Bruno’s of Brooklyn’s spicy lobster capellini. -COURTESY PHOTO
Brunos of Brooklyn
2149 First St., Fort Myers – 239-278-0211
If you are looking for authentic Italian right here in Southwest Florida, look no further than Bruno’s of Brooklyn. The establishment features indoor and outdoor dining, with a decorative rustic brick wall feature that feels truly nostalgic. Homemade pastas – including four cheese ravioli with meatballs – are among Bruno’s most popular dishes. Eggplant parmigiana and lasagna are additional menu highlights. I found it interesting that the establishment steers away from pizza, which is not on the menu, preferring instead to focus on the time-honored tradition of serving savory meats, pastas and delectable sauces. If you find a bit of room for something sweet following your meal, Bruno’s Cannoli are literally overflowing – from end to end – with the traditional sweet ricotta cheese mixture that Cannoli are famous for.
Divietto
23161 Village Shops Way, Estero – 239-390-2977
Divietto is dark, romantic and modern. Featuring ample booth seating opportunities, this local Italian eatery is also cozy. The drink menu offers a detailed happy hour. Well drinks and assorted wines are available for $7.50 every day starting at 3:00 p.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m. Why not try an Italian Mojito with Bacardi rum, passion fruit and lime juice? The Key Lime Pie Martini also offers an intriguing mix of flavors combining Absolut Vanilla vodka, Bailey’s Irish cream, pineapple juice and coconut. One of Divietto’s most popular dinner entrees is their lemon butter sea bass, and for diners looking for an interactive experience, the homemade fettuccine Alfredo is prepared tableside, hand-stirred within a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese wheel! Consider dressing up for your visit to Divietto. T-shirts, tank tops and hats are discouraged.
Terra Nostra
15880 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers – 239-590-8147
This casual Italian restaurant has just the right vibe for celebrating special occasions, honing a business deal or gathering for a family dinner. Terra Nostra’s lengthy menu is truly accommodating, with the opportunity for diners to order small plates and vegetarian options. A popular starter here is the Caesar salad, offering a hearty plate of romaine lettuce arranged under Caesar dressing and wide shavings of Parmigiano. As an entrée, the chicken Marsala at Terra Nostra is unique; served over penne pasta instead of linguini or mashed potatoes. Additionally, the wild mushroom ravioli looks decadent. This vegetarian option features truffled sage butter sauce lingering over plump, round raviolis. This dish is $28.00. Each item at Terra Nostra is served on a geometric plate or bowl, creating additional interest in the already lovely displays.