Inside the Grand Canal Shoppes is Buddy V’s Ristorante! Once you walk through the amazing Italian inspired casino and hotels, you will find this great restaurant filled with some of Buddy’s favorite family recipes. Known for his Cake Boss Brand, Buddy V has opened up numerous restaurants and locations all over the country. I was so excited to finally try one of his restaurants, especially when visiting Las Vegas!

The ambiance is energetic and great for groups. Whether you’re a party of two or a party of six, there will be a great table with a view for you. I started off with some Specialty Cocktails which included the Spiced Honeycrisp and Paloma Londra. The cocktail menu is fun, and they offer a great selection that will please every palate from dry to sweet and everything in between.

For starters, I had to try Grandma’s Meatballs and Aunt Nina’s Mozzarella En Corozza. The meatballs were juicy and delicious, and if you enjoy authentic Italian home cooking, you will absolutely love these. If you’re more into cheese pulls and carbs, I recommend Aunt Nina’s appetizer because of the pesto and tomato ragu which pairs perfectly with the gooey mozzarella cheese. Both appetizers are perfect for sharing, but if you have a larger party and want to order a third option, I highly recommend the Buddy’s Caprese. Chef serves buratta cheese alongside organic vine ripened tomatoes with a side of grilled bread. This was one of the best Caprese salad’s I have ever had in my life, and is an absolute must order!

After the starters followed the larger plates. I loved all of our server’s recommendations, so when she suggested the Orichetti and Italian Sausage pasta I knew it was going to be great. It was! This pasta is perfectly portioned to share if you plan on also getting a main (recommended). It’s a delicious dish packed with flavor and personality. Alongside the pasta was the oven baked Chicken Parm with spaghetti. This dish is typical for this style restaurant, however, the chicken is incredibly juicy, with the perfect amount of sauce to cheese ratio. Overall this dish will win the heart of any chicken parmesan lover and is definitely a crowd favorite.

What I really love about Buddy V’s Ristorante is the family tie-ins everywhere. On the walls, you will see family pictures of Buddy and his mom, dad, and more. Also, the menu was created based off of his family recipes, which is a wonderful feeling when you’re craving homestyle cooking and warm vibes.

To end the lunch on a sweet note, I enjoyed a double espresso and Lisa’s Warm Nutella Cake. This warm Nutella filled molten cake is sinfully delicious and if you’re a chocolate lover you will not be able to resist this. I had to stop myself from eating every single bite since I was so full, but this dessert was just too good to put down!

When you decide to take a trip to Las Vegas, be sure to check out Buddy V’s Ristorante. You will love the family atmosphere, exceptional service, and staff, as well as the great views of the Las Vegas Strip!