In the past few months, Orlando has gained two new Italian restaurants. While the eateries are currently ideal for groups of 50 to 120, both are undergoing expansions to add seating and event spaces.
1. In March, La Nuova Cucina became the newest member of Sand Lake Road’s restaurant row. The open layout of the dining room offers an intimate setting for groups of 50 in the 1,500-square-foot space, which is planned to be expanded to nearly 4,900 square feet by September with the addition of a private dining room and full bar.
The decor features a wood-grain patterned floor, dark wood tables, and a wall of exposed brick, accented by chairs adorned with loose pillows and booths outfitted in a faux-suede material. Wi-Fi is available throughout.
La Nuova Cucina’s menu combines traditional Italian recipes and modern cuisine to include meat, poultry, and seafood to salads, pastas, and risottos. Chef and owner Paola Baroni has also created some new dishes like fagottini di cacio e pere con salsa di pere e mandorle, bite-size pasta “bundles” filled with cheese and pear and served with a sweet almond-pear sauce.
2. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza opened at Millenia Crossing on June 22. The 2,600-square-foot restaurant has an open floor plan that can accommodate 123 people. The dining area seats 108 at individual tables, with an additional 15 seats at the marble-topped bar. The restaurant is planning to add outdoor dining for 24 people in the next few months. Anthony’s has seven televisions spread throughout the dining room that can be used for meetings or events.
The South Florida-based chain uses coal-burning ovens for its signature pizzas. The menu also includes sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and ribs. This is the company’s second location in Orlando and the 23rd nationwide.
