Venetian Restaurant   

The Giacalone family opened The Venetian in 1965 with the hope of giving a piece of their history to Point Loma. These days, the restaurant is itself a part of Point Loma's history and continues to find favor with stalwart locals and passing critics alike. Two main dining rooms -- one a romantic, lowly lit series of booths, and the other an open, festive set of large tables, glazed-over pictures of Frank Sinatra and Italian vistas -- are attractive atmospheres in which to enjoy the classic trans-Italian menu. There is also a stylish, private "wine room" opened only for reservations of large parties. Although an in-house dinner is a great experience, almost half of the business is from takeout service. Regulars slide in the back door next to the kitchen and greet headman Frank Giacalone as he hands them the now-legendary gourmet pizzas or vitello alla marsala (veal marsala) packed up for a home dinner. If you dine in, save room for dessert. Cookies-and-cream cheesecake? Yes, please. And, of course they make their own cannolis and tiramisu.