Venetian Moon

Went to Venetian Moon for first time last night with wife. My thoughts. Positives - taken in isolation, the food was average. My wife ordered veal piccata. The veal was moist, but the sauce was slightly thin and lacked flavor. I ordered chicken Marsala with sun-dried tomatoes (after reading several positive reviews) and it was excellent. Chicken was very moist and sauce had wonderful flavor and texture. (However, I was originally brought the wrong entree. To the server's credit, she promptly corrected the situation and took my entree off our bill). Both ordered the homemade fusili with our meals and the pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. Wine list is average with nothing out of the ordinary. Drink menu is extensive and vodka choices extremely impressive. However, I had several issues with the overall experience that all relate to the notion of QPR (Quality price ratio). The place is not cheap. With appetizer/desert and one drink one should expect to spend on average about $35 (if not more). When compared to other restaurant experiences in that price range, Venetian Moon is lacking. Some observations - the tables downstairs are plastic (they felt like Formica) with no tablecloth - really unappealing. Parmignon cheese is not fresh and given to you in a classic pizzeria shaker. Doggie bags - Waitstaff bring Styrofoam containers to your table for you to put your meal in. Several employees (hostess and waitstaff) were obviously and obnoxiously chewing gum. No desserts are homemade. Overall, there prices are not much lower than other Italian steakhouses, but VM comes nowhere close to the overall experience at those other restaurants. These observations might be nit-picky, but I believe that when a couple spends significant money on a meal, certain things should come with that experience. If they are charging these prices - they need to tighten up a few things. I would really hesitate to eat there again - but I would go to the bar. Pros: bar menu Cons: food price vs. overall experience is significantly lacking. more

After hearing great reviews about the Venetian Moon Restaurant, I decided to take my Lover there for his birthday. We arrived at 6:00 pm. When we entered, after parking a few blocks down the street, the Manager/Owner was speaking to another couple who was ahead of us. She told them to follow her downstairs to be seated and she said to us, "Just follow them." She never addressed us or said hello to us. When we got downstairs she seated the other couple and then brought us to our table and didn't say a word. She got the menus and placed them on the table without speaking to us. We should have realized it was not going to be a good night right then and there. Waitress #1 arrived and took our drink order. She came back in about 10 minutes and said that they didn't have the martini that we ordered. (This is supposed to be the leading Martini Bar in the area.) We ordered another kind. Waitress #2 came to the table and said there was a mix up with the tables and she would be our waitress now. She took our order. She came back a few minutes later and said they were out of what we ordered. Things are not going well. Waitress #3 arrived and assured she would be our waitress now. We got the appetizer and the salads which were all delicious. Our meals, which we had to reorder, were delicious also. We then placed our dessert order, a simple dish of vanilla ice cream in a tulip crepe. She came back later and said they were all out of that dessert. (Vanilla ice cream? Not hard to keep on hand.) At that point we asked to speak with the Manager/Owner. We told her, in a nice way, that we were disappointed with everything that was not available. She simply said that they don't always have octopus and that she was sorry. Nothing more. I doubt that we will go back and I certainly would not recommend it to friends and family. It was not what I expected from a so called high class, high priced restaurant. There wasn't much class there. Pros: Food Cons: Waitstaff, management, food availability from menu, parking more

first the good, great martini and a beautiful room, but thats where it ends! my wife and i went on a very very slow tuesday night, i heard they served prime steaks so i asked the waiter if there steaks are dry aged,he said (huh?) i should have cut my losses right there but i continued on and asked for a bone in ribeye cooked black and blue, again the waiter was (whats that?) oh boy i thought they serve PRIME BEEF and the waiter never heard of black and blue or dry aged?so i told him have them cook it VERY RARE! we got our appitizers 45min after we ordered them! and it was not impressive, canned artichoke hearts in a lemon sauce. he said sorry our kitchen made a mistake and they are on the house , so after another 30 min wait out came my wife dinner, pork chops $30 and then 5 min later out came my dinner and it was wrong! they cooked me a filet! i said thats not a ribeye thats a filet again oh sorry we will get your ribeye, i said forget it, you allready ruined the dinner! i dont feel like waiting another 30 mins while my wife eats and then she will have to sit there and watch me eat after she is done, just get me a plate and i will share the pork chops , the pork chops where just ok , i would say worth about $12-15 dollars not the $30 they charged, when the bill came the waiter said he was sorry and had a doggie bag with the ribeye in it ,i cut into the steak and it was a disaster! way overcooked!! i just shook my head and said wow there was nobody here and you guys screwed everything up how bad is it on a friday and saturday night! i must be a disaster!! now we are not talking about a bargin joint , the steaks are in the price range of the big boys(RC'S S&W MOC'S CG,FP, ECT) and this is not manhatten,las vegas or even boston! it is reading!! and they really have no clue what they are doing! i guess you still have to go into boston to get a real steak prepaired correctly! Pros: great martinis, beautiful room Cons: everything else more

