Tom and I tried Catalina Cucina on a Thursday evening, only a couple of weeks after it opened.
We did not have a reservation, and when we arrived, the restaurant was full, which is usually a very good sign. There was room in the bar area, so we took a high-top for two and settled in for what we hoped would be a cozy local dinner at a new Italian spot.
Our first impression was strong. The restaurant is pretty, the sign and interior have a lovely feel, and the overall vibe was polished and inviting. The staff seemed professional, attentive, and genuinely trying to make the evening run smoothly.
But as the night went on, it became clear that Catalina Cucina may still be working through some of the early new-restaurant growing pains.
We waited a bit after being seated, then ordered drinks. When our waiter came back and asked what we wanted to order, we had to let him know we had not been given menus yet. That felt like a small miss, but since the restaurant was brand new, we gave some grace.
Tom asked if his pasta side could be prepared as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, and the waiter said yes. He ordered the Chicken Marsala, and I ordered the Chicken Piccata.
After our cocktails arrived, our waiter mentioned he would bring bread, but we ended up having to ask twice before it came. At that point, our patience was starting to wear a little thin.
Then the food arrived — or at least some of it did.
My Chicken Piccata came out, along with only Tom’s side of pasta. We had to ask about his Chicken Marsala, and it seemed like that part of the order may have been missed. It did come out afterward, but the flow of the meal felt off.
The good news: my Chicken Piccata was delicious. It was not exactly the style I am used to, but I really enjoyed it. Tom liked his Chicken Marsala too, even though it also was not quite what he expected.
The disappointment was the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio. Tom did not care for it. It had very little garlic, and for a dish that depends on simplicity and flavor, it fell flat for him. What surprised us even more was that it appeared on the bill as a $15 charge, even though we understood it to be a side substitution with his meal. Tom chose not to say anything, but it was definitely something we noticed.
We ended the meal by sharing dessert. It was decent — pretty, light, and enjoyable enough — but not a standout.
There was one detail I had been curious about from the start. When we walked in, I noticed a big basket of muffins near the entrance. I asked our waiter about them, and he said each guest would receive one at the end of the meal as a little thank-you, promoting the owner’s brother’s bakery.
I loved that idea. It felt sweet, local, and personal.
But as we were leaving, we had to ask for ours.
That kind of summed up the evening for us: nice ideas, pretty space, good intentions, but the execution was not quite there yet.
Our Takeaway
Catalina Cucina has promise.
The restaurant is attractive, the atmosphere is nice, and there were parts of the meal we enjoyed. My Chicken Piccata was delicious, and Tom liked his Chicken Marsala. The staff seemed kind and professional, and because they had only been open a short time, we do want to leave room for the fact that every new restaurant needs time to settle in.
But for this visit, the experience felt uneven.
Forgotten menus, delayed bread, part of the meal arriving without the entrée, a disappointing pasta side, an unexpected charge, and having to ask for the promised bakery treat all added up to a less-than-stellar first impression.
Would we go back?
Maybe — but not right away.
Once the newness wears off and the team has time to work out the kinks, we may give Catalina Cucina another try. For now, we are glad we went, glad we supported a new local restaurant, and hopeful that with a little time, the experience will match the promise of the space.
Because sometimes a detour is beautiful. Sometimes it is delicious. And sometimes it is simply a place still finding its way.
That is part of the journey too.
Know Before You Go
Catalina Cucina Italian Kitchen & Bar
8320 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188
Phone: 404-973-5425
Tip: Because this is a brand-new restaurant, double-check hours, reservation options, and current menu details before going.
Deliberate Desires 