Celebrity chef’s first Sarasota, Bradenton area restaurant to open next month
An exciting year of restaurant openings in Sarasota and Bradenton continues with the area debut of a celebrity chef's concept, which is similar to his brand in downtown St. Petersburg.
Fabio Viviani, an Italian native perhaps best known for his appearances on the Bravo show "Top Chef," created a buzz last summer when he announced via social media that he was opening a Taverna Toscana in downtown Bradenton.
"Picture a modern Italian kitchen paired with the hearty allure of a top-tier steakhouse," reads Viviani's Instagram post. "And yes, we've also curated a selection of craft cocktails that will knock your socks off."
Taverna Toscana, which will occupy a large, standalone structure found in front of the SUNZ Insurance Company building at 1301 Sixth Ave. W., near other popular downtown Bradenton restaurants Chateau 13 and Sage Biscuit, should begin welcoming guests next month.
Top 10 restaurants I recommend when asked 'Where should I eat in Sarasota and Bradenton?'
10 best waterfront restaurants I love to recommend in Sarasota and Bradenton
Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday
Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani to open Italian restaurant Taverna Toscana in downtown Bradenton in May
A partnership between Viviani and local resident Steven Herrig, who is CEO of SUNZ, Taverna Toscana appears to have ample room for indoor as well as covered outdoor seating. There should also be plenty of space for onsite parking at the upscale Italian steakhouse. A sign on the chain-link fence surrounding the restaurant tells curious passersby to text "toscana" to 805-991-5126.
"Taverna Toscana will be opening in May 2024," said publicist Samantha Crafton, via email. Crafton also offered what she described as "a sneak peek of some of the signature menu items that diners can look forward to."
Sneak peek of signature menu items at Taverna Toscana in downtown Bradenton
The six menu selections, provided by the publicist along with descriptions, range from grilled bone marrow and steak tartare to a popular Italian pasta and seafood dish (frutti di mare) to Roman-style pizza.
Grilled Bone Marrow: tomato onion jam, tart arugula salad, herb breadcrumb, citrus gremolata, crostini
Fabio's Meatballs: homemade meatball, whipped ricotta, tomato sugo, basil, olive oil, crostino
Cold Smoked Steak Tartare: caper, shallot, citrus aioli, giardiniera, farmed egg yolk, grilled bread
Taverna Frutti Di Mare: squid ink linguine, clams, mussels, shrimp, cherry tomato, garlic, white wine, lobster butter
Prosciutto & Arugula Roman Pizza: truffle honey, roasted garlic, Parmesan cream, fresh mozzarella
Jail Island Salmon: eggplant caponata, chimichurri
Fabio Viviani's new Bradenton restaurant is one of three dozen concepts by the celebrity chef
Viviani previously opened the similarly named and themed Taverna Costale in St. Petersburg at 200 Central Ave. Suite 165. Viviani describes the downtown St. Pete restaurant as "the perfect blend of a rustic Italian eatery, an energetic local tavern, and an upscale modern restaurant."
Since 2005, Viviani has opened three dozen "food establishments, restaurants, bars and event spaces" and served as a spokesperson for several international brands, according to his website. In addition to the Taverna Costale in St. Petersburg, other Florida restaurants his hospitality group has opened include Chuck Lager America's Tavern locations in Wesley Chapel and Orlando.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Celebrity chef opening Bradenton restaurant Taverna Toscana May 2024
