Best Italian Restaurants in Palmetto

We were seated right on time at our reservation. We were greeted warmly by our server Joanie and she gave us time to look at the menu after telling us about the specials for the evening. The ambience was very nice people dressed up a bit more due to the Christmas holidays. The noise level was low to medium, which allowed for a good conversation. I had the special for the night for the Casio de Pepe and a good glass of quilted Cabernet. I’ve been there before and they’re happy hours are awesome as well. We’ll be back !!!

First time here. Great food. Good service. It is an Italian restaurant but it isn’t the “same average Italain food” they have interesting and unique dishes. The salad is small. It is a small appetizer. The ravioli dishes come with 5 big raviolis. Generous gnocchi dish. The duck over risotto was a very good size. Cocktail was made nicely. It took while to order. Drink order. Brought the wine. Waitress made the cocktails and delivered them. Then, brought the bread. Then, went away and came back and told us the specials. Then, came back to take out orders. But this is my only compliant, and would not deter me from returning. Did not have dessert. The restaurant is not quiet. It on the louder side. I think it is the layout. Still a great meal and you can hear people at your table.

Enjoyed our dinner at this locals spot. Ample servings. The chicken Francese is great with the angel hair pasta. Caesar salad big enough to share. Server attentive and got us out on time for concert.

Traverna Toscana Finally, an upscale restaurant bringing a touch of class to downtown Bradenton! My wife and I decided to venture out last Friday night to try the newly opened Traverna Toscana, and it did not disappoint. The executive chef’s carefully curated menu was impressive, with the octopus standing out as our favorite dish of the evening. My wife, who rarely tries such cuisine, was pleasantly astonished by how delicious it was. The complementary lemon butter sauce? Simply unbelievable—so good! There are several other enticing items on the menu that have us eager to return. The main course was equally well-prepared and enjoyable. I opted for the 33-day-aged ribeye, which featured the perfect balance of a beautifully seared crust and a juicy, flavorful center. Cooked to perfection, it was a highlight of the night. To accompany our meal, we chose the 2021 Jayson Pahlmeyer Napa red. While the wine was delicious, it felt slightly overpriced—perhaps the Caymus would have been a better value. We ended the night with a lemon cheesecake, and all I can say is: WOW! If you’re looking for a wonderful dining experience in Bradenton, I highly recommend trying Traverna Toscana. This gem is sure to impress!

Prompt seating through Open Table app. Quaint restaurant on the main thorough fair in Palmetto. We had two couples and started with salads. The waiter was very receptive to splitting the generous sized salads into separate bowls. Our guests had the veal medallions in a yummy sauce and the special lasagna they were offering that night. We had veal parm and their special linguini with porcini mushrooms and Italian sausage. Both were outstanding with generous portions. We were all impressed to say the least. I am hesitant to write a nice review for fear of not getting a seat next time around but they deserve to have their service and food promoted.