The restaurant's reputation precedes it. "Valentino's has been considered the best Italian restaurant in the country for many years," says Selvaggio. "It is not a trattoria, where simple food is prepared. Instead, we are serving contemporary Italian food, blending the flavors of all the regions of Italy."
Dish found the decor — in red accented with white and black — to be absolutely stunning. In spite of a menu that was somewhat limited, what we had was of the finest quality. A cuttlefish and borlotti (cranberry) beans appetizer had a depth of flavor that pointed to hours of preparation. The spaghetti bottarga (grey mullet roe) left the same impression. Finally, a black truffle-encrusted tuna, barely seared, was spectacular. The combination of first-rate ingredients, sumptuous surroundings and a brand name will end up costing you, though.
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