By Jean Totti
A new Tuscan restaurant now occupies the ground floor of the Sunz Insurance Company building in downtown Bradenton. The brainchild of Top Chef alumnus Chef Fabio Viviani and local entrepreneur Steve Herrig joins the family of 60 restaurants around the country headed by Chef Viviani.
Florida, much like Tuscany, is an inspiring setting with sunny days and long evenings to enjoy good food and the company of friends. This new concept aims to exemplify the geographic similarities of these two regions.
Indoor and outdoor dining spaces, large tables to share with friends, craft cocktails, and the freshest local ingredients are only part of what sets Tuscan cuisine apart from others. The sun, or moonlight at night, floods the large central dining area, which is decorated with a surrounding wooden trellis and a rustic canopy.
Hues of gold, burgundy, and green adorn the floors with geometric tiles, and the banquettes and walls are styled in colorful fabrics. Much like Tuscan cuisine, the room is uncomplicated but full of interesting details.
Cocktails & Wine
Following a warm welcome by the staff, I highly recommend you indulge in a cocktail, mocktail, or glass of wine upon your arrival. Wines are served by the bottle or by the glass, with a large selection of sparkling, rosé, white, red, and Italian blends.
I’m more of a cocktail person and immediately gravitated toward the Hidden Palms, a concoction of Tito’s vodka, Luxardo, guava puree, and prosecco. Luxardo is a maraschino liqueur that gives this drink a beautiful color and balances the sweetness of the guava.
Other craft cocktails that caught my eye include The Mosquito (with reposado, Aperol, ginger juice, and cucumber) and The Ananas Verde (with spiced rum, Ancho Reyes, pineapple, and coconut syrup). Ancho Reyes is a Mexican liqueur with hints of tobacco, caramel, and vanilla.
The Menu
The menu runs the spectrum of starters, Roman pizza, fresh pasta, steaks, and seafood.
Starters: The Pecorino Parker Rolls are a "must-try." This adapted New England staple has the crispness of its namesake and the sharpness of the Roman cheese. Bone Marrow, Grilled Octopus, and Wagyu Meatballs round out the first course.
Roman Pizza: Served in a rectangular form with a thicker crust similar to focaccia. Prosciutto & Arugula, Tutta Carne, Spinach & Ricotta, and Truffle Mushroom are some of the flavor combinations offered. I suggest sharing a pizza as an appetizer; its crispy, flavorful crust features a perfect touch of olive oil.
Homemade Pasta: Presented in many forms. A traditional Frutti Di Mare is served with squid ink linguine, shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari, while the Vodka Rosé is served with rigatoni, creamy burrata, and a blush sauce. A signature dish, the Wagyu Short Rib Bolognese, features a savory red wine and short rib ragout.
Main Courses: The third course features butcher-cut steaks from Oklahoma’s Linz Heritage Angus. Popular options include Ribeye, New York Strip, Porterhouse, or Filet Mignon. Other entrées include Osso Buco, a Double-Cut Pork Chop, and Roasted Sea Bass. I can attest that the Osso Buco passed the critical test of one of my most demanding friends!
Dessert
I never end a meal without dessert, and Taverna Toscana is well-prepared to satisfy your sweet tooth. This time, I chose the Limoncello Cake, featuring layers of rich cake and limoncello cream topped with macerated berries.
Other dessert options include Homemade Tiramisu, Affogato, Gelato, and Sorbetto. I suggest pairing your after-dinner treat with one of their specialty dessert martinis, such as the Espresso, Caramello, or Pralina. I'm looking forward to trying these during future visits.
Taverna Toscana is bound to become another one of Bradenton’s favorite culinary spots. Whether you choose to sit in the main dining room, the lively bar area with live piano music, or dine al fresco, you're sure to enjoy a memorable experience. Welcome to The Friendly City, Chef Fabio—we're happy to have you here!
Taverna Toscana is Located at:
1301 6th Ave W, Bradenton, FL, 34205
941-357-7772
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Text "TOSCANA" to ?866-936-5295 for VIP access
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday- Sat 4 pm -10 pm
Sunday - Closed
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