text: 3.5 stars, but I'll round up.  \n\nWhile I do consider myself somewhat of a foodie, I normally don't seek out the tv popular chefs' places.  However, I have enjoyed Batali's work at the two Mozzas in LA and I enjoyed a few dishes at Carnevino in the Palazzo.  Truth be told though, the real reason we came is is for one dish: Cacio e Pepe.  This simple pasta dish-- which consists of pasta, premium olive oil, cheese, and pepper--was one of my very favorite dishes when I traveled to Italy, and I've never seen it anywhere here in the US.  We had to try it out.\n\nThe restaurant itself is situated in the Venetian's \"St Mark's Square,\" which is, as many have said, super touristy and not even remotely like Piazza San Marco in Venice.  We grabbed a seat in the outside portion of the restaurant, which was nice since there was a wonderful string quartet playing beautifully.  \n\nOn to the food:\n-The bread is mediocre, but the olive oil and balsamic vinegar (upon request) is tasty.\n-Sampled the Grand Tasting of the Carne: Prosciutto, Salumi, Mortadella, Testa, and Coppa.  The quality of the meat was outstanding.  Very good prosciutto (the only meat not made in house), and surprisingly good Mortadella; the best my husband has ever had, he says.\n-Hubby ordered the Bucatini Amatriciana (which we've sampled at Carnevino too); it was decent, but Carnevino does a better job.\n-I ordered my Cacio e Pepe; It needed a little more oil, more cacio and more pepe.  I asked the server for some, which h brought.  But, had it been added when it was prepared, the cheese would've melted a bit and the dish would've been infinitely better.  It was just ok.  \n-All of the dishes went nicely with the well-priced bottle of chianti we shared.  The place makes a good espresso as well.\n\nI enjoyed our meal here, although my incredibly high expectations/desires for my cacio e pepe may taint my review a bit.  I wouldn't go here expecting the most gourmet food or the elegant setting.  But, the atmosphere was festive, the food was solid, and the service was good.