Went there after work with a bunch of guys for drinks and food. The bartender was good as we sat down she came right over to the table. While having a few rounds we finally decided to get food. The prime rib , full belly clam plate , wings , clam strip plate. All dishes came out at once and we all started to chow down. The King cut prime rib 30 oz Was only $35.00 and it was a huge slab , my co-workers said their clam plates and clam strip plate were excellent. No complaints here and will return read more

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My take away: they have the good blue cheese, crinkle fries with an old bar feel but turn down the lights! Still chasing the south shore bar pizza scene. Cafe Venice was on the list. On street parking. Old bar vibe. One waitress working and I mean she was working! Super pleasant, super nice to our 2 year old. I wish their pizza was better as I loved the vibe here but the pizza isn't really bar pizza. It's priced the same and the same physical size but it's not cooked to perfection and too cheesy to be bar pie really. I want to go back and try the chicken parm. read more

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Ally J, you hit the nail on the head--it's such a toxic environment! My family and I used to love going there, but the owner is just *so* miserable. I've never been treated so poorly at a restaurant, and not just once--over and over again. You'd think she'd be nicer to regulars, but honestly, she's even worse to us! The bartender, the waitstaff, and the food are all amazing, but that one miserable person just ruins the whole experience. It's really sad to see because the staff is some of the nicest around. I kept hoping things would change, but I think I'm finally with you on this--I'm moving on. read more

Large portions, delicious food. Great service. Great prices. Server was very friendly. Restaurant is very clean. Definitely will go back! read more

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I was a frequent customer over the last few years but I wont ever go back and i want to explain. Food is good, great portions and not expensive. Staff, everyone was pleasant, seemed to be working hard. Atmosphere on the bar side good, nice vibe. What I have seen lately however is less and customers, and alot of grumbling from both staff and customers. Toxic feeling. The owners harass employees in right at the bar. To the point that there are tears. And I have seen the male and female owner yell and argue with customers and they just get up and leave. People I used to see alot won't go there anymore. Makes everyone uncomfortable. Not the same place it was 5-6 years ago with the old ownership. As I said I won't be back, would never recommend. Feel badly for anyone that goes there now. AJ read more

I have never had a bad experience at the Venice. The staff is always so nice and helpful!!! The prices have increased a bit but that is true everywhere and I still always go home with tons of leftovers. I LOVE Cafe Venice!!! It's one of my favorite restaurants! read more

I go here often. The food is not only delicious the portions are huge!! I have never had a problem with any of the staff including the owner who is always extremely friendly! Keep up the great work Venice. I will see you soon! read more

My son took his gf here for her 21st birthday. They are foodies and go out to eat quite a bit. They are respectful young people and generally my son will eat most anything. He called me after leaving here very upset. He asked me if he knew how he could get a meal taken off a bill. I asked him what happened and he said the food that was brought out was so inedible he wouldn't even touch it. His gf took one bite of her meat and gagged. He respectfully asked if the meals could be taken off and was rudely refused so they let it go and went to eat elsewhere. They are hardworking college kids and are nice to everyone. Especially on her birthday they didn't deserve that treatment. Clearly they didn't eat the food. The management could have offered them something else. They didn't. I sent my son the $60 and told them to go to Mick Morgan's where at least they knew the food was edible. Not fancy for her birthday but not upsetting. I'm disgusted a proprietor would treat customers this way. Their money is as good as anyone else's, but apparently their satisfaction doesn't matter. He didn't want to make a ruckus, but it is behavior that deserves to be addressed. So here's your review, Cafe Venice. See you never. read more

Very open and seated right away. We r a group of motorcycle riders who go out every Tuesday and try a new different restaurant. Salads we were served we're good. The food was fresh came to the table promptly not as hot as I would have liked it to be but good otherwise. Just take a look at the photos and you'll know that food just melts in your mouth and is good Italian. We'll go back to try it again just to make sure that it's just as good read more

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We just finished an anniversary celebration take out dinner. The veal and eggplant parm was outstanding and the portions are more than generous. Meatballs and spaghetti, lasagna, chicken wings....all wonderful dinners and a great appetizer. Thank you Mark and crew for working so hard and preparing us a more than delicious dinner. See you next week! read more

I was here last night. I think because of the cold weather people decided to stay home. The restaurant seemed nearly empty. My wife ordered a steak tip salad medium well. The salad seemed fine. The steak tips were cooked so poorly that the outside was totally burnt like charcoal. The inside was medium well. When we asked our service/manager if we could get some edible steak tips, we were told that they were medium well. They cooked them on a grill and didn't know how to get the inside medium well without the outside being burnt. They brought back the salad and put it on the table. My daughter ordered the chicken and eggplant combo with pasta. The bottom of the plate was covered in water because the pasta wasn't drained properly. The eggplant tasted old and the chicken was cold. I don't know what happened to this place. The last time we went everything was great. We did leave a 25% tip. We won't be back. I hope those 4 or 5 steak tips was worth losing five or six customers read more