first the good, great martini and a beautiful room, but thats where it ends! my wife and i went on a very very slow tuesday night, i heard they served prime steaks so i asked the waiter if there steaks are dry aged,he said (huh?) i should have cut my losses right there but i continued on and asked for a bone in ribeye cooked black and blue, again the waiter was (whats that?) oh boy i thought they serve PRIME BEEF and the waiter never heard of black and blue or dry aged?so i told him have them cook it VERY RARE! we got our appitizers 45min after we ordered them! and it was not impressive, canned artichoke hearts in a lemon sauce. he said sorry our kitchen made a mistake and they are on the house , so after another 30 min wait out came my wife dinner, pork chops $30 and then 5 min later out came my dinner and it was wrong! they cooked me a filet! i said thats not a ribeye thats a filet again oh sorry we will get your ribeye, i said forget it, you allready ruined the dinner! i dont feel like waiting another 30 mins while my wife eats and then she will have to sit there and watch me eat after she is done, just get me a plate and i will share the pork chops , the pork chops where just ok , i would say worth about $12-15 dollars not the $30 they charged, when the bill came the waiter said he was sorry and had a doggie bag with the ribeye in it ,i cut into the steak and it was a disaster! way overcooked!! i just shook my head and said wow there was nobody here and you guys screwed everything up how bad is it on a friday and saturday night! i must be a disaster!! now we are not talking about a bargin joint , the steaks are in the price range of the big boys(RC'S S&W MOC'S CG,FP, ECT) and this is not manhatten,las vegas or even boston! it is reading!! and they really have no clue what they are doing! i guess you still have to go into boston to get a real steak prepaired correctly! Pros: great martinis, beautiful room Cons: everything else more

My fiance and I have heard so many great things about Venetian Moon that we finally decided we had to check it out. Needless to say we had high expectations but even so, we were a bit surprised at the average to below average service, food and atmosphere. We are a little confused why so many people like it? We knew about the long wait because they do not take reservations and the loudness due to the amount of people that frequent there and the layout of the place. But..it was worse then this...unless you get there really early to grab one of the few nice tables downstairs in front of the video screen/lounge area, the seating is pretty sub par. Basically bar seating, which is fine if that is what your prepared for, we like good bars, this is not one of those.... Also if you happen to sit near large groups of people that have not gotten there early enough to get one of the better tables, they will crowd around you and stare at your table and plates until you leave...my fiance likened it to "eating in the middle of a train station" It didn't help that our waitress told people we were leaving soon, they ran over and stood 2" from our table and kept staring at our plates and knocking into our table....not condusive to a pleasant dining experience! All in all the dinner was 2 hours start to finish so service is not slow, but the food and ambience was only average. The dishes were not unique or high end as the reviews might suggest, the martinis are average, despite the allure of a large martini menu. I make much better martinis at home with the stirrings kits.. Not sure we would try it again, unless we got there when it opened to snag a decent table, not on top of the downstairs bar...but it doesn't seem worth it really. The made over basement we have heard so much about, looked like OUR basement and I was amused when I read this from another reviewer as well. Recessed lighting in drop ceilings are not chic people...no really... Pros: okay if you can't make it in to the city and are looking for average.. Cons: not good if this is your big night out.. more

My fiance and I have heard so many great things about Venetian Moon that we finally decided we had to check it out. Needless to say we had high expectations but even so, we were a bit surprised at the average to below average service, food and atmosphere. We are a little confused why so many people like it? We knew about the long wait because they do not take reservations and the loudness due to the amount of people that frequent there and the layout of the place. But..it was worse then this...unless you get there really early to grab one of the few nice tables downstairs in front of the video screen/lounge area, the seating is pretty sub par. Basically bar seating, which is fine if that is what your prepared for, we like good bars, this is not one of those.... Also if you happen to sit near large groups of people that have not gotten there early enough to get one of the better tables, they will crowd around you and stare at your table and plates until you leave...my fiance likened it to "eating in the middle of a train station" It didn't help that our waitress told people we were leaving soon, they ran over and stood 2" from our table and kept staring at our plates and knocking into our table....not condusive to a pleasant dining experience! All in all the dinner was 2 hours start to finish so service is not slow, but the food and ambience was only average. The dishes were not unique or high end as the reviews might suggest, the martinis are average, despite the allure of a large martini menu. I make much better martinis at home with the stirrings kits.. Not sure we would try it again, unless we got there when it opened to snag a decent table, not on top of the downstairs bar...but it doesn't seem worth it really. The made over basement we have heard so much about, looked like OUR basement and I was amused when I read this from another reviewer as well. Recessed lighting in drop ceilings are not chic people...no really... Pros: okay if you can't make it in to the city and are looking for average.. Cons: not good if this is your big night out.. more

