Get a taste of home-style Italian cooking at Eddie’s Cucina Italiana

By Cheran Dinger |Staff Writer|

The motto at Eddie’s Cucina Italina is, “we’re much much more than just spaghetti.”

In 1984, Eddie’s Cucina Italian opened its doors in Glendora with the purpose of offering New York home-style Italian cooking of a quality far superior to the usual  offered at other establishments.

I visit they’re secondary location in Rancho Cucamonga off Foothill Blvd. and Aspen St.

With entrée prices ranging form $12-$38, it can fit anyone’s budget.

“I’m a mother on a budget, and my kids love the pasta so I come here a lot for quick dinners out,” said Ruth Gomez, out with her family.

“It tastes like something out of my grandmother’s kitchen,” said Vince Bachelor, a restaurant patron.

I ordered the spaghetti marinara. Maybe I was expecting too much, but it seemed dead on arrival.

The sauce seemed a little bland and lacked anything to set it apart, but overall it wasn’t bad.

I was expecting more of that “home-cooked” but it seemed more like something I could replicate in my own kitchen with store-bought sauce and noodles.

According to eddiescucina.com, the ambiance is warm and comfortable; the dress is casual and the entire staff will attend to your table with efficient and friendly service.

I came in between lunch and dinner, and was one of the only people in the restaurant.

Though it was a slower day, the staff seemed enthused and was very friendly and approachable.

After speaking with my server, who is working part-time to pay her way through college, she explained that business has slowed down dramatically over the past few years.

“It seems like we don’t really have daily rushes anymore. I don’t get it. The food is awesome plus I’m here, who [wouldn’t] want to see me?” said the server.

The friendly genuine staff added a few brownie points in my book. Genuine customer service and a sincere smile can go along way.

There were two people sitting at the bar having a business meeting of some kind going over expense reports.

“I work in the building across the street so this place is perfect for doing some work on my lunch break. Plus, it’s always quiet. I always order the calamari, it never fails,” said Chuck Petes.

His co-worker Nancy Defino has similar things to say about the restaurant.

“This place is good. Not the best but definitely not the worst by any means either. I’ll come again for sure,” said Defino.

Defino recommended the Tiramisu and said it was to die for.

“It is like heaven, don’t leave without trying it. It will put a smile on your face,” said Defino.

With a little bit of hesitance, because I am not much of a dessert person, I ordered this decadent dessert and was pleasantly surprised.

Overall, I would recommend Eddie’s to friends and family as a casual dining spot that can fit anyone’s budget.