Verona's Cucina Italiana — Restaurant in Modesto

Ooh my... When it comes to fine affordable dining, this is the best in Modesto .I ate here for lunch on my birthday and at a well known downtown upscale place that night, and Verona's takes the crown..from seating,to menu choices, bread, salad, prices, Verona's is just reliably superb.

The salads had more little extras like nuts, dried and fresh fruit and veggie bits, delicious homemade dressings,better dark greens. They got it all right, and they have the most skilled staff cooking, greeting... It's all just better. It's excellent.

Eating elsewhere on the same day really forced me and my companions to realize how very much thought Verona's puts into having a truly high end dining spot in our little community serving people from farmers to well healed commuters who want to be pampered and fed perfect food in a beautiful, comfortable environment. The portions are generous and the choices are highest quality foods from rich classics to healthy flavorful real food prepared by creative, experienced, educated chefs.

There were more diners at Verona's than where I had dinner that night. My daughter and I took home part of our entrees and had another meal. We agreed we would not wait for a special occasion to return. Also, the parking is great... right out front. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and polite.

The prices are higher, but the portions are VERY generous. The food is so well prepared using fine ingredients from starters to entrees to desserts. If you seek fine dining, this is the best place to go in the Modesto area for sure. Yes, there are other good establishments downtown and other local fabulous less pricey places especially for great lunches. But Verona's is impressive in decor, service and menu options carried out by the finest chefs. You feel like you're being pampered, and you are.

Make a reservation if you can plan ahead. Dress for your experience. It's fabulous, it's fun, it's unforgettable. It's soooo good! I wouldn't choose any other fine dining around Modesto when I could go to Verona's..

(And I've heard it's owned locally by a very nice family who buy from locally owned Modesto businesses).

So if you spend your dollars there, they'll have dollars to spend here, and that's what stimulates our economy and helps Modesto stay green and great! Eating at locally owned,owner operated establishments gives the people in our community purchasing...

7/31/2023 5:30 p.m.

After driving around town trying to find a nice place to celebrate a special occasion, my boyfriend and I happened upon Veronas. I was super excited because I have been wanting to try Veronas for some time. Upon entering the front door there was a flurry of servers surrounding the hostess, they scurried off as we entered. At that moment the hostess, a chubby girl with black hair and bangs and a mouth piercing gave my boyfriend and I what I can only describe as a hateful grimacing sneer, her lip literally curled. I said table for two and she gave a lingering disdainful stare and then repeated "for two?"

I must admit I was confused and taken aback. I can only say I've never been treated with such disdain upon merely entering a restaurant. I looked back at my boyfriend and he looked back at me equally as confused. Without speaking we walked right out of there.

This was very disappointing as we were hopeful to leave a good review about great service and wonderful food, however this unwelcoming experience has turned me off from Verona's for the foreseeable future.

On the other hand I would also like to thank you for that horrible experience because it led us to Papapolloni Mediterranean Bistro where we were treated with smiles as welcomed patrons and given wonderfully amazing service. Their Saganaki flaming cheese was a tasteful visual delight! Their salmon was grilled perfectly crispy on the exterior yet moist and flavorful inside. Their steaks were well marble and perfectly grilled. Their wine list, exquisite. I had hoped to say similar wonderful things about Verona's.

I hope that Verona's can reevaluate the professionalism of their hostess or perhaps hire someone of a classy pleasant and welcoming disposition. I would have really liked to...

I am giving the 5 stars based off of my several experiences during happy hour, which is at 4pm to 7pm daily in the bar area and in the patio area.

The Happy Hour menu is linked off of the Yelp page for the business, but is a little out of date on a couple of prices, which might be a dollar higher on some items.

I have always sat in the patio area, which is blocked from the western sun by the building allowing for a cooler seating after 4pm. The patio area itself is probably 4 stars and could use some improvements in decor with some more plants and general up keep to move the patio seating area up to 5 stars.

I have had the Antipasto Misto and Pizze Verona, which were both stellar. The Calamari Fritto I have had twice now and might just be the best Calamari that you can find in Modesto. They typically also serve roasted bread slices with olive oil and balsamic vinegar that are super yummy and well done.

Glasses of wine are $2 off during happy hour and I have never had a bad glass here with a fairly nice selection.

One could treat their Happy Hour menu as a very nice way to do Tapas in Modesto. Hands down one of my favorite happy hours in town and a very nice way to unwind after work or start a very classy date with not the full price of the restaurant.

Have eaten in the restaurant at full menu prices and still think happy hour is...