Classic Italian restaurant in Bradenton has a new look and owner. Take a peek inside
Scarpino’s Classic Italian Restaurant, founded by Frank Scarpino more than 30 years ago, has a new look and a new owner.
The restaurant in the Bayshore Gardens Shopping Center received a full upgrade and renovation. The outside of the 4,500-square-foot space has all-new colors and woodworking, while the inside has reupholstered booths and new furniture.
The floors have been replaced with Italian Travertine tile in a black-and-white checkerboard pattern. Work is still underway on the patio, but when all upgrades are finished, the new ownership plans to offer live entertainment several times a week.
“If you can see it, it’s been changed,” said Rob Arias, who bought the restaurant at 6152 14th St. W., Bradenton, from Scarpino last year.
Arias brought in restaurateurs Daniel and Laura Sanchez as managing partners and hired executive chef Martin Wilson, who has a background in Italian cuisine.
“Scarpino’s has been a respected and beloved part of this community for many years, and I’m honored to be a part of its continued success,” the new owner said in a news release.
Bradenton Italian restaurant under new ownership
“The previous owner and managers give us big shoes to fill. With guidance from my mom, whose family comes from Sicily, we will continue to serve our guests with an inviting environment for enjoying high-quality and authentic Italian dishes,” said Arias, who has a three-decades-long culinary career.
Pizza chef Jorge “Giorgio” Rodriguez, who relocated from Italy to work at the restaurant, is among the staff continuing under new ownership.
What hasn’t changed at the restaurant is the menu with Scarpino’s original recipes.
“That is his legacy,” Arias said.
Ingredients are locally sourced or imported from Italy. Sauces and pasta are made from scratch in-house, and Giorgio handmakes the pizza dough, garlic knots and bread every morning.
Arias said his personal favorite is the pasta carbonara with pancetta cooked in a white wine reduction.
Wait staff member Cadence Knoll suggests the fettuccine carbonara while Dakota Kelly recommends the chicken piccata.
“Everything I’ve tried has been very good,” Kelly said.
The No. 1 seller at Scarpino’s is the pizza, while the piccata is the No. 1 pasta dish, Arias said.
Among the dessert offerings are the Frutti di Bosco tart with a ricotta cheesecake bottom and fresh fruit on top, cannoli cream puffs and gelato.
What to know
▪ Name: Scarpino’s Classic Italian Restaurant
▪ Address: 6152 14th St. W., Bradenton
▪ Capacity: 155 seats
▪ Full-service bar: yes
▪ Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday
▪ Online: www.ScarpinosClassicItalian.com
▪ Phone: (941) 756-8100
▪ Reservations: Not required but recommended
▪ Other: Groups can book the party room. Off-site catering is available. The restaurant hosts $1 meatball Tuesdays and endless spaghetti Wednesdays along with other seasonal dining deals throughout the year.
▪ Order online or via food delivery apps: DoorDash, Toast or Uber Eats
