Not that the gondolas aren't authentic and everything, but Vegas could use a little more...Italian, Italian. 

Homemade sauce, prosciutto heaped atop pizza. The word "taverna." 

Something like North Italia, legit Italian fare from the people behind gastropub Culinary Dropout. It opens on the 13th.

Sure, it's in a strip mall, but, just completely ignore that. Upon entering, you'll spy the kitchen's signature red hood, as well as touches of black, white and grey. You'll wander past the black leather chairs, the white marble communal tables, the brass mirrors adorning the walls, all the way to the bar. Perusing the suspended shelves' liquor selection, you'll settle on the Sicilian margarita with añejo tequila, blood orange and lime. Your guests may opt for a vodka-fueled Rosemary and Lime.

You'll carry on to the massive outdoor patio, where you'll sit beneath one of the red umbrellas. You'll note the beautiful fireplace as you reach for a menu.

Give in to cravings of white truffle garlic bread with housemade ricotta and mozzarella. Give in, we say! Cave at the idea of burrata tortelloni with roasted mushrooms and swiss chard. Melt at the notion of the prosciutto pizza with fig, goat cheese and arugula.

Just keep your molecules together long enough for the salted caramel budino with crème fraîche.