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Veneziano Restaurant: An old Favorite With
A New Style
By Joyce Newbegin
Downtowner Dining Editor
Veneziano Italian Restaurant located at the corner
of Granby Street at 41st Street in Riverview, has
been a welcoming sight to diners for over 60 years.
Family owned and operated by the Loiercio family
and known to former generations simply as The Venice,
the Granby Street eatery has remained a popular
spot for locals as well as tourists and the military.
Renowned for its authentic Italian dishes and cozy,
colorful atmosphere, its popularity has continued
over the years.
Seeming a little bit of Italy in Norfolk, reminiscent
of lovely Venice, the walls are not only decorated
with scenes of Venice but also drawings by former
chef-owner Antonino, known for his delectable pastries
and cakes every Easter Sunday.
Now under the stewardship of son Orlando and his
mother, the charming Angelina, Veneziano has expanded
its hours of operation, staying open for both lunch
and dinner every day except Tuesday, as well as
some holidays such as Easter. The festive Easter
spread features traditional lamb as well as varied
desserts.
Executive Chef, Orlando, carries on the Veneziano
tradition. The meal begins with a choice of soup
or salad. I chose an excellent homemade cream of
spinach and mushroom soup with a delicate flavor
- costing $2.50 per cup or $3.50 a bowl. My guest
chose the Italian mix salad at $3.59 a platter.
Also excellent.
The next course: calamari, clam, shrimp in a choice
of red or white sauce over angel hair (capellini)
style pasta is different and superb. This writer,
although more used to fried calamari, this combination
in red sauce proved a real treat and it costs $16
for each serving.
Another platter and a real favorite of my family
remains Spaghetti and clams in white sauce. Although
also available topped with red, the white version
has a special delicate flavor, especially when laced
with minced garlic. The entree, highly spiced with
garlic, etc. was very good but perhaps a little
too spicy. It was a real treat at just $11.00 per
serving.
The next serving, the popular cheese ravioli with
mushroom sauce, became the piece de resistance -
Ravioli, always a favorite - a la Veneziano is exceptional.
All of the sauces - totally homemade - are highly
digestible, especially the familiar red. The entree
is a real winner! This traditional dish is priced
between $9 and $14, depending on choice of sauce,
marinara or meat.
One of the unusual starters we tried were the New
Zealand mussels. An excellent choice! Gnocci - the
traditional homemade potato version, is served with
varied sauces such as pizzaoli and priced at $11
per serving.
The restaurant’s specials - too numerous to
mention - include homemade lasagna at $12.00 a serving.
The Loiercio family proudly proclaim a family recipe
served for 60 years. Homemade Manicotti topped with
meat or mushroom sauce and over-baked at just $10.50
per serving is a long-standing popular dish.
If you enjoy good Italian food, there surely will
be something to please you on the menu. Veneziano
Italian Restaurant, located at 4024 Granby Street,
welcomes newcomers as well as “regulars.”
For more information call (757) 625-0363.
Tell them The Downtowner sent you! Ciao! Bon appetito!
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