Piesano’s opened a year ago in Bradenton and is celebrating its 15th year in business. This original Florida business has 14 locations from Gainesville to Bradenton and on both coasts of the state. It all started as a pizza take-out window near the University of Florida called Italian Gator.
It has expanded and evolved through the years into the restaurant we know today. Their take on Italian food is simple and everything is made in-house. From making their own pasta to using the “best in its class” Grande brand mozzarella, ricotta & romano cheeses.
Piesano’s has the feel of a family Italian restaurant with caring staff and it’s definitely a few steps above a fast-casual concept. There are no paper napkins here. The restaurant has a full bar and a great cocktail list, plus a large selection of craft beers and wines.
Dining room service starts with a fresh order of Piesano’s Rolls with garlic vinaigrette. With an extensive menu, appetizers run the gamut from Buffalo Wings, Mozzarella or Ravioli Fritta, Meatball Italiana to Bruschetta Flatbread.
Continue down the list to choose from a selection of Stone Baked Breads, like the Piesano’s Cheese Bread; Soups; Salads or Specialty Calzones. These include The Captain with spicy Italian sausage or the Greek Veggie with feta and spinach. They also have a traditional Meatball Sub, Eggplant Parmesan, and Chicken Parmesan.
Some of their entreés include Rigatoni and Lasagna Bolognese, Stuffed Shells, Pasta Arrabiata – similar to a marinara but with crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spiciness – Mediterranean Pasta with artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, basil & feta tossed with fettuccine, and Scampi Ravioli with shrimp in a lemon garlic butter sauce.
Now, let’s talk about my favorite food at Piesano’s — and that’s Pizza. There are many things that I love about their pizza. The huge selection of gourmet pies all come in four sizes and cauliflower crust. The 8” personal size is perfect for a meal and maybe even a bit leftover.
I’ll start with my favorite, Salami Calabrese which is loaded with mozzarella, salami, fresh garlic, and spicy calabrese peppers.
Their thinnest crust pizza is the Pizza Antico with mini cup char pepperoni. I’ve also enjoyed the Pepperoni Explosion which needs no explanation – The Captain with spicy Italian sausage, meatballs, and mini cup char pepperoni – Eggplant pizza with ricotta, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses – and finally the Sriracha Hot Honey pizza is an explosion of flavor.
Lunch Specials are very reasonable and range between $9.00 to $12.00, including your choice of a variety of pizza, soup, salad, and meatball sub.
A select menu is also available for lunch between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Piesano’s also offers Take-N-Bake Entrée meals. These include Lasagna Bolognese, Baked Cheese Ravioli, and Eggplant Parmesan among others.
I think it’s safe to say they have it all, including desserts. Choose from Espresso Tiramisu, Salted Caramel Cheesecake, and of course, Cannoli. No matter what you choose, you won’t be sorry.
Piesano’s Stone Fired Pizza is located at:
14629 SR 70 (Lorraine Road and SR70)
Bradenton, FL 34202
941-216-7980
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Sunday -Thursday 11:00 am to 10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 10:30 pm
