I don't doubt that at some point, a long, long time ago, the recipes at Cristina Italian Ristorante might have been true gems. And whether or not those time-tested recipes are still honored in Cristina's kitchen isn't really the point, either, because what comes out of there is a poor excuse for Italian food. If someone were to buy a can of "Italian" food from the supermarket, follow the preparation instructions on the label, and serve it as an authentic Italian meal, I'd just as gladly have a bite of that rather than return to Cristina's. Out of the two salads, two appetizers, three soups, three entrees, and one dessert that our table sampled, there wasn't anything about the food that I could honestly commend. From wilted raw veggies to overcooked seafood, acidic sauces to dried-out desserts, everything that made it to our table was a disaster. I a half-decent Italian restaurant were to open anywhere near Wheaton, this place would either have to shape up or ship out.
(1)
Elizabeth A.
Disappointed in my fellow Yelpers! This place simply Is. Not. Good. I could make better Italian food, heck, I do make better Italian food. It's like this place is 'my first restaurant' a decent first draft, but come on, get serious. Buca di Beppo, Maggiano and others nearby (local ones in Bethesda) are WAY better. This place is like a family owned Olive Garden without the free breadsticks and bottomless salad bowl. Blah. Not going back. Oh and overpriced! $18 for this sludge?! Entrees need to be priced more like at $10. Places like this piss me off, the prices of a higher quality place, but the quality of a cheap pizzeria. Save yourself the money and time.
(2)
Maria P.
Awful. I went here a couple years ago and it was absolutely DELICIOUS. I came back with my father a month ago...and almost cried. Nevermind that I was bragging about how amazing it was, so now he questions my tastes! He keeps cracking jokes about how I'm a "disgrace" because I don't know good Italian food, and I should be "ashamed" of myself!! The jokes are funny, but the quality of this food is sh*t. Keep in mind that it's enjoyable to write good reviews! I like giving 4 or 5 stars...and I REALLY felt the need to share this with you. They bring sweet bread and butter (instead of oil and seasonings w/crusty bread); their salad consists of romaine lettuce and 2 or 3 pieces of vegetable...drizzled with your finest supermarket dressing; and their bolognese tastes like it came from a freshly opened...jar. Not to mention that they're ridiculously overpriced. I don't mind spending money on good food...but this was expensively priced shit. Definitely NOT coming back... Sorry for slamming you Cristina's, but you kinda asked for it when you were stingy with the Parmesan...
(1)
Stephanie S W.
I want Italian, but there's no italian food in Wheaton - Oh wait! Let's try that Cristina place... best decision ever. I've lived in this area going on 3 years and can't believe I've never stumbled into this delicious, family owned italian haven of deliciousness. First of all, their bread is fantastic (I think you can tell a lot about a restaurant from their bread - the same thing with Mexican restaurants and their chips). The service was decent, but you definitely go there for the food. Me and my dinner guests kept our selections fairly simple, but everything was good: fettucini alfredo with chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, and clam linguine. We all loved out food. None of the entrees were your typical, thrown on a plate, generic italian food. Each had a unique and delicious flavor. For example, I picked up on some cinnamon or nutmeg in my spaghetti which I loved and made it different from any other place I've eaten it at before (which is a large number of establishments). We were too full for dessert, but we'll definitely be back soon!
(5)
Muriel M.
As close to perfect as I was looking to eat. First time customer will return,
(5)
Ann B.
This place is a lovely little find. We live in DC, and came up here to the burbs to do some shopping, and found it on Yelp. We were greeted at the door by the owner, Nick, who has owned this place and likely been greeting people every night for 50 years. He never stopped puttering about the whole time we were there. The service was great and the food was fantastic. Reasonably priced, extremely fresh, everything you could want and more! I would highly recommend ordering off from l their nightly dinner special menu. For a very nice bottle of wine and two lovely dinners it was a hundred bucks - with tip! You can barely get to advertisers an app half decent bottle of wine for that in the district. If you're around, definitely stop in!
(5)
Kathy K.
This has become our favorite neighborhood restaurant. The food is excellent -- simpler dishes even better than the specials- the service is fantastic (Jefferson is our favorite server!), and the prices are reasonable. It's a true small local, where they recognize you and treat you like old friends. Usually packed, especially earlier in the evening (they have a loyal retired crowd, for sure), but we always seem to get a table. You would never guess by its location how great it is. The only bad thing will be if it gets "discovered" and we can't get a table whenever we want.
(5)
Joshua B.
I went here based on the great Yelp reviews, but I was thoroughly unimpressed. I had alfredo with shrimp, and my friend had chicken and mushrooms with pasta. Neither the alfredo for my dish nor the pasta that came with his had much flavor. Moreover, there was pooled water -- not a lot, but noticeable -- at the bottom of my pasta dish, which might've been what sapped some of the flavor from the dish (not properly straining the noodles). The shrimp was chewy. And I had to ask for them to take my used appetizer plate and empty soda can from the table, after they had stopped by twice to pick up the bread and something else but left those items on the table. It was clear they needed picked up because I'd even pushed them off to the side as a hint. I could've forgiven that bit of a service lapse if the food was good, but it was largely flavorless and unimpressive. They politely wished us good night as we were leaving, but that couldn't make up for the lackluster meal.
(2)
Greg O.
I first ate at Cristina several years ago, and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. When we decided to have a business dinner here again, I decided to do my research before I got there and peruse the menu on their website. And one dish caught my eye- Pollo alla Saltimboca Romana. Its basically sauteed chicken topped with prosciutto and mozzarella. And it was delicious. It was a great mix of flavors and went perfectly with the linguine pasta. The only disappointing part of the meal was the house salad, which didn't taste very fresh. The service was excellent- very attentive and friendly. The restaurant has a mom and pop feel to it, and a very classic traditional feel to it. I'd be happy to go back for that dish again!
(4)
H C.
Just excellent!!!! Service is great and the owner makes you feel welcomed. Everything on the menu is great!!
(5)
Jennifer R.
Brought my parents here when they were visiting for the holidays because they wanted a "classic cheap Italian restaurant like the ones you find in NJ". This fits the bill - very cozy, family owned place. The wine list was reasonable. All of our dishes were quire good - particularly the clams. Veal parm was as expected. The bread was nothing to write home about, but that was the only low point. Other than the difficulty finding parking at the location, this experience was pleasant. I would eat there again.
(3)
Emilie E.
Mouthwatering fettuccine Alfredo con pollo, amazing atmosphere, a lovely locally owned resturaunt!
(5)
Effie N.
I come from a long time restaurant GREEK family and I decided to try Cristina wit my mom (hard to please)one long and tiresome day. Parking was easy and I felt safe even at dusk. We were warmely greeted and immediately seated. The place was not too busy, nice and quiet- we were able to easily conduct a normal conversation. The bathrooms-SPOTLESS. Our server was wonderful- attentive, timely and professional. The other servers were likewise wonderful. Our food was exactly as described in the menu- hot fresh, generous portions well -seasoned and not too salty. The bread was warm & super fresh. The owner/manager came to our table to personally evaluate our dining experience- tiurns out mom knew him from earlier restaurant days gone by! He was a real pleasure and a man who takes pride in the products he serves. we will DEFINITELY be going back with more family members- our NEW and favorite local diner!!
(5)
Melissa P.
6 years in the DMV area and I was afraid that I'd committed myself to a life devoid of delicious Italian food. I've never been happier to be wrong! My boyfriend suggested this place for about 6 months before I decided to give it a go.. the website leaves much to be desired and the photos look like stock images of dressed-up airplane food. Finally I caved.. the restaurant itself is very quaint and the decor is reminiscent of something out my "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" but I decided not to judge the book by it's cover. Before your food arrives you'll fall in love with the service. The waiters are very pleasant and attentive but the older gentleman who owns the business is quite personable and I always feel a bit "Cheers-y" (where everybody knows your naaaaame, and they're always glad you came!) about our exchanges. On to the food: I haven't had a bad meal at this place yet. In fact it's always superb. my boyfriend is a serial over-orderer (3 entrees for one person) and the food is so good that we never leave with leftovers. I highly recommend the clams casino, eggplant rolatini, and fried calamari are always good choices to start. I've frequented this establishment approx 2x/ month for the past 3 years. There aren't many things on the menu that I haven't tried. A few favorites: butternut squash ravioli, rigatoni abbruzzi, zuppa di pesce fra diavolo, eggplant parmigian, salmone con farfalle, pollo valdostana, etc etc... The staff is very helpful in suggesting wine pairings that aren't outrageously priced. The prices in general are very reasonable. In short, it's impossible to leave Cristina's and not be won over!
(5)
Josie L.
In my opinion the best italian restaurant in the area.
(5)
Nicole R.
Sooooo YUMMY! I am so happy I tried this place. I love, love, love family owned restaurants. This place is lovely. It's quaint, the service is excellent and the food tastes AUTHENTIC. I had the egglplant parm and it was fantastic. I also tried the fried cheese & Tiramisu. The place is slightly overpriced but it's well worth it. I lucked out & got a parking place right in front; it was after hours so parking was free for me. Warning: this place is super easy to miss. I drove right past it the first time! I'm doing a winter running program and will be carbing up over the next few months; so, I will be back for sure. A few more notes... the place was clean, cozy (not overly bright inside) and the menu selection was ample. I didn't try their wine so I can't rate that. They take reservations which is a nice bonus and it's a great place for groups, dates, etc. The tables weren't right on top of one another which I appreciated. The staff was attentive but not overly so.
(5)
Bonnie C.
Amazing! Christina's is a quaint Italian restaurant with amazing food! I recommend reservations.
(5)
Kris P.
The food was delicious and filling. I got the eggplant which was the best part of my meal. The linguine was great and just enough sauce. However the house salad looked like something a child would make.
(4)
Leo S.
We've been going to Cristina's for about 3 years now and it never ever disappoints. The food is fresh and tasty and the service is very attentive. The place is small, but it has a warm and "family" feel to it. Hands down one of the best places to eat a good meal in the Wheaton/Silver Spring area. PS - Try the Tiramisu!
(5)
Kal B.
