked that soft drinks are not free refills, but we asked for another round when our entrees finally arrived (an hour after we got there). By the time we got our refills we were done eating our entrees and two of the five say on the table untouched. I’m not sure of the wait staff was overwhelmed. Our waiter was nice enough but we couldn’t get his attention. It should not have taken an hour for the standard pasta dishes from the lunch menu. However it is a good value, includes soup desert and coffee. Still, we were so disappointed in today I’m not inclined to go back. Really disappointed as this used to be my favorite spot.

Our party of 10+ had great food but five of us were overcharged. I had an extra $ 5 soda slipped in. Five of us? Was it worth it to the restaurant? We won’t be back and the readers of this review will think twice. Others here have written similar reviews suggesting bait and switch on the menu prices. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

Fabulous location for our brother’s 50^th birthday dinner. The seven course menu made for an affordable feast. The generous portions of broiled scallops and swordfish were moist and well-​flavored, and the pasta fagioli soup was hearty and delicious. Could have used a little less salt but what the hey it was a party. The veal marsala was ok. Our 5:00 p.m. Saturday reservation ensured a relatively quiet space. But by the time we had birthday cake and candles every single patron and waiter in the packed restaurant sang happy birthday! High energy and unforgettable.

We went with such high expectations, and we were disappointed. Don’t know why all the high ratings. My husband was served the wrong wine, it tasted terrible. We ordered pasta dishes, which should have come with 2 vegies sides or salad according to the menu, but our waiter said they were not included when I got my salad but asked why my husband didnt get any sides. So, the salad I wanted that I thought was included actually was an extra order that I had to lat pay for. The wait between each course was so long, it was inappropriate. My stuffed artichoke came out luke warm, with one part feeling cold. The pasta dishes were watery, not much substance to them. We have had very simple pasta dishes in Italy, but they were so good. But not at Joe’s old canteen.

One of the oldest restaurants on Federal Hill. Elegant surroundings, knowledgeable waitstaff, and an extensive
menu. Italian delicacies like tripe, beef braciola, polenta, and frogs legs, as well as the best veal dishes on The Hill. The osso buco is my personal favorite, and the seafood is fresh and cooked to perfection.
Small dessert menu, but the dinner portions are so generous that you may not have room for dessert! Reservation highly
recommended.

Second time my wife and I have dined there. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. Our server was Pete and was a big part of a great experience. The menu has nice variety and priced very reasonable.

I love this place the food, service, old Italian atmosphere is very unique. The owner Sal is really a nice guy I took my father there and he was in a wheelchair so Sal said no problem he picked up my father wheelchair and all and lifted him up the stairs and when we were finished with our meal picked uhim and the chair and brought him to the car in the parking lot. I’ll never forget that my father loved it and he really enjoyed his tripe.

Wow, not what I expected. A step back in time with amazing pasta, artisan sausage, formal waitstaff, but still affordable. Thought I was going into a rustic bar by name, but was pleasantly transported to a time and atmosphere from my youth. Food was awesome, one of the best; pasta meals I’ve ever had. You won’t be disappointed.

I honestly loved the food!! The owner came out and asked how everything was=! Very impressed

What to say… I’ve been a fan for years!!! They are all so gracious. The food is typical Italian fare, well done and comforting. Everything I order (and I’ve tried everything over the years) is fresh and delicious with very hearty portions. My only complaint is that the bar area needs a redo! It is dark and very tired looking. Sometimes the carpet seems to smell from the spills on it over the years. It actually looks like someone’s old fashioned finished basement!!!
Otherwise this is a five star restaurant. I hope it continues to be so successful!

Great place for old school Italian in Providence.
I was here for business, and had dinner on a Monday night.
Place was full of what appeared to be regulars.
Make a reservation!
Food was excellent.
Portions were generous
Nice wine list of Italian wines
Waiter was very nice, funny, just attentive enough.
I loved the old school interior, its not a restaurant thats trying too hard.
Its decorated like its decorated and probably has been like that for decades (just a guess).
The food walks the walk.
I know there are a lot of Italian choices on Federal Hill, but this place looked like the real deal and thats why I choose it over the rest.
I would eat there again in a second when in Providence again.

