The Original Venice Restaurant – Italian
The Original Venice Restaurant transports diners to a timeless corner of Italy, where the golden glow of candlelight dances across plates of silken, hand-stretched pasta and vibrant, herb-flecked seafood. The air hums with the convivial spirit of a neighborhood gathering, inviting guests to linger over rich, slow-cooked sauces and crisp glasses of wine in a space that feels both elegantly storied and deeply welcoming.
772 East 149th Street +1-718-585-5164 https://www.venice149.com/Rating: 4/5 (511 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, nut-free, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, mediterranean, whole30, pescatarian, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, sugar-free, low-fat, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, gerd, zone, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, low-fodmap, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sirtfood, pegan, candida, lectin-free
What diners are saying
Celebrated as a hidden gem in the South Bronx, this family-run Italian spot delights guests with fresh ingredients and generous portions at affordable prices. Diners rave about standout dishes like the rich chicken parmigiana, fried calamari, and comforting lentil soup, often accompanied by complimentary garlic bread. While some long-time patrons note changes in traditional recipes, the majority praise the friendly service, clean atmosphere, and heavenly desserts that make it a reliable choice for both relaxed dine-in meals and high-quality takeout.
Menu
Appetizers
- Hot Antipasto - $23.75: Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Eggplant, & Manicotti
- Baked Clams (Dozen) - $19: Breaded Baked Clams with White Wine and Oil
- Baked Clams (1/2 Dozen) - $13: Breaded Baked Clams with White Wine and Oil
- Clams Casino (1/2 Dozen) - $14.25: Bread crumbs, bacon red peppers, Garlic and wine
- Clams Casino (Dozen) - $20.95: Bread crumbs, bacon red peppers, Garlic and wine
- Fried Calamari - $13.25: Fried calamari breaded with flour (Hot or Mild)
- Shrimp Cocktail - $13.25
- Mussels Marinara - $16.25: Mussels cooked in marinara sauce
- New Zealand Mussels - $16.25: w/ Garlic and Wine
- Fried Ravioli - $11.75
- Buffalo Wings (Small) - $9.95: Hot or Mild
- Buffalo Wings (Large) - $17.25: Hot or Mild
- Mozzarella Sticks - $9.95: Mozzarella sticks fried
- Fried Zucchini - $8.95 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Mayo-Clinic
- Appetizer Combo - $22.95: Calamari, Mozzarella Sticks & Wings Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
- Bruschetta - $9.95: w/ Garlic, Basil, and Tomatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Stuffed Mushrooms (6) - $11.5: stuffed with crab meat Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Sirtfood, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Garlic Bread Full Loaf with Cheese - $8: w/ Mozzarella Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Sirtfood, Pegan, Candida
- Garlic Bread 1/2 Loaf with Cheese - $4: w/ Mozzarella Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Garlic Bread 1/4 Loaf with Cheese - $2: w/ Mozzarella Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Pegan, Candida
- Garlic Bread Full Loaf NO Cheese - $8 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Garlic Bread 1/2 Loaf NO Cheese - $4 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Garlic Bread 1/4 Loaf NO Cheese - $2 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Homemade Soup
- Homemade Soup (Cup) - $4 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Homemade Soup (Bowl) - $7 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Salad
French, Blue Cheese, or Caesar Dressings $1.00 Extra
- Seafood Salad - $19.25: Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pepperoncini, red sweet peppers with your choice of dressing. (Shrimp, Calamari, and Scungilli) Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Tuna Salad - $6.95: Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pepperoncini, red sweet peppers and tuna with your choice of dressing. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Pulpo Salad (Octopus) - $11.75: Red onions, celery, green olives, over a lettuce leaf (Romain) italian dressing with capers
- Caesar Salad w/ Grilled Chicken - $11.75: Romain lettuce, croutons with caesar dressing and chicken (Grilled)
- Caesar Salad w/ Grilled Shrimps - $12.75: Romain lettuce, croutons with caesar dressing and shrimps (Grilled)
- Chicken Salad - $9.99: Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pepperoncini, red sweet peppers and chicken with your choice of dressing. (Fried or Grilled)
- Turkey Salad - $7.75: Turkey, ham, Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pepperoncini, red sweet peppers with your choice of dressing.
- Antipasto Salad (Large) - $7.75: Salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, carrots and califlower.
- Antipasto Salad (Small) - $5.75: Salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, carrots and califlower.