I'm reviewing a family owned and operated restaurant in Wheaton which to me speaks volumes. Someone else mentioned "if another italian restaurant opens up..." If that happens it won't be in Wheaton most likely. The clientele that you see in Cristina's have been coming there forever and are loyal to the owner and don't want to drive to Chevy Chase or Bethesda or perhaps even Silver Spring though I've not yet found one there. That said, my gold standard is eggplant parmesan (they have two eggplant dishes but I'm going to review the parm) and it is lovely - and NOT grocery or "Stouffer's quality" at ALL. Lightly breaded with a nice sauce and good quality cheese. I can say the same for the zucchini appetizer that I ordered this past week when I went. I didn't order calamari - I would expect it to be a rubbery rendition in Wheaton. If I want calamari I'll order elsewhere. The service is attentive. It is clean. They have a bar. I guess I'm not sure what other reviewers want. The owner and wait staff know customers by name. I think if you're looking for something more you need to head somewhere else because Cristina's is what it is and it won't be changing anytime soon and the people that frequent the restaurant like it just the way it is.
(3)
Zack M.
This place is the staple over here for "fine-dining business lunches" because, well, its pretty much all there in walking distance. (Hint, hint to all budding fine-dining business owners out there) The being said, I'm not complaining about that AT ALL. I love this place. The staff can be a wee bit in your face, but, and I mean this kindly, its cause most of them are actually from Italy. Go there. You'll see it's not a stereotype. It's a part of the language. The food is downright delicious. I haven't had a thing here that I've found fault with and the owner is friendly as all get out. Starter, entree and dessert alike, you'll be happy you went. I should say I've never been here for dinner, but when my moms came to visit, I sent her with my soon-to-be parents-in-law here. They all raved about it. The wine selection was great, the staff realized pretty quick that my moms likes her dinner sans frequent visits and everyone loved the dishes they got. I'd say you can't go wrong, but I haven't tried everything here yet. Not sure I ever will because I'm not that type of guy. But if other reviews say get this or that, read on. Either way, just order what you like and enjoy.
(5)
Isabelle W.
Delicious food, quiet family atmosphere, friendly service. We will definitely be returning!
(5)
Willis N.
I mean the food is very good but the price is the only problem.
(3)
I M.
my car was being serviced and was looking for a nice place to eat lunch. I came across this place and to my surprise I got good food, good atmosphere and great service. May have to go back for dinner !
(4)
Kevin W.
Maybe I came here on a bad day or something. The food was disgusting. I had ravioli and my girlfriend had spaghetti and meatballs. Italian classics that any Italian restaurant should easily be able to make, right? Apparently wrong. The spaghetti sauce tasted really weird and the meatballs were downright nasty. The ravioli was ok, until I tasted her dish and practically threw up. Overpriced. Bad parking. They charge per soda (they serve cans... welcome to the 21st century). Additionally, our waiter was really creepy and kept hovering and staring at us. Ewwwww. Get away. Never going back.
(1)
Phi N.
Italian food is pretty plain to me. But at least here, at this small family owned restaurant; they treat you very well. The Cristina's special sauce is my favorite to order, it's a white cream sauce. They need to provide more sauce with their dishes. I've ordered the same two dishes every time I've come in; the veal with crab meat and shrimp with crab meat in pasta. In my opinion, they are as good as Italian food gets. As for appetizers, I've gotten the calamari before and... I forget the other. They were just so-so.
(3)
Agustin A.
Terrible experience, and I think we have discovered their secret ingredient: "Ragu". You will end it up expending $40-50 per person for a non-authentic Italian cuisine. We won't be back. With all due respect if you think this is a real Italian restaurant, then you really never been in a real one. Calamari was just average, the stuffed mushrooms came from a microwave, eggplant parm was uneatable with all that Ragu crap, and my Scallopine picatta was also a disappointing. We gave them a try, and they failed.
(2)
Rosana V.
You can't miss Christina's Italian Restaurant -- actually Christina Italian Ristorante -- on University Boulevard in Wheaton, Md. The signage is about half the size of the actual restaurant. Good thing too because you don't want to miss out on some of the yummiest Italian food in the area. My husband and I have been loyal patrons of this cozy, homy neighborhood restaurant since our days a' courtin'. Seven years of the chicken saltimbocca and I am still in love -- to the food in this case. Over the years, I've sampled the seafood pastas, veal pasta dishes, eggplant rollatini, lasagna...all off my husband's plate. I have never been able to look at the menu and order anything but my beloved chicken saltimbocca. I'll walk in, sit down, open the menu, and have every intention of trying something new. The saltimbocca is just too good. They've pounded and tenderized the chicken just so. The prosciutto sliced thin enough to add flavor and texture, but not so thick as to overpower with its saltiness. The chicken broth/lemon sauce poured over the chicken and side of pasta...heaven. This dish took me through two pregnancies. I'm convinced my children are made of chicken and prosciutto. Not to take away from the other dishes I've tried. I distinctly remember this sinful, creamy shrimp ravioli dish my husband ordered that I kept "tasting," despite the daggers coming from the other side of the table. Still...that saltimbocca... These days, we don't get out to eat as much as during our pre-kid days. But, Christina's always makes it to our list at least every few months. They have a great kid's menu. Our 3-year-old gobbles up her angel hair pasta and meatballs every time. The staff is friendly and helpful, but not overbearing. It's like coming to someone's home for dinner...if they lived in a restaurant. One particular waitress has seen us go from dating to married to one kid and, finally, to two kids. Weekends are usually crowded and holidays (particularly Valentine's Day) are definitely always packed. So, reservations are good for these times. But any average day of the week, don't be afraid to be spontaneous and just show up.
(5)
Deb L.
Just came back from dinner and had to immediately write an update - the food was just that good. The Melanzane Rolatino (rolled eggplant stuffed with spinach and ricotta) melted in my mouth. My gnocchi with pink sauce was absolute perfection, and the sauce was so good I honestly could have drunk the stuff. Spumondi for dessert - fantastic. And the service could not have been better. Very sweet and attentive waitstaff, and I never had an empty water glass.
(5)
Katrin S.
great meal and service. always consistent and Nick goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome along with the staff
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I'd eaten here once before and hadn't been impressed. I returned on Mother's Day and had an even worse experience. All of my pet peeves were triggered: average bread, butter too frigid to spread. Lackluster salad dressings -- both for the house and the Caesar. Not leaving parmesan on the table to put on your own food, but instead having the waitress supply the lightest dusting (cheap move). Capers on every dish -- and I detest capers. The first time I went, only one dish among the five of ours' was good: the veal saltimbocca. So I figured I'd order that on this second visit. Unfortunately, they'd reduced the selections for Mother's Day (great plan - not!) and had pretty much nothing good. They were pushing the soft shell crabs, so three of us ordered them, plus one eggplant parmegiano and some other veal dish. Soft shells were poorly done, eggplant parmegiano (hardly any cheese or sauce) was extremely bad, and the veal dish was a complete loser. The desserts were weak. Only the tiramisu was good, and frankly, Costco's is better and cheaper... The waitress was Eastern European, didn't know a thing about Italian food. Each dish we asked about was "good." Oh. How helpful...When we asked for a small dish of lobster (rose) sauce on the side to help out the bland soft shells, she acted like it was a big deal and refused to ask the kitchen until we pressed the issue. The maitress d' offered to exchange the veal dish for another, but while we were looking at the menu for a replacement selection, the rude waitress said tough luck, we couldn't have another dish unless we bought it in addition to the bad one. We had guests with us and felt too uncomfortable to press the issue, but honestly, it was the last straw. This is truly a mediocre restaurant. I will never go back. Anytime I prefer the Macaroni Grill, something is wrong.
(1)
Mike K.
Cozy, authentic Italian. Kind of surprised given the area it's located in! Definitely worth checking out. Not very expensive either, which is nice.
(4)
Neal P.
Had the Gamberi ala Cristina. Four jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab meat and topped with a lobster sauce. I can't recommend it enough. My wife had eggplant parmesan which was the best either of us have had. Service was friendly. There was only three or four other people there during a Sunday lunch hour. I wish I lived closer so I could eat here more often.
(5)
Pearl P.
order: Gamberi ala Cristina (24.95) Fresh jumbo shrimp stuffed with crabmeat topped with lobster sauce and broiled to perfection. Served with linguine. crave-worthy. also, Early Bird Dinner available: Monday - Friday 5:00pm - 7:00pm
(5)
Michael S.
I grew up in this area but never checked this place out. I guess with the changes in landscape and the neighborhood I thought a non-chain Italian restaurant would certainly be a "no-no". I still think it's a weird spot for such a place. The demographic certainly isn't one to eat at a place like Cristina...but I digress. It works in a pinch, but barely. What this means is that if you're (for some bizarre reason) stuck in Wheaton and you have an intense craving for Italian food, you can duck in here. It's clean and cozy inside...definitely feels like a different world compared to the outside. In terms of the food, it's OK...more mediocre. I had the shrimp appetizer which was actually very good, then the ravioli with spinach and cheese with tomato sauce. That was OK...not as great as the shrimp I had, but not horrible either. For dessert I had the tiramisu (of course). This was not that great. The marscarpone was just too thick. It tasted like it had been sitting out on the counter for a while. Like I said, it works in a pinch. I crave Italian food often so I might get stuck in such a pinch again, in which case I wouldn't say "No" to this place. If you haven't been here, don't scramble to try it out. But if you're in the neighborhood and want some down-home Italian cooking, drop on in.
(3)
Ben T.
One of our favorite local restraints.
(5)
Scott S.
Nice, quaint italian restaurant hidden in a shopping strip right off Veir's Mill Rd. Great service (seems to be family owned/managed), pasta was cooked perfectly - al dente (hard to find) and the setting is perfect for a relaxing night out. Much older crowd makes the restaurant relaxing and easy to enjoy a meal. I don't beleive the meal was quite worth the price tag, but I would go back none the less.
(4)
Johnny B.
I tried this place based on the positive reviews and decided to take a date there. The location is not the best as it is in Wheaton. The ambiance is somewhat odd to me. However, the food is quite delicious and the service is good. I had penne a la vodka and it was some of the best I have ever had. My date had Chicken Parmigiana, and it was great. This place is delicious and deserves a visit. Definitely a good date spot on your 16th date, not your 1st.
