What should I order at Ventura's?
Ventura's
Meatballs, Sausages and Peppers
Mentioned as great and particularly enjoyed by a large group, highlighting the quality and flavor that stood out during a family party.
Caesar Salad
Praised as the best Caesar salad ever had, with a top-notch homemade dressing that impressed a reviewer who frequently eats out.
New York Strip
Highly recommended for being perfectly cooked medium rare, noted as one of the top meals experienced by a diner with a long history of dining.
Hot Antipasti
Enjoyed alongside the New York strip and mentioned as part of a memorable and wonderful dining experience.
Cannoli and Hazelnut Chocolate Custard
Mentioned as delicious desserts completing a satisfying meal, showing the quality of the restaurant's dessert offerings.
Veal Scaloppine
Recommended by multiple reviewers for its delicious taste, featured in both lunch and dinner experiences.
Chicken Cacciatore
Noted as a delicious dish enjoyed alongside Veal Scaloppine, contributing to a regular patron's dining favorites.
Chicken Marsala
Highly praised for its sauce and overall deliciousness, a dish that a reviewer wished to order more of.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Highlighted as an excellent appetizer, fresh and delicious, contributing to a perfect meal experience.
Filet
Described as excellent and fresh, part of a highly praised meal along with other well-prepared dishes.
Broiled Halibut
Noted as fresh and beyond expectation, adding variety and quality to the seafood options at the restaurant.
Roast Duck with Blackberry or Orange Sauce
Recommended for its delicious preparation and flavorful sauces, enjoyed by diners celebrating special occasions.
Greens (Appetizer)
Mentioned multiple times as a delicious appetizer choice that sets the tone for the meal.
Vodka Riggies
Emphasized as a favorite pasta dish made from scratch with outstanding vodka sauce, a signature item for the restaurant.
Shrimp Linguine
Enjoyed as a fresh and flavorful pasta option, contributing to the diverse menu offerings.
Italian Platter
Recommended for sampling a variety of Italian dishes, showcasing the restaurant's traditional and homemade style.
Lemon Cello Custard
Described as an award-winning dessert that impressed a guest, highlighting the quality and uniqueness of the dessert menu.
Lasagna and Manicotti
Called the best ever by a repeat visitor, emphasizing the restaurant’s excellence in classic Italian comfort food.
Zucchini Flowers
Noted as a lovely and unique dish, appreciated by a diner who had never tried it before, showing the restaurant's diverse offerings.
Pizza
Mentioned nostalgically as a memorable and personalized dish made by Mrs. Ventura, indicating a traditional and family-oriented approach.
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 & services
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
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
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.
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