While visiting town, I decided to try my luck at Ventura's Restaurant even though I didn't have a reservation and it was getting close to closing time. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the hospitality. The host greeted me warmly and, despite the late hour and lack of a reservation, graciously found me a table. The excellent service continued throughout the evening. The waitstaff was attentive, friendly, and made me feel welcome from start to finish. To start, I ordered the fried calamari, and it was absolutely delicious. It was cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and not chewy at all. For my entrée, I chose the veal Parmesan, and it was just as impressive. The veal was exceptionally tender, and the marinara sauce was rich, flavorful, and complemented the dish perfectly. What stood out most was that I never felt rushed, even though the staff was clearly beginning to wrap things up for the night. They continued to provide outstanding service and made sure I enjoyed my meal at my own pace. Ventura's Restaurant delivers excellent food, outstanding hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere. I would definitely return the next time I'm in town, and I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

Went in for a nice lunch with a friend today and we were both happy we finally tried it out! We went right when they opened for lunch on a Saturday and found we had the place to ourselves. You can tell there is a huge amount of pride of ownership by the way everything is set; there are also really cool pictures on the wall of many famous people, some who have visited (many Yankees!). Our server was really nice and attentive. I got fettuccine alfredo and my friend got the tortellini alfredo. I was a big fan of the sauce and my friend felt the same. The bread was the best part for me. I got a slice of cheesecake to go and it was delicious! We would love to come back in some night for dinner to check it out the evening vibes and try some other items on the menu. read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Fettuccine alfredo - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

Good food. Good Service. Good Ambiance. Recommend asking to be seated in Francesca's section. Enjoy! read more

First time patrons. 6 of us, we ordered everything from pizza & shrimp, to veal & stuffed shells. EXCELLENT Service, Atmosphere, Food, Drinks & Desserts!!! I can't wait to return! We loved sitting at the round table, it definitely made our dining experience more pleasurable. Thankyou to all Ventura staff for the EXCELLENT time we had. read more

Awesome old school dining experience- great greens, riggies and drinks. Attentive warm servers

Had a family gathering of seven and enjoyed everything associated with Ventura's. We all had a great time, service was great, food was excellent, and the restaurant was quite comfortable. The last time I was in your restaurant was in 1954 when I lived in Utica. On another note, I would like to purchase a case of your sauce. I've purchased previously and my information was given to the bar tender on 18 June 2026. I would appreciate someone contact me in reference to my request. Thank you. read more

The food was incredible as it usually is, The atmosphere takes you back in time and delivers a relaxing atmosphere...like the food, the service was top notch! read more

This resturant is excellent. I get the lobster ravioli and it is amazing. Great job guys..

Venturas is the best of the best in every category. The Venturas are a wonderful family who have kept a tradition of the best food in Utica for generations. Food is exceptional and the service is on point. The bartender is the best around. Plus it's a Yankee bar. Had the opportunity to meet a few there. Thank you for the continued Excellence!! read more

This is a Gem in Utica. A Classic. On my trip to Buffalo, Utica and Syracuse, Ventura's was my favorite restaurant. White table cloths. Servers in starched shirts. The food is fabulous! Every dish was delicious and made with love. I so enjoyed the dining experience! A tip: This is a special restaurant, "fine dining" so guys show some respect. Dress up a little and leave your baseball hat in the car. It'll make your dining experience all the more enjoyable. read more

This delightful gem on the outskirts of Utica, offers authentic Italian food, uncommon delicacies, like escargot and frogs legs, a decent wine menu and a full service bar. The desserts were magnificent. Everyone tried everyone else's meals and desserts, and there wasn't a single disappointed person in our very large group. read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

The way things use to be. I was here forty years ago, and nothing has changed. The barman and people at the bar remembered my old UB friend who was a friend of the owner Rufy. It was like stepping back in time to me. Food and service was pristine read more

Excellent food. Venturas is one of the best, maybe THE best restaurants around here. The service is on point. Plus the bartender is absolutely goated. Makes me feel as if I'm in Italy. A crazy find in Utica. The food and wait staff is incredible. The design is okay but overall I think this place deserves a great 4.6-7. read more