(4)
Min C.
I was out visiting some friends in Baltimore and wanted to meet up with another friend out west and needed a nice Italian place somewhere in the middle to meet up, fatten up, and talk it up. Yelped this place and thought, yay! When we arrived the place was pretty empty and metered parking was easy to find out front. The customer service was decent but out waitress made herself pretty scarce. The food was way overpriced and the taste left much to be desired. My friend, who loves almost any type of lasagna pretty much hated it and hated the fact that he had to pay so much for it even more. I had the penne and wasn't a fan :(
(2)
Jessica F.
Cute little neighborhood italian restaurant. I will go here again. Very yummy food, friendly service.
(4)
Tiffany M.
My husband and ventured here based on all the Yelp reviews. It's near the tiny mall in Silver Spring and definitely has the family owned and operated feel to it. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but it's quite cute and quaint on the inside, with white table clothes and true Italian greenery decorations. The food was just ehhhh. It wasn't great and it wasn't terrible, but I will say I was a bit disappointed based on the raving reviews. It's definitely worth going to, especially if you work in the area, for lunch- or perhaps if you're shopping and just don't want food court style food. I just wouldn't recommend going too far out of the way to eat here.
(3)
Cynthia L.
I and my family ate here last week and loved it! The owner used to own my father's favorite restaurant in Bethesda for over 20 years before he came here. I had the pumkin squash ravioli - amazing!!! My husband had the veal pizzico and thought it was really good too. Our 11 year old son had pizza and was asking when we could come back. Great service - not overbearing but always available when we needed anything. The canolli for dessert we shared and it was terrific! Reservations are important after 6:30 and there was a steady stream of diners coming in to fill the place between 7 and 7:30pm. I highly recommend it - go - I think you will enjoy it.
(5)
Angela S.
Continues to be the best restaurant in Montgomery County. Best food, best value (though the specials tend to have smaller portions, fyi), and best service. I both laugh at and feel sorry for those who wrote bad reviews...just don't know what good food is, I guess.
(5)
Lisa R.
Who Knew? Cristinas is an old school Italian Ristorante complete with Mom and Pop manning the door and the dining room. A warm welcome into the cozy, clean dining room followed by attentive service. Water glasses filled, prompt server hello, bread immediately. The menu is large and filled with favorites. I got pasta primavera, my partner got a delicate fresh flounder dish. Portions are generous and very good with the addition of a little salt. The house chianti is surprisingly good! The noise level was perfect, a low key buzz of conversation and laughter that allowed me to hear what my partner was saying, always a plus when out to dinner! We had a yummy crisp cannoli for dessert, the filling was creamy and not too sweet. Skip the decaf, it's very thin. With our two entrees, 3 glasses of wine, dessert and coffee the bill was $70.00. Not bad for a very pleasant dinner at very pleasant Cristinas.
(3)
Patti K.
Our family has set a tradition of dining at Cristina's on Christmas Eve after attending the an early children's service at a local church. Everyone looks forward to the meal and it has never disappointed in the seven years we have gone. My 8 year daughter loves her kids pasta dish and my teenage son is a huge fan of the meat-filled ravioli. My husband & I always get one of their fabulous veal dishes. The service is exceptional and the staff couldn't be friendly. Great place.
(4)
Eric S.
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area. I'm from upstate NY and I was raised on great Italian food and this could compete with the big boys any day. I love the hole in the wall atmosphere, the stern Greek guy in the back overseeing everything. The food is to die for. I'm not a cheese guy by any means but their fried mozzarella is to die for and their linguine will melt in your mouth. It's cooked to perfection. I could go on and on, if I could I'd eat there three times a week. Another good benefit, I think, is that they're a partner with the United Mileage Plus Visa Card. So if you eat there, have that card and are enrolled in their dining plan, you'll get free miles. It's great, go there and check it out!
(5)
JT R.
Best ever marinara was served with the fried calamari appetizer - probably the best calamari I've ever had. Generous servings at affordable prices. Small but comfortable atmosphere. Attentive Service. Tutto bene.
(5)
Lara P.
I took my sisters and parents here for lunch today, and the food was great! I had the penne arrabbiata and the sauce was fantastic -- spicy and flavorful. The pasta was a touch overcooked for my taste. The italian bread was authentic and served immediately. One sister had veal Parmesan that was tasty and cooked properly and my other sister had the gnocchi, which was light (not doughy and dense as sometimes happens) and very good. My mom just had a salad, but the salad special had perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs and great, fresh vegetables. Dad had an italian cold cuts sandwich that he enjoyed. The ambiance left a bit to be desired. While there are white tablecloths, it is a bit cold-feeling and in need of an update. It might be better at night, as I did notice candles on the tables. The service was good and efficient. I will definitely return.
(4)
Amanda L.
I have been going to Cristinas for over five years now and have to say they have consistently great Italian food, fresh ingredients & authentic Italian dishes. Very friendly staff & Mr. Nick is overwhelmingly hospitable.
(5)
Crystal B.
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy for my tummy! With EXCELLENT customer service, a romantic atmosphere and exquisite cuisine what more could you ask for?! My first time, I ordered the Zuppa di Pesce and I was HOOKED! Then I tried the Gamberi ala Cristina and I haven't been the same since. The dish was dee-lish-us! I wanted to get out of my seat and start doing cartwheels across the floor but it's a small restaurant.......Go, Eat! BE MERRY!
(5)
Nan W.
I hate to be the dissenting voice in the chorus of praise... but here goes. It's not that we thought it was bad - not at all. Just overpriced and (in our opinion) overrated. The ambiance is certainly nice, in an old-fashioned way. The service was fine - unremarkable but also complaint-free. My problem was with the menu, which reminded me of the Italian restaurants I frequented as a child back in the Mesozoic Era. It felt frozen in time - untouched by how Italian-American cuisine has developed beyond its earlier dependence on red sauce, heavy cream and generous lashings of mozzarella, in favor of more subtlety and flavor. Read some of the other reviews to see what I mean (one diner enjoyed fried mozzarella followed by pasta in alfredo sauce followed by creme brulee). I don't have a problem with it, except that I'd like to go home after dining out without having to stop off at Holy Cross Hospital for an angioplasty! My other major complaint is the prices, which we felt were higher than merited by the quality of the cuisine. If you're going to kill me with mozzarella, make sure it's mozzarella di bufala. I saw way too much box pasta on the menu for my taste. We've had better, more subtly prepared Italian at other area eateries (Il Pizzico comes to mind). However, everyone else seems very happy, so try it and make up your own mind!
(3)
Ritu V.
This restaurant was the one that fulfilled my Italian craving that I've been trying to take care of for about a year now. The food is absolutely amazing. I went with my Sicilian friend (I was a little nervous about taking him there) and we both really loved it. We ordered the fried mozzarella sandwich as an appetizer and couldn't believe how tasty it was! It was strangely light and fluffy.I had the spaghetti bolognese with meatballs and he had the rigatoni il forno. Mine was SO good but when I tried his, I was blown away. It was way better than mine. I'll definitely be going there again and taking many friends with me.
(5)
Joe T.
The food was good, however, as others have mentioned, the portions were pretty small compared to the cost of the dish. As I looked around the restaurant, I saw portions much larger than mine, so maybe it was what I ordered, but a single slice of lasagna for $13 should be a bit larger than what I got. The service was spot on. I had no problems getting more to drink and I was asked a few times if everything is was OK.
(3)
Cola G.
Food was great, service was wonderful! Their chicken dinners are really good! Very nice for a couple or small group of friends. Our waiter's name was Alfredo and he was a nice little old man but he new could tell you about all the popular meals with no problem. Once I was inside, I felt like I was back in Boston in the North End.
(4)
Jennifer C.
Ahhhh, one of my newest favorites. Mr. Kontos and his wife are there every night and they are very friendly. I always order a lemon drop martini, the anti-pasta misto (cold one) and the calamari because it is flash fried and their marinara is fabulous! As for an entree, I always choose a special. The dessert... ohhh, the dessert - try the chocolate mousse cake! Yummo!
(5)
Jessica S.
I can't add much more than the reviewer above, but I'll try. My husband and I also love Cristina's. He is loyal to the fried mozerella, veal parmesean, and canollis. The desserts are homemade and delicious. If you can't eat it there, it's totally worth taking one home. I've tried many of the seafood raviolis (crab, lobster, and shrimp) and the butternut squash ravioli. The services is always outstanding and it totally feels like they are happy to see you. There aren't a lot of tables, so reservations on Fridays, Saturdays, and special occasions are a good idea. My husband and I usually spend without tip around $90-$100 for a bottle of wine, appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts. One more thing--Cristina's is total comfort food.
(4)
Alli G.
A diamond in the rough. It the heart of Wheaton. Not something you would expect there. Small and quiant. The staff is polite and helpful. The food is fresh and made to order. Good quality food and very tasty!
(4)
Denise R.
My husband and I recently ate here for a date night out, and had a great experience. The wait staff was attentive and helpful, suggesting a wine to go with our meal. I had crab stuffed ravioli in a Marsala cream sauce topped with asparagus spears. My husband had the chicken saltimbocca. Our meals were very tasty, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was not heavy-handed. The atmosphere is casual, very neighborhood friendly, but also offered a nice quiet respite from the busy streets around Wheaton. My husband and I have paid far more money for a less enjoyable experience at overpriced restaurants/bistros in Bethesda/Chevy Chase. We will definitely return to Cristina's.
(4)
Sandy A.
Went there for Valentine'd Day dinner. It was packed! The decor was super cute too. Everything we ordered was delicious and at a more than reasonable cost.. The service is great too!
(5)
Mary H.
this place is super yummy! I went here because my friends wanted Italian food that was local so I told them we should check this place out. We got the lasagna, ziti, tortellini and ravioli. for the appetizer, we got the calamari. the service was great as well!
(5)
SAM d.
This was definitely one of the best Italian restaurant that I went to. The fettuccine was GREAT! It was very flavorful. The Mozzarella Carroza was delicious. I would definitely recommend this place to all my friends and family. I won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jesse P.
