Cardinale in Kaiserslautern

This restaurant is simply beautiful with its vaulted cellar, and the new owners are great. From the service to the food, it was a very nice evening. We'll be back.

The visit to the restaurant was a real highlight! The breaded veal schnitzel with mushrooms and hunter's sauce was exceptionally tender and aromatic, and the truffle pasta was simply divine – a delight for all the senses!

"We wanted to try out the restaurant with the new owner and arrived on a Thursday at 6 p.m. – without a reservation. As soon as we were in the courtyard, we were intercepted by a young employee who asked us in a very unfriendly tone whether we had a reservation. When we said no, we received the curt reply: 'Nothing works here without a reservation.' It's completely understandable that you might not get a seat without a reservation – but the way this was communicated to us was unfortunately disrespectful. We had been regular guests of the previous owner and would have liked to give the new operator a chance, but the way we were treated was unwelcome. A friendly reminder would have been completely sufficient."

Highly recommended, friendly service, very good food and the atmosphere is very cozy.

The positives first. The vaulted cellar is very beautiful and certainly very pleasant in the summer. The selection of dishes is extensive. You have to be careful not to be forgotten when ordering. Bruschetta was okay, tomato soup was also average, a bit too thick. Combinazione was okay. My pizza had light black spots on top, which was okay, but the burnt spots on the bottom were quite noticeable. The excessive use of flour in the kneading was also very noticeable. I've only ever had pre-sliced ​​pizzas from delivery services. The salami on the rustica had a porky taste. A shame. The crust was thin, OK, but unfortunately so thin that it was no longer crispy, but papery. The rump steak was ordered "well done," not my taste or the "usual" way to eat it, but if you order it that way and ask for it four times, it should be cooked that way, but not medium, bordering on medium-rare. Hunger drove it down. After all, 56 minutes passed between the starter and the main course. With 16 guests in the restaurant, there shouldn't be such a wait. But even after this time, the veal schnitzel couldn't be eaten. It was completely oversalted. This is where the quality of service really shined. The steak was dismissed with "well, that's how it was," "but it was eaten." Yeah, hunger drives you in. The response to the schnitzel was, "There were four schnitzels on the plate and there are only two left. So there were two, yes. Not bad." Since there were six of us, everyone tasted it to see if anyone found it too salty, but everyone was of the same opinion. Except for the wait staff. So, all the dishes had to be paid for in full, including all the drinks. No one sees me here anymore, and the other five people probably won't either. The claim that it will be better next time is therefore probably invalid. Even though the owner claims otherwise, not everything was eaten. And the complaint wasn't made afterward, but after we'd tried it. But it didn't help. Cardinal was no good for all six of us.

For me, a meal at the newly opened Cardinale Da RAFFAELE is like a short vacation in Italy – and right in the heart of Kaiserslautern! From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with a warmth that immediately makes you feel like you're not just a guest, you're at home. The new owners have given the restaurant a fresh new lease of life and created an atmosphere that brims with warmth and the Italian spirit. The creativity and attention to detail with which the cooking is carried out here can be tasted in every single bite. The burrata with tomatoes is so silky and aromatic that you feel like you're sitting under the Puglia sun. The pizza, whether classic or a special variation, is a masterpiece in itself: a wafer-thin, crispy base, the ingredients perfectly fresh, harmoniously balanced down to the last herb. Then comes the pasta – cooked al dente, with sophisticated sauces that unleash a feast of flavors on the palate. And the veal dishes... so tender, so full of flavor, you almost want to close your eyes to capture the moment. And finally, the crowning glory: the tiramisu! Rich as a coffee loaf, yet airy, creamy, with a balance of coffee, cocoa, and sweetness that's simply addictive. It's not a dessert—it's pure poetry on a plate. Add to that the cozy outdoor area, whose special flair immediately puts you in a vacation mood. Whether it's a balmy summer evening or a sunny lunch break—this is a place to linger and enjoy. For me, Cardinale Da RAFFAELE is a place full of joy, indulgence, and Italian heart and soul. Every meal here feels special, and every encounter with the warm hosts is a joy. Honestly, if you don't stop by, you're missing out on one of the most wonderful culinary experiences you can have in Kaiserslautern! We were also welcome with our dog.

