Cummares Italian Restaurant

food was mediocre to average, not spectacular… a little better than chef boyardee, and the staff was too busy eating lunch at the table next to me to refill my water…
THEN…
They snagged my email without my permission when I swiped my card to pay and began sending me survey emails…
if you must go, pay cash, because THEY WILL STEAL YOUR INFO AND SPAM YOUR EMAIL
most good restaurants wont stoop this low, this is definitely not good enough to put up with this crap.

Place is nice enough, but too small to even be called intimate. I absolutely detest places that have people waiting, standing around over you while you eat.
Great food if your only exposure to Italian food is Fazzolis. The marinara was good, but servings are not generous. Salads were just ok, Alfredo sauce was more like bechamel. Garlic bread was atrocious, though. Toasted hoagie buns for godsake. And the prices aren’t inexpensive.
But the reason we won’t be back was the service. In a word. Rude. My wife and I even made reservations to be seated. And when we came in, we were treated with complete indifference. Couldn’t have cared at all. In fact, everyone squeezed info the front of the place heard how we were treated and laughed with us about it.
For the money and the so-​so food, the bad service isn’t worth it. Won’t be back.

Pricey. Ok food. Expensive drinks. Nice horse artwork on the wall. Tried to buy it but it was a no go.

Love this place — family owned, cozy atmosphere, excellent wine and delicious food!!! Pizza, pastas, calzones, fresh salads… they have it all!

Pasta dishes were great. Ate with a group of friends. Several customers waiting to get in. Service was prompt and considerate. Loved the homemade lemon drink at the end of the meal! Good prices, large portions and full of flavor. Keep up the great work!

Incredible! The food is amazing and the service is impeccable! The Bruschetta is a must for an appetizer!

Great place! Delicious food; simple menu. Guests of a friend — too many recommendations and not enough time? Seafood ravioli was fabulous. Seafood cannoli was equally great. Meat tortellini in marinara sauce was the best ever. Wish there was room for dessert!

Fantastic food, Fast Service, Friendly staff, and a new favorite in Southern Illinois.

I got pizza here twice. It was very tasty! I wish they made bigger pies.

Some of the best food in the ‘Boro. The food is fantastic and the staff is knowledgable about the food and wine. The staff speaks Italian, which makes the experience feel authentic. We didn’t feel rushed into ordering or eating, but the food came out quickly. We definitely be back for more and the food is affordable too.
The wine was great!

If your ever in the area this is a must try. One of my all time favorites. The service is always spot on and the food is to die for. Trust me you will not be disappointed. And the owners and staff are very friendly you feel like you are with family.

Wonderful food with fast service. We have never had a bad meal or dining experience. We went on one occasion with our 2 year old daughter who decided she didn’t want to sit still for the meal. Despite her being antsy the staff was wonderful. Great family location.
I personally love the meatball sub and their Loaded Pizza (supreme)

Best Italian food in the area! Great bruschetta– but garlicky! Large portions — we shared 2 entrees with 3 people. Delicious gnocchi with marinara sauce. The stuffed shells with spinach were also great! The ricotta is really well seasoned. The mix of Alfredo sauce and marinara was yummy too!

Another fantastic meal at one of Southern Illinois’ best restaurants! If you have not been it has to be on your to do list soon. We were fortunate enough to have caponata on special for starters along with a delicious caprese salad! We each ordered something different and shared, rigatoni, tortellini, lasagna and cannelloni. Their house salad and dressing is so tasty and full of flavor. The finishing touch of tiramisu is among the best you will ever sample. The service lives up to the quality of the food, attentive but not overbearing. Pete and Steph along with their daughter Daniella have so much love in their very traditional southern Italian food!

Food is very good authentic Italian. Good service space is limited. Prices were reasonable about $ 25 – 30 for two.

This restaurant probably has the most authentic and delicious Italian food around these parts.
You walk into the restaurant and you’re immediately sent to a place of olden days.
The toasted ravioli appetizer was great. My new favorite appetizer to get at Italian restaurants!
I ordered the cannelloni, which came with a small salad. The cannelloni was good, filled with beef and covered in rich tomato sauce. I enjoyed my meal, but my fiancé wasn’t a big fan of their pizza. To him, it was alright, but not awesome.
The place is pretty narrow and gets busy so be ready for a wait if you come on the weekends.

Cummare’s is my favorite restaurant in Murphysboro (sorry 17^th Street). They serve homemade Italian food in a classy atmosphere. It’s definitely a place to go when you want a 3 course meal. The storefront is cute and has some history to it. If you look closely you will see a «1896» on the top cornerstone. On my last visit there I started with the toasted ravioli appetizer. Then came the salad. I really like the house dressing, a balsamic vinaigrette. And for my entrée I had the tortellini which was filled with meat and cheese and covered in sweet marinara sauce. Very very good stuff and I got to take home leftovers.

Growing up in St. Louis, there has always been a conspiracy to brainwash its citizens into believing that the slop served in «The Hill» is acceptable Italian food. I cringe at the years of misfire’s I was forced to consume at these restaurants. As I began to travel to other cities, and eventually around Italy, I became even more jaded and frustrated with what St. Louisans were calling delicious (we won’t even address the claims of authenticity).
Then, on a random road trip one afternoon, Cummare’s appeared. I walked in to the sight of a man feeding dough through a pasta maker. I heard people speaking Italian. I saw people eating true spaghetti with marina (that means with seafood). It was the perfect-​size place to do what you know well, and to know right away when something was wrong. The food and service were fantastic, and I didn’t miss Italy quite as much (or maybe 5 times more!). Now, we make the drive regularly, as I openly tell anyone who questions my two-​hour drive, «Because, there is the best Italian restaurant in a 200 mile radius.»

Amazing food, not so amazing atmosphere. Definitely quiets my Italian cravings. This is a carry out in my opinion.
Do get the spaghetti, chicken alfredo, and tiramitsu

This place is fantastic! This is a local joint operated by a very nice family. We’ve never had a bad meal here. We usually start with an order of bruschetta. The tomato mixture is always fresh and the bread is freshly toasted. Usually order a pizza and a pasta dish. The entrees are large and the pizza is the best in the area.
The staff is always pleasant and very accommodating. There is always a decent crowd, but never a long wait. They have two-​three tables right outside for those nice evenings! I think they have a lunch buffet at lunch, but I cannot comment since I always go for dinner.
Go try it out!