The best Italian I have had since my grandmothers cooking. She was Italian, grew up there. I cannot complain about anything, service, food, wine. All amazing.
(5)
Judy R.
Saturday had a group of 10 for dinner. The Menu is incredible and the appetizers were so good! We had the Bruschetta with toasted bread. It's was really good! I had the scallops and shrimp in a tomato cream sauce. The seafood was cooked perfectly and the sauce just perfect. I had the house cab wine - which was also great. Service was exceptional and the owner came by to ask us how our meal tasted! Wonderful romantic place!
(5)
Alex O.
I guess my expectations were too high coming in but still... The scenery is nice but the entire wall mirror is kinda weird and I feel like they use that to make it seem like the place isn't as small as you think (but its tiny). The food was decent, I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't overpriced. My crabmeat ravioli was good but for the amount they gave me for $20 was skimpy. My friend ordered something with chicken, noodles, and mushroom and it tasted homemade to the point where I thought I could make the same thing at home. Calamari was nicely done but I would have asked for it to be a tad more cooked. I'd only go back for the Tiramisu which was fantastic.
(2)
Stephanie D.
No whole wheat/grain pasta. Bread comes with individually wrapped butter. This place is ok if you're just looking for a typical italian place like Olive Garden. This place would make the parents happy, if yours are the type that like predictable food like mine are. This italian restaurant brings nothing I haven't had before. The service was warm, and the food came out quickly.
(3)
Jerry S.
A neighborhood favorite, judging from the overheard greetings to some entering patrons. It's a small cozy place with murals of Venice making it look a bit less tiny. Italian vocal music (non opera) playing softly in the background. The chef's scallopini turned out to be more typical of southern regional style, with al dente onions and pepper strips and fresh mushroom slices in a dark sauce that complimented but did not overwhelm. The veal was tasty and tender. Portion was fine, neither skimpy nor abbondanza. The salad was a nice introduction, with a bit of beet, tomato, carrot, and red onion over the lettuce. The linguini was OK, cooked a bit past al dente. The bread was good quality. The house Pinot Grigio was full bodied and balanced and stood up to the entree, but a bit pricy at $9 for a glass. I've been to Italy a few times, so my bar is higher than most.. I'm also a bit spoiled by my favorite in Laurel, which bakes its own very authentic bread and makes its own pasta. Ignore those1 star reviews - I do know good food and good Italian food. I was pleased, but not excited. Solid 4 ****.
(4)
Joe M.
Don't be lured by all the 5 star reviews, they're either bogus or some people really don't know what good food taste like. Now the staff is great, they're wonderful kind friendly polite and warm. This earned them at least one star. The food however, is your irish grandparents version of "good italian". This is your grandparents "Italian" restaurant. The food is not fresh and it all taste like it came from the cheapest mass restaurant food distribution company they could find. I had an egg noodle dish, based on previous reviews I was expecting real pasta, as real pasta is made with egg. Nope. It was your supermarket version of "egg" noodle. Everything was just completely bland and tasted cheap. I had a fettuccine cream dish with ham. The ham was well, the ham was....lunch meat ham. Not real quality italian cured meat type stuff. Any self respecting Italian would know what ham actually meant. Lunch meat. Now if you really don't know what good fresh quality, well seasoned food taste like then maybe this place will do you fine. Oh and the last thing the place looks like a bland room with white walls they stuffed as many tables as possible into. The ambience is stark, overly bright and cafeteria like, pretty much like the food.
(1)
Jason R.
Perfect neighborhood Italian. Human portions, well prepared and presented. Service was amazing and the atmosphere, for a small strip mall place right on a main highway, was pleasant and relaxing. I sampled the shrimp stuffed with spinach, crab, and cheese and it was delicate and tasty, although a little more crab and less cheese would have balanced the flavor a bit. The chicken parm was somehow light and tasty. The Lasagna was dense and perfectly balanced.
(5)
Sheri G.
Went for lunch today. I got the fettuccine boscaiola and my boyfriend had the chicken parmigiana. We also got garlic bread for an appetizer. All were delicious. (However, they bring you complimentary bread, so really didn't need the garlic bread). The staff were very friendly and attentive. Both of our lunch entrees were under $11, so very affordable. I ordered the house red wine, which came out to be $9 (too expensive!). Will definitely be back to try the dinner menu.
(5)
Tom J.
I had high hopes based on their yelp rating, but we were disappointed. The bread is cold and pretty bad, but it's free so whatever. My wife had a chicken dish. (Chicken mafioso maybe). She really liked it and I have to say it was pretty good. I had the lasagna which was a huge mistake. It was probably the worst lasagna I've ever had at a restaurant. It looked like it had been made and sitting in a fridge for days. The cheese on the top was very strange looking/tasting, and the beef was terrible. I could've just ordered the wrong thing, but I was not impressed overall. For what you get, it isn't worth it. There is absolutely no reason to pay $20 a dish for this type of food, and sit 6 inches from the table next to you when places like Olazzo are close by.
(3)
CJ T.
You know what's great? Visiting a locally, family-owned restaurant in Wheaton packed on a Saturday night. Read reviews and decided to visit while my 21-yo daughter was visiting. We are not big appetite eaters and she doesn't have an adventurous palette, so we shared the Calamari Fritti, Bruschetta Toscana, Insalata di Cesar Con Pollo, and Tortellini Di Chef. All were wonderful and my daughter has leftovers to take home to Philly. Excellent quality and flavor in all dishes. Owner is on site and charming. Hope to return soon to try some of the more complex dishes. I have been to Rome, Tuscany, and Amalfi Coast and Cristina's made me feel right at home. Note -- when crowded, activity around the small center tables can get a bit crazy. They could probably double the space and still have a full house!
(5)
Zach B.
Great great food....but the area is definitely questionable. A perfect example of this was the cop car on its way to a scene and a car smashing it off the road. I'll restate that the Italian food is great here.
(4)
Denise B.
We just ate there and WOW! It's a wonderful neighborhood,local place to frequent. The naysayers have such minute complaints. Whatever! This is the kind of restaurant a neighborhood wants and should honor. Great service, Thank you Ramone! Really good food, the pasta tasted fresh, the sauces wonderful and sublime. Go there, Eat there, encourage others to honor our local neighbors. grow the Wheaton/Silver Spring economy and get off your foolish high-horses. This is a gem.
(5)
Gina S.
Food is amazing but the thing Christina's is known for is their Tiramisu!!! It is the best one I have ever had, and you may have to go to Italy to find a better one. The staff is very nice, treats you really well. I highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience.
(5)
Devin P.
I completely forgot to review Cristina. This was partly was to keep the rest of you miniature ogres from going there and ruining it, but I suppose that could be considered selfish. Cristina is a small restaurant located up in in the Wheaton triangle. The food is solid, the waiters are professional and courteous, and the atmosphere is great for those who like places with "regulars." I've tried most items on the menu and been happy in all cases. They provide ample cold, salads with most meals and their bread is typically soft and enough to keep you until the main course. The pasta is made fresh in most cases and will taste different than that which is dried. They also tend to give large portions with most meals so go light on the appetizers, then order extra if you are trying to gain weight for parka season. I do understand that not everyone's experience is the same. For ours they not only removed my appetizer plate, but also the used soda can from the table. I hope others have experienced this life-altering service. Another word of caution: this restaurant is one of many experimenting with a new cooking method where pasta may contain water in which the pasta was boiled. Do not worry! The water is typically cooled and presents no danger to anyone with an ounce of sense. I was equally impressed by the fact that their food bears little resemblance to Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee and is not made of tomato-colored salt. If this is disatisfying, seek out the glass or plastic powder containers provided upon most tables. Turn these on their side and then insert them somewhere uncomfortable. Parking for the restaurant can be a bit tricky. One can park on the street, but when the restaurant is crowded, you may have to take advantage of the small lots located after the restaurant. The restaurant is located on a city street so be mindful of things like police cars as you are driving. Also, park in front of Pearle Express at your own risk. They are the Keyzer Soze of the eyeglass industry. Their eye-charts include cyrillic. Pros: Food is good and portions plentiful Host and staff are friendly, attentive, and professional Setting is intimate making service prompt and tailored. Cons: Parking can be tricky. Door may not allow for consumption-based size changes. Regulars will make you feel like you aren't sitting at the cool kids table.
(5)
Ingrid N.
Ran in for a quick bite. My husband had chicken caesar and I had caesar with anchovies added. Navy Bean soup and salads were delicious. Husband left with a to go order of Tiramisu which he loved. Service was very quick. I will go back.
(4)
Jason F.
It may not look like much on the outside, but inside lies a very quaint family owned italian restaurant with delicious food. The tiramisu is something I will never forget! Definitely a must. For dinner I had the mahi mahi over angel hair pasta with a white wine sauce, mushrooms, asparagus tips, tomatoes, and shallots, and it was great, but the tiramisu stole the show.
(5)
Hugo J.
One of my favorite Italian restaurants. The food is amazing and the owner is the coolest. I have ate here dozens of times and every time is great. The vegetable lasagna is usually what I get and its awesome.
(5)
Sarah L.
Great Italian place in a very busy area. My go-to date place. The staff is friendly and maybe a bit over-attentive, but I see that as a good quality. My boyfriend has never ventured away from the Spinach Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce because he is OBSESSED with it. I have tried several things but have to say that the Spinach Ravioli is the best. Haven't tried many of their desserts but never had the room for it because the food portions are usually on the bigger side.
(5)
Monica D.
My boyfriend liked this place, but I wasn't particularly impressed. The manager just awkwardly hovered over us and made me feel like we weren't welcome. The ravioli I got was overpriced for what I got, and as someone that CAN make ravioli, it seemed like they were....frozen. If not frozen, definitely not homemade. The sauce tasted like something you get out of a jar. Probably not every going to return here. Go to Lillie's in Woodley Park or Il Pizzico in Rockville for some great Italian.
(2)
Desana M.
This is and excellent place to come a a couple for some authentic Italian fresh food! Very tasty and portions are well worth the money!!! Enjoy!
(5)
Jean B.
Great authentic desserts! Service was professional and ambiance was inviting. They have very good authentic Italian food and also have kid friendly meals.
(5)
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Address :2666 University Blvd W
Silver Spring, MD, 20902
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Jonny V.