What an amazing find in Utica! This is the place to go-to for excellent Italian food and service! I was slacking on planning and knew we were going to be in Utica for an early dinner before having to go somewhere else so called the same day a few hours before and they said it was fine to come in at 4:30 for dinner. When we arrived we were greeted and shown to our table. We were the only ones there, but a server who was very attentive came right over got our drink orders and let us have time to check out the menu. I went with a special of Utica- Chicken Riggies and they were the best riggies I have had and living in central NY I have had my share of riggies! The hubs also agreed! My husband had the Italian sampler platter and it includes good portions of lasagna, ravioli, sausage, meatball, brioche, pasta and all of it was so good. All the pastas and the red sauce is homemade and you can tell. Delicious crusty bread is served with olive oil and pesto as well as a salad with all the meals. The salad is Jody your basic iceberg lettuce with onion, tomatoes, cucumbers. My only complaint would be I forgot to ask for the dressing on the side and there was a lot of dressing for me on the salad. Didn't get dessert because we were stuffed. Service and dinner was great, and you can tell this is a Family-run place that is loved by the community. read more

See all

Excellent Italian restaurant with a top-notch menu. The Utica area has several Italian restaurants, but this one tops them all. You will not be disappointed here. Portions are big, and the prices are reasonable. The only other thing I should mention is that the blue cheese dressing costs $2.50 extra, but nowhere on the menu is this communicated. read more

See all

Ventura's is one of my in-laws' mainstay favorites in the Utica area. I experienced their food for the first time last night when they ordered the family special. It included garlic bread, salad in Italian dressing, ziti (which looked more like penne to me), and chicken parmigiana. The garlic bread was soft and fresh, but not very garlicky--just some light garlic butter seemingly on the top. The Italian salad's Italian dressing was very, very vinegary and too oily to me, but thankfully the garlic bread provided counterbalance. By far the best item was the chicken parmigiana. The tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese were delicious, and the chicken was tender. The pasta was also good, though less remarkable. I can definitely understand why my in-laws have kept Ventura's in their regular restaurant rotation. read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Ziti - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

This is a great authentic Italian restaurant! This place has such a nice vibe to it. The service was great, the food outstanding and the ambiance perfect! The best part is they are huge Yankees fan! Next time I am in New York I am making sure I come back here!!! read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Yankees memorabilia!! - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

Such a gem. The food here and the wait staff are excellent. If you like Italian food this is the place to go. Our waitress was attentive and we did not want for anything. Portion sizes are huge and I usually leave with enough leftovers for a second meal. Decor and restaurant interior has not changed in years which is what gives it, it's charm. Have been a couple of times and while I made a reservation, reservations were not really needed. But definitely the place to go for a classic Sunday Dinner. read more

A great neighborhood restaurant that was forgotten by time. Great bar, then walk into the dining room and the awesome decor that will remind you of the good old days. Lovely old school atmosphere. Super clean, great service - table clothes - lamps on tables - this is a REALLY nice place. Big menu, authentic East Utica family food served fast and hot. No fooling around here - the food is serious and the servers professional as dressed professionally as well. Easy 5 stars. Food is awesome - no matter what you order. read more

See all

Good solid "Old School " Italian restaurant, waiters dressed in formal entire/black bow ties, ruffled formal white shirts and tux pants. Dine-in service was exceptional, the menu has all the Old World Italian selections so you can be sure to find your favorite. One of my favorites is Vongole Bianco, I am mostly disappointed as most restaurants don't measure up, not here this was well above average. The serving was generous with both fresh and canned clams with a delightful briny clam flavor. Dessert was a lemon berry tarte which was a nice way to end a great meal. Ventura might be a through back to another simpler nostalgic era but one you shouldn't miss if you are in the area. read more

See all

The best Italian restaurant in Utica. Every dish is excellent. It has an old school vibe that feels nostalgic. And the staff is very accommodating. read more

So this place sells tomAto pie on Sunday's and it is the best around. Not many people know this. Call on Saturday to reserve. read more

See all

Ventura is the best Italian food in Utica, New York sauces excellent and so is the sauce. In fact, I like everything they serve thank you Vito for all the work you put into it. 5 stars . read more

An 80 year old restaurant in an old neighborhood. The road to the place was very industrial. As soon as you walked in the door you could feel something different. An oasis. We were greeted with smiles and welcomed into a table like old friends returning home. We sat in the bar area as there were reservations all night for Valentines weekend. The bread was fresh warm and gone in two seconds. The escarole Italian wedding soup was perfect on a could night in Utica. Then we ordered hot Italian antipasto. It gave us an Idea of just how much the chef works to prepare the finest plates for his guest. A wonderful wine list- we ordered a fine Chianti; twice. The main course I had spaghetti vongole. If I closed my eyes I could have been in Capri, it was fresh and well prepared. My buddy had the braciola. I had a bite. Amazing. The other guys had a chicken special and there was a veal that was the best in the city!! I can't say enough about the food here. It was like my mother used to make. It was all made with love. The food was so good it was an amazing find. The service, the people at the bar, the family and chef Rufus III were beautifully talented and passionate. Love this place. read more

