Campiello

6411 City West Parkway
Eden Prairie, MN
(952) 941-6868
http://www.campiello.damico.com/

Category: Italian

Rating (Scale 1-10, with 10 being the highest):
Food: 9
Service: 9
Ambience: 9

Recommendation: Excellent. Campiello certainly sets the stage for fine dining – especially in the heart of Uptown where there is a lack of fine dining options. July 2008 Update - The Uptown location has closed. The Eden Prairie location is still open.

Operated by D'Amico and Partners, the same company that also operates Masa, D'Amico Cucina, D'Amico & Sons, and Cafe and Bar Lurcat, Campiello has been serving Italian rustic cuisine for over 10 years. The Uptown location is ideal and parking is a breeze with complimentary valet. When you step in the restaurant, you get the feeling that you’re in a Tuscan villa away from the hustle of the bars and eateries nearby. The restaurant isn’t terribly large (especially compared to their location in Eden Prairie) and some of the tables are quite close together. Campiello’s does have a couple of semi-private/private areas available so request them if you have a larger group. The décor is cozy and rustic – a warm palette of colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) along with dim lighting, white linen tablecloths, dark slate flooring, and textured ceilings. A large open kitchen runs the length of one wall and a large martini bar adorns another. This is a great place for a romantic date or a business lunch (we’ve done both here).

Their selection of Martinis is superb – Nick tried the Campiello Martini, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a fresh citrus twist. It was smooth, dry, and had a hint of citrus. The Margatini, a top shelf margarita is a great choice as well. For appetizers we would highly recommend the Calamari, served with Lemon Parsley Aioli – they do it better than most restaurants in the Twin Cities and the final product is light and not overly breaded. The Chicken Livers with Pancetta, Sage, and Vin Santo is refined and the Alaskan King Crab with Horseradish Panna Cotta is exquisitely sweet and light with a hint of creaminess. We loved the Orange Salad as well – a great balance between the citrus and salty flavors.

Grilled meats are a house specialty and we’ve eaten the Balsamic-Glazed Short Ribs and Spaghetti several times and loved it. The fall off the bone sweet meat isn’t too fatty (a problem too often in short ribs) and we like the pairing with the spaghetti. The Sautéed Sea Scallops with pureed cauliflower, oyster mushrooms and pancetta was incredible – the scallops were sweet and cooked to perfection and the textures from the mushrooms and pancetta accentuated the flavors. We didn’t try the Eggplant Parmigiano but those who did spoke highly of it. For dessert we would highly recommend the Warm Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflé Cake which is as good as any chocolate dessert we’ve have had in the Twin Cities. It is served slightly warm, the chocolate is smooth, rich and dark, and the accompanying chocolate ice cream only heightens the culinary experience. The service at Campiello’s has always been attentive and we love the way multiple servers bring the entrees in unison to all seated at the table.

$$$. Most of the entrees are under $25. Complimentary valet parking on site.