Toscana quietly opened inside Eataly Las Vegas in May, but the menu has been turning heads since the doors opened. “With this new concept, we’re honoring the legendary region of Toscana, known for its stunning landscapes, incredible art, and hearty dishes made with simple, high-quality ingredients,” said Alex Saper, Business Partner of Eataly USA, in a statement to the press. “We’ve built an authentic, flavorful menu paired with tableside moments for a fun and elevated Italian experience.” We were invited for a media tasting of the restaurant’s menu and had the chance to talk with John Trockel, the Store Director for Eataly Las Vegas.
Toscana Inside Eataly Las Vegas
While many regions of Italy are known for their exquisite cuisine, Tuscany was a deliberate choice for the team at Eataly Las Vegas. “Thanks to its geographical placement in Italy, Tuscany is characterized by a very diversified cuisine,” Trockel explained. “The region’s food has so much to offer, from meat and fish to fresh pasta—and of course, bread! Bread is revered throughout Tuscany and is never thrown away—instead, it’s reused in ancient recipes that still live on today throughout the region and in our restaurant, Toscana.”
Curating the menu gave the team an opportunity to put together the most beloved dishes. “Tuscany takes pride in a cuisine that comprises traditional and simple dishes, whose preparation has been kept the same for many years. Interestingly, each town of Tuscany has also developed its own distinct cuisine, allowing us to choose from so many long-loved recipes,” Trockel told us. “Most Tuscan dishes were created from ingredients that were not only easily accessible and cost-effective, but also very filling. This resulted in hearty, comforting, and delicious food (Yum!). The fun part has been combining the simplicity and tradition of Tuscany with the vibrant spirit and energy of Las Vegas.”
Throughout our menu experience, we had the opportunity to taste numerous courses. Our tasting included the “Prosciutto E Mozzarella,” “Lasagna Rustica,” “Ravioli Maremmani,” “Fiorentina” (served and dressed tableside), and the gelato (customized tableside). We also had the chance to taste wines exclusively selected to complement our meal. The entire wine collection at Toscana was meticulously picked to match items on the menu.
“As the saying goes, “What grows together goes together.” Toscana’s wines by the glass are carefully selected to showcase different styles of wines produced in the region and to complement each dish, creating the perfect pairing,” Trockel explained when we asked about the wine menu and the pairings. “We have the largest selection of Tuscan wine by the glass available in Las Vegas—from spumante to white, rose, red and even dessert wine.”
So what would the Toscana team suggest for pairings? “We recommend starting with Prosciutto e Mozzarella and a glass of Baracchi Brut, or pairing our Capesante (delicious seared scallops with artichoke purée) with a glass of Solosole Vermentino,” Trockel suggested. “Continue with a primi like Ravioli Maremmani, and pair with a glass of Guado al Tasso Scalabrone rose; or indulge in our housemade Lasagna Rustica al Forno with a Colombaio di Cencio Chianti Classico Riserva. For your entrée, enjoy our authentic Fiorentina beautifully paired with Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino. End the night on a sweet note with Capanna Moscadello di Montalcino and a great selection of the classic Vin Santo.
If you’re just visiting for a glass of wine, there are numerous options. “With 35 wines by the glass, there is plenty more to discover!” Trockel told us. “Try other exceptional Italian wines like Barolo or Amarone. Looking for a bottle? Our sommelier can personally help you navigate our 450+ selection from all 20 Italian wine regions.”
One thing we love to learn is what restaurants suggest for the perfect order and what items the team enjoys the most themselves. “When you dine at Toscana, you’ll want to experience the complete palette of Tuscan cuisine. Start your meal with two delicious antipasti: our Prosciutto e Mozzarella—housemade fried Tuscan gnocco fritto with San Daniele Prosciutto from DOK dall’Ava and housemade mozzarella—and Polpo—grilled octopus served with rustic potatoes, bean purée and celery salad,” Trockel recommends.
“For a truly authentic Tuscan experience, our Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale is a must. The hearty, slow-cooked wild boar ragu served with our housemade cacao pappardelle is the perfect introduction to Tuscany’s vast collection of pasta dishes. No trip to Toscana is complete without indulging in our bistecca Fiorentina. This classic Tuscan dish is served as a 42oz porterhouse from Creekstone Farms, wood-fire grilled to perfection and served with fresh herbs and savory Yukon gold potatoes. For dessert, don’t miss our creamy artisanal gelato – It’s made in small batches by our pastry team every day!”
