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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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August 2010
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