Pazzo Italiano – New Destin Italian Restaurant
We just lunched at the brand-new swanky Italian restaurant, “Pazzo Italian”, in Destin Florida. “Pazzo Italiano” means “crazy Italian”. It wasn’t crazy at all – but it was posh and elegant! The first thing that struck me was the sleek decor, suspended lighting and touches like the contemporary metal map of Italy on the wall.
Our waiter, Art, was very professional and attentive. He explained that one of the owners, Alfonso di Bonito, was from Naples, Italy, and emphasized that that was the home of the original pizza (which it is!). The other owner, Levente Tischler, is from Romania, and the two created the restaurant of their dreams (dei loro sogni), according to the website for Pazzo Italiano. My lunch date ordered the white pizza porchetta for $16.00, which had artichokes and smoked gouda, along with the featured porchetta (roasted pork). It was a large pizza, enough for her lunch and dinner! She thought it was excellent and definitely “artisanal”, which they tout as their specialty. While eating, we heard the banging of the pizzaiolo, which means “pizza maker” in Italian, in the open kitchen toward the back of the restaurant. It added quite an authentic atmosphere. I was healthy at lunch, ordering un’insalata cesare con salmone (salmon ceasar salad) for $11.00, but we will be back for cena (dinner) with our mariti (husbands) soon. Then I will splurge on the rest of the fabulous looking menu, especially the pacherri della mamma (jumbo rigatoni with shrimp and gouda cheese).
Pazzo Italiano is located next to Barnes & Noble on Highway 98 at 34904 Emerald Coast Parkway in Destin. They are open Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Call 850-974-5484.
Lunch prices are between about $9.00 to $17.00 and dinner prices are also reasonable, between $9.00 to $18.00. There is also a separate menu for “Bambini” (children).
Non vedo l’ora di ritornarci. Buon Appetito!
(By the way, if you are interested in joining a local Italian speaking group, check out my Destin area Meetup Group Parliamo Italiano Emerald Coast!)
It’s Wendy… It’s Sold!
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, Rulnick Realty, Inc.
Call 850-650-7883 ext 204
Email Wendy: [email protected]
Wendy Rulnick, Broker, sells real estate in Destin, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Miramar Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, Sandestin, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay, Navarre, Florida.
