If you can brave the crowds (even with a reservation) you'll be happy you did. C&O both the Trattoria in Venice and Cucina in the Marina are two of my favorite Italian restaurants. Start with
the famous buttery garlic knots, and just know, you won't be able to stop. And here's the good news; you don't have to! They just keep bringing them, and bringing them. These little knots are addicting! They are garlicky, buttery, and salty. And. You. Can't.
Stop! But try. Have a glass of wine, or two. The house wine is based on the honor system, so keep track of how many glasses you have and report back to your server at the end of the night. Be honest! Our server, Melanie was fantastic. She had so many
tables, yet was gracious, friendly, and efficient to each one. We love her! She was extremely knowledgable about the menu and I learned she is a cheese-lover just like me! We'll be sure to ask for you next time Melanie! We started with a lovely glass
of J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay ($10) that was both smooth and buttery. This went perfectly with our Baked Stuffed Mushrooms ($8/$12) and homemade Minestrone soup ($5). For dinner we enjoyed the Spaghetti and Meatballs ($16) made with the chef's
own marinara sauce and two enormous meatballs. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan, this was some of the finest spaghetti and meatballs I've enjoyed! We also had the Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo ($16). We ordered sauce on the side and this dish was
perfect with tons of chicken! In between courses we sang That's Amore with the rest of the packed house and clinked glasses with the friendly waitstaff. Other dishes we love here include Slow Roasted Boneless Beef Short Ribs ($18), Linguini with
Clams ($16) and Papparadelle with Boneless Beef Short Ribs ($16). Come hungry, leave stuffed, people watch, and enjoy those garlic knots-they're killer! C&O Trattoria 31 Washington Blvd. Venice (310) 823-9491 Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Friday-Saturday:
open until 11:00 p.m.
Recommended Dishes: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Fettuccini, anything with short
ribs, linguini and clams, garlic knots.