Anyone familiar with the place knows that the restaurant with its vaulted cellar has a special flair. We've eaten there three times under the new owners, and the food has always been excellent. The staff is super friendly, and after the last visit, I feel like the wait time is getting shorter. The team probably needed to get into the swing of things. The pizza was more than good; my tortelloni with salmon was the best tortelloni I've ever eaten, and my companions were also very happy with their food. We'd gladly go back!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ We were at Raffaele's at Cardinale yesterday. It was a bit of a shame that the Schlemmerblock (snack bar) is no longer accepted due to a change of ownership. Please note: Card payments are currently unavailable... The service was friendly and attentive. The pizza didn't quite impress us in terms of taste; we've had better ones, but the Scaloppina with mushrooms was really delicious and highly recommended. Overall, a nice evening; we'll probably try other restaurants instead.

I went there with my family for my 40th birthday. The atmosphere was amazing, cozy. The food was delicious. The host was incredibly friendly, open, and had a warm conversation with us.

It's not what it used to be for a long time!

A very nice pizzeria and pastry shop in a vaulted cellar. Very friendly and attentive service.

I had the pleasure of traveling from Alaska to Kaiserslautern, and without a doubt, one of the best decisions I made was visiting this incredible Italian restaurant. As Italian, I expected authentic food and the food was outstanding, authentic Italian flavors, elegantly presented, and every dish hits the mark. Fresh ingredients and delicate presentation. The vitello tonnato and carpaccio were perfectly presented and bursting with flavor, while the oven-baked penne was out of this world. The menu offers a variety of unique and creative dishes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. I can’t recommend it enough! The service was outstanding—attentive, friendly, and welcoming. I will definitely be back!

The food was very tasty. Great pizza. But the schnitzel with fries was also super good. Prices cheap. Unfortunately the table wasn't clean and in our opinion the waitress didn't want to do her job.

Super down-to-earth Italian Rich selection Delicious food

Great cuisine, nice boss, gladly again

Unfortunately, my visit to this pizzeria was a disappointment. I ordered a pike-perch fillet with potatoes and vegetables, but the dish didn't impress me at all. The vegetables were obviously frozen, completely unseasoned, and bland in flavor. The pike-perch fillet itself had been previously frozen and was therefore somewhat dry – far from the freshness one would expect from such a dish. Furthermore, it was served without any sauce, which made the taste even more bland. The value for money was particularly disappointing: €28 for this dish is simply overpriced. At that price, I would have at least expected fresh preparation and appealing seasoning. Overall, unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend it.

We stayed at Cardinale for our wedding anniversary. For the first time. The small restaurant is somewhat hidden in a side street, without much lighting. Only an inscription at the top of the house draws attention to it. The entrance leads through a courtyard where you can sit outside in summer, into a vaulted cellar that has been lovingly and comfortably decorated, with a great fireplace. Beautiful, simply but lovingly set tables with candles planted on wine bottles invite you to linger and feel like you have been transported to Italy. The service was attentive, friendly and quick. The menu is not overloaded but you can find Italian dishes, pasta and pizza. The boss himself was very friendly and very nice. The food was very good, the wine was delicious and there weren't long waiting times. I would actually call it an insider tip, the restaurant is not very big, so it looks very cozy and the vault does the rest so that you can spend a nice evening there. We highly recommend it and advise anyone who doesn't know it to visit once.

Clear recommendation, the food is wonderful and the service is attentive. The location in an old vaulted cellar creates an atmospheric atmosphere. However, in winter it was (as expected) rather cool in there, despite a large fireplace. I imagine it would be very comfortable outside in the summer.

