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| - It's been a while since I've eaten at Veneto, but now that I live in Phoenix, I'm going to have to make this a go to for great Italian food! The meal I had here was among the most memorable in my life!
We went here on the recommendation of the concierge at our hotel in Mesa. When we arrived, we were a bit skeptical. The restaurant is a bit unassuming, and considering it's tucked away in a strip mall (granted a very nice strip mall in Scottsdale), we had second thoughts. As soon as we went inside, however, our concerns were soon allayed.
The dining room is absolutely lovely. It is warm and inviting and very nicely done. It makes for a reasonably romantic dining experience if you are looking for that, but it's also great for groups (and they have a great patio). The decor is not obtrusive, and the atmosphere is very conducive to conversation. The ambiance, plus great service, really makes Veneto a destination worth seeking from anywhere in the valley.
Of course, all the ambiance and service in the world means nothing without good food. Fortunately, Veneto doesn't disappoint in the culinary department.
We started our meal with the Bruschetta al Salmone (bruschetta with salmon). Bruschetta is one of my favorite appetizers (or snacks - basically a favorite all around), so it takes a lot to impress me when it comes to this dish. Their take on this plate did not disappoint. The flavors were bright and fresh, and the fish played nicely with the fresh tomatoes. Absolutely wonderful bruschetta. I was half tempted to order a second plate and just call it a meal.
Fortunately for me we avoided the temptation to eat nothing bruschetta and moved on to entrees. I had swordfish (it was a special - not on their usual menu) and my girlfriend had the ravioli. After being primed for a good meal by a mind blowing appetizer, we were hoping the entrees would live up to the opening act. They did not disappoint. I was a bit hesitant to get seafood at a restaurant in Phoenix. Arizona is not exactly know to be a wet place, so fish in the desert seems risky. However, considering the freshness of the salmon from our appetizer, I took the risk. I'm glad I did. The swordfish was, in all honesty, some of the best seafood I have ever had. It was probably among the top five seafood dishes I have ever eaten. Anywhere. The fish was fresh, flakey, cooked just right, and seasoned in a way that brought out the natural goodness of the swordfish steak. They didn't have to hide subpar fish under a wave of spices. This was good fish, and they made it shine. My girlfriend's pasta was also very good. It was a nice blend of flavors, and the pasta was cooked to perfection.
For dessert, we had their take on tiramisu. Once again I could have set myself up for disappointment because tiramisu is hands down my favorite dessert of all time, but once again, Veneto delivered. The flavors were rich yet balanced, and the chocolate they topped it off with played nicely with the traditional mascarpone and espresso. We also imbibed with some kind of boozy amaretto dessert coffee drink. It, too, was delicious. It was the prefect sweet ending to a very memorable meal.
Veneto is, quite simply, brilliant, and they provided me with one of my most memorable dining experiences ever. I can't recommend this place enough. Even before I moved here I was recommending it to my friends when they traveled to Phoenix. It's a great meal in a great atmosphere, and honestly, it's a great value. I would pay twice as much as I paid for my meal.
Seriously, try this place. You will not be disappointed!
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