Little Venetian
2900 Rice St, Saint Paul, MN, 55113
Little Venetian Menu
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Soups
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Pasta
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Hot Sandwiches
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Burger & Cold Sandwiches
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Little Venetian Favorites
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Breads Etc
Healthy Meal suggestions for Little Venetian
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Soups
-
Pasta
-
Hot Sandwiches
-
Burger & Cold Sandwiches
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Little Venetian Favorites
-
Breads Etc
Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2900 Rice St
Saint Paul, MN, 55113 - Phone (651) 486-7719
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Sara S.
Little Venetian is a restaurant and catering company ran by the same family that owned the Venetian Inn. They have amazing italian food. The restaurant is a small cafe, great for a small group outing. The catering service is by far the best service I have ever recieved. Connie at the Little Venetian catered my wedding. Not only are people still talking about how great the food was, but she went above and beyond to help me with my wedding. She really made sure that everything ran so simple and smooth throughout the entire planning process, including the decorations! In addition to the great food, everyone was really impressed with the dessert- my husband and I are not big fans of cake, so she made us a spumoni pie dessert which was delicious and a huge hit at the reception.
(5)Tim S.
I'm glad I read Patti K's review on the Little Venetian, because a group and friends and I made plans to eat here on Friday night. The place closes at 8:00 PM, so we had to eat fast! The spicy Dago was the best, and I have a bib to prove it. Make sure you order the sloppy version if you want to get the full experience. I also ordered the Minestrone soup, which was loaded with veggies. I enjoyed the meal, but the reason for not giving an extra star was due to our server. I think Flo from Mel's Diner was her role model. Now, she could have been crabby because she had to serve a large group just before closing, but something tells me not. She did loosen up a bit during the course of our meal, but we all noticed her disposition. Good food though, and make sure you check into Yelp so you can take advantage of the Yelp $3.00 off coupon! (Although the lead server came out to see my phone to check out the deal, and she said she didn't know about it and she does all the marketing!)
(4)Keith P.
I really want to like this place. I really do, but I just can't do it. We've tried the Little Venetian 3 or 4 times over the past few years. The original Venetian was a Rice street staple for decades. This may be similar recipes but it's an order at the counter and they bring it out type place, Culvers style. They even give you a number to set on the table so they can recognize your table from the other one person in the restaurant. The food just isn't anything I could recommend. The sauce is so very uninspired. Meatballs are bland (and quite small). Sausage is soft and bland. Ravioli is pretty much Chef Boyardee quality. My wife ordered the baked penne. I took a few bites and just couldn't take any more. The cheese seemed very low quality and absolutely flavorless. I realize it's baked so it gets cooked more, but they have to really account for that when they are cooking the pasta. The penne was just obliterated and total mush. Prices aren't ridiculous and when we've gone, the service is good and they were always nice to us. Like other reviewers pointed out, there are quite a few other Italian places not too far away that are much better. I would recommend searching out those places.
(2)Mary G.
I'd heard of Little Venetian, thought it might be something special and worth a try. Couldn't have been more disappointed. This "restaurant" is more a cafeteria, located in a run-down strip mall next door to a dollar store. The photo on Groupon shows elegant table service with wine in stemware and white cloth napkins. Reality was wine in a glass and paper napkins. When you walk in don't expect to be greeted; you're supposed to know enough to walk up to the front counter to order. There were three staff people (whom I call "the trio") behind the counter, fairly ornery, at the end of their shift, clearly eager to punch out and go home. On the counter were plates showing the "daily specials" covered with plastic wrap; a rather bizarre arrangement. When I asked about prices, one of the "trio" said they were listed on the menu board above the counter. The entrée that I wanted was not listed on the menu, which I pointed out to her. She contradicted me but after searching the menu she finally had to admit it wasn't listed and between the three of them they finally came up with a price for me. I asked how much our Groupon would cover. After consulting among themselves, the "trio" spokesperson explained the Groupon deal was good for up to $38.90; anything above that would be extra. What they could/should have simply said was that each meal included a glass of wine (whether or not you want it) and each person can have an entree up to $12.95. If one of entrees is $9.25 and one is $14.95 although the total with wine comes to $37.20 you still have to pay $2 extra because one entrée is more than $12.95. That, however, would have been too easy. Instead I had to spend precious minutes trying to do the math in my head and even then was wrong because I hadn't read the fine print (and apparently neither did the staff). We got there around 7:30, but by the time we figured out the menu and finally ordered it was about 7:40. I asked if salad was available; they said the salad bar is taken down at 7:45 and pointed to their clock which said 7:50 (it was set at "bar time"). Salad bar had already been taken down when we got there at 7:30. Whatever. A basket of dry bread appeared but no butter or olive oil. I noticed a party near us had a bottle of olive oil on their table; I asked to borrow it. It was practically empty and very low-quality (having done a few olive-oil tastings in Italy and elsewhere I know the difference). I ordered the Shrimp Broccoli Fettucine. The 4 jumbo shrimp were fine, the broccoli was pretty good. The "alfredo sauce", however, didn't look or taste like any alfredo sauce I've ever had. Couldn't tell for sure if it had cream, butter or cheese in it; it had a peculiar thin, "gelatinous" texture with maybe yellow food coloring? The haddock my husband ordered was very ordinary, what you might expect at a hospital cafeteria. Mashed potatoes weren't bad, but seemed as though they were pre-prepared and microwaved. The green beans were tough. After our food was unceremoniously dropped off at our table nobody bothered to check on how our meals were. I left a small tip and only because one of the staff brought me a to-go box when I asked (although no bag to put it in). When they say they close at 8 PM, they don't mean they stop taking orders at 8. At 7:55 they start shutting the place up, sweeping the floor and giving the evil eye to anyone "lingering". If anyone dared to still be eating at 8 PM I suspect they would lock the door and turn off the lights. My husband gulped his food, I chugged my wine, grabbed my box and we ran out before finding out what they do to stragglers. I haven't had a more rushed, uncomfortable, uninspired meal in many moons. I would have felt ripped-off if we'd paid the undiscounted price of $42.32. As it was, even though we only paid the Groupon rate of $23, plus $5 for "overage" and tax, at $28 it was not worth it. We like buying Groupons to explore new restaurants to decide if we care to return. This was a "never again experience" for us. On the upside, we're likely to laugh about this experience for years, one of those "how bad was it" memories you joke about. In short it was the worst - but maybe the funniest - Groupon experience ever.
