A new restaurant aptly named Italian Village is now open at The Shops at Legacy in Plano. Italian Village comes from Chef Veton “Tony” Krasniqi, whose mission is to bring real, authentic Italian dishes to Texas.
“I kept hearing how this area needed more authentic Italian food,” he shared when speaking with Dallas Magazine. “My vision was to open a very traditional restaurant that makes you feel like you are in Italy when you walk in.”
Based on some recent reviews, Chef Krasniqi has done just that with a delicious menu of southern Italian salads, soups, pizza, fish, meat entrees, and pasta dishes featuring Napoli, a crushed San Marzano tomato sauce.
The restaurant also serves an impressive assortment of beverages, including an exclusive wine list, cocktails, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Patrons will also be able to dig into some classic and authentic dishes that are fresh and made to order: Carbonara, Alfredo, a pan-seared salmon in a lemon cream sauce called Al Salmone, Rib Eye Pepe Verde, Filet All Grillia and of course, Bolognese.
“True Bolognese sauce is quite rare in America. Most restaurants do some version of a marinara—not Bolognese like in Italy. We made our’s Italian-style with ground beef, fresh tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions a blend of our family-secret homemade spices,” Chef Krasniqi shared.
Italian Village also serves Italian pizzas with roasted tomatoes sauce, Italian salami, prosciutto, and spaghetti topped pizza.
“It’s very special,” Krasniqi said of the Bolognese-based pie. “We take spaghetti and Bolognese sauce and put it on pizza. It’s a lovely dish.”
Aside from the excellent menu, the atmosphere is also a must-see. One very notable feature is a lighted 3D Roman Coliseum mural that decorates the bar wall.
Patrons can enjoy dining inside or opt for outside seating at one of the two patio areas. One is shaded, and the other is a bar patio that features lighting for the perfect relaxing meal.