I don't doubt that at some point, a long, long time ago, the recipes at Cristina Italian Ristorante might have been true gems. And whether or not those time-tested recipes are still honored in Cristina's kitchen isn't really the point, either, because what comes out of there is a poor excuse for Italian food. If someone were to buy a can of "Italian" food from the supermarket, follow the preparation instructions on the label, and serve it as an authentic Italian meal, I'd just as gladly have a bite of that rather than return to Cristina's. Out of the two salads, two appetizers, three soups, three entrees, and one dessert that our table sampled, there wasn't anything about the food that I could honestly commend. From wilted raw veggies to overcooked seafood, acidic sauces to dried-out desserts, everything that made it to our table was a disaster. I a half-decent Italian restaurant were to open anywhere near Wheaton, this place would either have to shape up or ship out.
(1)Elizabeth A.
Disappointed in my fellow Yelpers! This place simply Is. Not. Good. I could make better Italian food, heck, I do make better Italian food. It's like this place is 'my first restaurant' a decent first draft, but come on, get serious. Buca di Beppo, Maggiano and others nearby (local ones in Bethesda) are WAY better. This place is like a family owned Olive Garden without the free breadsticks and bottomless salad bowl. Blah. Not going back. Oh and overpriced! $18 for this sludge?! Entrees need to be priced more like at $10. Places like this piss me off, the prices of a higher quality place, but the quality of a cheap pizzeria. Save yourself the money and time.
(2)Maria P.
Awful. I went here a couple years ago and it was absolutely DELICIOUS. I came back with my father a month ago...and almost cried. Nevermind that I was bragging about how amazing it was, so now he questions my tastes! He keeps cracking jokes about how I'm a "disgrace" because I don't know good Italian food, and I should be "ashamed" of myself!! The jokes are funny, but the quality of this food is sh*t. Keep in mind that it's enjoyable to write good reviews! I like giving 4 or 5 stars...and I REALLY felt the need to share this with you. They bring sweet bread and butter (instead of oil and seasonings w/crusty bread); their salad consists of romaine lettuce and 2 or 3 pieces of vegetable...drizzled with your finest supermarket dressing; and their bolognese tastes like it came from a freshly opened...jar. Not to mention that they're ridiculously overpriced. I don't mind spending money on good food...but this was expensively priced shit. Definitely NOT coming back... Sorry for slamming you Cristina's, but you kinda asked for it when you were stingy with the Parmesan...
(1)Stephanie S W.
I want Italian, but there's no italian food in Wheaton - Oh wait! Let's try that Cristina place... best decision ever. I've lived in this area going on 3 years and can't believe I've never stumbled into this delicious, family owned italian haven of deliciousness. First of all, their bread is fantastic (I think you can tell a lot about a restaurant from their bread - the same thing with Mexican restaurants and their chips). The service was decent, but you definitely go there for the food. Me and my dinner guests kept our selections fairly simple, but everything was good: fettucini alfredo with chicken, spaghetti and meatballs, and clam linguine. We all loved out food. None of the entrees were your typical, thrown on a plate, generic italian food. Each had a unique and delicious flavor. For example, I picked up on some cinnamon or nutmeg in my spaghetti which I loved and made it different from any other place I've eaten it at before (which is a large number of establishments). We were too full for dessert, but we'll definitely be back soon!
(5)Muriel M.
As close to perfect as I was looking to eat. First time customer will return,
(5)Ann B.
This place is a lovely little find. We live in DC, and came up here to the burbs to do some shopping, and found it on Yelp. We were greeted at the door by the owner, Nick, who has owned this place and likely been greeting people every night for 50 years. He never stopped puttering about the whole time we were there. The service was great and the food was fantastic. Reasonably priced, extremely fresh, everything you could want and more! I would highly recommend ordering off from l their nightly dinner special menu. For a very nice bottle of wine and two lovely dinners it was a hundred bucks - with tip! You can barely get to advertisers an app half decent bottle of wine for that in the district. If you're around, definitely stop in!
(5)Kathy K.
This has become our favorite neighborhood restaurant. The food is excellent -- simpler dishes even better than the specials- the service is fantastic (Jefferson is our favorite server!), and the prices are reasonable. It's a true small local, where they recognize you and treat you like old friends. Usually packed, especially earlier in the evening (they have a loyal retired crowd, for sure), but we always seem to get a table. You would never guess by its location how great it is. The only bad thing will be if it gets "discovered" and we can't get a table whenever we want.
(5)Joshua B.
I went here based on the great Yelp reviews, but I was thoroughly unimpressed. I had alfredo with shrimp, and my friend had chicken and mushrooms with pasta. Neither the alfredo for my dish nor the pasta that came with his had much flavor. Moreover, there was pooled water -- not a lot, but noticeable -- at the bottom of my pasta dish, which might've been what sapped some of the flavor from the dish (not properly straining the noodles). The shrimp was chewy. And I had to ask for them to take my used appetizer plate and empty soda can from the table, after they had stopped by twice to pick up the bread and something else but left those items on the table. It was clear they needed picked up because I'd even pushed them off to the side as a hint. I could've forgiven that bit of a service lapse if the food was good, but it was largely flavorless and unimpressive. They politely wished us good night as we were leaving, but that couldn't make up for the lackluster meal.
(2)Greg O.
I first ate at Cristina several years ago, and to be honest, I wasn't impressed. When we decided to have a business dinner here again, I decided to do my research before I got there and peruse the menu on their website. And one dish caught my eye- Pollo alla Saltimboca Romana. Its basically sauteed chicken topped with prosciutto and mozzarella. And it was delicious. It was a great mix of flavors and went perfectly with the linguine pasta. The only disappointing part of the meal was the house salad, which didn't taste very fresh. The service was excellent- very attentive and friendly. The restaurant has a mom and pop feel to it, and a very classic traditional feel to it. I'd be happy to go back for that dish again!
(4)H C.
Just excellent!!!! Service is great and the owner makes you feel welcomed. Everything on the menu is great!!
(5)Jennifer R.
Brought my parents here when they were visiting for the holidays because they wanted a "classic cheap Italian restaurant like the ones you find in NJ". This fits the bill - very cozy, family owned place. The wine list was reasonable. All of our dishes were quire good - particularly the clams. Veal parm was as expected. The bread was nothing to write home about, but that was the only low point. Other than the difficulty finding parking at the location, this experience was pleasant. I would eat there again.
(3)Emilie E.
Mouthwatering fettuccine Alfredo con pollo, amazing atmosphere, a lovely locally owned resturaunt!
(5)Effie N.
I come from a long time restaurant GREEK family and I decided to try Cristina wit my mom (hard to please)one long and tiresome day. Parking was easy and I felt safe even at dusk. We were warmely greeted and immediately seated. The place was not too busy, nice and quiet- we were able to easily conduct a normal conversation. The bathrooms-SPOTLESS. Our server was wonderful- attentive, timely and professional. The other servers were likewise wonderful. Our food was exactly as described in the menu- hot fresh, generous portions well -seasoned and not too salty. The bread was warm & super fresh. The owner/manager came to our table to personally evaluate our dining experience- tiurns out mom knew him from earlier restaurant days gone by! He was a real pleasure and a man who takes pride in the products he serves. we will DEFINITELY be going back with more family members- our NEW and favorite local diner!!
(5)Melissa P.
6 years in the DMV area and I was afraid that I'd committed myself to a life devoid of delicious Italian food. I've never been happier to be wrong! My boyfriend suggested this place for about 6 months before I decided to give it a go.. the website leaves much to be desired and the photos look like stock images of dressed-up airplane food. Finally I caved.. the restaurant itself is very quaint and the decor is reminiscent of something out my "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" but I decided not to judge the book by it's cover. Before your food arrives you'll fall in love with the service. The waiters are very pleasant and attentive but the older gentleman who owns the business is quite personable and I always feel a bit "Cheers-y" (where everybody knows your naaaaame, and they're always glad you came!) about our exchanges. On to the food: I haven't had a bad meal at this place yet. In fact it's always superb. my boyfriend is a serial over-orderer (3 entrees for one person) and the food is so good that we never leave with leftovers. I highly recommend the clams casino, eggplant rolatini, and fried calamari are always good choices to start. I've frequented this establishment approx 2x/ month for the past 3 years. There aren't many things on the menu that I haven't tried. A few favorites: butternut squash ravioli, rigatoni abbruzzi, zuppa di pesce fra diavolo, eggplant parmigian, salmone con farfalle, pollo valdostana, etc etc... The staff is very helpful in suggesting wine pairings that aren't outrageously priced. The prices in general are very reasonable. In short, it's impossible to leave Cristina's and not be won over!
(5)Josie L.
In my opinion the best italian restaurant in the area.
(5)Nicole R.
Sooooo YUMMY! I am so happy I tried this place. I love, love, love family owned restaurants. This place is lovely. It's quaint, the service is excellent and the food tastes AUTHENTIC. I had the egglplant parm and it was fantastic. I also tried the fried cheese & Tiramisu. The place is slightly overpriced but it's well worth it. I lucked out & got a parking place right in front; it was after hours so parking was free for me. Warning: this place is super easy to miss. I drove right past it the first time! I'm doing a winter running program and will be carbing up over the next few months; so, I will be back for sure. A few more notes... the place was clean, cozy (not overly bright inside) and the menu selection was ample. I didn't try their wine so I can't rate that. They take reservations which is a nice bonus and it's a great place for groups, dates, etc. The tables weren't right on top of one another which I appreciated. The staff was attentive but not overly so.
(5)Bonnie C.
Amazing! Christina's is a quaint Italian restaurant with amazing food! I recommend reservations.
(5)Kris P.
The food was delicious and filling. I got the eggplant which was the best part of my meal. The linguine was great and just enough sauce. However the house salad looked like something a child would make.
(4)Leo S.
We've been going to Cristina's for about 3 years now and it never ever disappoints. The food is fresh and tasty and the service is very attentive. The place is small, but it has a warm and "family" feel to it. Hands down one of the best places to eat a good meal in the Wheaton/Silver Spring area. PS - Try the Tiramisu!
(5)Kal B.