- Mixed Salad (Small) - $4: Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pepperoncini, red sweet peppers with your choice of dressing.
- Mixed Salad (Large) - $7: Lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, pepperoncini, red sweet peppers with your choice of dressing.
- Grilled Portabello Salad - $7.99: Mixed greens, giardiniera vegetables, portobello mushrooms, red sweet peppers and your choice of dressing
- Greek Salad - $8: Mixed greens, Cheery tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, red sweet peppers, black olives, feta cheese and your choice of dressing.
Wraps
Extra Topping $1.00
- Italian Cheese Steak Wrap - $10.25: with mushrooms, peppers, onions & Mozzarella
- Tuna Wrap - $6.5: with lettuce
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap - $10.25: Romain Lettuce with Ceaser dressing and Grill Chicken
- Vegetable Wrap - $10.25: Grilled Eggplant, Zuchinni, peppers & Portabello Mushrooms
- Venice Combo Wrap - $9.25: Ham, turkey, provolone, salami, Roasted peppers, tomatoes & lettuce
- Chicken Parm Wrap - $9.75: Fried chicken cutlet topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
Cold Hero Sandwiches
Extra Cheese, Sliced Tomatoes or Peppers $1.00
- Extra Tuna with lettuce - $6.5
- Salami & Provolone - $6.5
- Ham & Cheese with lettuce - $7.25
- Turkey & Cheese with lettuce - $7.25
- Combo Hero - $9.65: Ham, Turkey, Salami, Peppers, Provolone, Lettuce & Tomato
Hot Hero Sandwiches
Extra Cheese, Sliced Tomatoes or Peppers $1.00
- Extra Chicken Parmagiana - $9.95: Breaded chicken on bread with melted mozzarella on top and tomato sauce spread on it.
- Chicken Cutlet - $8.75
- Grilled Chicken Cutlet - $9.95
- Meatball Plain or Sauce - $8.75
- Meatball & Peppers - $9.75
- Meatball Parmagiana - $9.95
- Sausage Plain or Sauce - $8.75
- Sausage & Peppers - $9.95
- Sausage Parmagiana - $9.95
- Eggplant Parmagiana - $9.95: Fried Eggplant topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Shrimp Parmagiana - $11.95: Breaded shrimp with melted mozzarella on top and tomato sauce spread on it.
- Veal Cutlet Plain or Sauce - $8.95
- Veal Cutlet Parmagiana - $9.75
- Fish Fillet - $9.5: Fried fish with Lettuce and Tarta Sauce
- Italian Cheese Steak - $11: w/ Mushrooms, Peppers, Onions & Mozzarella
Burgers
all Beef Deluxe served with Lettuce, Tomato & French Fries. add Bacon $1.50 Extra
- Hamburger Deluxe - $9.95
- Hamburger Regular - $7.25
- Cheese Burger Regular - $8.25
- Cheese Burger Deluxe - $10.75
- Bacon Cheese Burger Regular - $9.25
- Bacon Cheese Burger Deluxe - $12.95
Pizza
Any toppings $2.00 Extra Each - Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushroom, Peppers, Anchovies, Meatballs or Ham
- Cheese Pizza (Small 14") - $13.5
- Cheese Pizza (Mini 10") - $9.75
- Cheese Pizza (Large 18") - $16.25
- Margherita Pizza (Large 18") - $20.99: With fresh mozzarella & basil
- Margherita Pizza (Small 14") - $15.5: With fresh mozzarella & basil
- Margherita Pizza (Mini 10") - $11.5: With fresh mozzarella & basil
- White Pizza (Large 18") - $20.99: With Ricotta & mozzarella cheese
- White Pizza (Small 14") - $15.5: With Ricotta & mozzarella cheese
- White Pizza (Mini 10") - $11.5: With Ricotta & mozzarella cheese
- Hawaiian Pizza (Large 18") - $19.5: With Pineapple & ham
- Hawaiian Pizza (Small 14") - $13.5: With Pineapple & ham
- Hawaiian Pizza (Mini 10") - $9.99: With Pineapple & ham
Healthy Entrees
- Whole Wheat Pasta With Broccoli in Garlic & Oil - $13.95
- Whole Wheat Pasta With Primavera - $13.95: in Garlic & Oil or Light Cream
- Whole Wheat Pasta With Marinara Sauce - $11.95
- Whole Wheat Pasta With Pesto Sauce - $11.75
