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Ortygia is a labor of love in the form of Chef Gaetano's passion for authentic Sicilian cooking, beautifully and artfully executed in a cozy, funky, and down-to-earth converted 'Old Florida' cottage in the 'Village of the Arts' neighborhood --just slightly off the beaten path from busy, bustling, downtown Bradenton, Florida. The menu is unique and variable, and features Sicilian specialties with Gaetano's Greek, French, and North African influences blended in and woven into an exquisite dining experience. The interior dining spaces are small and intimate, and not without a sense that you've stepped into nonna's kitchen back in the old country with the divine, earthy aromas of foods lovingly prepared by hand in a small kitchen and even some occasional colorful banter as Chef Gaetano, like the captain of a small, busy ship, directs operations and interacts with his guests in a manner befitting a genuinely charming, charismatic Italian from Jersey. The Ortygia staff is equally attentive and personable, catering to every need. Guests leave feeling like they've become good friends with their hosts, and usually speaking a little Italian they picked up along the way, and return soon. Guests may be treated to live music by local artists on weekends, and weather permitting, courtyard seating is also available greatly expanding Ortygia's seating capacity. Parking is handy and convenient and the dining area is accessible. In season, Ortygia is a busy place, and reservations well in advance are strongly suggested. Don't miss this gem of an Old World dining experience!
This place is fantastic. Chef Gaetano is very professional and very respectful of the traditional italian cuisine. I am from Europe and for a while I was looking for a place with real italian flavours. All the places I went before never satisfied me because it was more an americano-italian dish.
When you get there, the greeting by Gaetano and his staff is very welcoming and charming. It is not going to a restaurant but more go to visit family. My wife and I really enjoyed the ambiance, the professionalism and the food (made in the real Sicilian Tradition). All of it done in a very genuine way, Gaetano is really great. We had a very nice conversation with him.
PS for Gaetano : Thank you again for the Harissa.
Dona Lee Gould Musitano
+5
Do NOT confuse Ortygia's Sicilian delights with Italian food. No standard lasagna and spaghetti at this unique bistro. Sicilian is fusion food mixed with all the nations that have ruled the island paradise over the millennia. A touch of Italian, a pinch of Germanic, a tinge of Turkish, a smattering of Spanish, a mite of African, and a soupcon of French all applied to their abundance of seafood, Sicilian produce, and pasta, always the handmade pasta.
By far the best place to eat in town. Gaetano is a genius. Lovely staff as well. Thank you all for another amazing meal!
Great food in a casual environment. Music was perfect and the chef joined in on the harmonica. We will be back. Great service and they will uncork the wine you bring. So much fun and the most flavorful food Iāve had in a while.
This place is great, the owner/chef met us at the door and talked to us for a while. The food was fantastic and the price was good. The two piece band was entertaining. We shared a bottle of wine with two entrees and a salad for less than 100 bucks including tip. Plus they gave my GF a delicious dessert for her birthday.
Nothing but character and great, authentic Siciliano cuisine! You get to interact with the chef, choose from a wonderful and affordable wine list, and dine in authentic Siciliano dishes. Intimate atmosphere- donāt miss this place! Garlic bisque is incredible!
Wonderful place to have a fantastic meal. We were able to talk with the owner/chef and the flavors were beyond words. This is the place to eat in Bradenton, FL.
Absolutely wonderful hidden gem! Food was fantastic and the portion size was perfect! Definitely on the return again list!
We could not have had a better meal. Chef whistles while he cooks. Love it here. Highly recommend going if you can.
Only the finest ingredients with a splash of passion in every dish.
This evening Vivian Medina and I catch up with a belated 36th year Anniversary dinner at Ortygia in the Village of the Arts. Thank you Gaetano Guy Cannata, for making our evening very special and exquisite with the most delicious meal. The music, environment and staff made for a most memorable evening.
My friend and stumbled across the cozy little place quite by accident. And what a fortunate thing that happened! We shared the bruschetta, the duck and pork pate plate and the roasted fennel which was personally recommended by the friendly, attentive chef. All we can say is wow. Haven't had a lunch this good in ages and ages if ever! The entire experience was absolutely perfect. We hope to meet there again soon!
What a gem of a restaurant food, service, wine, ambience, music. Owner comes out and says hello to all the tables. We sat outside and it was a perfect evening from salad to espressos ā” highy recommend
We had an extraordinary first experience at Ortygia last night. We felt like we were guests in somebody's home. Everybody, including the chef, was attentive and friendly, The food was delicious. And the wine the chef recommended? The Primavito? Two bottles later is was one of the best we've ever enjoyed. We will definitely be going back!
Jeannine Sturm St. Lawrence
+5
I might say the best meal I have ever had, and I am a food snob from New Jersey. The staff and the chef were amazing!
