Pictured: Margaritas and Italian food? Why not! Get the best of both worlds at Tacos and Tequila and Bella Vino. Photo courtesy of Tacos and Tequila.

Husband and wife team Dana and Isell Lopez were looking to open a second location of their Mexican restaurant Chicano’s. But then the plan changed.

“When we found this location we popped in thinking we were going to do Mexican food, but it was previously an Italian restaurant many years ago so it was already set up for Italian food,” Dana says. “My husband is 100% Mexican and I’m 100% Italian, so I always wanted to open an Italian restaurant eventually. When we walked in I was like, ‘This is my sign,’”

The duo opened Bella Vino & Cucina two years ago, and things were running along smoothly but they had a large upstairs area that wasn’t getting much use other than private parties. So they decided to revisit their original plan. Eight months ago they opened Tacos and Tequila in the same location. Upstairs, diners can enjoy cute and cozy Italian decor or take in a beautiful romantic view from the patio. Downstairs, diners can enjoy the laid-back modern Mexican vibe. No matter where you sit, you can order off of both menus. This unique hybrid approach is great for couples or families who can never agree on what they want for dinner.

While you’ll find traditional Italian fare on the Bella Vino menu and authentic Mexican food on the Tacos and Tequila menu, there are some dishes where the cuisines have collided, creating unique and delicious meals. A particular favorite is the Pork Osso Bucco, which features tender pork shank in a homemade mole sauce served with rice and sliced avocado.

This hybrid restaurant is also a great weekend brunch spot with unlimited mimosas, margaritas, or Bloody Marys for $30 as well as clever twists on classic brunch dishes. The Avocado Toast with fresh guacamole and pickled onion is light and refreshing, while the Tres Leches French Toast is rich and decadent.

Bella Vino & Cucina and Tacos and Tequila, 3983 Destination Drive, Osprey, 941-966-2365, tacosandtequilaosprey.com.

Pictured: Margaritas and Italian food? Why not! Get the best of both worlds at Tacos and Tequila and Bella Vino. Photo courtesy of Tacos and Tequila.