I have been to the Venetian Moon with my friends on two occasions now and have had a good dining experience. The wait was a bit long both times but a waitress came over to take drink orders, which were brought over within 5 minutes. Once we were seated our dinner order was taken within 10 minutes. The food was very good and I would advise ordering off of the tappas/bar menu. Some of the items that are on the regular dinner menu are included but are much less expensive. The sizes are perfect for one person or order a few to share! All wait staff was polite, friendly and helpful. I never used the restroom but if they were not clean one of my friends would have mentioned it, for sure. With regard to the atmosphere, you definitely feel like you are in a downtown Boston location. The clientele seems to be mostly people in their 30's and 40's. I must say the comment by the reviewer "jessicajenk" is quite uncalled for.....you can not tell how much money someone has just by looking at them, and quite frankly, what difference does it make? Great place to meet before going out someplace else or to just hang out for the night. My friends and I will be back again! Pros: Good food, atmosphere, service Cons: Sometimes a long wait to be seated for food. more

I have been to the Venetian Moon with my friends on two occasions now and have had a good dining experience. The wait was a bit long both times but a waitress came over to take drink orders, which were brought over within 5 minutes. Once we were seated our dinner order was taken within 10 minutes. The food was very good and I would advise ordering off of the tappas/bar menu. Some of the items that are on the regular dinner menu are included but are much less expensive. The sizes are perfect for one person or order a few to share! All wait staff was polite, friendly and helpful. I never used the restroom but if they were not clean one of my friends would have mentioned it, for sure. With regard to the atmosphere, you definitely feel like you are in a downtown Boston location. The clientele seems to be mostly people in their 30's and 40's. I must say the comment by the reviewer "jessicajenk" is quite uncalled for.....you can not tell how much money someone has just by looking at them, and quite frankly, what difference does it make? Great place to meet before going out someplace else or to just hang out for the night. My friends and I will be back again! Pros: Good food, atmosphere, service Cons: Sometimes a long wait to be seated for food. more

Trendy is not supposed to be in suberbia but it has arrived!! Travelgirl has no idea what she is talking about...I frequent the Moon all too often and have never had a bad meal or one that made me ill...I believe too many martinis prob did it!! Venetian Moon was a cool place to hang out before the renovation, and now that they have added a whole new renovation to their downstairs the place has just burst into the place to go...so much better than going into Boston...The crowd is always lively and buzzing, the atmosphere is cool and hip, the staff has always been fun and friendlly, and the martinis and food are delicious...after you visit once you will leave with a "can't wait to go back" feeling...check it out..definelty a "10"!! Pros: Food and Martinis!! Cons: sometimes a little wait.. more

Trendy is not supposed to be in suberbia but it has arrived!! Travelgirl has no idea what she is talking about...I frequent the Moon all too often and have never had a bad meal or one that made me ill...I believe too many martinis prob did it!! Venetian Moon was a cool place to hang out before the renovation, and now that they have added a whole new renovation to their downstairs the place has just burst into the place to go...so much better than going into Boston...The crowd is always lively and buzzing, the atmosphere is cool and hip, the staff has always been fun and friendlly, and the martinis and food are delicious...after you visit once you will leave with a "can't wait to go back" feeling...check it out..definelty a "10"!! Pros: Food and Martinis!! Cons: sometimes a little wait.. more

I have been visiting the venetian moon everyweek for years. I think I have tried everything on the menu and have never got sick from the food or the drinks. I actually leave downtown boston to visit this great suburban location. Travel girl you are hilarious. you can not get sick from food that quick. The question should be where did you eat the night before or that morning. & why would you want a drink from a place that you assumed would make you sick. any way. I think the prices are reasonable... granted one can say it is in the basement...it has metro feel with rolling clips of the ocean & the mountains. There is higher level floor with a beautiful bar.... that is also very cozy if you prefer.. I tend to visit both depending on my mood....I would definitely still try out this location and see for yourself. ...Maybe you will see me there... Pros: Location, interor design, Friendly staff Cons: waiting list some nights more

Always go on Citysearch and check out my fav places and look at the comments. Have to write one now. They have a great nightlife ant the Moon. This is one of the top 20 restaurants in Massachusetts. There is nothing bad except that it is crowded. The service is great. Food is always great. Atmosphere is awsome. remember YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. And yes Travelgirl, that was kind of an ignorant post. If you dont know for sure, you shouldnt post it on the web. It doesnt matter if it the Suburbs of not, does the cost of product differ from Boston to Reading? NO!! Obv they doing something right. Go to a chain restaurant next time, its cheaper!!!! But not better!!!! Pros: THE place to go Cons: none more