Cafe Venice - Burnt steak tips - Italian Near Me - Norwood, Massachusetts

Ate here tonight and was shocked by the outrageous and irrational behavior of the owner. I overheard him argue with a customer and refuse to take back an obviously overcooked piece of meat from a customer who had ordered his meat rare - and insulted the patron in front of the whole restaurant. We later overheard the owner complain about the incident to other patrons, which was EXTREMELY disrespectful, inappropriate and unprofessional. I have worked in many restaurants and was taught the customer is always right. Apparently not here. As for my food, it was sub par. Greasy and tasteless eggplant parmesan. The whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth. No need to go back. read more

The food is very good! Well worth eating here. Local place with a great staff. Music on weekends. Just a great neighborhood spot. Love it.

walked in. was ignored for about five minutes then told I could sit where i wanted. Then told twice I couldn't sit where I picked. waited 20 minutes for a drink. others were served ahead of us. salads were weeks old. 2 cherry tomatoes 2 slices of cucumber. all old. and a bunch of browning iceberg lettuce. clearly premade but still took forever to come out. there were five of us. no one got through half of their meal. no one asked to take anything to go. waitstaff seemed unconcerned by this. literally the worst meal I've had in years. will never go back. read more

Absolutely delicious food! Tonight was amazing!! From our waitress to service to the food was awesome Stop by and enjoy yourself read more

The Venice is great! I have been eating there lately on Saturdays. Usually it's to hot to eat outside; but they do have a cool patio area out back. Prime rib is a 10! Lobster rolls 10! Fried seafood 20! Everything I have tried there is great. It's a casual, cool spot, the service is great, especially the last few Saturdays! I highly recommend this local Norwood gem! read more

Visited the restaurant again and completely agree with my first review. This place is just awful. The food is gross and they don't care. I will never go back there again, and this time I mean it. Terrible place. read more

Our family has been going here regularly since the 80's. Food is always good, portions large and prices very reasonable. They have a great chicken parm. Tour of Italy and whole clams are also good choices. Prime rib is very reasonable and huge. Good service and great value. They recently redid the interior and it looks great. read more

Cafe Venice - Chicklen parm, fried ravioli special. ($13!) - Italian Near Me - Norwood, Massachusetts

This place was recommended by a local friend for Italian food. It was a random Tuesday night and we craving some comfort food. Before we headed out I made a comment to my friend about hoping the place wasn't too fancy because I was in sweatpants and comfy clothes. He said "nope don't worry about it". Glad I didn't. We walked in and I was thrown back by the really outdated atmosphere. I mean really out there old. But there were people there eating so we sat. Tip- if the old people eat there it's gotta be decent. We were welcomed by the most friendly waitress I have encountered in awhile. She was just so pleasant. Pleasant surprise for sure! We started with some sodas and took a peak at the menu. The menu was basic comfort food. It sounded delicious and we both decided to get the chicken parm which comes with two sides. I opted for the onion soup and angel hair pasta with my meal. I couldn't believe the amount of food! Portions were fabulous, saved plenty for lunch the next day. Prices were beyond reasonable. I have to say the soup was probably my favorite. It was a pleasant surprise and came out piping hot! Again I can't say enough about the waitress she was on point. I wish we ran into more servers as pleasant and welcoming as her. I over heard someone else call her Emily. So bravo girl you are just awesome! The food was good, portions were humongous, soups was bangarang delicious, soda was crisp and cool. The decor was the only turn off but I will say it was clean. It may be out dated but it was taken care of. The table was spotless and the carpets were obviously vacuumed as there wasn't a speck on them. (It's winter) so that's a task! My fiancé even made a comment about this being a great hole in the wall. They had some prime rib on the menu but not for the day we were there. They only serve that on certain days. Next time we are in the area and just want a relaxing dinner we will defiantly come back. It was really nice not to have to dress up and just chill out. Get the soup! There's a reason this place has been here forever it's just normal food and it's resonantly priced! Service was really great! read more

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Alright folks grab chair this be little bit..... THIS PLACE AMAZING. Was one of my grandparents favorite spots and it still hold true to this day with my family. The owners and staff are extremely friendly service is top tier. Now on to the grub; they sneakily have the best pork ribs I've had in years, the soups are great, and of course chicken/ egg plant parms are a staple. Fun fact they constantly have a little weekly menu with awesome specials. Did I forget to mention Keno and multiple TVs for sports in the bar section.....If your in the area drive over there erratically and slam your car in park and sprint in there. read more