See all

First I want to say the service was impeccable. The wine was good, garlic bread tasty, and the chicken riggies I ordered was delicious, but the two dishes my husband and daughter ordered were terrible. My husband ordered the linguini Alfredo with shrimp and it was tasteless. The "Alfredo" sauce was butter and heavy cream. It tasted like the chef forgot to add Parmesan cheese and salt. The jumbo shrimp were poached and tasteless . My daughter ordered linguine vongole with red sauce. The linguine tasted like it was slathered in butter before the red sauce was added so it didn't adhere. It was also under seasoned. She said it was the worst linguini with clam sauce she ever had. The dining room was packed so clearly the regulars know what to order, but we were very disappointed. read more

Terrible snack. Had wedding soup, came out luke warm. Had them nuke it. Most tasteless soup ever. Had meatballs, they were over mixed under spiced beef balls. Service was fine but the bartender smelled like cigarettes, it was gross. read more

See all

The food was good but the fried clams were just crums . The coffee was good but you just got a shot glass. When it comes to paying the bill you all have to Chip in would I go back maybe. read more

I was part of a group that rented their lower level for an event. To get there from the main street level, you had to walk down several sets of stairs. There is a back door which only involves a small staircase, and should you have elderly people in your group I recommend you take that entrance. My review is only of their lower banquet room and buffet menu, but everyone seemed to enjoy it. The location was very nice and very old-school Italian. Sinatra and Martin was playing in the background. The tile work on the counter walls was tasteful, and even their buffet serving station looked really classy. And the food was typical red-sauce Italian fare. Rigatoni, meatballs, sausage and peppers, chicken and potatoes, and tomato pie. I assume that the food was all made in house (and not catered in), and it was decent though not as good as my grandmothers. Their red sauce broke, but that might be because it was being kept warm over heating elements. In a city full of Italians and Italian restaurant, this might not be the best. But, we had a wonderful time ... and ain't that a kick in the head. read more

Best Dining experience ever! The food is fantastic, the ambiance will take you back in time to a place where white table cloths and linen napkins were essential. The service is fantastic! Love this place. read more

Looks messy but flavor was good! Went to this restaurant that we never heard of but with great yelp reviews. Was the first customers today and looked a bit cold for this big place. Ambience is not bad. I was debating about if I should get chicken riggie as the homemade rigatoni and fresh made marinara sauce sound really intriguing. However I then saw the Italian platter with everything so I can get a taste of Italy in this traditional Italian place. One of the best greens, and not overly greasy. They have fresh pesto in olive oil for dipping bread, very good! Not disappointed. The sauce definitely taste fresh and the homemade pasta made a huge difference for the pasta and ravioli. The lasagna had a great taste but seems over cooked a bit today as the pasta in it is not al dente and the meat was a bit over cooked. Flavor was good for my dish. He ordered a chicken dish but the chicken was a bit disappointing with blend flavor and tough texture. The dish itself had a nice sauce though. Ordered tiramisu and the size is small. Interesting shape and taste is normal or mediocre with a price making me feel being a bit overcharged. All in all, not a bad Italian place in the other side of Utica. #italianfood #italianrestaurant #thisisutica #italianplatter read more

See all

Let's start off with the food. I had the Veal Parmigiana and I loved it not too much sauce or cheese. I also had the chocolate lava cake which was warm and delicious. Next the service. Our waitress sierra was perfect. Always came by and checked on us and. The layout of the place is cool with the pink chairs and the old school look. If I were to come to Utica again I would go here. read more

My friend and I went here looking for chicken riggies (we're from Rochester) and they did deliver! Totally empty except for us and two other tables on a Wednesday night. Classic old Italian restaurant decor, homey but classy. I think they only had one waitress working, which was appropriate for the number of tables, but she couldn't keep up with refilling water. We shared an order of riggies and a dish of eggplant parm. Both came with a salad (or eggplant could have come with pasta or potato), which was mediocre (iceberg with whole carrots and celery, dressing all in the middle. Bread was warm, seasoned, and had excellent oil for dipping. Eggplant was a little salty, good but not memorable. Riggies were awesome with the mixed (sweet and hot) peppers. Entrees came out a little too fast (we hadn't finished salad yet), but made sense for how few people were there. We saw a picture of their tiramisu on here and it looked so good we couldn't resist. Unfortunately they have since changed the presentation, but ww were assured it was the same recipe as the old configuration. Either way it was underwhelming, with a slightly lemony flavor rather than a rich espresso. The cappuccino redeemed dessert with its whipped cream and cinnamon flavor- I'd go back for that and some riggies! Total cost $62.80 before tip. read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Update 11/19: this is what their tiramisu looks like now (unfortunately) - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

