Italian restaurants

Little Venetian

4.3 373 reviews Closed 2900 Rice St Suite 240, Little Canada, MN 55113, United States

Discover this place

Little Venetian is a charming Italian restaurant located at 2900 Rice St Suite 240, Little Canada, MN. This establishment has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, serving authentic Italian dishes, many of which are based on family recipes passed down through generations. Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional quality of food, with one patron, Joe Rice, declaring it as “some of the best Italian food in Minnesota!” This sentiment is echoed by William D Hansen, who appreciates the excellent food alongside great service and decent prices.

The menu boasts a variety of options, from traditional pastas to unique specials like prime rib and butterfly shrimp, which impresses guests with their diverse offerings. Sandy G. notes the flavors were so delightful that all five diners in her party loved their meals, signaling a strong reflection of the restaurant's value and appeal.

Little Venetian also excels in catering, demonstrated by Tom Duffy’s glowing review of their takeaway service for large groups. Beyond food, the warm and attentive service further enhances the dining experience, making Little Venetian a must-visit destination for Italian cuisine lovers. Whether dining in or taking out, a visit here promises to be memorable!

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Quiet

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Little Venetian before visiting.

Reviews for Little Venetian

4.3

373 reviews

100%

27%

11%

Review highlights

Based on 373 reviews

Little Venetian is widely praised for its authentic Italian cuisine, deeply rooted in family recipes that bring a traditional flavor to the Minnesota dining scene. Reviewers consistently highlight the high quality and variety of the menu, which includes both classic Italian dishes and appealing daily specials. The restaurant's service receives frequent commendation for being attentive and friendly, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, customers appreciate the reasonable pricing and local ownership, reinforcing a sense of community support. Some feedback touches on minor preferences in seasoning, but overall, the strengths of flavorful food and reliable service dominate the public perception, making Little Venetian a favored spot for both dine-in experiences and larger takeout orders.

Joe Rice

Jul 11, 2025

Some of the best Italian food in Minnesota! With family recipes brought over from Italy nearly a century ago, it's hard to beat the tastes of Little Venetian. The service was just as great as the food. I'll definitely be back again!

William D Hansen

Jun 14, 2025

Excellent food, service, decent prices and locally owned. All the best reasons to support their business.

Sandy G.

Jun 11, 2025

Five is us ate dinner here last night and everyone loved their meal!! The food was quite tasty and there was quite a variety to choose from...even prime rib with a baked potato and butterfly shrimp (daily specials). The server was excellent also. We will certainly be back!!!

Tom Duffy

Jun 05, 2025

We love the food here so far Christmas party this year we ordered takeout for 25 people and it was amazing

Angelique Corcoran

May 13, 2025

Could have been a bit spicier, but really good beef stroganof

Robert Mapplebeck

Apr 22, 2025

All I can say is Just Go! Awesome lil Family restaurant. Had the Veal Parmigiana, So long since I’ve had Great VP... Wife we had the Lasagna and was in LOVE with it. Cosy and Quaint. Will be back for sure!

Chelsea

Apr 17, 2025

This place is awesome! Our waitress was phenomenal! Food was superb the spamoni dessert was amazing. I will be back and will tell all of my friends about this place !

Gloria Johnson

Mar 20, 2025

I just ordered a take-out “Lent Dinner from Little Venetian” AND IT WAS MORE THAN SPECTACULAR!!! It was gigantic portions of Fried Walleye filet, buttered Mash Potatoes, Tasty green beans that Honestly tasted like they were just picked from the garden, Tartar Sauce and butter and some Italian Bread!!! I swear to God it was the best tasting Walleye Dinner I have EVER EATEN, and I’ve eaten a lot over the years, my Favorite Fish!!! I enjoyed a cold glass House Moscato Wine, and now I’m completely satisfied with enough to enjoy a Walleye lunch or dinner with my leftovers!!! The service was fast and friendly and the waitress made me feel right at home!!! Thank you Little Venetian which is a mini of the old and famous Venetian Inn formerly located on Rice St. in St. Paul! Even the cook is from Mama and Pappa Vitale which is nationally known for its goodness, kindness, exemplary service and Italian and American cuisine beyond compare! (My only regret was not taking a photo of the dinner I devoured! Thank you So Much!!! Gloria Johnson