Vitolo Opens in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is now home to a new culinary gem that's drawing attention not just from food enthusiasts but also from fans of the rich and famous.

Emilio's Ballato, a Manhattan dining hotspot frequented by celebrities including Taylor Swift, has brought its renowned flavors to South Florida. The opening of Chef Anthony Vitolo’s namesake Italian restaurant inside the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach on November 28 marks a new chapter in the city's dining scene.

This new establishment, simply named Vitolo, carries the legacy of its Soho counterpart, known for attracting a star-studded clientele like Blake Lively, Sophie Turner, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Joe Jonas, and even President Barack Obama. Vitolo offers a modernized version of a New York-style red sauce joint, where classic dishes meet contemporary flair.

The menu, crafted by Chef Vitolo himself, is a sophisticated blend of nostalgia and innovation. Highlight dishes include the linguini alle vongole and the housemade tagliatelle, enriched with a 72-hour bolognese of beef, veal, and pork ragu. “I’ve designed the menu with signature beloved classics that evoke a blend of nostalgia and innovation in a single dining experience,” says Vitolo, emphasizing the use of ingredients sourced from a family farm in Sarno, Italy.

For the main course, patrons can indulge in the Vitello Antonio, a dish featuring a center-cut veal chop encrusted in Panko, draped in vodka sauce, and adorned with sweet peas, prosciutto, and mozzarella. The restaurant also boasts a selection of pizzas and the Sala Arco, a cocktail bar that pays homage to Florida’s Art Deco era. Here, cocktails are masterfully crafted by mixologist Jarmel Doss.

Located at 551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Vitolo Italian Restaurant is not just a place to dine; it's an experience that merges Italian culinary traditions with the glamor of celebrity culture. Book your table at 954-414-5127 or visit VitoloItalian.com for a taste of Manhattan in Fort Lauderdale.