I'm reviewing a family owned and operated restaurant in Wheaton which to me speaks volumes. Someone else mentioned "if another italian restaurant opens up..." If that happens it won't be in Wheaton most likely. The clientele that you see in Cristina's have been coming there forever and are loyal to the owner and don't want to drive to Chevy Chase or Bethesda or perhaps even Silver Spring though I've not yet found one there. That said, my gold standard is eggplant parmesan (they have two eggplant dishes but I'm going to review the parm) and it is lovely - and NOT grocery or "Stouffer's quality" at ALL. Lightly breaded with a nice sauce and good quality cheese. I can say the same for the zucchini appetizer that I ordered this past week when I went. I didn't order calamari - I would expect it to be a rubbery rendition in Wheaton. If I want calamari I'll order elsewhere. The service is attentive. It is clean. They have a bar. I guess I'm not sure what other reviewers want. The owner and wait staff know customers by name. I think if you're looking for something more you need to head somewhere else because Cristina's is what it is and it won't be changing anytime soon and the people that frequent the restaurant like it just the way it is.
(3)Zack M.
This place is the staple over here for "fine-dining business lunches" because, well, its pretty much all there in walking distance. (Hint, hint to all budding fine-dining business owners out there) The being said, I'm not complaining about that AT ALL. I love this place. The staff can be a wee bit in your face, but, and I mean this kindly, its cause most of them are actually from Italy. Go there. You'll see it's not a stereotype. It's a part of the language. The food is downright delicious. I haven't had a thing here that I've found fault with and the owner is friendly as all get out. Starter, entree and dessert alike, you'll be happy you went. I should say I've never been here for dinner, but when my moms came to visit, I sent her with my soon-to-be parents-in-law here. They all raved about it. The wine selection was great, the staff realized pretty quick that my moms likes her dinner sans frequent visits and everyone loved the dishes they got. I'd say you can't go wrong, but I haven't tried everything here yet. Not sure I ever will because I'm not that type of guy. But if other reviews say get this or that, read on. Either way, just order what you like and enjoy.
(5)Isabelle W.
Delicious food, quiet family atmosphere, friendly service. We will definitely be returning!
(5)Willis N.
I mean the food is very good but the price is the only problem.
(3)I M.
my car was being serviced and was looking for a nice place to eat lunch. I came across this place and to my surprise I got good food, good atmosphere and great service. May have to go back for dinner !
(4)Kevin W.
Maybe I came here on a bad day or something. The food was disgusting. I had ravioli and my girlfriend had spaghetti and meatballs. Italian classics that any Italian restaurant should easily be able to make, right? Apparently wrong. The spaghetti sauce tasted really weird and the meatballs were downright nasty. The ravioli was ok, until I tasted her dish and practically threw up. Overpriced. Bad parking. They charge per soda (they serve cans... welcome to the 21st century). Additionally, our waiter was really creepy and kept hovering and staring at us. Ewwwww. Get away. Never going back.
(1)Phi N.
Italian food is pretty plain to me. But at least here, at this small family owned restaurant; they treat you very well. The Cristina's special sauce is my favorite to order, it's a white cream sauce. They need to provide more sauce with their dishes. I've ordered the same two dishes every time I've come in; the veal with crab meat and shrimp with crab meat in pasta. In my opinion, they are as good as Italian food gets. As for appetizers, I've gotten the calamari before and... I forget the other. They were just so-so.
(3)Agustin A.
Terrible experience, and I think we have discovered their secret ingredient: "Ragu". You will end it up expending $40-50 per person for a non-authentic Italian cuisine. We won't be back. With all due respect if you think this is a real Italian restaurant, then you really never been in a real one. Calamari was just average, the stuffed mushrooms came from a microwave, eggplant parm was uneatable with all that Ragu crap, and my Scallopine picatta was also a disappointing. We gave them a try, and they failed.
(2)Rosana V.
You can't miss Christina's Italian Restaurant -- actually Christina Italian Ristorante -- on University Boulevard in Wheaton, Md. The signage is about half the size of the actual restaurant. Good thing too because you don't want to miss out on some of the yummiest Italian food in the area. My husband and I have been loyal patrons of this cozy, homy neighborhood restaurant since our days a' courtin'. Seven years of the chicken saltimbocca and I am still in love -- to the food in this case. Over the years, I've sampled the seafood pastas, veal pasta dishes, eggplant rollatini, lasagna...all off my husband's plate. I have never been able to look at the menu and order anything but my beloved chicken saltimbocca. I'll walk in, sit down, open the menu, and have every intention of trying something new. The saltimbocca is just too good. They've pounded and tenderized the chicken just so. The prosciutto sliced thin enough to add flavor and texture, but not so thick as to overpower with its saltiness. The chicken broth/lemon sauce poured over the chicken and side of pasta...heaven. This dish took me through two pregnancies. I'm convinced my children are made of chicken and prosciutto. Not to take away from the other dishes I've tried. I distinctly remember this sinful, creamy shrimp ravioli dish my husband ordered that I kept "tasting," despite the daggers coming from the other side of the table. Still...that saltimbocca... These days, we don't get out to eat as much as during our pre-kid days. But, Christina's always makes it to our list at least every few months. They have a great kid's menu. Our 3-year-old gobbles up her angel hair pasta and meatballs every time. The staff is friendly and helpful, but not overbearing. It's like coming to someone's home for dinner...if they lived in a restaurant. One particular waitress has seen us go from dating to married to one kid and, finally, to two kids. Weekends are usually crowded and holidays (particularly Valentine's Day) are definitely always packed. So, reservations are good for these times. But any average day of the week, don't be afraid to be spontaneous and just show up.
(5)Deb L.
Just came back from dinner and had to immediately write an update - the food was just that good. The Melanzane Rolatino (rolled eggplant stuffed with spinach and ricotta) melted in my mouth. My gnocchi with pink sauce was absolute perfection, and the sauce was so good I honestly could have drunk the stuff. Spumondi for dessert - fantastic. And the service could not have been better. Very sweet and attentive waitstaff, and I never had an empty water glass.
(5)Katrin S.
great meal and service. always consistent and Nick goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome along with the staff
(5)Elizabeth R.
I'd eaten here once before and hadn't been impressed. I returned on Mother's Day and had an even worse experience. All of my pet peeves were triggered: average bread, butter too frigid to spread. Lackluster salad dressings -- both for the house and the Caesar. Not leaving parmesan on the table to put on your own food, but instead having the waitress supply the lightest dusting (cheap move). Capers on every dish -- and I detest capers. The first time I went, only one dish among the five of ours' was good: the veal saltimbocca. So I figured I'd order that on this second visit. Unfortunately, they'd reduced the selections for Mother's Day (great plan - not!) and had pretty much nothing good. They were pushing the soft shell crabs, so three of us ordered them, plus one eggplant parmegiano and some other veal dish. Soft shells were poorly done, eggplant parmegiano (hardly any cheese or sauce) was extremely bad, and the veal dish was a complete loser. The desserts were weak. Only the tiramisu was good, and frankly, Costco's is better and cheaper... The waitress was Eastern European, didn't know a thing about Italian food. Each dish we asked about was "good." Oh. How helpful...When we asked for a small dish of lobster (rose) sauce on the side to help out the bland soft shells, she acted like it was a big deal and refused to ask the kitchen until we pressed the issue. The maitress d' offered to exchange the veal dish for another, but while we were looking at the menu for a replacement selection, the rude waitress said tough luck, we couldn't have another dish unless we bought it in addition to the bad one. We had guests with us and felt too uncomfortable to press the issue, but honestly, it was the last straw. This is truly a mediocre restaurant. I will never go back. Anytime I prefer the Macaroni Grill, something is wrong.
(1)Mike K.
Cozy, authentic Italian. Kind of surprised given the area it's located in! Definitely worth checking out. Not very expensive either, which is nice.
(4)Neal P.
Had the Gamberi ala Cristina. Four jumbo shrimp stuffed with crab meat and topped with a lobster sauce. I can't recommend it enough. My wife had eggplant parmesan which was the best either of us have had. Service was friendly. There was only three or four other people there during a Sunday lunch hour. I wish I lived closer so I could eat here more often.
(5)Pearl P.
order: Gamberi ala Cristina (24.95) Fresh jumbo shrimp stuffed with crabmeat topped with lobster sauce and broiled to perfection. Served with linguine. crave-worthy. also, Early Bird Dinner available: Monday - Friday 5:00pm - 7:00pm
(5)Michael S.
I grew up in this area but never checked this place out. I guess with the changes in landscape and the neighborhood I thought a non-chain Italian restaurant would certainly be a "no-no". I still think it's a weird spot for such a place. The demographic certainly isn't one to eat at a place like Cristina...but I digress. It works in a pinch, but barely. What this means is that if you're (for some bizarre reason) stuck in Wheaton and you have an intense craving for Italian food, you can duck in here. It's clean and cozy inside...definitely feels like a different world compared to the outside. In terms of the food, it's OK...more mediocre. I had the shrimp appetizer which was actually very good, then the ravioli with spinach and cheese with tomato sauce. That was OK...not as great as the shrimp I had, but not horrible either. For dessert I had the tiramisu (of course). This was not that great. The marscarpone was just too thick. It tasted like it had been sitting out on the counter for a while. Like I said, it works in a pinch. I crave Italian food often so I might get stuck in such a pinch again, in which case I wouldn't say "No" to this place. If you haven't been here, don't scramble to try it out. But if you're in the neighborhood and want some down-home Italian cooking, drop on in.
(3)Ben T.
One of our favorite local restraints.
(5)Scott S.
Nice, quaint italian restaurant hidden in a shopping strip right off Veir's Mill Rd. Great service (seems to be family owned/managed), pasta was cooked perfectly - al dente (hard to find) and the setting is perfect for a relaxing night out. Much older crowd makes the restaurant relaxing and easy to enjoy a meal. I don't beleive the meal was quite worth the price tag, but I would go back none the less.
(4)Johnny B.
I tried this place based on the positive reviews and decided to take a date there. The location is not the best as it is in Wheaton. The ambiance is somewhat odd to me. However, the food is quite delicious and the service is good. I had penne a la vodka and it was some of the best I have ever had. My date had Chicken Parmigiana, and it was great. This place is delicious and deserves a visit. Definitely a good date spot on your 16th date, not your 1st.
