Casanova Ristorante By the Sea
This month we’re all about Casanova Ristorante By the Sea, our Passenger Pick of August 2023! We know that fabulous restaurants abound in Cayman, but sometimes you just want a great Italian meal. You know the type—the one that begins with a glass of perfectly chilled prosecco and a platter of Italian antipasti: Italian cured meats, a variety of cheeses, a few olives and artichokes. Then comes the hard decision. Which entrée? Salmone alla Griglia? Or Pollo Rustico? But maybe your hunger wants nothing but Pizza! Well, fear not, friends! If you have an appetite for a delicious Italian lunch or dinner, then take my advice and make plans to dine at Casanova Ristorante By the Sea on Church Street in George Town. I have no doubt that you’ll be pleased with my suggestion!
Since 1993, Italian-born owner Tony Crescente has offered customers an atmosphere which is, as he says, “like wandering into an Italian piazza where the food delights your soul and the atmosphere is warming and welcoming”. If you have visited Italy, then you already understand this description. When you enter Casanova, you’ll hear joyful conversations before you walk into the dining area. As you gaze on the desserts in the glass case, you’ll also notice the tantalizing smells of all things wonderfully Italian—garlic, olive oil, tomato sauce, and every herb that makes your mouth water! Diners laugh and smile as they toast this beautiful moment—“Cin! Cin!” You might even hear the charming phrase, “Ciao, bella!” You’ve been transported to Italy!
But when you look out the windows, you’ll know that you are in the best of both worlds. You’re in an Italian piazza on the beautiful coast of Grand Cayman. Whether you dine at Casanova Ristorante By the Sea for lunch or for dinner, you’ll have a beautiful view. And if you’re fortunate enough to dine here later in the day, you will have one of the best spots for watching a Cayman sunset. At any time of the day from the patio, you can enjoy the crashing of the waves and the warmth of the sun.
Tony and I go way back! He was one of the first restaurant owners that I met in Cayman. For as long as I’ve known him, he has been providing folks with a true Italian meal along with plenty of love! Let me tempt you with some details about delicious meal options at Casanova.
Casanova offers a fixed-price lunch menu that is simply wonderful! For just 30 Cayman dollars, you begin with your choice of Zuppa del giorno (soup of the day) or Avocado Salad (avocado with arugula and tomatoes, served with balsamic reduction and parmesan slivers). Then, you choose your main course: either fresh homemade pasta with your choice of chicken or shrimp served in your choice of sauce (Alfredo, marinara, or pink) OR Salmon Piccata (served in a light lemon butter sauce and with vegetables and potatoes). And if that’s not enough—this fixed-price lunch comes with one glass of their house wine. Join with me and say, “Buon appetito!”
In addition to their fixed-price lunch menu, Casanova provides separate menus for lunch and dinner. Regardless of when you dine at Casanova, you’ll be able to choose from their wonderful selection of Italian cuisine along with some of the tastiest seafood creations. Choose from traditional Italian dishes such as Eggplant Parmigiana, Lasagna Tipica, or Linguini alle Vongole. Heartier dishes include Pollo Rustico, Veal Scaloppine, and Entrecote al Pepe Verde, a grilled 10 ounce New York Sirloin steak with green peppercorn sauce. Are you catching the vision? You will find many reasons to return to Casanova during your Cayman time! You can even channel your inner Italian chef with the “create your own pasta” option! Choose the pasta, the sauce, and add chicken or shrimp, and you’ll have your own creation to enjoy!
In keeping with traditional Italian values, children are welcome at Casanova! Yes, the children’s menu offers the usual Chicken Tenders and French Fries, but it also offers Pasta with some choices—Penne, Spaghetti, or Fettucine; meatballs, Bolognese sauce, butter and parmesan cheese, or Alfredo sauce. Other items on the Children’s Menu are mozzarella sticks, cheese pizza, and sides of carrots, broccoli, or fries. I’m so impressed by this Children’s Menu!
No matter your age, you must save room for dessert. Trust me! You probably saw some of the desserts in the case as you entered the dining room—Tiramisu, Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie. There are several flavors of gelato, sorbet, and ice cream. And to take your ice cream to another level, order Affogato which is vanilla ice cream drowned with a shot of espresso! Maybe you’d like to have coffee instead of dessert because, at Casanova, a specialty coffee can be your dessert. Try the Caribbean—with Tia Maria, Dark Rum, and Crème de Cacao. So many delicious options!
Because Casanova focuses on your culinary pleasure, feel free to ask any questions about your personal tastes or dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available, so be sure to chat with your server about any allergies or food preferences that you have!
The heart of Casanova Ristorante By the Sea is great food and a warm atmosphere. If you’re able to visit here often, you’ll notice that guests are often greeted by name. It’s normal to see guests have their photographs taken with their favorite server.
The Italian sayings on the wall also give insight to the heart of Casanova. “L’amore cura tutte le malattie” (Love cures all ills.) “Ho visto un angelo nei tuoi occhi” (I saw an angel in your eyes.) One saying in particular captures the feeling of dining outdoors on an Italian piazza—“Questo fiore è per te” (This flower is for you.) I can just see an Italian man handing a beautiful rose to his loved one! Adding to the ambiance are paintings of Italian coastlines. Simply put, owner Tony Crescente brings Italy to the gorgeous Cayman coast.
If you want to celebrate a special event, consider Casanova Ristorante By the Sea as your location. No matter the event, large or small, Casanova can accommodate your private party and even your wedding! Contact them through the website, and they will walk your through the steps to creating your forever-memory!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed our visit to Casanova Ristorante By the Sea. If you’re not hungry now, then you should be! Drop by for lunch or dinner as soon as you can. They’re open daily from 11 AM until 10 PM. Like so many guests, you’ll probably be charmed by the staff, many of whom have been part of the Casanova team for more than 10 years. Perhaps you’ll meet Tony Crescente, the owner. But definitely, you will enjoy each bite of your meal from the appetizers to the dessert. Great food. Warm atmosphere. An Italian piazza on the Cayman coast!