(2)Heather G.
To be fair we have no idea what the food tastes like. We'd never been there, made the drive from Woodbury. The salad bar really isn't. I think there was maybe a dozen items on it, including dressings. The first staff member we met was cold and unwelcoming. A second staff member appeared, said she was the cashier, was much friendlier, and asked if we had questions. Of course,.we did, we expected to be seated and have an order taken. That was admittedly our mistake, this place has some odd thing where you order at the counter, sit, and wait for it to be brought out to you. Not what we were looking for, but the vibe of the place, combined with the lackluster sort-of salad bar, was enough to keep us from ever coming back sometime when WE ARE looking for that type of place.
(1)Vicktoria B.
The lasagna sauce tasted like tomato paste. The salad bar was pathetic. Would not recommend
(1)Koni N.
Food was disgusting. I ordered the Alfredo pollo. It came on a large plate and was filled with A Lot of sauce. I mean A LOT! The noodles were literally drowning in the sauce. It didn't even taste anything like Alfredo. Don't get it. My sister got the chicken parmigano and it was awful . The chicken tasted like it was reheated. Was old and dry and burnt. They covered the burnt park with cheese on top. Plus the dish tasted just like chef boyardee. I went here because I had a Groupon deal. No wonder why they had a groupon. No one ever comes. We also got a bread basket and the bread was cold and hard. Will not be coming back. My sister and I ended up going to Culvers. It's right across the street from them. Save your money and time and don't go here.
(1)J S.
Awful, sauce tasted like Ragu. The sausage was boiled, not fried or grilled. Grey in color and flavor. The pasta tasted like creamettes. Chicken Parm breaded patty with freezer burn. No wait Ragu sauce is better. Stand in line to order a very small counter. Staff acted like we were bothering them.
(1)Annie P.
A cut way below Chef Boyaredee. Most who come are still living in the Venetian Inn on Rice Street days. Between cheap ingredients and LC white bread clientele, this place is no better than an Domino's with tables. Skip it.
(2)Deborah E.
The pizza was so bad! Staff unfriendly and rude. I should have just stayed home and made my own homemade pizza for the fraction of the cost. I'm very disappointed.
(1)Christine S.
The food was fair, the staff however was extremely rude and not the least bit helpful. Don't bother!
(1)Bryan R.
I'm here right now and they had no idea what I was talking about when I asked about redeeming the $3 off entree. Ok......
(1)Patti K.
This little restaurant doesn't look like much from the outside, but there were quite a few pleasant surprises. The restaurant is a cozy little place, and the owner and employees greet you warmly. We ordered broiled haddock and the portobello mushroom pasta special. The portions were generous, and the tomato sauce had a little kick of pepper. Our server offered us plastic bibs, which I gratefully took. This is not classy in the conventional sense, but only a fool who loves to do laundry would refuse. My haddock was ever so slightly overdone, but the vegetables with which it was served were fine. I was also pleasantly surprised by the salad bar. It was small, but had many tasty pasta salad options in addition to the regular greens. The one downside to our visit was that they close pretty early, so we had to rush through our meal. Most of that strip mall seems to shut down by 8. Overall, it was solidly good food for a good price. Little Venetian is better than many other small independent suburban Italian restaurants that I have visited in recent years, and I would probably go here before I go to a certain overpriced national chain Italian restaurant.
(3)Dennis L.