(4)Min C.
I was out visiting some friends in Baltimore and wanted to meet up with another friend out west and needed a nice Italian place somewhere in the middle to meet up, fatten up, and talk it up. Yelped this place and thought, yay! When we arrived the place was pretty empty and metered parking was easy to find out front. The customer service was decent but out waitress made herself pretty scarce. The food was way overpriced and the taste left much to be desired. My friend, who loves almost any type of lasagna pretty much hated it and hated the fact that he had to pay so much for it even more. I had the penne and wasn't a fan :(
(2)Jessica F.
Cute little neighborhood italian restaurant. I will go here again. Very yummy food, friendly service.
(4)Tiffany M.
My husband and ventured here based on all the Yelp reviews. It's near the tiny mall in Silver Spring and definitely has the family owned and operated feel to it. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but it's quite cute and quaint on the inside, with white table clothes and true Italian greenery decorations. The food was just ehhhh. It wasn't great and it wasn't terrible, but I will say I was a bit disappointed based on the raving reviews. It's definitely worth going to, especially if you work in the area, for lunch- or perhaps if you're shopping and just don't want food court style food. I just wouldn't recommend going too far out of the way to eat here.
(3)Cynthia L.
I and my family ate here last week and loved it! The owner used to own my father's favorite restaurant in Bethesda for over 20 years before he came here. I had the pumkin squash ravioli - amazing!!! My husband had the veal pizzico and thought it was really good too. Our 11 year old son had pizza and was asking when we could come back. Great service - not overbearing but always available when we needed anything. The canolli for dessert we shared and it was terrific! Reservations are important after 6:30 and there was a steady stream of diners coming in to fill the place between 7 and 7:30pm. I highly recommend it - go - I think you will enjoy it.
(5)Angela S.
Continues to be the best restaurant in Montgomery County. Best food, best value (though the specials tend to have smaller portions, fyi), and best service. I both laugh at and feel sorry for those who wrote bad reviews...just don't know what good food is, I guess.
(5)Lisa R.
Who Knew? Cristinas is an old school Italian Ristorante complete with Mom and Pop manning the door and the dining room. A warm welcome into the cozy, clean dining room followed by attentive service. Water glasses filled, prompt server hello, bread immediately. The menu is large and filled with favorites. I got pasta primavera, my partner got a delicate fresh flounder dish. Portions are generous and very good with the addition of a little salt. The house chianti is surprisingly good! The noise level was perfect, a low key buzz of conversation and laughter that allowed me to hear what my partner was saying, always a plus when out to dinner! We had a yummy crisp cannoli for dessert, the filling was creamy and not too sweet. Skip the decaf, it's very thin. With our two entrees, 3 glasses of wine, dessert and coffee the bill was $70.00. Not bad for a very pleasant dinner at very pleasant Cristinas.
(3)Patti K.
Our family has set a tradition of dining at Cristina's on Christmas Eve after attending the an early children's service at a local church. Everyone looks forward to the meal and it has never disappointed in the seven years we have gone. My 8 year daughter loves her kids pasta dish and my teenage son is a huge fan of the meat-filled ravioli. My husband & I always get one of their fabulous veal dishes. The service is exceptional and the staff couldn't be friendly. Great place.
(4)Eric S.
This is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area. I'm from upstate NY and I was raised on great Italian food and this could compete with the big boys any day. I love the hole in the wall atmosphere, the stern Greek guy in the back overseeing everything. The food is to die for. I'm not a cheese guy by any means but their fried mozzarella is to die for and their linguine will melt in your mouth. It's cooked to perfection. I could go on and on, if I could I'd eat there three times a week. Another good benefit, I think, is that they're a partner with the United Mileage Plus Visa Card. So if you eat there, have that card and are enrolled in their dining plan, you'll get free miles. It's great, go there and check it out!
(5)JT R.
Best ever marinara was served with the fried calamari appetizer - probably the best calamari I've ever had. Generous servings at affordable prices. Small but comfortable atmosphere. Attentive Service. Tutto bene.
(5)Lara P.
I took my sisters and parents here for lunch today, and the food was great! I had the penne arrabbiata and the sauce was fantastic -- spicy and flavorful. The pasta was a touch overcooked for my taste. The italian bread was authentic and served immediately. One sister had veal Parmesan that was tasty and cooked properly and my other sister had the gnocchi, which was light (not doughy and dense as sometimes happens) and very good. My mom just had a salad, but the salad special had perfectly cooked hard boiled eggs and great, fresh vegetables. Dad had an italian cold cuts sandwich that he enjoyed. The ambiance left a bit to be desired. While there are white tablecloths, it is a bit cold-feeling and in need of an update. It might be better at night, as I did notice candles on the tables. The service was good and efficient. I will definitely return.
(4)Amanda L.
I have been going to Cristinas for over five years now and have to say they have consistently great Italian food, fresh ingredients & authentic Italian dishes. Very friendly staff & Mr. Nick is overwhelmingly hospitable.
(5)Crystal B.
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy for my tummy! With EXCELLENT customer service, a romantic atmosphere and exquisite cuisine what more could you ask for?! My first time, I ordered the Zuppa di Pesce and I was HOOKED! Then I tried the Gamberi ala Cristina and I haven't been the same since. The dish was dee-lish-us! I wanted to get out of my seat and start doing cartwheels across the floor but it's a small restaurant.......Go, Eat! BE MERRY!
(5)Nan W.
I hate to be the dissenting voice in the chorus of praise... but here goes. It's not that we thought it was bad - not at all. Just overpriced and (in our opinion) overrated. The ambiance is certainly nice, in an old-fashioned way. The service was fine - unremarkable but also complaint-free. My problem was with the menu, which reminded me of the Italian restaurants I frequented as a child back in the Mesozoic Era. It felt frozen in time - untouched by how Italian-American cuisine has developed beyond its earlier dependence on red sauce, heavy cream and generous lashings of mozzarella, in favor of more subtlety and flavor. Read some of the other reviews to see what I mean (one diner enjoyed fried mozzarella followed by pasta in alfredo sauce followed by creme brulee). I don't have a problem with it, except that I'd like to go home after dining out without having to stop off at Holy Cross Hospital for an angioplasty! My other major complaint is the prices, which we felt were higher than merited by the quality of the cuisine. If you're going to kill me with mozzarella, make sure it's mozzarella di bufala. I saw way too much box pasta on the menu for my taste. We've had better, more subtly prepared Italian at other area eateries (Il Pizzico comes to mind). However, everyone else seems very happy, so try it and make up your own mind!
(3)Ritu V.
This restaurant was the one that fulfilled my Italian craving that I've been trying to take care of for about a year now. The food is absolutely amazing. I went with my Sicilian friend (I was a little nervous about taking him there) and we both really loved it. We ordered the fried mozzarella sandwich as an appetizer and couldn't believe how tasty it was! It was strangely light and fluffy.I had the spaghetti bolognese with meatballs and he had the rigatoni il forno. Mine was SO good but when I tried his, I was blown away. It was way better than mine. I'll definitely be going there again and taking many friends with me.
(5)Joe T.
The food was good, however, as others have mentioned, the portions were pretty small compared to the cost of the dish. As I looked around the restaurant, I saw portions much larger than mine, so maybe it was what I ordered, but a single slice of lasagna for $13 should be a bit larger than what I got. The service was spot on. I had no problems getting more to drink and I was asked a few times if everything is was OK.
(3)Cola G.
Food was great, service was wonderful! Their chicken dinners are really good! Very nice for a couple or small group of friends. Our waiter's name was Alfredo and he was a nice little old man but he new could tell you about all the popular meals with no problem. Once I was inside, I felt like I was back in Boston in the North End.
(4)Jennifer C.
Ahhhh, one of my newest favorites. Mr. Kontos and his wife are there every night and they are very friendly. I always order a lemon drop martini, the anti-pasta misto (cold one) and the calamari because it is flash fried and their marinara is fabulous! As for an entree, I always choose a special. The dessert... ohhh, the dessert - try the chocolate mousse cake! Yummo!
(5)Jessica S.
I can't add much more than the reviewer above, but I'll try. My husband and I also love Cristina's. He is loyal to the fried mozerella, veal parmesean, and canollis. The desserts are homemade and delicious. If you can't eat it there, it's totally worth taking one home. I've tried many of the seafood raviolis (crab, lobster, and shrimp) and the butternut squash ravioli. The services is always outstanding and it totally feels like they are happy to see you. There aren't a lot of tables, so reservations on Fridays, Saturdays, and special occasions are a good idea. My husband and I usually spend without tip around $90-$100 for a bottle of wine, appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts. One more thing--Cristina's is total comfort food.
(4)Alli G.
A diamond in the rough. It the heart of Wheaton. Not something you would expect there. Small and quiant. The staff is polite and helpful. The food is fresh and made to order. Good quality food and very tasty!
(4)Denise R.
My husband and I recently ate here for a date night out, and had a great experience. The wait staff was attentive and helpful, suggesting a wine to go with our meal. I had crab stuffed ravioli in a Marsala cream sauce topped with asparagus spears. My husband had the chicken saltimbocca. Our meals were very tasty, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was not heavy-handed. The atmosphere is casual, very neighborhood friendly, but also offered a nice quiet respite from the busy streets around Wheaton. My husband and I have paid far more money for a less enjoyable experience at overpriced restaurants/bistros in Bethesda/Chevy Chase. We will definitely return to Cristina's.
(4)Sandy A.
Went there for Valentine'd Day dinner. It was packed! The decor was super cute too. Everything we ordered was delicious and at a more than reasonable cost.. The service is great too!
(5)Mary H.
this place is super yummy! I went here because my friends wanted Italian food that was local so I told them we should check this place out. We got the lasagna, ziti, tortellini and ravioli. for the appetizer, we got the calamari. the service was great as well!
(5)SAM d.
This was definitely one of the best Italian restaurant that I went to. The fettuccine was GREAT! It was very flavorful. The Mozzarella Carroza was delicious. I would definitely recommend this place to all my friends and family. I won't be disappointed.
(5)Jesse P.
