text: NOTE A duplicate of a review of this place under a different name Just noticed that this place is listed under two different spellings Grand Canal Cafe and Gran Canal CaffennAt first glance it is a charming little neighborhood Italian restaurant Nothing fancy Simple decor even a bit cheesy but in a lovable way It is comfy It is friendly You feel quite welcome when you arrive It is like dining with friends or extended family members nnOnce inside though we were deflated by the decor There are NO windows and an odd configuration to the two claustrophobic rooms The chairs are not terribly comfortable and there are NO tablecloths nnBut I did not let any of that bother me because I had heard the food was terrificnnWe ordered two appetizers to share cured beef and scallops Both were delicious We ordered the cannelloni and veal piccata The cannelloni was good but nothing special The veal dish was average nnThe biggest disappointment and a clue that attention to detail is NOT a specialty was the rotten lettuce in the salad Not one or two pieces of lettuce but a good halfdozen in each salad were beyond wilted soft and brown nnWe had gelato for dessert It was disappointing nnThe service was reasonably attentive but ineffective We had to ask for water CONSTANTLY And after the first round of drinks before dinner we were never asked if we would have liked more nnOkay but hey it is a neighborhood restaurant right Casual family dining right WAIT for dinner for two at a neighborhood place For THAT kind of tab I would have liked tablecloths better service and a more even quality to the food nnWe might go back but I am not sure