Zeffirino Belloni started out on his career in 1939 in Genova in Italy by opening a family restaurant there. His son also discovered that he had a flair for food preparation, and today it is Gian Paolo Belloni and his family who have restaurants in Italy, China, Spain and the USA.

In Las Vegas they run the Zeffirino Ristorante at the Venetian, which they opened in 1999. Many swear that being there is as close as being in Venice as it’s possible to be without actually being there. It is that good. The decór is stylish, magnificant and elegant. The handcrafted bar standing 40 feet high was imported from Italy. This where you can enjoy a cocktail before the main event.

Start with a perfect wine from the cellar that holds in excess of 600 different selections. They are not all Italian wines. The Zeffirino Ristorante takes its wines from all over the world, from some of the finest vineyards to be found anywhere. And then there’s the food. Here’s what Venetian.com has to say:

“Zeffirino imports many of its ingredients, chefs and staff from Italy and bakes its breads and decadent desserts on premises. Luciano Pavorotti, Frank Sinatra and Sugar Ray Leonard are amongst many who have chosen Zeffirino. Dine with us for lunch and dinner or consider Zerririno’s lavish Sunday brunch buffet. From the family that made pesto world famous - Zeffirino is truly a culinary treat not to be missed.”

The Zeffirino Ristorante at the Venetian has won many awards for its cuisine. This includes an Escoffier Award; Gian Paolo Belloni is the only non-French chef who has had the honor to receive this award - an ultimate honor for culinary skills. He has also been awarded the European Golden Medal in recognition of his exceptional talent. The Zeffirino Ristorante at the Venetian is beyond doubt an experience that is nit to be missed.