Very friendly, unobtrusive service. Very good cuisine.

Went there spontaneously as a couple. Super friendly welcome! Very good pizza & pasta. Service attentive and very friendly. Any time! Great ambience with the open fireplace

The pizza was rather below average and looked more like a frozen pizza than what you actually get in Italy (thin crust, thin base, not “fluffy” at all). The noodles were very boring, but at least there was a decent portion. Tables very large but close together. So the two of you sat further away from your partner opposite than from your neighbor. We were disappointed.

One of the few "Italians" in Kaiserslautern that I like to visit📯

Super cozy in the vaulted cellar, good service, good food, it was a lovely evening

A nice, small, fine restaurant. Fast service, despite the place being full. A very friendly service. The food was also very tasty. We had reserved a table for 2 for 8 p.m. and had to wait about half an hour. The welcome drink and nightcap were then on the house, which is not a given these days. So kudos to the boss. We'd love to come back.

Very nice and great location/atmosphere and the food tastes very good! The acoustics in the basement are a bit loud when it's busy. - Unfortunately not as tasty anymore, prices have risen a lot... it used to be better... no side salad with steak or scaloppina for the price is harsh...

40 Gildepfadfinder im Reisebus unterwegs, und 10 Udineser Gildepfadfindrr wurden bestens versorgt. Wunderbare Antipastiteller und Pizza, wobei ich in der Schaukühlung von Bratwürsten und Scottona Fleisch beeindruckt war. Waren Wasser und Wein aus, wurde umgehend nachgeliefert. Ein gelungener Abend. Ich komme wieder wegen Scottona

Super friendly service, although everything was actually reserved, we were able to dine comfortably at the table. The food is very tasty and the prices are really cheap. The ambience is something very special, the highlight is the open wood stove.

Pleasant atmosphere, friendly waiter. The food was absolutely fine. Not top class but a solid pizza. FCK players are said to be guests often.

nice ambience, delicious food and friendly service ⁹

Very good food, friendly and attentive service and ambience very appealing in winter the fireplace is really pleasant!! Top

Our favorite Italian in Kaiserslautern, always top food and super friendly service, the ambience in the vaulted cellar is fantastic.

Very good food, nice service and a nice romantic atmosphere. We had class reunions here and shortly afterwards I invited my girlfriend to dinner here. It's always nice to eat here. We'll be back.

Every ready-made pizza from Wagner is better. The room is too small and way too loud. You don't understand your own words. The fireplace has no door, so the exhaust gases are distributed throughout the "restaurant". Ordering and delivery of food took too long. Service was rarely seen. It really wasn't good.

Beautiful, exceptional atmosphere, wonderful service. Very well served. We feel welcomed as special guests and not just customers. Best Restaurant I've been to in Kaiserslautern. I'll definitely be back.

Awesome Italian restaurant with great atmosphere and staff. Highly recommend reservations as they are well known and loved by anyone who has visited.

I had the pleasure of dining at this authentic Italian restaurant in Kaiserslautern, and it was an exceptional experience in every respect. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm, with decor reminiscent of typical Italian trattorias, creating a relaxing and pleasant environment. The staff is incredibly courteous and attentive, ready to recommend dishes and wines with great expertise. The menu offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The homemade pasta is truly delicious, and the pizzas are light and tasty, with a perfect combination of flavors. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail in the dishes, both in taste and presentation. The selection of Italian wines is also excellent, with options for every palate. The homemade tiramisu was the perfect culmination to a delicious evening. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Kaiserslautern. A real gem!

