Restaurant News

Top Chef ‘fan favorite’ Fabio Viviani opens Bradenton restaurant. Take a look inside

The indoor bar at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
The indoor bar at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. ttompkins@bradenton.com

A celebrity chef is behind downtown Bradenton’s newest restaurant.

Fabio Viviani, who made a name for himself on Bravo’s “Top Chef” cooking competition show, is set to open Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Monday. The upscale restaurant will serve up Viviani’s takes on traditional Italian cuisine, including steak, pasta, seafood and more.

In an interview with the Bradenton Herald, Viviani said he chose the Bradenton area as his latest restaurant destination because he loves “the feel” of the area. Viviani operates more than 30 restaurants.

“I am delighted to be bringing Taverna Toscana to Bradenton,” said Viviani.

Starting Monday, the restaurant is open to the public. Taverna Toscana features a design with high arches, elegant light fixtures, outdoor seating and other touches of rustic Italian flair.

Take a look inside Bradenton’s latest culinary attraction.

A dining area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
A dining area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The entryway at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
The entryway at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A decorated ledge between dining areas at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
A decorated ledge between dining areas at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
An outdoor seating area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
An outdoor seating area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Pans stacked in the kitchen at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Pans stacked in the kitchen at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A ledge between dining areas at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
A ledge between dining areas at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A semi-private dining nook beside a booth at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
A semi-private dining nook beside a booth at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Wines in a cooler at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Wines in a cooler at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
A dining area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
A dining area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Steps leading to a dining area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Steps leading to a dining area at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Pots stacked at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Pots stacked at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The entry of Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
The entry of Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com
The indoor bar at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
The indoor bar at Taverna Toscana at 1301 Sixth Ave. W. on Friday, May 10, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins ttompkins@bradenton.com

This story was originally published May 13, 2024 at 5:50 AM.

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James A. Jones Jr.
Bradenton Herald
James A. Jones Jr. covers business news, tourism and transportation for the Bradenton Herald.
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