Canaletto

Canaletto Restaurant Review:

Another concept from the creative minds behind the Il Fornaio trattoria, Canaletto is situated beside the ersatz Grand Canal and St. Marks Square of The Venetian’s indoor re-creation of Italy. The view from its 300-seat patio includes the square's lively shows. The open kitchen, with a marble counter and big-flame pizza oven, dominates the back of the restaurant, designed for cozy dining. A winding staircase takes guests to a mezzanine with a plush reception room, a sparkling marble-topped bar and five rooms to accommodate private parties. Among starters, we like the house-cured smoked swordfish carpaccio with sliced fresh artichoke, as well as the Tuscan melon with prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano and balsamic reduction. Try the calzone filled with mozzarella, mushrooms, ricotta, ham and tomato sauce. Risotto with shrimp, scallops, brandy and squid ink is a winner. Another option is the grilled lamb chops with mint sauce, served with organic spinach and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes. Save room for the Treviso-style tiramisu and the chilled zabaione with Baicoli cookies, fresh berries, Bellini sorbet and whipped cream.