Feels like you are in a basement but food was good

The pizza was super tasty! We also ordered fish and rump steak and they were so delicious with potatoes on the side. The service was top. They are super friendly and the restaurant is super nice. It is a hidden gem in Kaiserslautern

Well-attended Italian restaurant, which unfortunately can also be seen in the food. Unfortunately, our dishes 3x pizza and 1x pasta al forno were in the oven for too long. We had the voucher blocks with us, which fortunately made the price bearable for the quality of the food. Unfortunately, an ingredient was forgotten in a pizza and peppers from a jar/can are unfortunately not possible at all. Unfortunately, the prices without a voucher book are far too expensive for the quality. It's a shame because the service and the location are actually great.

Mega delicious meat! Nice service! Fair prices!

Very nice staff. Cozy outdoor area. The steak was cooked to perfection and very tasty. There was no extra charge for reordering the supplement, which is not the case everywhere. We'd love to come back

Nice restaurant, you can enjoy the good weather outside. Staff are very friendly, food was quite good. Small negative points: the waiting time for food is a bit too long (maybe it was a lack of staff that day), we waited about 40' for the main course after the starters. On weekends you can only pay with cash…

The food was delicious. Reservation recommended as it is very busy.

A very nice beer garden. Food was overall very good. Staff was very friendly and helpful. It has to be mentioned here that the boss also says that they need to have more staff. Would benefit everyone. Reservation of seats is an advantage. A successful evening.

Enjoyed the evening in the inner courtyard with good food and drink when the summer weather was nice. Great service, everything served quickly and hot. Staff always friendly. Prices are also appropriate. What more do you want? But that's also possible when it's cold and you're sitting comfortably in the vault. And again today 👍

We ate here with a larger group and unfortunately had to wait over an hour for the food. The pizza didn't suit my taste, but as we all know, it varies from person to person. Overall, the restaurant is a bit old and could use a little more care.

This restaurant is definitely to be avoided!! The bruschetta was without salt, oil and any kind of flavor. The oil that was then given to us turned out to be sunflower oil and the pizza was so salty that it was almost impossible to enjoy. In the end we were told that everyone had different tastes and that everyone loved their bruschetta. We went after a slice of pizza. Never again!!

Great outside seating. Food and service were really good!

Service was nice and all special requests were met. Food ok, thought the dessert was great. The day we were there: only card payment, it was very loud, dark...

Nice atmosphere in the vaulted cellar. Delicious vegetarian pizza with side salad eaten. Courteous service. Gladly again

Very nice atmosphere and the food was excellent.

A visit to this restaurant feels like a short vacation in Italy. Definitely a restaurant where people and animals feel welcome. My husband and I were guests here for the first time today - but definitely not the last time! Great food, courteous service and a welcoming atmosphere. We are already looking forward to the next visit. 🙏🏻

Super delicious food, cozy atmosphere and friendly staff!

Very friendly staff. The ambience is also very pleasant and modern. We always enjoyed the food very much and varied Italian daily specials are offered at a high level. Price-performance ratio is also good and fair.

The pizza was tasty but a bit poorly topped. The staff was friendly and we received some attention from the house at the end. The wine cellar has an Italian charm and invites you to linger longer. The restaurant still has a courtyard when the weather is nice. Unfortunately, card payment is not possible but this will be pointed out at the entrance.

The food is always delicious and you sit inside in a cozy atmosphere. The service is very courteous and you feel completely comfortable.

Very nice cozy restaurant. Super friendly service, food was delicious and despite the house being full we didn't have to wait long. Always my pleasure

Excellent food and I loved the Cassatta cake dessert. Nothing like what I grew up with, and it was amazing!

Always enjoyed being there again.

We felt very comfortable and warmly welcomed in this cozy vaulted cellar. The veal was very tasty and the starter plate was surprisingly rich. The boss himself serves and gives every guest the impression of being warmly welcomed. Oh yes: and he’s a fan of Betze too!!

