When you discover that Taylor Swift’s favorite New York City restaurant has opened a sister restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, you know it’s worth checking out. While most people would come for that reason, they will stay for the food and family-oriented atmosphere.
Located in the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, the new restaurant has already begun making waves — something Chef Anthony Vitolo is quite familiar with. His Manhattan restaurant, Emilio’s Ballato, where he serves as the executive chef and partner, has seen celebrities and visitors from all over the world.
What’s the secret to its success? Chef Vitolo emphasizes that his familial roots in the business trickle down to the staff and customers. “Our guests at Vitolo will experience my family’s time-honored recipes, cooking methods and culinary customs that have been passed down through generations in my family,” he says. “At Vitolo, we did not want to just be another Italian restaurant. We wanted to recreate the Italian family dinner table where our guests feel like family and [make] it easy to want to come back home.”
The big Italian family feeling wouldn’t be complete without authentic dishes that satisfy healthy appetites. “When it comes to the signature dishes at Vitolo, we’re all about capturing the essence of classic New York Italian cuisine infused with classic Roman culinary techniques, reflecting our rich culinary heritage,” says the New York native.
“Our culinary journey traces back over 120 years to my family farm in Sarno, Italy. This farm produces our certified San Marzano tomatoes, exclusively used in both Emilio’s Ballato and Vitolo,” Chef Vitolo notes. “These tomatoes are the cornerstone of our fresh, time-honored recipes, passed down through generations. Guests can savor the essence of these tomatoes in dishes like our Margherita Pizza and Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese, where the sauce is simmered for over seven hours, a true labor of love.”
A dish worth highlighting is the Mozzarella en Carrozza, “a symbol of resilience and tradition from my family’s upbringing, which stands out with breaded crispy mozzarella served alongside marinara sauce,” says Chef Vitolo. Another popular menu item is the Linguine Alla Vongole, which is linguine with fresh top neck clams, olive oil and garlic. Also worth mentioning is Chef Vitolo’s specialty — the Vitello Antonio. The center-cut veal chop for two is pounded thin, crusted with panko and topped with vodka sauce. “These dishes embody the essence of my Italian heritage with a modern twist,” he adds.
In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant offers three dining spaces that transport guests to other places depending on their mood. “Everyone has their own idea of their ideal dining experience. The ambiance and atmosphere at Vitolo [have] been thoughtfully curated to provide guests with three unique dining experiences under one roof,” says Rob Crosoli, partner at Vitolo.
If you want a Roman trattoria vibe, step into the Terrazza. “It reveals a picturesque setting ideal for romantic al fresco dinners, combining the rustic ambiance of Roman trattorias with the coastal charm of the Amalfi region,” Crosoli continues. When you want the Miami golden art deco age but don’t feel like making the trip down south, there’s the Sala Arco space. “Here, [guests] can enjoy signature cocktails expertly crafted by our mixologists at the opulent arched bar or opt for an extensive a la carte dining experience,” he says. Lastly, you can feel the culinary action sitting near the open-kitchen concept with chef’s table-style service.
On top of these reasons to check out Vitolo, they also take their pasta and cheesecake seriously. “Our authentic Italian pasta is dried slowly at a lower temperature, preserving its flavor and texture while making it easier to digest, thanks to the fresh ingredients and care poured into every step of the process,” Chef Vitolo says. “And for a taste of New York, we fly cheesecake directly from the Big Apple, ensuring that every bite at Vitolo is a culinary experience that transcends borders and celebrates the best of Italian and New York cuisine.”
“Whether it’s the old-school Italian vibes, the rich tapestry of flavors in our signature dishes or the personalized service that makes every guest feel like family, Vitolo offers a culinary journey unlike any other amidst the stunning backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach,” adds Crosoli.
The Dish: Mozzarella en Carrozza (Breaded crispy mozzarella served alongside marinara sauce)
Ingredients:
- 2 slices bread
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Flour
- Panko bread crumbs
- Egg
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce with onions & garlic
- Basil, for garnish
- Parsley
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Method:
Take two slices of bread and add a pinch of salt and pepper to each. Coat each slice in flour on both sides and shake off excess flour. Take two slices of mozzarella and insert them between the slices of bread. Dip the sandwich into the egg wash and then directly into the panko breadcrumbs (make sure it’s tightly coated). Place the coated sandwich into a deep fryer for two minutes. Turn the sandwich for another two minutes until golden brown. Plate the sandwich whole.
For the dipping sauce, heat the marinara sauce to a boil. Serve the sauce on the side on the same plate. Garnish with basil and Parmesan.