- Manicotti With Spinach & Light Ricotta - $12.5
- Diced Chicken - $15.95: With Basil, Garlic & Lemon Juice (Served with Salad or Whole Wheat Pasta)
- Grilled Chicken - $15.95: with Broccoli or Mixed Vegetables (in Garlic Oil or Steamed)
Pasta
Linguine, Spaghetti, Ravioli, Tortellini, Penne or Fettuccine
- Pasta with Tomato Sauce - $10.95
- Pasta with Meat Sauce - $10.75
- Pasta with Marinara Sauce - $10.75
- Pasta With Garlic Oil - $10.75
- Pasta with Meatballs - $10.9
- Pasta with Alfredo - $12.9
- Pasta with Vodka Sauce - $12.9
- Pasta with Sausage - $10.9
- Pasta with Broccoli - $12.9
- Pasta with White Clam Sauce - $12.9
- Pasta With Red Clam Sauce - $11.9
- Lobster Ravioli - $15.25: Vodka, Alfredo, or Pesto Sauce
- Pasta with Mushrooms Sauce - $9.75
Baked Pasta
Spaghetti, Lasagna, Manicotti, Stuffed Shells, Ziti or Ravioli
- Baked Pasta with Tomato Sauce - $11.95
- Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce - $13.25
- Baked Pasta with Marinara Sauce - $13.25
- Baked Pasta with Meatballs - $14.95
- Baked Pasta with Mushroom Sauce - $13.25
- Baked Pasta with Sausage - $14.95
Entrees
Served with a choice of Spaghetti, Penne, French Fries, Rice or Salad
- Meatballs Parmigiana - $17.95: 2 meatballs topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Eggplant Parmigiana - $17.5: Fried eggplant topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Sausage Parmigiana - $17.95: italian sausage topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Sausage & Peppers - $17.95: Sausage with red and green peppers topped with marinara sauce.
- Paella a la Venice - $25.5: Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Sausage & Chicken
- Chicken Sorrentino - $20.25: Grill Chicken with Eggplant, Ham, Mozzarella Cheese & Bacon
Entrees - Chicken
Served with a choice of Spaghetti, Penne, French Fries, Rice or Salad
- Balsami Chicken - $17.75: Chicken Breast with Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, Capers, Red & Green Peppers
- Chicken Marsala - $19.75: Chicken cooked with marsala sauce(light brown) red wine, chicken broth and mushrooms
- Chicken Milanese - $15.95: Breaded Chicken Cutlet with or without Tomato Sauce
- Chicken Parmigiana - $19.5: Breaded chicken with melted mozzarella on top and tomato sauce spread on it.
- Chicken Francese - $19.75: Chicken Cooked with red Wine, Chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice with mushrooms.
- Grilled Piccata - $17.5
- Chicken Scarpariello - $17.5: Sliced chicken breast cooked with white wine and peppers.
Entrees - Veal
Served with a choice of Spaghetti, Penne, French Fries, Rice or Salad
- Veal Milanese - $16.95: Fried veal cutlet topped with or without tomato sauce.
- Veal Parmigiana - $19.95: Breaded veal with melted mozzarella on top and tomato sauce spread on it.
- Scaloppini Francese - $20.5: Veal cooked with Red Wine, a splash of Lemon Juice, Chicken broth and Mushrooms.
- Scaloppini Marsala - $21.5: Veal cooked with Marsala sauce (light brown), Red wine, chicken broth and Mushrooms
- Veal Sorrentino - $23.5
Meats
- Grilled Chicken with Broccli or Mixed Vegetables - $15.95
- Broiled Steak with Mixed Vegetables - $27.5: Rib eye Steak cooked at the temperature of your choice with Mix Vegetables
- Steak with Onions & Mushroom with French Fries or Salad - $29.95: Rib eye Steak cooked with Onions & Mushrooms
- Steak & Friend Shrimps with French Fries - $33.95
- Steak & Lobster with Pasta or Salad - $33.99
- Steak and Strimp Scampi served with Pasta or Salad - $33.99
Seafood
- Mussels Marinara - $17.75: Mussels cooked with marinara sauce
- Fried Shrimp or Shrimp Parmigiana - $16.75: Tailless shrimp.
