Pizzeria Venti — Restaurant in Vonore

Mostaccioli - Yes, they make the most basic of definitions of Mostaccioli, BUT, devoid of flavor, devoid of good marinara sauce...(pizza sauce is not the same as pasta sauce). So it's equivalent to finding an almost empty pantry at home and making noodles and opening a can of diced tomatoes and throw some mozz on top. Just some suggestions...just because we're in the South, doesn't mean Italian has to taste like its made....in the woods. Marinara Sauce - Tomato SAUCE, Tomato Paste, salt/pepper/oregano/fresh chopped sauteed garlic and/or garlic salt/garlic powder/onion powder/olive oil/parmesan cheese/pinch of sugar...thats it! Add fresh ground beef simmered to a light brown for Bolognese, or Meat Sauce. (not the meat product? that is in their spaghetti), Ground Beef! Hamburger, 80/20 or 85/15. For seasoning, LESS is MORE! so don't go crazy with the oregano or garlic...Also, you have to let this all cook together for a day, simmering, not boiling, stirring.. but i digress. Mostaccioli - yes they make the basic definition, but why not add some ricotta!? and normally its done with meat sauce, then baked with mozz on top. I only say this because there is so much opportunity at this nice restaurant, and maybe their dish is more true Italian, idk? but we're in America, so throw some hamburger and ricotta cheese in their, i'm hungry after eating a few bites of this stuff. because its not worth finishing... :( It's not bad, the pasta is cooked well, not overcooked, seems like fresh ingredients, just no Flava. and still need some lights in parking lot...doesn't have to be obnoxious super bright street lights, some lights with caps on top as to not pollute the sky with light. or at least put some bulbs up on the outside entryway. i would guess most don't even know there is a restaurant there. maybe take some lights from inside and put them outside..lol, bc its soo bright inside. Italy and Italian food is about Romance! This place should and could be the best restaurant in 100 miles...Seriously. Staff has...

Overall, in my opinion, this place is average. We have friends who really like to go here for the gluten free options. Two of them are extremely gluten intolerant (To the point of causing medical issues), but eat here because the staff know how to provide true gluten free entrees.

Apparently, due to the way their kitchen is set up, they can only cook a limited number of things at a time. So, if you're with a group of people, you're only seeing one entree at a time show up.

Some of the staff are a younger, and don't really appear to want to be there. One young man walked past me three times as I was waiting, and then attempting, to get ice from the machine. It was empty. On his fourth trip, after I'd already given up on getting ice and filled my drink, he shows up with a large bucket of ice to fill the machine.

Had he been observant, he'd have seen the guy before me not getting any ice as well.

The atmosphere here is loud most of the time. It's very difficult to have conversations sitting inside or outside. Outside seating faces Highway 411, and it's close to a traffic signal. So vehicles are accelerating away after the lights change, making it difficult to hear anything. I can't really blame the restaurant for this, it is what it is.

They do appear to be adding a separate outside seating area, but this has been ongoing for...

Originally we were going to eat at Sloan's across the street but it was closed. This pizza place was open so we decided to try it.

The entrance is confusing since there are no signs directing where to order or if you have to wait to be seated. The restaurant layout seems like it was designed to be a sit down and order restaurant but then metal tables were just brought in to fill the space.

We were greeted when we arrived and waited on within a timely manner. The prices are decent but a little high for the area and portion of food given.

After sitting down I noticed that overall the restaurant was clean but again just seemed cold and empty, like to was about to close down for good.

Our food was delivered to our table and was hot and a decent portion. We enjoyed the breadsticks most that came with marinara dipping sauce.

One turnoff for me was that this restaurant charges extra for sauce such as ranch (they stated because of rising prices). In my opinion, I think this is a cost you should just have to take on as a business. Sauces should be free.

I probably would not go out of my way to eat here again but if you are on the road and are hungry it is a...