Mortoni's

The Hard Rock Hotel-Casino does Italian with finesse--Peter Morton of "Hard Rock" fame and the Morton Restaurant Family excel with Mortoni's Italian eatery.

Nestled in a quiet section away from the casino, Mortoni's features a view of the pool-garden, contemporary decor with sparkling direct lighting and flickering candles on each table, resulting in a comfortable and relaxing environment for fine dining.  Providing added privacy and comfort, either end of the restaurant is flanked with high-back plush leather booths, complimenting the high-back chairs surrounding the tables.  A cozy bar accommodates diners awaiting seating or those opting for an after-dinner cocktail. Mortoni's is devoid of the usual "Hard Rock memorabilia" found in the casino or the cafe, those being substituted with photos of the Las Vegas of yesteryear, light-tone wood accents and a blended wall covering.

In the arena of fine Italian dining, Mortoni's is a winner, serving tantalizing cuisine from among the finest selections one can come to expect in Italian flavors.  Appetizers include the carpaccio (raw filet of thinly sliced beef, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil) and malenzane torta (layers of sliced eggplant, mozzarella and marinara with basil and parmesan). Pastas include the capellini scampi (crushed red pepper, olive oil, garlic, marinara, and numerous shrimp) and fettuccine bolognese (fettuccine in a light tomato and meat sauce with parmesan). Don't overlook Mortoni's specialties:  branzino (roasted sea bass smothered in tomatoes, red bell peppers, onions, and fresh herbs), osso bucco (braised veal shank with garlic mashed potatoes), or salmon, steak, and lobster with Italian preparations.

Service was what is should be--efficient, courteous, and attentive.  Special requests are honored; for example, two half-order entrees are available for $1.00 extra for those who desire to try more than one dish.

Entrees are priced from $13.00 (pasta dishes) to $26.00 (seafood or meat entrees).  Succulent whole live lobster may be ordered with or without prime aged filet mignon ($45.00 to $59.00) for those in the party not wanting Italian cuisine.

This reviewer recommends Mortoni's for full flavored, well balanced but moderately spiced sauces, freshness, and quality. For an appetizer, my choice is the coze e vongole affogate (plentiful servings of clams, mussels, and tender calamari steamed in a Pinot Grigio white wine, garlic, red pepper and marinara sauce--a true delight). For an entree, I definitely recommend the risotto al brasato di bosco (finely chopped braised vegetables and pocini mushrooms with risotto cooked with white wine, olive oil, and garlic--one of the best in Vegas according to this reviewer). What Mortoni's does in Italian cuisine is noticeably outstanding.

Italian, French, and California wines are available (average price $38.00 per bottle), as is vintage wine and champagne.

Mortoni's is located inside the Hard Rock Hotel-Casino at Harmon and Paradise, two blocks east of the Strip.  The dress code is casual. Hours are 6:00 to 11:00pm nightly. For reservations, please call (702) 693-5000.