Small Plates: Veranda Cucina Italiana, Four Seasons

DINING OUT

VERANDA CUCINA ITALIANA, FOUR SEASONS, 3950 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH

The Veranda — formerly the Verandah — recently underwent a $1 million renovation, reopening to the public in late September. The restaurant is designed to more closely evoke the feel of an Italian trattoria, with lots of natural light, earth-tone colors and accents of textured leather and wood. Chef Antonio Minichiello has filled the menu with dishes inspired by his Italian childhood, including house-made pastas and seasonal dishes prepared in a wood-fired oven. Here’s a sample of the menu:

Antipasti: Sicilian meatballs, $15; beet carpaccio, $14; fritto misto, $17; beef tartara, $18; antipasto for two, $30.

Salads: Burrata caprese, $15; traditional Caesar, $12; poached pear and spiced goat cheese, $14.

Pasta: Tortolloni with braised short ribs, pumpkin and sage, $32; artichoke pasta cooked in a jar with seafood, $34; wood-fired penne with buffalo mozzarella, $27; carbonara, $28; beet and duck risotto, $30.

Entrees: Braised beef short ribs with truffle whipped potatoes, $33; citrus-glazed salmon with spinach and mushrooms, $32; chicken cacciatora, $27; European sea bass with artichokes and potatoes, $37.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. daily (breakfast, a weekend brunch buffet, happy hour and afternoon tea also are available). Call 702-632-5121 or visit www.fourseasons.com/lasvegas.