Great place. Went for lunch and place was full and only one waitress was there and she was calm and very nice even though she was the only one on. I can't understand the mixed reviews but it was delicious! We all were happy with our meals! read more

Had a friend come visit so we thought we'd try something new. Never thought I'd regret a decision more. We walked in and there were several tables open. Yet, we were told to wait as they cleared the table for a large party. Once it was clear, they seated us at a table that had been open the whole time. Fast forward 10 minutes and a waiter finally showed up and asked what we wanted to drink. All of us ordered water. He comes back with Poland spring bottles 10 minutes later (yes water isn't free). We order our food and waited another 15 to get cold soup and salad with hair in it (which we weren't refunded for AND we saw our waiter laugh as he was told about it) I had also I ordered soup and yet got salad the first time as the waiter, "completely forgot what I ordered." Another 45 MINUTES go by and we finally get our food which was cold and unappetizing. The fastest part of this All was getting our checks 10 minutes later so they could clear the table. All and all, our stay was not pleasant by any means, the wait was atrocious (mind you several people left before being served due to the wait), staff was inattentive and didn't even offer refills once, the atmosphere was meh at best, and we left wishing we just did chipotle instead. read more

I regret to tell you how disappointed I was eating at the Venice Cafe. This place must have changed management because this is NOT the amazing Italian restaurant I remember it to be. Starting with my meal... I ordered the Chicken Marsala with clam chowder and a salad as my sides. Since you can't screw up salad, that was decent as was the clam chowder. But when my main course came, the veal was swimming in a watery soupy sauce covered in black mushrooms on top (I couldn't see the veal at all). The veal was less than 1/32 of an inch thick and was hard to slice with my knife. I took one bite and quickly spit it out. The sauce was strangely tangy, sour and lemony flavored (not an ingredient found in Veal Marsala). The veal itself had an odd taste and I was forced to return it back to the kitchen because it was so bad. Two of my boys ordered the Shrimp Scampi. Again the sauce was watery, soupy and lacked flavor with an over abundance of lemon taste. They only ate the shrimp on top, but both were unable to eat the pasta and sauce. Another one of my boys ordered the lasagna. This came to the table served mostly with Ricotta cheese, my son couldn't eat it because it was making his mouth dry. The only decent main dish served at my table was the chicken parmigiana. It was split with me since my dish went back to the kitchen uneaten. If this was the end of my experience, maybe I would have given them 3 stars, but it continues... most of my children drink only water, so not only is it healthier than soda, it should save a little money on the bill. Well not here. We were served bottled water! Seriously, bottled water at an Italian restaurant! By the end of our dinner, there were more plastic bottles on the table than there was food. And when the bill came, we were charged for each and every water bottle we were served. I can not in good conscience recommend this place as an authentic Italian restaurant. So in short, if you want to compete with other local Italian establishments , you seriously need to step up your game. And the fact you are "selling" bottled water tells me you are struggling to make a profit... read more

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Cafe Venice is a good, go to, local place. the bar is fun and the front of the house is very nice. The staff are terrific and very friendly. It's a solid 8 for everyday food and if you like the prime rib etc. I understand it's a solid 9. I say, go and enjoy! read more

I love the Venice, been going in for dinner almost every Wednesday night for the past year. Sometimes we go twice a week, Saturday is also a great night to hang out at the Venice. I like to sit at the bar, if I can find an open seat. This place is super casual and chill, they have Keno. The food is awesome and super reasonable. I get the prime rib a lot it's huge and only like $25 or so. I also like the veal parm, you can get a Veal and eggplant parm combo which is great and enough food for lunch the next day. The also have a board with daily specials, every special I've tried was awesome. One time a got a steak and lobster casserole surf and turf special it was delicious. read more

I was VERY disappointed with the quality of the food and the service. To top everything off, I overheard the owner disrespect a patron and later talk about other patrons. How unprofessional and embarrassing to the owner, staff and establishment. With all the discourse in the world today, how sad a family cannot even go to a "family restaurant" for a nice evening. Young children were in the restaurant as well as older people. I doubt I will ever go back. More courteous and professional owners deserve my business. read more

The place doesn't really look like much but the restaurant was cozy, the food was good. The staff was friendly and service was good. My reason for going there was to meet a friend for an early dinner, before we went to a Paint and Sip night. read more

Love the food ! Heading back for dinner tonight . It will be the veal combo with a glass of Cabernet unless I get tempted with the special