Great food and awesome place to eat. Small little restaurant makes for feel like your in a small Sicilian village. Got the timballo. First time I've had it and it was delicious. Mushroom app was also good. We were there at the end of the night, so chef came out and chatted a bit with us near the end of our meal, great guy! Will definitely be back when I'm back in town
Awesome experience! Most delicious food I've had in ages. š¤¤ You'll feel like family there. Definitely 5 star in my opinion.
Very tasty! I had the stuffed portobello mushroom and chocolate ladyfingers (but without the raspberry)
I really loved this cute little Italian restaurant! It's been converted from an old house and I love that. They're very personable and even speak to the customers by name. The menu changes every week and that keeps things interesting. I will absolutely be back.
Incredible.
A remodeled family home, with tables in different environments of the house, which provides options for large and small groups but always preserving privacy since there are no more than two tables per room.
The attention is very cordial, it is attended by its owners and they care about all the details.
The food is excellent, they have a small but very complete menu and the dishes are prepared in an incredible way, allowing you to enjoy a type of gastronomy very different from that found in the area.
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Amazing Italian restaurant located at the Village of Arts area in Bradenton!
Led by renowned chef Gaetano Canatta, Ortygia specialty is the SicĆlian Cuisine, with a menu that is frequently renewed.
Iāve had the opportunity of visiting the restaurant 3 years ago while visiting Bradenton and in that occasion was attracted by the coziness and home feel of the restaurant, the wonderful live music and the deliciousness and authenticity of its menu and the very courteous service. Not to mention that chef Gaetano would momentarily take a break from the kitchen, pull out an harmonica from his pocket and play and sing the blues!
Yesterday I was able to finally come back to Ortygia with my wife.
Weāve ordered a grilled octopus appetizer: very Tender and well seasoned.
Our main dishes were veal Milanese (perfect!) and, by suggestion of our server Ellen (hope Iāve got her name right) we also had the Yellow Edge Grouper. This dish was the highlight of our dinner. I donāt think I ever tasted a grouper so tasty in my life!
Chef Gaetano came several times to our table to check if all was to our content! Definitely, Yes, Chef!
Our desserts were a black cherry gelato and a very creative and delicious lemon-basil semi fredo!
Our meal had the company of a good Sicilian Nero DāAvola red wine!
Dining at Ortygia is Highly Recommended not only because of its extraordinary authentic Southern Italian cuisine but also because the establishmentās Chef and its staff make sure you have a truly wonderful experience.
If only Ortygia was in Orlandoā¦š
Been in FL a year and this was (finally!) the best place Iāve been to for quality cuisine. I am GF/DF and the chef was accommodating. This is a family owned biz with personal pics on the wall. Food was a blend of French and Italian. The wine was straight from Italy and phenomenal. I found the pricing very fair. This is a very small house converted into a restaurant. It is heavily advised to make a reservation due to limited seating. Bread was offered immediately and it was fresh baked. Option of tap, bottled, or sparkling water as soon as we sat down. We were told the menu changes often and I am def returning! The chef was at our table to discuss food, wine, travel, and pleasantries. It was a very warm and friendly atmosphere that was difficult to leave! You felt like you were at a friends. Canāt recommend enough!!
Amazing authentic Italian food. The atmosphere was intimate and the service was impeccabile. Everything was cooked to order and everyone in our party of 4 was extremely satisfied. We will definitely go back again. We love Italian food and this is the best that we have ever had.
Wonderful restaurant!!! The chef and service were extraordinary!!! Love it ā„ļøā„ļøā„ļø highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for and great meal and a great atmosphere to relax and enjoy your time
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What a special place. In the heart of Bradentonās Art District there is a little house with a special chef. Gaetano started this restaurant 13 years ago as the Chef, Owner and writer. He wanted to bring a little Sicilian flare with a New Jersey touch to Floridaās West Coast. This quaint out of the way farm to table restaurant will surprise you with its homemade Sicilian cooking. Today with all the restaurant chains, it is nice to have gem like this in Bradenton. My wife and I have not been out to dinner in over 4 months. We wanted to find a restaurant that could offer a unique dinning experience with fresh to table entrees. Well, we found it. My only regret is that I found Ortygia thirteen years later. I have often said to many of my friends Bradenton lacks true fresh Chef dinning restaurants. Maybe I was just not looking hard enough. If you want a quiet, nice dining experience, this will be perfect for you and a special someone. Ask for Penne, she was warm hearted and took care of our every need. We called to make reservations and that seemed to be the best way to ensure you got a table.
Enjoy!
Authentic Sicilian dishes! Prices are a little on the high side but not ridculous and are worth it because these are not dishes you will find anywhere else! Service is very personal and super friendly.
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