Narbonas Bring Italian Tradition to Sarasota

Todays News

While Sarasotans still mourn the loss of Pomona Bistro over on North Orange Avenue, the space didn’t stay vacant very long, with the opening of Italian Tradition Restaurant and Martini Bar this month. The creation of owners Carlo and Tina Narbona, Italian Tradition combines authentic fine Italian dining with a European café-style feel all in the active environs of the up-and-coming Rosemary District. “We have been looking for a place to open our restaurant for a long time and finally found Sarasota,” say the Narbonas. “We fell in love with the city, its atmosphere and the people who live here.”

A team for nearly 30 years, the Narbonas have been honing their culinary technique in restaurants around the globe, before settling into Sarasota with a menu straight out of Italy (but with helpful translations). Start the night with an appetizer of beef Carpaccio, Saffron-seasoned mussels or creamy imported Mozzarella dressed with truffle oil and pink salt—and don’t skip the soup, made daily—before moving on to the entrée. Veal Ossobuco, beef tenderloin and sea bass fillet beckon, but one would be remiss not to consider one of Italian Tradition’s fresh homemade pastas in the lasagna, gnocchi and tagliatelle. For a pair of the Narbona’s signature dishes, try the Chef’s Lasagna, prepared with mushroom and Foie Gras, and the Gamberi e Capesante, sautéed scallops and shrimp with cheese risotto and organic vegetable.

For vegetarians and those eating gluten-free, Italian Tradition boasts several available options and an accommodating attitude towards adjustments. Vegetarians will find plenty of veggie-centric pasta dishes and appetizers (as well as the requisite salads), and gluten-free diners have free reign over all fish and meat dishes, with potato gnocchi available for pasta-lovers. 

And while some specialty items are imported from Italy, the Narbonas are committed to achieving their global taste with as many local ingredients as possible. “My team and I delight in finding the most authentic Italian products, as well as the best local organic produce, to create delicious and memorable meals,” says Tina Narbona, before adding that bit that brings it all together. “Tradition and passion are our secret ingredients, and we are excited for you to taste the difference.”

Located at 481 North Orange Ave., Italian Tradition is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday.

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