This has become one of our few regular dining spots (we usually opt to try something new when we go out). The main attraction? The huge "queen" cut prime rib for $17. It is the smallest cut available and easily enough to feed two people. Their clam chowder is also among the best I have had, though some might find it too salty. Amazing prime rib and clam chowder? I'll take it. No frills about this place. Service is what you need -- nothing less, nothing more. Ambiance is homey without being dumpy. Overall, a reliable place to get delicious comfort food on the cheap. read more

I love the Venice! It's the perfect local family dining spot. Food is great and the staff is fun and friendly. Try music bingo in Thursday nights. Fun! read more

Cafe Venice may be an old style 60's to 70's style Italian restaurant with outdated decor, but they make extremely delicious food. The portions are like old style Italian, ridiculously big portions, you'll have lots of leftovers. The chicken parmigiana has to be my favorite ever, the breading that it's fried in has a distinct but great flavor, different from other restaurants, the sauce is great and cheese is melty and stringy like it should be, served with a choice of salad or soup and a choice of pasta, you leave full. read more

Italians never settled in Norwood (there were Irish, yes, and Germans), yet there are a bunch of great Italian places in town. This place is no exception. I, for one, have especially enjoyed seafood items from here. Washington street, in particular, is host to many fine restaurants and Cafe Venice is one of it's pioneers. If you're hankering for dessert, this place makes some means ones. read more

I don't even know where to start. VERY outdated decor. Not very clean. I had a most awful view of the room packed with all kinda stuff + some waitresses on the phone. Speaking of the waitress - I never felt so uncomfortable in a restaurant. Just plain rude and did not care much. Food was gross! Kids did not eat the burgers we ordered, because it smelled bad and tasted even worse. And my kids are not a picky eaters. Our fried calamari had sooooo much garlic and way too much oil. We decided not no order our main courses and just pay and leave. Waitress was not happy about us not ordering a main course and to be honest I did not care much. Will never go to that place again!!! read more

Cafe Venice - Italian Near Me - Norwood, Massachusetts

Just moved to Norwood and I've been looking for a "local" and I think I've found it. The food is consistent and the drinks are reasonable. I've had the pizza which I really like (I think it rivals the "big 3" bar pizza establishments in the area lynnwood, cape cod and town spa...I know blasphemy.) And the Italian food is good as well. Even though it looks sketchy from the outside, little signage and few lights, you need to give Cafe Venice a chance. read more

Only went for drinks and all I can say they are the best drinks I've had out. For once they weren't watered down and could actually taste the alcohol read more

Don't judge a restaurant by its decor! The place is very outdated and you cannot see outside. You can wear gym shorts,a hoodie, and sneakers and feel comfortable for a Friday night meal. The service was also spectacular. The food is outstanding. My prime rib was a little fatty, but delicious. The chowder is very tasty. The sirloin tips are delicious, they were cooked right, and a very generous portion. I am certainly going back to try a huge clam plate that I saw at the table next to me. read more

Cafe Venice - Holy good God - Italian Near Me - Norwood, Massachusetts

(3.5) ~ good overall food & service. NOTE: Yes, they take Credit Cards. MY LUNCH MENU: ** Thanksgiving Sandwich = (4) very good. * Caesar Salad = (3) ok...kinda fishy tasting....and not in the usual Anchovee way. read more

One of my favs. Why? Because you can please the whole family here for next to nothing. Great pizzas for one, veal, seafood, pasta, etc. Very casual, quick service, all the comfort foods. read more

Maybe the worst, lowest quality meal I've ever gotten in a restaurant before, and I'm not joking. I got a shepherd's pie that was on special-- it was, no lie, ground beef, canned corn sprinkled over it, and mashed potatoes on top. No vegetables, no gravy, and it wasn't even baked or broiled to brown the potatoes; they were just spread on top. The ground beef was the kind of processed, finely chopped beef you find in canned hash, so that probably came from a can as well. I am not exaggerating when I say that I am honestly half suspicious that it could be dog food. It was an absolute *travesty* to try to pass this off as shepherd's pie, and they should be ashamed of themselves. This was so bad that I gave one star even having been there before and gotten halfway decent meals. Never anything great, but I guess acceptable. But I can't even take those times into account because of this. This place is nothing more than a longstanding townie dive that still does well because the local residents don't know any better. Garbage. read more

This charming and cozy, family-run restaurant cooks up good, simple Italian food. I loved my eggplant parm and my family is crazy about their prime rib. Their pasta dishes are wonderful but the seafood plates were skimpy in the seafood dept. It's always dimly-lit and feels very cozy and welcoming. read more