The best Italian I have had since my grandmothers cooking. She was Italian, grew up there. I cannot complain about anything, service, food, wine. All amazing.
(5)Judy R.
Saturday had a group of 10 for dinner. The Menu is incredible and the appetizers were so good! We had the Bruschetta with toasted bread. It's was really good! I had the scallops and shrimp in a tomato cream sauce. The seafood was cooked perfectly and the sauce just perfect. I had the house cab wine - which was also great. Service was exceptional and the owner came by to ask us how our meal tasted! Wonderful romantic place!
(5)Alex O.
I guess my expectations were too high coming in but still... The scenery is nice but the entire wall mirror is kinda weird and I feel like they use that to make it seem like the place isn't as small as you think (but its tiny). The food was decent, I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn't overpriced. My crabmeat ravioli was good but for the amount they gave me for $20 was skimpy. My friend ordered something with chicken, noodles, and mushroom and it tasted homemade to the point where I thought I could make the same thing at home. Calamari was nicely done but I would have asked for it to be a tad more cooked. I'd only go back for the Tiramisu which was fantastic.
(2)Stephanie D.
No whole wheat/grain pasta. Bread comes with individually wrapped butter. This place is ok if you're just looking for a typical italian place like Olive Garden. This place would make the parents happy, if yours are the type that like predictable food like mine are. This italian restaurant brings nothing I haven't had before. The service was warm, and the food came out quickly.
(3)Jerry S.
A neighborhood favorite, judging from the overheard greetings to some entering patrons. It's a small cozy place with murals of Venice making it look a bit less tiny. Italian vocal music (non opera) playing softly in the background. The chef's scallopini turned out to be more typical of southern regional style, with al dente onions and pepper strips and fresh mushroom slices in a dark sauce that complimented but did not overwhelm. The veal was tasty and tender. Portion was fine, neither skimpy nor abbondanza. The salad was a nice introduction, with a bit of beet, tomato, carrot, and red onion over the lettuce. The linguini was OK, cooked a bit past al dente. The bread was good quality. The house Pinot Grigio was full bodied and balanced and stood up to the entree, but a bit pricy at $9 for a glass. I've been to Italy a few times, so my bar is higher than most.. I'm also a bit spoiled by my favorite in Laurel, which bakes its own very authentic bread and makes its own pasta. Ignore those1 star reviews - I do know good food and good Italian food. I was pleased, but not excited. Solid 4 ****.
(4)Joe M.
Don't be lured by all the 5 star reviews, they're either bogus or some people really don't know what good food taste like. Now the staff is great, they're wonderful kind friendly polite and warm. This earned them at least one star. The food however, is your irish grandparents version of "good italian". This is your grandparents "Italian" restaurant. The food is not fresh and it all taste like it came from the cheapest mass restaurant food distribution company they could find. I had an egg noodle dish, based on previous reviews I was expecting real pasta, as real pasta is made with egg. Nope. It was your supermarket version of "egg" noodle. Everything was just completely bland and tasted cheap. I had a fettuccine cream dish with ham. The ham was well, the ham was....lunch meat ham. Not real quality italian cured meat type stuff. Any self respecting Italian would know what ham actually meant. Lunch meat. Now if you really don't know what good fresh quality, well seasoned food taste like then maybe this place will do you fine. Oh and the last thing the place looks like a bland room with white walls they stuffed as many tables as possible into. The ambience is stark, overly bright and cafeteria like, pretty much like the food.
(1)Jason R.
Perfect neighborhood Italian. Human portions, well prepared and presented. Service was amazing and the atmosphere, for a small strip mall place right on a main highway, was pleasant and relaxing. I sampled the shrimp stuffed with spinach, crab, and cheese and it was delicate and tasty, although a little more crab and less cheese would have balanced the flavor a bit. The chicken parm was somehow light and tasty. The Lasagna was dense and perfectly balanced.
(5)Sheri G.
Went for lunch today. I got the fettuccine boscaiola and my boyfriend had the chicken parmigiana. We also got garlic bread for an appetizer. All were delicious. (However, they bring you complimentary bread, so really didn't need the garlic bread). The staff were very friendly and attentive. Both of our lunch entrees were under $11, so very affordable. I ordered the house red wine, which came out to be $9 (too expensive!). Will definitely be back to try the dinner menu.
(5)Tom J.
I had high hopes based on their yelp rating, but we were disappointed. The bread is cold and pretty bad, but it's free so whatever. My wife had a chicken dish. (Chicken mafioso maybe). She really liked it and I have to say it was pretty good. I had the lasagna which was a huge mistake. It was probably the worst lasagna I've ever had at a restaurant. It looked like it had been made and sitting in a fridge for days. The cheese on the top was very strange looking/tasting, and the beef was terrible. I could've just ordered the wrong thing, but I was not impressed overall. For what you get, it isn't worth it. There is absolutely no reason to pay $20 a dish for this type of food, and sit 6 inches from the table next to you when places like Olazzo are close by.
(3)CJ T.
You know what's great? Visiting a locally, family-owned restaurant in Wheaton packed on a Saturday night. Read reviews and decided to visit while my 21-yo daughter was visiting. We are not big appetite eaters and she doesn't have an adventurous palette, so we shared the Calamari Fritti, Bruschetta Toscana, Insalata di Cesar Con Pollo, and Tortellini Di Chef. All were wonderful and my daughter has leftovers to take home to Philly. Excellent quality and flavor in all dishes. Owner is on site and charming. Hope to return soon to try some of the more complex dishes. I have been to Rome, Tuscany, and Amalfi Coast and Cristina's made me feel right at home. Note -- when crowded, activity around the small center tables can get a bit crazy. They could probably double the space and still have a full house!
(5)Zach B.
Great great food....but the area is definitely questionable. A perfect example of this was the cop car on its way to a scene and a car smashing it off the road. I'll restate that the Italian food is great here.
(4)Denise B.
We just ate there and WOW! It's a wonderful neighborhood,local place to frequent. The naysayers have such minute complaints. Whatever! This is the kind of restaurant a neighborhood wants and should honor. Great service, Thank you Ramone! Really good food, the pasta tasted fresh, the sauces wonderful and sublime. Go there, Eat there, encourage others to honor our local neighbors. grow the Wheaton/Silver Spring economy and get off your foolish high-horses. This is a gem.
(5)Gina S.
Food is amazing but the thing Christina's is known for is their Tiramisu!!! It is the best one I have ever had, and you may have to go to Italy to find a better one. The staff is very nice, treats you really well. I highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience.
(5)Devin P.
I completely forgot to review Cristina. This was partly was to keep the rest of you miniature ogres from going there and ruining it, but I suppose that could be considered selfish. Cristina is a small restaurant located up in in the Wheaton triangle. The food is solid, the waiters are professional and courteous, and the atmosphere is great for those who like places with "regulars." I've tried most items on the menu and been happy in all cases. They provide ample cold, salads with most meals and their bread is typically soft and enough to keep you until the main course. The pasta is made fresh in most cases and will taste different than that which is dried. They also tend to give large portions with most meals so go light on the appetizers, then order extra if you are trying to gain weight for parka season. I do understand that not everyone's experience is the same. For ours they not only removed my appetizer plate, but also the used soda can from the table. I hope others have experienced this life-altering service. Another word of caution: this restaurant is one of many experimenting with a new cooking method where pasta may contain water in which the pasta was boiled. Do not worry! The water is typically cooled and presents no danger to anyone with an ounce of sense. I was equally impressed by the fact that their food bears little resemblance to Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee and is not made of tomato-colored salt. If this is disatisfying, seek out the glass or plastic powder containers provided upon most tables. Turn these on their side and then insert them somewhere uncomfortable. Parking for the restaurant can be a bit tricky. One can park on the street, but when the restaurant is crowded, you may have to take advantage of the small lots located after the restaurant. The restaurant is located on a city street so be mindful of things like police cars as you are driving. Also, park in front of Pearle Express at your own risk. They are the Keyzer Soze of the eyeglass industry. Their eye-charts include cyrillic. Pros: Food is good and portions plentiful Host and staff are friendly, attentive, and professional Setting is intimate making service prompt and tailored. Cons: Parking can be tricky. Door may not allow for consumption-based size changes. Regulars will make you feel like you aren't sitting at the cool kids table.
(5)Ingrid N.
Ran in for a quick bite. My husband had chicken caesar and I had caesar with anchovies added. Navy Bean soup and salads were delicious. Husband left with a to go order of Tiramisu which he loved. Service was very quick. I will go back.
(4)Jason F.
It may not look like much on the outside, but inside lies a very quaint family owned italian restaurant with delicious food. The tiramisu is something I will never forget! Definitely a must. For dinner I had the mahi mahi over angel hair pasta with a white wine sauce, mushrooms, asparagus tips, tomatoes, and shallots, and it was great, but the tiramisu stole the show.
(5)Hugo J.
One of my favorite Italian restaurants. The food is amazing and the owner is the coolest. I have ate here dozens of times and every time is great. The vegetable lasagna is usually what I get and its awesome.
(5)Sarah L.
Great Italian place in a very busy area. My go-to date place. The staff is friendly and maybe a bit over-attentive, but I see that as a good quality. My boyfriend has never ventured away from the Spinach Ravioli with Alfredo Sauce because he is OBSESSED with it. I have tried several things but have to say that the Spinach Ravioli is the best. Haven't tried many of their desserts but never had the room for it because the food portions are usually on the bigger side.
(5)Monica D.
My boyfriend liked this place, but I wasn't particularly impressed. The manager just awkwardly hovered over us and made me feel like we weren't welcome. The ravioli I got was overpriced for what I got, and as someone that CAN make ravioli, it seemed like they were....frozen. If not frozen, definitely not homemade. The sauce tasted like something you get out of a jar. Probably not every going to return here. Go to Lillie's in Woodley Park or Il Pizzico in Rockville for some great Italian.
(2)Desana M.
This is and excellent place to come a a couple for some authentic Italian fresh food! Very tasty and portions are well worth the money!!! Enjoy!
(5)Jean B.
Great authentic desserts! Service was professional and ambiance was inviting. They have very good authentic Italian food and also have kid friendly meals.
(5)