A visually stunning restaurant with delicious food and great service

Very attentive, nice and friendly staff. Pizza, salad and the homemade bread were delicious! See you soon

In short, reception was TOP, service was TOP, food was TOP, atmosphere was TOP. So all in a 10 out of 10. Highly recommended 👍🏼

Very friendly and cozy atmosphere. Food delicious 😋 I can recommend it 👍

Fish and steak as well as the tiramisu were delicious, the vaulted cellar is cozy and the service was very friendly. Gladly again.

Very friendly staff, great ambience and the food was really good. The salad and the bread that was served with it were fresh and there was nothing wrong with the pizza either.

A wonderful place for dinner. Ambiance, food and service are all top!!!!! Come again……

Great evening at the regulars' table and El Cheffe was super friendly. Food delicious, service on point. Cozy atmosphere in the vault. You don't need anything more for a convivial evening. Thank you Skendo, we would love to come back 😎

Was there for the first time, very rustic from the outside. Great inside, very cozy and just as unique. Also the food, very quick and excellent quality. Bruscetta as a starter and then the house pizza Cardinale. Both highly recommended. The staff is also very friendly. Looking forward to next time. Be sure to reserve!

Nice atmosphere in the vaulted cellar. Food very good, friendly service. When the weather is nice you can sit outside in the courtyard.

We were there for the first time yesterday. Everything was great, the food was very tasty, nice atmosphere and top service 🙌🏼👍🏼 We would love to come back 😍 Thank you again 😊

The quality of the food and hot drinks in the restaurant was very low and the atmosphere was extremely unpleasant. The owner's treatment of his employees was not appropriate and often seemed condescending, which affected the mood in the entire restaurant. It seemed like there was a constant feeling of insinuation in the air, which significantly detracted from the experience. Such a work environment can have a major impact on the customer experience. I hope that the situation for the employees will be improved to create a more pleasant atmosphere for the guests.

The best Valentine's Day ever! Fireplace & candlelight, wine & the best food in Lautern. the hospitality is second to none 😘 LG. Nina

We particularly liked the beautiful ambience towards the vaulted cellar with fireplace. The gentleman serving was also very nice and entertaining. The pizza was okay in terms of taste and size, not exceptional but definitely edible.

A very nice Italian restaurant with a vaulted cellar. The food was served after about 20 minutes of waiting, which is perfectly fine. 2 pizzas were ordered. The food tasted great. Here fresh mushrooms are placed on pizza. We parked opposite in the Q-Park car park under the Pfalztheater.

I ordered Napoli pizza. It was so salty as if they served me to die. Food was disaster. Generally Italian restaurant they serve Bread and olive oil. I wish they could have served that so that I would not have left the place empty stomach.

Restaurant im Gewölbekeller, Service sehr zuvorkommender und aufmerksam. Excellente Pizza. Der Salat war auch groß und sättigend. Das Ambiente ist total romantisch. Bargeld zum Bezahlen mitbringen!

Bestens Restaurant weit und breit

The staff was well trained. They were polite and perceptive. I ordered 'Lasagna Al Forno' and 'Tiramisu'. Both tasted really good to my liking. We were seated indoor, it was quite inviting ambiance. Would definitely recommend.

Das Essen ist sehr lecker und frisch. Man wird schnell und freundlich bedient. Auf die Wünsche der Gäste wird eingegangen und erfüllt Immer wieder gerne

Wir waren, wie schon öfters, sehr zufrieden. Für uns passt alles.

Leckere Tomatensauce mit Knobi Toast gegessen, absolut sympathischer Service. Komme gerne wieder!

Es ist alles Geschmackssache und Geschmäcker sind verschieden. Ich fand das Ambiente top. Der Gewölbekeller hat absolut Charme und das offene Feuer hat alles sehr gemütlich gemacht. Das Essen war (leider) nicht ganz mein Geschmack; es war in Ordnung. Service war flink, freundlich und spaßig. Daher gibt es dafür auch 5 Sterne.

Die beste Pizzen in Kaiserslautern, kann ich nur empfehlen.

