Photo provided by Amore.

It takes two to make a thing go right and in this case, those two things are Portuguese and Italian. The first of its kind on the Gulf Coast, this newly-hybrid restaurant highlights the best of both countries' cuisines. Husband and wife duo Tito and Liana Vitorino, both hail from Portugal and have managed the upscale Italian restaurant Amore in Longboat Key for several years. Now, their dream of owning their own restaurant has been realized, and as of earlier this month, the couple have relocated to the Burns Court and have infused the traditional continental menu with nine classic Portuguese dishes—introducing a new Portuguese-Italian fusion that brings the best of both worlds. 

Cataplana is authentic and classic Portuguese food, rich in meats and fish and served in traditional copper cookware—steaming all its ingredients and opened right on the table to guests when ready to serve. Various gourmet Cataplana dishes are served such as à Alentejana, de Marisco and de Carne. Additionally, Bacalhau, a beloved salted cod fish will be served in three different styles: Lagareiro, à Brás and à Gomes de Sá. Tastefully decorated to reflect an “Old World” European look and feel—including a ceiling of grape vines reminiscent of the intimate and elegant of Italy and Portugal. Find Amore on the corner of Burns Court in the Historic District of downtown Sarasota, but feel thousands of miles due north and to the east upon arrival.

Photo provided by Amore.

Amore Restaurant, 446 Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-383-1111.