Menu | Hours | Reviews
Italian Cuisine, Celebrity Chef, Lively Atmosphere, Family-Style Portions, Casual Dining
Buddy V’s Ristorante, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas
Buddy V’s Ristorante is a lively, upbeat Italian restaurant located right on the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, offering picturesque views of the Las Vegas Strip through its big windows. It is the first restaurant venture of celebrity chef Buddy Valastro, known for his fun personality and intricate custom cakes on his smash hit TV series “Cake Boss.”
The bright, inviting space has a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of a classic Italian-American eatery. The decor features warm wood tones, white tiled floors, cushy red booths and the aroma of garlic and tomato sauce permeating the air. Whether you grab a cozy window seat for Strip views or sit in the main dining room, the energy is palpable.
The menu showcases Valastro’s home-style cuisine made from recipes passed down from his Italian family over four generations. Stand-outs include grandma’s oversized, impeccably spiced beef, veal and pork meatballs smothered in marinara, crispy yet tender eggplant parmesan layered with tomato and gooey cheese, and the signature “Nonna’s 7 Layer Lasagna” packed with Italian sausage, ground beef and ricotta.
Starters not to be missed are the cheesy, garlic-loaded pizza bread made with their artisan pizza dough proofed for two days, and the zesty calamari fritti with peppers and tomato aioli. The two-day proofed pizzas with toppings like spicy Italian sausage and prosciutto are also highlights. For entrees, standouts include the hearty rigatoni alla vodka with pancetta in a creamy tomato sauce, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan over spaghetti marinara, and veal or chicken marsala over linguine.
Portions are absolutely massive, arriving at tables in generously portioned family-style platters meant for sharing. Ingredients are incredibly fresh and high quality. Flavors are boldly seasoned yet homey and comforting, capturing that authentic Italian home cooking experience. The vibe is lively yet relaxed, with warm, attentive service that makes you feel at home.
For an over-the-top sweet finish, guests indulge in decadent desserts like Buddy’s bananas foster bread pudding or the signature multi-tier cakes that made Valastro famous. With its festive atmosphere, huge portions of classic Italian-American specialties, and that signature Valastro hospitality, Buddy V’s has made a name as a stellar dining experience on the Las Vegas Strip.
Buddy V’s Known For:
- Oversized Italian-American Comfort Foods – Buddy V’s is known for serving massive portions of classic Italian-American comfort food dishes like giant meatballs, cheesy garlic bread, eggplant parmesan, and lasagna made from Buddy Valastro’s family recipes.
- Celebrity Chef Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro – The restaurant is the first restaurant venture of celebrity chef Buddy Valastro, who gained fame from his TV series “Cake Boss” showcasing his intricate custom cakes.
- Two-Day Proofed Artisanal Pizzas – Buddy V’s is known for its artisanal pizza dough that is proofed for two days before being hand-stretched and baked with toppings like sausage, pepperoni, and prosciutto.
Popular Dishes
- Rigatoni Alla Vodka – Rigatoni pasta tossed in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce with pancetta. Described as a “MUST try” by reviewers.
- Chicken Parmesan – Two large chicken breasts breaded and oven-baked, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and served over spaghetti marinara.
- Grandma’s Meatballs – Oversized meatballs made with a blend of beef, veal and pork, served in Buddy’s marinara sauce with parmesan cheese.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread – Loaf of bread baked with melted mozzarella, parmesan and garlic butter. A popular starter item.
- Nonna’s Sunday Gravy – Buddy’s family recipe of meatballs, sausage, lamb and pork braised in a tomato gravy sauce, served with a side of rigatoni pasta.
Reviews
Samantha G. from Phoenix, AZ:
“The rigatoni alla vodka at Buddy V’s was out of this world! The massive portion was more than enough to share. Service was friendly and attentive throughout our meal.”
Robert M. from Miami, FL:
“Buddy V’s cheesy garlic bread is a must-order – so deliciously garlicky and loaded with cheese. The cozy ambiance with Strip views made for a fun dining experience.”
Karen L. from Boise, ID:
“We loved the homemade taste of the grandma’s meatballs smothered in marinara sauce. Generous family-style portions at reasonable prices for Vegas.”
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
Also Mentioned In:
Feast at 10 Amazing Italian Restaurants on the Strip
A Taste of Italy: Romantic Italian Dining in Vegas
Famously Delicious: The Best Celebrity Chef Restaurants in Las Vegas
What type of cuisine does Buddy V’s Ristorante serve?
Buddy V’s Ristorante serves classic Italian-American cuisine made from family recipes of celebrity chef Buddy Valastro.
Who is Buddy Valastro?
Buddy Valastro is the celebrity chef and owner of Buddy V’s Ristorante, known for his TV series “Cake Boss” showcasing his intricate custom cakes.
Does Buddy V’s Ristorante take reservations?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended for dining at Buddy V’s Ristorante and can be made online or by calling the restaurant directly.
Where is Buddy V’s Ristorante located?
The restaurant is located in the Grand Canal Shoppes inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Does Buddy V’s Ristorante offer any views?
Yes, some tables offer views of the famous Las Vegas Strip through the restaurant’s big windows.
What is the ambiance like at Buddy V’s Ristorante?
The ambiance is lively and vibrant, reminiscent of a classic Italian-American eatery with warm wood tones and red booths.
What menu items is Buddy V’s Ristorante known for?
They are known for massive portions of comfort foods like grandma’s meatballs, cheesy garlic bread, eggplant parmesan, and Buddy’s famous Sunday gravy.
Are the portions at Buddy V’s Ristorante large?
Yes, the portions are absolutely massive and meant for sharing in a family-style presentation.
What is the pizza like at Buddy V’s Ristorante?
The pizzas feature a two-day proofed artisanal dough that is hand-stretched with toppings like sausage, pepperoni and prosciutto.
What was Buddy Valastro’s first career?
Before opening restaurants, Buddy Valastro was a fourth-generation baker who pioneered the custom cake movement from his family bakery in New Jersey.
Does the restaurant offer any special events or experiences?
On Sundays, Buddy V’s hosts an Italian buffet brunch with antipasto, seafood, carved meats, egg dishes and desserts for $55 per person.
What is one of the signature pasta dishes?
The rigatoni alla vodka with pancetta in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce is a standout signature pasta.
Are there any vegan or vegetarian options on the menu?
While not fully vegan, the eggplant parmesan can be made vegetarian and the menu has vegetable side dishes that can accommodate vegan diets.