Wir hatten reserviert, waren aber, weil wir mit den Öffis gefahren sind, eine halbe Stunde früher dran. Wir wurden herzlich vom gut gelaunten Team empfangen und bekamen trotzdem einen schönen Tisch. Die Wartezeiten waren gering und als man bemerkte, dass wir mit dem ersten Gang noch nicht ganz durch waren, wurde das Essen noch kurz warmgestellt, statt es uns aufzuzwängen. Der Kellner war stets zu kleinen Scherzen mit allen Anwesenden aufgelegt. Mein Essen war ausgezeichnet, das meiner Begleitung gut. Zu meckern gab und gibt es hier gar nichts. Von Anfang bis Ende wurden wir gut umsorgt und fühlten uns wohl. Wir werden gerne wiederkommen. Meine absolute Empfehlung 👍👍👍

Insgesamt sehr schön! Alles super

This place is by far one of my favorite for their lasagna and or their baked pasta. Call ahead and make a reservation, it could get busy but it’s totally worth it.

Schickes Lokal im Gewölbe Keller

Love coming here with friends whenever I'm in Kaiserslautern. Great outdoor seating area and a lovely stone basement. Food is usually pretty good, some things better than others, but generally always happy. What's really outstanding is the atmosphere and the friendly service without costing you an arm and a leg! Definitely recommend and will come back!

Wie immer ein Genuss hier zu Speisen, der Chef immer gut gelaunt, das Essen hervorragend, kann man ruhigen Gewissens weiterempfehlen ...

Sehr gutes Essen , top Service und das Ambiente ist sehr schön. Der Kamin in dem Gewölbekeller ist super 🙂👍

Das Ambiente ist wirklich sehr schön, ob innen oder außen. Leider muss man wirklich lange warten auf sein Essen, vom Hocker gehauen hat es mich leider auch nicht. Größe der 🍕 Pizza, ca Wagner TK, geschmacklich nicht viel besser als diese. Wir haben beobachtet dass alle anderen Gäste keine Pizza hatten, hat vielleicht seinen Grund.

Ein italienisches Restaurant mit tollen Ambiente entweder im Gewölbekeller oder im Hof, am Rand der Innenstadt von Kaiserslautern. Der Service war bei unserem Besuch an einem Freitagabend etwas überlastet. Wir haben unsere Vorspeise z.B. erst nach einer Stunde Wartezeit erhalten. Die Qualität der Speisen war leider nur durchschnittlich. Die Preise sind im normalen Bereich.

Sehr sehr schönes Ambiente. Eine super freundliche Inhaberin und das Essen einfach suuuuper lecker. Alles in einem ein perfektes Restaurant. Kommen gerne wieder

Super lieber Service, leckeres Essen! Gerne wieder!

Essen lecker, Service freundlich, aber im kellergewölbe halt etwas stickig.

De bonnes pizzas. Les serveuses sont très à l’écoute et font tout pour satisfaire. Le patron passe auprès des tables. Nous avons même réussi à avoir une assiette de fromages à partager. Et digestif offert. Ne pas hésiter

Sehr gutes Essen in super Gesellschaft

Das Essen schmeckt wirklich super lecker und die Servicekräfte sind total aufmerksam und sehr, sehr freundlich. Im Lokal ist es auch richtig schön. Alles 5 Sterne + Leider war es im Gewölbe so laut, dass eine Unterhaltung nur unter extremer Anstrengung stattfinden konnte. Das Gebläse war ebenfalls sehr laut und hat zudem Dreck auf den Tisch darunter geblasen. Das Gebläse wurde dann zwar ausgeschaltet, das Klima dafür umso stickiger. Kopf und Atmung waren beim Verlassen dankbar. Da ich ja den Gesamteindruck bewerten soll, tut es mir echt leid, dass ich hier nur 3 Sterne geben kann. Schade :-(

Top Essen in super Ambiente. Freundliche Bedienung