Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar
Nestled in the heart of Denver right by Union Station, Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar awaits to transport your palate to the romantic canals of Venice.
We arrived at the restaurant and were seated in the main dining room. The aesthetic was charming & intimate with murals of Venice, Italy on the walls, low lighting, & dark woods.
The service at the restaurant was impeccable. From the moment we set foot inside, the Venice staff greeted us with beaming smiles and genuine warmth. Manager, Paco and our server, Luis provided an exceptional dining experience and expertly guided us through the menu. It was clear that they were well-versed in each dish and were genuinely passionate about sharing their knowledge. Their professionalism was matched by engaging demeanors that created an inviting and hospitable ambiance throughout the restaurant.
For cocktails I had the Italian Manhattan made with Sagamore 8yr Rye Whiskey, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Cynar, & Angostura Bitters.
The Manhattan was a sophisticated cocktail; with each sip, the warmth of the rye whiskey & vermouth washed over my palate.
The Veal Meatballs were made with garlic, eggs, gorgonzola, parmesan cheese, Arrabiata sauce, pancetta and grilled garlic bread.
The Veal Meatballs were a comforting Italian dish - piping hot, incredibly tender & juicy.
The Insalata di Spinaci was made with baby spinach, walnuts, pears, cucumber, cheese crumbles, & raspberry vinaigrette.
The salad was plated beautifully and looked like a crown. The cucumbers held everything together while the baby spinach and greens were adorned with nuts, cheese & dark vinaigrette.
Throughout the meal, the service maintained pristine standards. Each course was brought to the table with a well-timed grace, allowing us to savor the previous course while anticipating the next. Empty plates were promptly cleared, and utensils were replaced, ensuring a seamless progression from appetizers to main courses.
The Rigatoni con Salsiccia was made with short tube pasta tossed with Italian sausage, caramelized onions, button mushrooms, and marinara sauce, & finished with a touch of cream.
This classic Italian dish was hearty, filling, & packed with great flavor. The al dente pasta was generously coated in creamy sauce and the sausage added spice.
Paired with the Rigatoni, I had a Tuscan Blend - the Casanova di Neri Irrosso 2020. This red wine was full-bodied with a juicy cherry finish.
The Risotto ai Frutti di Mare was made with shrimp, mussels, clams, and saffron.
The saffron turned the rice a beautiful gold while the seafood sat atop. The risotto was velvety and luxurious in texture and coated the tender shrimp, mussels, and clams with each bite.
Paired with the Risotto, I had the Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio Valdadige. This dry white wine had an appealing flavor of golden apples.
The Rack of Lamb was served atop potatoes.
The Rack of Lamb was gorgeous in presentation & taste - the meat was outrageously succulent.
The Sea Bass was served with artichoke hearts, fresh herbs & vegetables.
The delicate taste of the sea bass paired well with the sharp, fresh taste from the marinated artichokes.
For dessert we had White Chocolate Mousse.
The dessert was lovely & served in a martini glass. The mousse was light and airy & topped a tangy fruit layer of raspberry puree.
What a meal! Dining at Venice Ristorante was an experience that left us not only satisfied with the incredible food, but also so appreciative of the dedicated individuals who made the evening unforgettable.
Big thanks to Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar, Paco, & Luis for hosting us!
Check it out babes & let them know that denv.her. sent you. xx
Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar
Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery
Address: 1700 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202
Menu: veniceristorante.com
Phone: (303) 534-2222
Reservations: opentable.com