La Cucina Yerardi

Lunch and groceries in one venue

On the Cheap by Theresa Regli

Not far from the Green Line's Waban stop is the warm and welcoming Cucina Yerardi. This casual Italian kitchen doubles as a market selling imported cookies, pasta, meats, and cheese; it's reminiscent of Brookline's popular Bottega Fiorentina, in Coolidge Corner. Both serve an Italian version of fast food: panini, pasta, and pizza made in-house with fresh and imported ingredients.

Cucina Yerardi does mostly takeout business, but there are two tables -- both in front of windows -- that make for a lovely place to sit down to a snack or light meal. My favorite items are the panini ($4.95 to $5.95), sandwiches served on warm Italian rolls. Fillings include roasted turkey, fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato, pesto, grilled eggplant, roasted peppers, and provolone. Pasta entrées ($5.95 to $8.95) include both basic and elaborate dishes; try the hearty homemade lasagna ($6.95) or the aromatic sausage cacciatore ($6.95). Some pasta entrées can be ordered in "La Famiglia" portions ($19.95), which feed four people.

La Cucina Yerardi, located at 89 Wyman Street, in Newton (Waban Village), is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call (617) 527-8002.

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