Canaletto is simply the most satisfying Italian fine dining experience that you will find on the Las Vegas strip. I ate there recently with two friends who are major foodies and I'm no slouch either. We agreed that this was the best meal in any fine restaurant that we've ever had in Vegas, bar none.
The Venetian Hotel Resort Casino has the good fortune of being the home to Canaletto. The restaurant is the vision of Chef and Partner, Gianpaolo Putzu. His association with the founders of the Il Fornaio restaurants ensures that the service, quality, menu diversity, and ambience are exquisite and welcoming. The views of the Grand Canal and gondolas are surprisingly charming when you're seated in the patio area and offers great people watching. The interior of the restaurant is intimate and elegantly lit. There's a wonderful open kitchen so you can see the artisans at work, too.
We decided on the Calamaretti Fritti and Caprese as antipasto in order to check the execution on a couple of staple appetizers. The calamari was light and just right with a nice tangy marinara sauce and featured grilled polenta and tartar sauce on the side. The polenta was a pleasant surprise there. The caprese (fresh mozz, basil, olive oil) was nicely done, too.
Two of the three entrees were spectacular and the third was in the running as well. We were offered the lobster and pasta entree. It was expertly prepared, primo. The ravioli special of the night featured a wonderful asparagus sauce that was fresh, creamy not heavy, and transcendent. This was clearly the fave of the three entrees. The Grigliata Di Pesce Con Polenta is a regional fish dish with more of that tasty polenta and fresh vegetables. Being a bunch of fuss pots we found the salmon was just a tinch dry but the sea bass, prawns, and sea scallops were off the charts. Additionally, the wine selection, bubble water, cappucino, and sambuca enhanced the experience from start to finish. The Dolce Trio Dessert sampler of Colombina Al Cioccolato, Tramisù and Crespelle with a scoup of vanilla ice cream just about did us in.
Go to Canaletto the next time you're out and about in Las Vegas and want a break from the buffets. Ask for Assistant General Manager, Matthew Galli, and he'll see to it that you're treated like Italian royalty. I know we were.
Comments