The Little Venetian is a quaint little Italian restaurant nestled in a strip mall north of hwy 36 on Rice Street. I'm usually a bit weary of places located at a strip mall, but surprisingly to me, it has very good food! The style is similar to Culvers where you order first, take a number, then find a seat, and they'll bring out the piping hot food out to you. Even before the food comes out they offer you a bib. And if you accept one, they'll even tie it on for you! How's that for quality service? A buddy had ordered the calamari and chicken parm and the missus and I had both ordered the half and half with a meatball/sausage which is plate with two different choices of pastas. I rolled the spaghetti and fettuccini alfredo, and my better half the baked penne and spaghetti. Of course when I sit down, I saw the full menu and I noticed a specials board where they had listed linguine with clam sauce which is my favorite pasta dish ever! Ah well...perhaps next time! The calamari was easily one of the better ones I've had in the cities. And the large portions of pastas were all cooked perfectly and the sauce tasted good. Everyone said their meals were excellent and we left the place very full and not so sassy. For great homemade Italian food with friendly staff, I'd recommend trying out this place. I think normally I'd give a place like this 4 stars, but the whole "tying the bib on for you" deal really tickled my fancy so thus the perfect 5.
(5)Marge M.
Went to this place because we had a coupon. I agree with the people stating they wished they could give a zero. You order at the cash register and are given a plastic cup for your beverage. We ordered the sausage and peppers with a side of pasta. The pasta was like mush. My boyfriend ordered pizza with 3 toppings, he said the crust was like a cracker, I took a piece and looked at the bottom and then tasted, I said "I think this is frozen pizza". Whatever it was it wasn't good. After about 8 minutes we asked for some to go boxes and left. The dogs liked it. Over priced, cheaply prepared food.
(1)Don C.
I've had the pleasure of dining here at least four times and have never been disappointed. The food is home style and very much like the Italian food I grew up with in western Pennsylvania. That part of the state is where Italian immigrants moved to work in the coal mines. Yes, I am the son of a coal miner. Anyway, great food at a great price. Very nice and casual wait staff. The wine list is limited but who cares after a couple of large glasses of Chianti. I'll go back again. I think it would be a blast to have a part there. I know they do have a party room.
(5)peter y.
This place is tucked within a shoddy little strip market. It's hard to miss it if you drive by it though. There's a nice garden and some patio tables out in front of the restaurant. The food is good and the service is great. The price is also pretty good. I've had the Italian sausage, chicken alfredo, and the lasagna. They give you some good sized portions and they have plenty of sides too. One day during lunch, they brought everyone out some delicious tomato salad. The owner said she was trying out a new recipe. This place is awesome
(5)Andrea B.
Oh, how I wish I could give this place that is oh, so local to me more stars than just one. I cannot. The lady who took our order at the counter was disgruntled and pretty much told us she hates her life, manager, boss, etc. The place seems poorly managed, understaffed...etc. Low morale is picked up on by customers!! The food...well... The fried mushrooms were obviously frozen, from a box. The garlic toast featured uncooked bread at the bottom with stringy melted cheese on top. The lasagna was "acceptable" (per my dining companion), I had the Sloppy Dago...it was pretty much an english muffin with a ton of sauce on it, a frozen, store bought meatball, and some flavorless cheese. The star goes out to the one server who was very sweet to our kiddo and actually seemed like a person who wasn't completly surly about her job. We (my bf, kiddo and I) are not complainers or picky by any means....my other reviews prove this, but this place is pretty bad. Take your money, drive down the road to Mama's Pizza (seriously) and see how a real divey Italian place should be run.
(1)Noah K.
I was disappointed with my meal. I bought a Groupon so I don't have any complaint about the price but the food was sub standard. I ordered the Italian Sausage. It came with a serving of spaghetti. The sauce reminded me of an old can of store bought tomato sauce. The sausage was fine but not great. The sausage was cooked with large chunks of green peppers and onions with a sprinkling of some kind of cheese. Inoffensive but bland. The table service came off as obligatory. There was little that was comforting or welcoming. I felt as though I had interrupted some sort of family quarrel. I won't be returning for a second meal.
(2)Jeremy A.
If I could give a resturaunt 0 stars, it would go to this place. AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE. I only review places when they are really good, or really bad and this place is horrible. They are very over priced, we paid $40 for Chicken Parm, a Chicken Walnut dinner garlic bread and dessert. My wife had the chicken parm which was edible, with spaghetti and prego sauce on top. The Chicken parm had cheddar cheese, and canned mushrooms. I had "Walnut Chicken" the cashier said that it was a walnut crusted chicken with a "sweet sauce" on top. Well it was bread crumbs, with some walnuts and the "sweet sauce" was just store bought maple syrup. Also I was told that the chicken came with corn on the cob, but was served a medley of vegetables from the frozen food section. I complained and got the corn on the cob but it was horrible and not edible. I mean it is pretty hard to screw up corn on the cob in season in MN. The dessert was very large, we got chocolate cake. It tasted like a hostess cupcake. I enjoy going out to eat but this is ridiculous.
(1)Christopher H.
Great food, decent prices and the service is very good. The chicken parm is my favorite. The location isn't completely ideal- in a little strip mall. It's a small place. Definitely a good place for a date.
(5)