I’ve been looking for a great Italian pizzeria in Geneva for years and years. I’m not kidding. Yes, they all claimed to be “the real thing” – yet, they never were. Each time I would sigh, leave disappointed, and head to Italy for consolation. Then I found it: La Cantinella, right in the heart of the Old Town. Now, as the song goes, I’m a believer.

La Cantinella is small, cozy, and authentic. The owners are Italian, the waiters are Italian, and the ingredients come straight from Italy. After being greeted in my own language – already a nice plus in Geneva – wine was abundantly poured in my glass, yummy pieces of focaccia were placed on the table to start the meal, and I just felt at home. 

When I had a look at my pizza Caprese, with fresh mozzarella di bufala, I couldn’t believe it. Then I tasted Vitello Tonnato, my absolute favorite Italian dish: it was divine. And the tiramisu’ at the end of the meal was just perfect. 

La Cantinella stole my heart, and I’ll keep going back whenever I’m overwhelmed with nostalgia of my land. At last in Geneva, I have found the real thing.