Spasso Cucina Italiana

Spasso Cucina Italiana Restaurant Review:

Francesco Cionti, a Rome native, brings an authentic Italian vibe to Ventura’s sleepy Seaward Avenue. Spasso’s menu reflects Cionti’s Roman roots. Start with tender fried calamari or baked eggplant with a rich marinara sauce. Meat-heavy entrées like breaded pork chops, pan-roasted and topped with a balsamic reduction, are full of flavor. A marrow-dripping veal osso buco has been slowly braised. Pastas are aplenty. The antipasto more closely resembles a charcuterie plate than a salad, and the spaghetti alla carbonara offers the creamy texture of al dente pasta tossed with egg, white wine and pancetta. For dessert, a Nutella-filled calzone will bring tears to the eyes of anyone who loves the marriage of chocolate and hazelnut. A full bar and wine list round out the experience.