By Saadia Ahmed
Via Veneto Review – Santa Monica Beach Italian
When I arrived at Via Veneto in Santa Monica, I was pleased to find out that they offered valet so I could start my Italian culinary adventure right away. As I entered sexy venue the grandiose Venetian chandeliers immediately caught my eye – it was hard not to be awed by how captivating they were. The restaurant had a very cozy feel and chic ambiance. The dim lighting and candlelit tables made for a very romantic setting and made me wish I was on a date.
I was greeted by Via Veneto’s friendly servers, who seated me at one of the corner tables near the door. It was indeed the best seat in the house, as it gave me a view of the entire restaurant, including the indoor balcony upstairs. My attentive server was very well-informed about the menu, which included an impressive list of specials and wine pairings. As I was feeling adventurous, I decided to try a few of the specials he recommended.
One of my favorite facets of Via Veneto is the sampler plates they offer. The menu is so wide and enticing that it is difficult to decide what to get. I was able to order an appetizer sampler with three different items and a pasta sampler with four different pastas! Even going out with a full Italian family limits you to trying a handful of dishes, so Via Veneto astutely found a solution to let you partake in a large portion of its cuisine.
A noteworthy culinary presentation is very important to me as it makes the food more appealing. When the appetizers arrived, I was fascinated by how beautifully plated they were. The grilled, tender Portobello Mushrooms with the Fried, Crispy Arugula and thin slices of Parmesan Cheese made for a scrumptious combination and an enchanting compilation of textures. The Burrata, an Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream was combined with an Heirloom Tomato, Olive Oil and Fresh Basil. The soft and buttery texture was a delightful burst of velvety flavor.
There were two extraordinary pastas on the sampler plate. I started with the Homemade Black Squid Ink Pasta with Fresh Calamari, and was blown away. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the scent, flavors, and textures enchanted me. I did not think it could be beat until I tried the red Zucchini Ravioli Stuffed with Lobster. The little pasta purses were exceptional and boasted a sweet and light tomato sauce and succulent lobster. I was so enamored with it that I was tempted abandon the rest and order a full bowl of it before I even tried the remaining pastas. It was by far my favorite dish of the night.
Much to my delight, the Branzino (Mediterranean Seabass) was so very soft and buttery. The taste and juiciness were heightened with a couple squirts of lemon. The split Langoustines are a sweeter version of lobster and were just as decadent and satisfying.
Though I felt extremely full from the decadent feast I had consumed thus far, I could not leave Via Veneto without satisfying my sweet cravings. The delicious Sbriciolona Tart stuffed with homemade chocolate and cream felt like a crunchy biscuit and indeed hit the spot.
Via Veneto offers its patrons quite a memorable experience. The homemade Italian fare, marvelous wine pairings, sultry and accommodating ambiance and stellar waitstaff will leave your bellies, eyes and mouths truly satiated.
Saadia recently moved to Los Angeles from Virginia. The author of the cultural romance novel, The First and an avid moviegoer, she also writes the movie blog: It’s All In the Movies.