The Arkansas Restaurant With Italian Roots That Dates Back To The 1940s

Italy is much closer than you think. In fact, you don’t even have to leave the state to get a taste of Italy. Instead, all you have to do is pay a visit to The Venesian Inn. One of the state’s most iconic restaurants, it’s been doling out Italian classics since the 1940s.

The Venesian Inn is located in Tontitown, which is where it’s been since 1947.

Authentically Italian, it was opened by Germano Gasparotto, a transplant from Italy. After a few years, he sold the business to John and Mary Granata, also native Italians.

The Granata family still owns The Venesian Inn. And just like in those early years, the menu still reflects the rich heritage of the Italians who founded Tontitown in 1898.

By the restaurant’s own admission, the menu is “basic.” However, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking.

The most famous dish is the spaghetti and fried chicken. The pairing might sound strange, but the crispy chicken, hearty meat sauce, and home-made pasta complement each other perfectly.

Other popular dishes include lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, and chicken parmesan.

Warm, flaky rolls are another hallmark of The Venesian Inn – and like the pasta and everything else on the menu, they’re made from scratch.

Of course, the food isn’t the only reason the eatery’s withstood the test of time.

There’s also its nostalgic charm. Though well-kept, the restaurant hasn’t lost any of its vintage appeal. Generation after generation return to The Venesian Inn to find that nothing has changed.

More than a restaurant, The Venesian Inn is a Tontitown tradition!

For more info, call The Venesian Inn at (479) 361-2562. You can also visit the eatery's website or Facebook page.

So, did you know about this restaurant? Ever dined at The Venesian Inn? If so, what’d you order? How was it? Tell us!

This isn’t the only Italian restaurant that’s been serving up great grub for decades. Click here to read about another longtime favorite.