Janice Okun
Bright, cheerful and homey, Valenti’s is a new entry on the North Tonawanda restaurant scene. Valenti’s, at the edge of the Budwey Plaza, features booths that are almost as big as the portions and friendly service. It also comes with an interesting back story.
Co-owner (with his wife, Lori) and Chef Terry Valenti is a Western New York boy recently returned home from Texas and Florida — the chef says he cooked at Mama Leone’s in Manhattan and in resorts in Daytona.
Here you'll find hearty, well-prepared Italian-American specials at good prices like Lasagna ($12.99), Veal Marsala ($13.99) and Linguine with Clam Sauce ($12.99). There are nightly specials listed on the vestibule blackboard and the Friday Fish Fry offers a choice of haddock or grouper.
Even the Minestrone was unusual on our recent visit. It was so thick with vegetables that the spoon stood at attention. More vegetables here than broth. The Garlic Toast ($2.99) was sliced good and thick. Lobster and Shrimp Ravioli ($13.99) was especially tasty with the tiny little dough bundles well-filled with the seafood. It was served with a lobster cream sauce that managed to be thick without being floury.
