Valeriano's: Italian-American Cuisine, Relaxed Atmosphere

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Los Gatos Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

VALERIANO'S 

Overview: Valeriano's is known for its Italian-American cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere. The entrees span the many regions of Italy with its pastas and risottos firmly anchored in central Italy. One of the nice features of Valeriano’s menu is diversity. It speaks to all tastes.                               

Decor: The clean, dignified dining room features Tuscan green-colored wood paneling, cream walls and high ceilings, which creates a stately European feel. The dark green hues of the wood, low lighting and candles on the white linen-clothed tables set the mood for an intimate evening.

The Drinks: There is a full bar and a good selection of house cocktails for $11, including chocolate martini, carintini, Frankie’s Fiasco and raspberry lemon drop. The wine list ranges from a $28 a bottle of Vermentino di Sardegna Costamolino Argiolas 2008 to $198 for Merryvale Profile Napa Valley 2003.

Appetizers: There's the usual Italian starters like calamari ($11), bruschetta ($9), frico ($9), and an antipasti platter ($15). The carpaccio appetizer ($13) features paper-thin slices of raw beef plated with basil oil, micro greens and capers. Valeriano's also has a raw bar where one can enjoy oysters at market price and other treats from the ocean like King crab legs ($20) and dungeness crab cocktail ($14).

Entrees: The braised beef short ribs ($34) is served with soft polenta and seasonal vegetables and filet mignon wrapped in pancetta ($38) with portobello mushrooms and red wine Jus will satisfy the discriminating carnivore. Other entrees include Eggplant Napoleon ($18), Pine Nut Encrusted Salmon ($27) and Veal Scaloppini ($32). The House Favorite is the Rack of Rosemaried Lamb with Roasted Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables in Red Wine Jus. All entrees are served with warm bread and olive oil.

Sides: There is an excellent array of pastas, like the Chitarra Carbonara ($16) with bacon, peas and white onions severed in cream sauce with egg, and the Tagliatelle with Ragu alla Bolognese ($16). Valeriano's also serves a Meyer Lemon Risotto and Rock Shrimp ($17).

Service: Wait time for tables is short, and servers are friendly and quick to deliver drinks and bread once you sit down.

Signature Dish: Rack of Rosemaried Lamb.

 

Address: 160 W. Main St., Los Gatos.

Chef: Pablo Iturbe

Cost: $9-$20 for appetizers, $16-$43 for entrees and $13-$26 for sides.