Little Venice joins New York Historic Preservation Registry

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A popular Italian restaurant, known for its sweet tomato sauce and meat logs, has been recognized for its rich history and contributions to local culture.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo recently announced that Little Venice has been added to New York State’s Historic Business Preservation Registry.

Little Venice opened in 1946 and has been in the same family for three generations. It moved to its current location on Chenango Street in 1969 and has been a stalwart of the downtown Binghamton restaurant scene ever since.

Little V is known for its large collection of over 150 signed paintings that were curated by Rocky Carulli. But what are even more iconic are some of its signature dishes, including homemade pastas, meat logs instead of meatballs and the red sauce.

Piero Lisio co-owns the restaurant with his parents Romeo and Bernadette and his sister Gina Minichino.

When asked about all of the speculation about what’s in the sauce, Piero says it’s simple: tomatoes.

“One of the pillars of this restaurant is our red sauce. About 10 years ago, we started retailing the sauce in stores. We still sell it here in the restaurant to go, as well as dine in. And we hope to continue to grow that brand,” said Lisio.

Little Venice was a founding member of the non-profit EatBing which organizes Binghamton Restaurant Week, Wine and Tapas and the Downtown Martini Walk.

In addition to receiving an official certificate and window decal, Little Venice will be featured on the program’s online interactive map.