Cantinetta Pizza and Pasta — Restaurant in Summerlin South

My initial visit to this restaurant was during their soft opening period several days before their grand opening. I was immediately taken with the bright, chic interior of the restaurant, particularly knowing what the space had looked like for the prior restaurant in this location. The owners obviously put an immense amount of care and attention in to the remodel to give it a high end flair.

I say at the bar as it was just myself and the restaurant was not yet busy at that time, though there was quite a crowd as the night went on. The little bar area was very cozy and well designed. I had a couple of the staple specialty cocktails, including anbold fashioned and a lemon drop. The bartender was still training and was up front about it. The old fashioned was nothing unusual, though it was less liquid than I would expect for the cocktail and they did not have any black cherries at the time. The lemon drop had to be redone be the owner, who mentioned she loves lemon drops. The new one was perfectly on point and balanced.

In terms of food, I had the Caesar salad, the pear fagotti, a sample of the Rigatoni piccante, and the chocolate temptation for dessert. I am a huge fan of Caesar salad and this one did not disappoint, it was a good size portion, all of the lettuce was coated with Caesar dressing, and the dressing was very obviously hand made with its delicious flavor. I came to learn later that the Caesar dressing recipe has been in the family for years and that even the owners kids can tell the difference when a Caesar dressing is not done right. The pear fagotti was nothing short of incredible. The flavors were perfectly balanced and the pasta was almost an Italian version of a dumpling filled with the candies pear and ricotta, with the gorgonzola cream sauce pairing just right. The owner brought out a chef sample of the Rigatoni Piccante while I was eating. I was a bit hesitant as I do not live spicy food, but it was a flavor explosion that was absolutely delicious where I would gladly get the full dish in the future. For dessert, the chocolate temptation was a layered chocolate dish. Often these types of desserts do not balance well, but this one was on point. The cake was just the right amount of moist and the other layers played with each other perfectly.

All the staff and the owner were great to speak to during my visit. They all clearly were passionate about the restaurant and enthusiastic about the food. I had expected to just pop in quickly for dinner, but ended up spending a relaxing evening there just because it felt cozy and I was enjoying talking with the staff.

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Was filling up at a corner station when I noticed that the green curlicue sign for long-closed Basil'n Lime was replaced by white block letters proclaiming CANTINETTA Pizza & Pasta. Two of my favorite food groups, so I had to check it out. Fortunately Cantinetta is on OpenTable.

Pleasant greeting from the hostess and given every option for seating.

Atmosphere: Outside, being located in one of the many strip malls around Las Vegas, can't be helped. Inside, it's Italian garden crossed with modern pop princess. False brick promenade, topiaries, twining grape vines, giant pink tree, and bird cage light fixtures. Pictures of famous ladies with food and wine. Music by the likes of Dean Martin competed with music floating out of the open kitchen. Plenty of natural light from the expansive window frontage.

Server Matthew provided free baguette slices and the typical accoutrements, and stood ready to answer any questions about the menu.

Pear Heaven ($17): Matthew reported that the salad size was large and so it was. Lots of greenery, four pear slices, plenty of cheese chunks, cranberries, and walnuts, heavily drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. Substantial takeaway.

Spaghetti al Tartuffo ($29): This was a damn the calorie consequences kind of pasta dish. Shaved cheese on top, rich thick creamy cheese sauce below, sandwiching a decent mound of noodles, framed by four peeled jumbo shrimp and sprinkled with almond slices. Citrus very subtle; came out most via the crustaceans. Finished it with a herculean effort, but that meant no dessert this time. Pity as several, like the sweet fettuccines, were very tempting.

Also, Sprite ($4). Free refills!

Value: Above average.

Service: Very attentive from Matthew.

etc Place seems to be positioning as your friendly neighborhood Italian joint with class, offering large portions, free bread and soda refills, local...

My family and I choose to celebrate my aunts birthday at Cantinetta. Upon walking in we were greeted and seated by lady, later to fund our she is the owner. Both staff and the owner went out of their ways to cater to us. It was Saturday night, they had amazing musicians playing Italian classics. We all had a prosciutto and melon appetizer, bruschetta and arancini. They have great selection of wines, that’s are very affordable. Main coarse came out promptly. We enjoyed a Frutti Di mare pasta, salmon Carbonara and one of the chefs special with smoked salmon. The musician then sang happy Birthday song to my aunt and the owner came out with a complimentary tiramisu. We will...