Capo’s Italian Steakhouse offers classic dishes

Let’s just say, offers owner Nico Santucci, that “you need to seem like an invited guest.”

The second, and newest, Capo’s Italian Steakhouse opened earlier this year at 5675 W. Sahara Ave. And, like the original at 5795 W. Tropicana Ave., Capo’s on Sahara offers Italian classics served up in what Santucci describes as a “very authentic, very old school” environment.

The decor includes red leather banquettes, flocked wallpaper and “a very 1950s, Sinatra sort of ambience,” he says. “I think a lot of people really appreciate that old sort of sex appeal.”

But beyond the mob-themed vibe, diners “expect great food,” Santucci says.

The menu includes pastas dressed with sauces ranging from alfredo to vodka to classic “sugo”; homemade meatballs; eggplant and chicken parmigiana; and an array of other Italian restaurant classics based, Santucci says, on family recipes and “passed down through the generations.”

Capo’s Italian Steakhouse on Sahara seats 110. Hours are from 5 to 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are recommended.

Starters: Baked mushroom caps stuffed with Italian ham, black olives, roasted peppers and bread crumbs, $8.95; meatballs and banana peppers with sugo, $9.95; a banana pepper stuffed with Italian sausage, baked with sugo and cheese, and served with Italian crostini, $10.95

Soups and salads: Italian egg drop soup, $5; pasta fagioli, $5.75; meatball salad, $14.95

Pasta: Lasagna, $18.50; ravioli, $16.95; angel hair pasta with peas, mushrooms and pepperoni, served with pink sauce, $18.95

Entrees: Rib-eye steak, $36.95; stuffed chicken Anastatia, $25.95; chicken Angelo, $24.95

Desserts: Chocolate-covered cannolis, $5.95; spumoni, $5.95; tiramisu, $6.95

Information: 364-2276

By John Przybys