Arches and brick walls, white drapes, life-size Cupid installations hanging from the ceiling, customised furniture, a 30ft bar made with art stone and adorned with tipple bottles and cooking ingredients, reminded us of the innumerable trattorias dotting the streets of Italy when we walked inside Veneto in South City Mall. Inspired by the Italian food served on the streets of Venetia or Venice, Veneto is a 56-seater Italian restaurant by Amit and Vanita Bajoria who are also the franchisees of Lord of the Drinks and Hard Rock Cafe Kolkata.
The interiors of Veneto have been done by Aditi Jain, in keeping with the concept of a modern-day upscale trattoria.
“Veneto is our very own creation. My husband and I felt that the city lacked a casual approach with an Italian dining place. That’s what motivated us to bring a slice of Italy here. From wood-fired pizzas made with 00 flour, home-made pasta and risotto, an exceptional wine list, one of the city’s best, everything will teleport you to the cobbled streets of Italy. We’re not just serving food here, but also offering an unforgettable dining experience,” said Vanita.
The menu also includes cocktails and mocktails. The Telegraph got an exclusive walkthrough of the Italian restaurant and here’s what we liked...
“Veneto is named after my wife, Vanita, whom I am grateful to have in my life. Being in the hospitality industry, we wanted to come up with something that is original and new in the city. Besides, with the pandemic transiting to endemic, people are looking for good food options. We believe this is the right time, hence we introduced our very own creation,” said Amit Bajoria, seen here with wife Vanita.
What: Veneto
Where: Fourth floor, South City Mall
Timings: Noon to midnight
Meal for two: Rs 1,800 (without alcohol) and Rs 2,800 (with alcohol)
Pollo Alla Griglia is a chicken salad with roast chicken, prepared in a wood-fired oven, hand-tossed with cherry tomatoes, corn, red onions and feta and watermelon in an apple cider vinegar dressing.
Straight off the lava grill is the simple and delicious Grilled Atlantic Salmon Caper Sauce served with truffle mashed potato and sauteed veggies.
The menu boasts of Italian lava grills with options like cottage cheese, chicken, bekti, salmon, prawn, pork chops. We tried Australian Lamb Chops that were well done, juicy, had the perfect smokiness and was served on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes and bell peppers.
Spicy Goan Chorizo is a pizza that you will love! Homemade soft pizza bases are slathered with a thick Roma tomato sauce, topped with smoked Goan sausages, chopped jalapenos and loaded with mozzarella. Spicy with a hint of tangy!
Make Purple Fairy Fizz your go-to summer drink because this refreshing sip has an exotic blue pea-infused gin with elder flower, shaken with citrus juice and topped with Indian tonic water.
Creamy, yummy and silk-smooth defines Butter Beer, a vanilla-infused vodka, caramel syrup, lime juice, bourbon, honey water, egg white and apple juice-based cocktail!
Looking for a potent drink? Try Cloud Nine Iced Tea that is a strong LIIT with six spirits, Red Bull and a dash of blue curacao and served with a Budweiser ping in a big glass. The drink is just right for two people!
Seafood lovers must try the warm and perfectly cooked Aglio Gamberi e Calamari that has baby squids and prawns tossed in a very juicy and flavourful butter garlic and creamy white wine sauce. Squeeze a lemon wedge for best result and savour with crispy garlic bread on the side.
If you like your pizza with a slightly different topping, go for Chicken, Cranberry and Brie! This has no tomato sauce spread, instead has Brie cheese, juicy chicken chunks, cranberry sauce, mozzarella and lots of olive oil!
Crisp on the outside and packed with warm mozzarella cheese creamy risotto balls inside. Relish this classic Arancini with spicy tomato sauce and green pepper salsa.
Save the last for the best by digging into Tiramisu. This classic layered Italian dessert has the perfect balance of lady fingers, coffee, mascarpone and cheese.
Pictures: B. Halder