I am disagreeing with travel girl on this one. I have never had a bad experience here, my girlfriend and I go at least once a week and I take many of my clients here as well. The food is always great, I have never had such a good linguini with clam sauce in my life. Working in the medical field, I am pretty positive that it takes at least 24 hours to get sick over bad food, so if you are sick right after, maybe it was too many martinis that did it. The martinis are good also.. My girlfriend and I have really come to like this place and the people that work there... Pros: lots of food for the $$, great martinis, friendly staff Cons: wait on the weekends.. more

I am disagreeing with travel girl on this one. I have never had a bad experience here, my girlfriend and I go at least once a week and I take many of my clients here as well. The food is always great, I have never had such a good linguini with clam sauce in my life. Working in the medical field, I am pretty positive that it takes at least 24 hours to get sick over bad food, so if you are sick right after, maybe it was too many martinis that did it. The martinis are good also.. My girlfriend and I have really come to like this place and the people that work there... Pros: lots of food for the $$, great martinis, friendly staff Cons: wait on the weekends.. more

Always go on Citysearch and check out my fav places and look at the comments. Have to write one now. They have a great nightlife ant the Moon. This is one of the top 20 restaurants in Massachusetts. There is nothing bad except that it is crowded. The service is great. Food is always great. Atmosphere is awsome. remember YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. And yes Travelgirl, that was kind of an ignorant post. If you dont know for sure, you shouldnt post it on the web. It doesnt matter if it the Suburbs of not, does the cost of product differ from Boston to Reading? NO!! Obv they doing something right. Go to a chain restaurant next time, its cheaper!!!! But not better!!!! Pros: THE place to go Cons: none more

I have been visiting the venetian moon everyweek for years. I think I have tried everything on the menu and have never got sick from the food or the drinks. I actually leave downtown boston to visit this great suburban location. Travel girl you are hilarious. you can not get sick from food that quick. The question should be where did you eat the night before or that morning. & why would you want a drink from a place that you assumed would make you sick. any way. I think the prices are reasonable... granted one can say it is in the basement...it has metro feel with rolling clips of the ocean & the mountains. There is higher level floor with a beautiful bar.... that is also very cozy if you prefer.. I tend to visit both depending on my mood....I would definitely still try out this location and see for yourself. ...Maybe you will see me there... Pros: Location, interor design, Friendly staff Cons: waiting list some nights more

unbelievable food and service!!!! I live in boston and actually travel here because its sooo good... biggest vodka selection in northeast!!! how can you beat that??? Pros: everything Cons: nothing more

unbelievable food and service!!!! I live in boston and actually travel here because its sooo good... biggest vodka selection in northeast!!! how can you beat that??? Pros: everything Cons: nothing more

Okay... so the wait was extrememly long, but the new atmosphere is sooo cool. Everytime I go there, I really feel like I am at THE place to be. We had an opportunity to speak for a couple minutes with our waitress, who explained that renovations caused unexpected increase in business that needed a bit of getting used.. and suggested that some improvements were being made to reduce the wait. If you go to this place.. you have to be willing to make a night out of it. Besides.. what else are you going to do in reading, take a stroll through Jordan's Furniture! I think the restuarant was great: the staff was great, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was cutting edge. I absolutetly love the fact that such a great place is so close by or me. I don't even have to get on the highway.... much less travel into Boston / North End and find parking. And I'll say this.. I personally would rather relax, have a few drinks and a great night with friends, than be rushed out of a restaurant in 60 minutes and have nothing to do after. Though.. i'll admit that the wait is a bit annoying when you are really hungry. This is my spot for sure... can't think of any other restaurant I would rather go to! Pros: Better than Boston, and right here in Reading! Cons: Kinda tough to wait so long when your hungry! more

Okay... so the wait was extrememly long, but the new atmosphere is sooo cool. Everytime I go there, I really feel like I am at THE place to be. We had an opportunity to speak for a couple minutes with our waitress, who explained that renovations caused unexpected increase in business that needed a bit of getting used.. and suggested that some improvements were being made to reduce the wait. If you go to this place.. you have to be willing to make a night out of it. Besides.. what else are you going to do in reading, take a stroll through Jordan's Furniture! I think the restuarant was great: the staff was great, the food was excellent and the atmosphere was cutting edge. I absolutetly love the fact that such a great place is so close by or me. I don't even have to get on the highway.... much less travel into Boston / North End and find parking. And I'll say this.. I personally would rather relax, have a few drinks and a great night with friends, than be rushed out of a restaurant in 60 minutes and have nothing to do after. Though.. i'll admit that the wait is a bit annoying when you are really hungry. This is my spot for sure... can't think of any other restaurant I would rather go to! Pros: Better than Boston, and right here in Reading! Cons: Kinda tough to wait so long when your hungry! more