- Scallops Oreganata or Marinara - $20.95
- Fried Scallops - $18.5
- Grilled Salmon - $18.5
- Fish Fillet - $16.9: Fried or Broiled in Oreganata Sauce or Butter Sauce
- Lobster Tail (Marinara or Broiled) with Pasta or Salad
Seafood Platters
Served with pasta or salad
- Fried Seafood Platter - $28.25: Shrimp, Scallops, Calamari & Fried Fillet
- Marinara Seafood Platter - $28.25: Shrimp, Scallops, Calamari & Scungilli
- Broiled Seafood Platter - $28.25: Shrimp, Scallops, Fish Fillet & Mussels
Combination Entrees
Served with side of Salad, Pasta, French Fries or Rice
- Chicken & Shrimp Parmagiana - $21.95: Breaded chicken and shrimp with melted mozzarella on top and tomato sauce spread on it.
- Chicken & Veal Marsala - $20.95: Breaded chicken with fried veal cutlet with marsala sauce(light brown) red wine, chicken broth and mushrooms.
- Chicken & Veal Sorrentino - $21.95
- Veal, Eggplant & Chicken Parmagiana - $22.95: Fried eggplant, fried veal cutlet, breaded chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
- Veal & Shrimp Parmagiana - $21.95: Fried veal cutlet and fried tailless shrimp with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
- Fish & Shrimp Scampi - $21.95: (Tilapia) fish and tailless shrimp broiled in scampi juice
- Penne, Broccoli & Chicken - $19.95: w/ Garlic & Oil
- Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Shrimp - $22.5
- Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Chicken - $19.95
- Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Chicken & Shrimp - $25.5
- Steak & Fried Shrimp
- Steak & Shrimp Scampi
- Surf & Turf
- Penne Vodka w/ Chicken - $20.5
- Penne Vodka w/ Shrimp - $22.75
- Penne Vodka w/ Chicken & Shrimp - $25.5
- Chicken Primavera - $19.5
- Shrimp Primavera - $21.95
- Eggplant & Shrimp Parmagiana - $20.95: Fried eggplant and fried tailless shrimp topped with melted mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce.
- Eggplant & Chicken Parmgiana - $19.5: Fried eggplant and breaded chicken cutlet topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Eggplant & Veal Parmagiana - $20.95: Fried eggplant and fried veal cutlet topped with melted mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe - $20.95
Side Order
- French Fries - $3.25
- Rice - $4
- Sauteed Spinach - $4.5
- Broccoli Sauteed - $6.5: In garlic & olive oil or steamed
- French Fries with Cheese - $4.75
- String Beans - $6.5: In garlic & olive oil or steamed
- Mixed Vegetables - $6.5: In garlic & olive oil or steamed
Desserts
- Cannoli - $2.5
- Cheese Cake - $3
- Tartufo - $3.5
- Cheese Cake with Whipped Cream - $3.5
- Tiramisu - $4.99
- Tartufo with Kahlua & Whipped Cream - $6.99
Drinks - Coffee & Tea - Soda
- Coffee - $2
- Tea - $2
- Espresso - $3.5
- Decaf Espresso - $3
- Cappucino - $3.5
- Hot Chocolate - $2
- Hot Chocolate With Whipped Cream - $1
- Espresso with Sambuca - $6
- Water - $1.5
- Coke - $2
- Sprite - $2
- Orange Soda - $2
- Club Soda - $2
- Ginger Ale - $2
- Snapple - $2
- Pellegrino - $3.5
Frequently Asked Questions about The Original Venice Restaurant
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- The primary concern mentioned in customer reviews is that some long-time patrons have noticed changes in the traditional recipes.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features diverse Italian dishes including seafood, pasta, and meats, with 37 dietary options like keto, vegan, and gluten-free.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- The Original Venice Restaurant has a website at https://www.venice149.com/, but the provided data does not mention online ordering.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan, keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options include mixed vegetables and string beans, while french fries and rice are vegan and gluten-free.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- The Original Venice Restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like hand-stretched pasta, chicken parmigiana, and fresh seafood.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This family-run hidden gem in the South Bronx features fresh ingredients, generous portions, and complimentary garlic bread at affordable prices.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers love the fresh ingredients, generous portions, affordable prices, friendly service, chicken parmigiana, fried calamari, lentil soup, and heavenly desserts.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact The Original Venice Restaurant by visiting their official website at https://www.venice149.com/ for more information.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This family-run restaurant offers a casual neighborhood atmosphere with moderate ($$) pricing, friendly service, and an elegantly storied, candlelit setting.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- This family-run Italian restaurant in the South Bronx offers generous portions, complimentary garlic bread, and friendly service with a 4.0/5 rating.
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