See all

My wife and I had a late dinner here on a Friday night. Because we were in Utica, we wanted to have an 'old school' Italian dinner. We got that dinner at Ventura's. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a 1950s dinner club. My wife had Chicken Riggies, a dish that was created in Utica. Options are for all sweet peppers, all hot peppers, or a mix of both. I had the Italian Platter which came with lasagna, ravioli, pasta, braccioli, sausage, and a meatball. Their red sauce is great. Be warned that the servings are huge. You will take leftovers home. For dessert we had Gelato and Tortoni. Both were very good. read more

While out from Arizona for a visit to see our Grandkids in 2015, we took them to the Utica Zoo. After the Zoo we went to Ventura's, what a find. This time during our visit we took them to the Herkimer GEM show, the true GEM was not at the show it was taking them to Ventura's again. This place is a must stop if you enjoy true Italian food. read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

You cannot FIND better food than this. Not just Italian food........all food! All pasta HOMEMADE. Tomato sauce as sweet as the tomatoes grown in their backyard from which it's made. And a staff of people dedicated to making sure that you and your party have a wonderful time. Our waiter Mo was super-accommodating and as fast as lightning. The owner Rufe....a wonderful gentleman. Whether a lunch off the highway or a place for your daughter's rehearsal dinner, this is the place. Thanks heartily Mo and Rufe! read more

Second time here. Fabulous Italian Food! Our 32nd wedding Anniversary and what an impressive meal. My wife gor rhe Italian sampler platter with pasta, lasagna, Meatballs, sausage, bracciole. I had the shrimp Alfredo. Utica greens and fresh salad. The atmosphere is old school NY Italian. Very, very nice. Our waitstaff was excellent. I met the owner, Roofie,fantasic man. He told me they've been in business 82 years. If you happen to be in the Utica, NY area DON'T miss this must stop restaurant experience. read more

Excellent customer service, wonderful ambience, and delicious food! We were warmly greeted by every staff member and our waiter was great. FYI formal attire recommended! We were definitely underdressed. Great ambience with jazz music, classic photos and an old school Italian restaurant feel. Would definitely recommend getting the chicken riggies! read more

Ventura's Restaurant - Our delicious carb load before the boilermaker 15k tomorrow! - Italian Near Me - Utica, New York

Found this little gem while going back home to Albany. Ordered the chicken parmigiana and it was very good. The sauce is awesome and the spaghetti was so tasty!! Owner is present and this is a nice touch. Lava cake for dessert was ok I strongly suggest you come and try this awesome food. Service was ok but the food is worth the trip!! read more

While the menu has many Italian classics, I was here for the central New York-specific Utica greens and chicken riggies. The greens honor the line from Beavis and Butt-Head line, "we need something with a lot of ingredients." It contains escarole, cheese, hot peppers, a small amount of some kind of meat. I'm not sure what else but you must try this unusual combination. The chicken riggies were less exotic but the sauce worked well. I got the combination of hot and sweet peppers and the spice level accelerated gradually. This was far pricier than my other recent upstate food excursions. I didn't like the small size of the $2.50 paid-refill cokes, or the $2.50 charge for blue cheese dressing. However, the food is abundant, as entrees come with bread and salad. read more

What a great find. Shocked with my experience here. We ate lunch here today and are still talking about it. My family lives in Johnstown and we drove to Utica to visit Bass Pro. Afterwards, we couldn't find the restaurant a friend recommended and ended up using yelp to locate a nearby Italian joint. Arriving at 1pm we were the only people in this massive place and the service was great. Everything we ate was fabulous, extremely affordable and the portions were large. In fact, if this place was in NYC our bill (which came to $33) would have been $130. Value is a 5-star alone here. We started with the garlic bread which came warm and had a ton of flavor. Then the antipasto arrived (we ordered a small and it fed two men and could have fed another) and was filled with cheese and meats that tasted like they had just come from a local Italian deli. The veggies were fresh (even in the brutal Upstate NY winter) and the house dressing was very good. Personally, I went with the haddock marinara and my uncle had the fried haddock. Both came in enormous portions (each enough for two) and were well cooked and packed with flavor. The side of pasta served was very good - as was the sauce. For the value alone this is a go-to spot regardless of where you're from. We came during lunch and can't comment on dinner. However, the place is huge and breeds flavor. Give it a try. read more

See all