I went there with a group of 12. We all decided to order the 7 course meal because you get a salad, soup, a side with the meal, and dessert. I got the veal with eggplant with marsalla sauce that was delicious. When I got my bill I noticed I was charged for my side of rabe, when I questioned the waiter he said it was a la carte and that only macaroni or potato was a side. If my rabe wasn’t included I don’t know why he offered it as a side. He then brought the menu back to me to show me it was a la carte. I was going to give him a 20% tip, but seeing he tricked me and didn’t take it off my bill, I tipped him 12%. As I was leaving he came up to me and asked me if there was some mistake on the tipping because it was only 10%. I said no, you can thank the Rabe for that! I don’t understand why he would offer a side if it wasn’t included in the 7 course meal which the whole table ordered. Other than that, the food was amazing. Everyone was happy with their dinner. The one thing I regret, was not to have him wrap my side to go, that was included with the meal that I never got, I was fuming so I didn’t think if it!!! This is also the first time a waiter ever questioned a tip and he did it in front of everyone. I had already warned them that hes lucky hes getting a tip at all, so i was far from embarrassed. I paid for my dinner seperate, so I’m sure he got a good tip from the other 11 at my table which he didn’t deserve!!!

Great Italian food with a really cool vintage/​retro/​dated/​charming décor. A great value complete with cloth napkins! Ask for Craig the waiter– he is awesome. One of my favorites for sure.

I’m calling peak Italian Rhode Island. I don’t think it can get any better than this.
Ample parking around the block during lunchtime. Very, very friendly staff even with little kids.
Classy décor. Everything pink and you have Frank and Dino on the speakers. Vest and bow tie.
Extreme value for food. The lunch specials are about $ 13 each. That comes with bread, soup (three choices today of minestrone, chicken, or Boston clam chowder), a lunch entrée, ice cream, and coffee. You absolutely cannot beat that anywhere.
I got ravioli and meatballs. Clearly homemade. Perfect al dente in the ravioli. Giant meatballs. Good sauce.
Girls got linguine and meatballs. One order was enough for the three of them. They loved the ice cream. Wife got a stuffed haddock with a giant side of penne.
This place has a well deserved reputation for being fantastic, and it delivered all around.

Great food, great staff. I love the 7 course selections, you can’t go wrong with the food or the price!
I know some have reviewed this as a not child friendly restaurant. They don’t have kiddie cups, or a special menu… but we’re VERY accommodating to my 4yr old (who is well behaved).
We took friends from out of town here a few weeks ago and everyone enjoyed it!

It’s not hard to find great Italian food in Providence, especially on Capitol Hill. The Old Canteen does not disappoint.
Three of us showed up on Monday night without a reservation and were able to be seated without a wait (barely). The waiter was extremely attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
The wine selection was a little on the sparse side if you just wanted a glass, though they had a decent selection of bottles. I got a glass of the house cabernet which was… okay.
The food, though. The food was excellent. We started with escargot — a rarity to find cooked right, and it was done to perfection here. All the meals also came with a soup and a salad, which were standard fare but well done. The meals themselves were wonderful. I had Sicilian-​style haddock which was fresh, hot, and seasoned just right.
The delay between the courses was on the longer side, but that is par for an Italian restaurant.

Always a solid choice for Italian food on the hill. Very old school providence atmosphere and has weird pink/​purple theme goin on. Huge menu and always has good specials. Very good service also.

This is a great family style Italian restaurant. I ate here with my family and friends and we had an awesome time. I had the lamb chops, which was cooked to perfection. The pasta was fresh, seasoned well and just enough red sauce. We also ordered the steak a la mama with extra garlic, cooked medium, and the half chicken with vegetables. I paid $ 37 for a 7 course meal. You can’t beat that when you’re getting food this good! The décor could use a little upgrade, but at the same time makes it old style and cozy.
If you’re in Providence, this place is highly recommended.