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KatLadyinVA

Joined 3 years ago

Fresh and Real - Italian food like Mama made!!. The best kept secret of Sharpsburgh is out!! At Gran Canal you get the best of Italy in the fresh and time-tested food served by the Bonaventura family. From the opening salad to the final desert, everything is made in the authentic traditional manner using fresh ingredients imported from Italy whenever possible.

And if you cannot find time for dinner, stop by at the end of the day for coffee and gelato!!

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ht230

Joined 5 years ago

Wonderful food and people. I think I have been one of the first people to find Gran Canal, it use to be across the street and it would be packed, sometimes up to 2 hour wait on the weekends. They have since moved across the street about 5 or 7 years ago and the food and atmosphere is perfect. I have had parties of 30 or more as well as dinner for two. My favorite has always been the hard ricotta cheese and linguini with pine nuts....... This is must try restuarant.

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annarhoden

Joined 6 years ago

Bon Apetito. We discovered this fantastic restaurant a few years ago, recommended by a friend, and since then, we've recommended it to countless people. Though we don't get there as often as we'd like, we're there as often as we can.

The canneloni actually MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH, the veal dishes are out of this world and the shrimp appetizer is amazing. I wouldn't consider myself a "foodie", I just love good, well made food. Not a"cookie-cutter restaurant" The atmosphere is nice, very warm and comfortable. The owners and their family are as kind and accomodating as their food is good.

I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. You don't find people this nice and food this good very often.

Bon Apetito!

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rivermud

Joined 8 years ago

mangia. If you believe in eating where the locals eat, Gran Canal Cafe should be a top choice. This little restaurant has a warm and friendly atmosphere. The chef/owner often greets you, and many of the patrons are regulars. But the main reason to go, of course, is the food. This is authentic Italian cooking at its best. I like the linguini with clam sauce, but have never been disappointed by anything on the menu. Previous reviewers did not recommend bringing children (the place is small for squirmy kids), but kids are welcome as they do have a childrens menu that includes my kids favorite, spaghetti with meatball. Highly recommended.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Authentic Italian entrees and delicious homemade desserts make this Sharpsburg restaurant a local favorite... The Scene
The Gran Canal Caffe is a tiny pasta restaurant in Sharpsburg. They have a liquor license, prices are inexpensive and the dining room features 75 much-coveted seats. Hopeful diners stand outside waiting for an open table. Unfortunately for them, the friendly and personal service, along with the warm ambience of the small dining room does not hurry diners out of their seats.

The Food
Owners Michele and Antoinette Bonaventura have a passion for Italian cooking. Some of the most popular dishes come with a flavored butter sauce. Many order the homemade cannelloni with veal, spinach, ricotta and an unusual bechamel sauce. Chef Michele has mastered the art of cooking shrimp tenderly and many specials are based on shrimp or seafood. Antoinette gets into the act at dessert time. There is always a torte or two, a cake and tiramisu, which is Italian for "pick me up."

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KDSlevin

Joined 11 years ago

kds's reviews. Great, reliable italian food, with interesting specials. Wonderful shrimp appitizer and resonable wine list.