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- I visited the Cake Boss’ restaurant in Las Vegas. My $80 meal tasted like it was cooked by an Italian grandma. (businessinsider.com)
A Taste of Italy in Vegas: Buddy V’s Ristorante Delivers Comfort and Class
LAS VEGAS, NV – Forget the glitz and glamour for a moment and imagine stepping into a cozy Italian kitchen, even amidst the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip. That’s the experience awaiting diners at Buddy V’s Ristorante, the culinary venture of “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, located within The Venetian. One recent diner’s $80 meal, a three-course affair complete with a mocktail, proved to be a delightful journey through authentic Italian-American comfort food, earning high praise for its flavors and atmosphere.
The restaurant, which opened in 2013, represents Valastro’s first foray into savory cuisine, building on the global success of his Carlo’s Bakery brand. While the baker is renowned for his elaborate cakes, Buddy V’s offers a menu filled with family favorites and Italian-American staples, giving diners a glimpse into the Valastro family’s culinary traditions.
Navigating the expansive Venetian resort can be a feat, but clear signage guides patrons to Buddy V’s, situated conveniently within the Grand Canal Shops – and, perhaps fittingly, directly across from a Carlo’s Bakery outpost. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an “outdoor” seating area beneath an awning, evoking the charm of an old Italian neighborhood. Inside, the decor masterfully blends Old World charm, with dark wood and colored glass, with distinct Las Vegas opulence, evident in dramatic lighting and plush leather seating.
The menu itself is a testament to family tradition. Dishes like “My Mother-In-Law’s Linguine Shrimp Scampi” and the “Valastro Sunday Gravy” (a rich sauce with meatballs, sausage, lamb, and pork over rigatoni) highlight the personal touch. Classic offerings such as carbonara, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken Marsala also feature prominently.
For those abstaining from alcohol, Buddy V’s goes above and beyond the usual sparkling water or soda options. The restaurant boasts a dedicated selection of high-end mocktails and zero-proof cocktails. The “Sinless Spritz,” a $14 non-alcoholic take on an Italian spritz, was particularly lauded for its authentic flavor, transporting the diner to Italy without the spirits.
The diner opted for the prix-fixe dinner menu, priced at $58, which included an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The meal commenced with a complimentary bread service: a warm, herby bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The appetizer, Grandma’s Meatballs, consisting of three tender meatballs made from beef, veal, and pork, was served in a tangy tomato sauce and topped with Parmesan and fresh herbs. The star of the dish, however, was the marinara sauce, described as “the best red sauce” the diner had experienced at an Italian restaurant, so delicious that every drop was savored.
The main course, chicken Parmesan, arrived as a generous portion of breaded chicken topped with mozzarella and more of that exquisite red sauce, accompanied by a side of spaghetti. The dish was praised for its crispy chicken, flavorful sauce, and fresh mozzarella, leaving the diner wishing they could continue eating even after feeling full.
Dinner concluded with a delightful cannoli, a sugar-dusted shell filled with sweet, creamy ricotta, with one end dipped in chocolate chips and the other in crushed pistachios. A warm, melted chocolate dipping sauce elevated the dessert to another level.
Clocking in at $80, including the mocktail, the meal at Buddy V’s was considered well worth the price, falling within the typical range for quality dining experiences in Las Vegas. Beyond the delicious food that tasted like it came straight from an Italian grandmother’s kitchen, the blend of Vegas chic and cozy Italian ambiance, coupled with the impressive non-alcoholic beverage selection, made Buddy V’s a standout experience.
For those seeking authentic Italian comfort food with a touch of Vegas flair, Buddy V’s Ristorante comes highly recommended. The promise of that incredible tomato sauce alone is enough to warrant a return visit to the Strip.