Are we in Italy or is this Las Vegas? Where can you see the Eiffel Tower and St. Mark’s Square all in one day without taking a super train, Las Vegas or Course!  The Venetian Hotel, Resort and Casino transports one to the splendor and ambience of Old World Italy in three dimensional accuracy. The recreated St. Marks square has a faux ceiling that looks like true twilight and street performers that hold court in the center of the action while ample outside dining venues lure hungry tourists to sit awhile and savor the moment. One of those alluring dining spaces that represent the true essence of an Italian seafood market and restaurant is Mercato della Pescheria.

 

Mercato has combined great service and authentic cuisine while boasting that, “Each customer leaves with a TASTE OF HISTORY!” What is that history and where does it come from? The history of great Italian food is a story in it self and Mercato’s offerings showcase that legacy very well starting with their Roman-style pizzas such as the Margherita or the mouth watering four cheese pizza and moving forward into a bevy ofhouse madepastas. The Carpaccio di Manzo of thinly sliced tenderloin, raw pizzola, wild arugula and Grana Padano is a fabulous way to jettison the taste buds into another culture. The lightly battered calamari and shrimp, are delicate and perfectly breaded in a golden-brown crust and the house made potato chips provide an extra crunch in between the tasty components. As the Godfather said, “Don’t forget the cannolis”, we say don’t forget a piece of Mama’s Lasagna, with deep rich Bolognese in between layers of homemade pasta sheets, ricotta and of course, Grana Padano. For main courses, try the Veal Chop Parmigana with san marzano tomatoes, fiore di Latte mozzarella or the Salmone Con Limone, a gorgeous piece of salmon that is accented only by lemon oil and Italian greens that showcase the beauty of the fish.

 

After a meal like this a little Italian sweetness goes a long way beginning with the classic Tiramisu that comes with an added bonus of being served table side. The accommodating waiter will whip up the mascarpone and spoon it gingerly unto the delicate lady fingers offering up one of the best desserts in St. Mark’s square. Try it with one of the hardy Porto’s or a bit of grappa and you will be floating along in a gondola in no time. With a lovely wine and cocktail list to whet your appetite, and sumptuous Italian fare, Mercato may be just the respite you will seek out on your visit to the other Italy in Las Vegas. For more information on Mercato della Pescheria go to:mercatodellapescheria.com/lasvegas