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What to order
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Garlic Bread
Recommended for its rich flavor, especially when paired with olive oil, pesto, and red pepper flakes; reviewers called it a ridiculous melange of flavor and said they kept eating it.
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Veal Parm Sandwich
Praised for having real deal hot peppers, good sauce, and perfectly crunchy potato chips, making it a standout lunch item.
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Chicken Marsala
Mentioned multiple times as excellent, with reviewers specifically praising the sauce and saying it was one of the best ever.
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4
Meatballs
Highlighted as especially memorable and among the best ever, with strong praise for the rich red sauce they were served with.
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5
Veal Scaloppine
Recommended because it was described as a fantastic lunch choice and part of a great overall meal.
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6
Riggies
Frequently praised for the sauce, especially the vodka sauce version with added shrimp and scallops, which was described as astounding.
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7
Caesar Salad
Called the reviewer’s favorite Caesar salad ever, with the dressing singled out as top notch.
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8
New York Strip
Recommended for being absolutely perfect and part of one of the top meals the reviewers had ever eaten.
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9
Cannoli
Mentioned as a memorable dessert that rounded out an excellent meal and was part of a highly praised dining experience.
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10
Limoncello Dessert
Specifically recommended as out of this world in taste, making it a standout dessert choice.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 4 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 4 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 4 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 4 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About Ventura's
Classy, long-running sit-down spot offering Italian cooking featuring a house brand of sauce.
Amenities
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is Ventura's known for?
Ventura's is best known for riggies, a Utica local specialty that reviewers mention most often, along with its house sauce and classic Italian dishes. People also consistently praise the eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and the overall quality of the food and service.
What dishes are most recommended at Ventura's?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the riggies, eggplant parmesan, meatballs, stuffed mushrooms, veal scallopini, and manicotti. Other specific dishes called out as excellent include chicken marsala, chicken cacciatore, hot antipasti, Caesar salad, and cannoli.
What is the atmosphere like at Ventura's?
The atmosphere is described as elegant, cozy, historic, and welcoming, with a polished old-school dining room and subtle music. It suits family dinners, groups, and special occasions, and reviewers also mention it works well for solo dining and romantic evenings.
Is Ventura's good value, and what is the price range?
Ventura's is in the $20 to 30 price range, and reviewers say the price is on point or even less than expected for the quality and portion size. The combination of classic Italian plates, desserts, and attentive service makes it feel like solid value for a sit-down meal in Utica.
Do you need a reservation or is Ventura's busy at certain times?
Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant is popular for lunch and dinner, so planning ahead is a good idea. One review also noted it can be closed between lunch and dinner serving times, which makes timing your visit important.
Is parking available at Ventura's?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Ventura's have vegetarian options?
Yes, Ventura's offers vegetarian options.
Is Ventura's kid-friendly?
Yes, Ventura's is good for kids.
