Cafe di Lorenzo brings a fresh helping of Italian cuisine with new Bradenton restaurant

James A. Jones Jr.
·2 min read

For owner Marina Garofalo, Cafe di Lorenzo represents the 12th eatery the family has opened since moving to Bradenton in 2007.

The family opened the new Italian restaurant in June at 608 14th St. W., in the former Salt & Pepper location. Before that, the corner was home to Theresa’s Restaurant.

Executive chef Lorenzo Amato previously cooked for 24 years in Tallahassee, where he served four governors — two Democrats and two Republicans — and also got credit for baking the world’s largest pizza with proceeds going to charity.

Today at Cafe di Lorenzo, guests can still try Amato’s pizza — in 10 and 12-inch versions — along with calzone and many other offerings. He made his record-breaking pizza on 10 acres in 1991.

Marina Garafola is the owner of Cafe di Lorenzo, an Italian restaurant, which opened in June at 608 14th St., W., Bradenton.
Marina Garafola is the owner of Cafe di Lorenzo, an Italian restaurant, which opened in June at 608 14th St., W., Bradenton.

Among the most popular menu items are rack of lamb with roasted vegetables and Ossobuco (cross-cut veal shanks) with fresh mushrooms in marsala sauce, Garafalo said.

There are plenty of other choices, including calamari fra diavolo (tomato-based sauce) with linguine, shrimp parmigiana over pasta baked with mozzarella and tomato sauce, linguine baby clams, rigatoni, lasagna, spaghettini and more.

There are also a variety of appetizers —fried calamari, stuffed mushrooms, garlic bread, side of meatballs in sauce and more — as well as salads and a kid’s menu.

Executive chef Lorenzo Amato of Cafe di Lorenzo, an Italian restaurant, that opened in June at 608 14th St., W., Bradenton, has a long cooking history, during which he has made some very large pizzas.
Executive chef Lorenzo Amato of Cafe di Lorenzo, an Italian restaurant, that opened in June at 608 14th St., W., Bradenton, has a long cooking history, during which he has made some very large pizzas.

Entrees are generally priced from $14 to $26 with a few listed at market price.

More specialties are available upon request and guests are invited to ask about daily specials and desserts.

Among the planned special events is a 6 p.m. dinner with live entertain on Wednesday, July 17 for $75 a person.

Owner Marina Garofalo and executive chef Lorenzo Amato stand in the dining room of Cafe di Lorenzo, 608 14th St. W., Bradenton.
Owner Marina Garofalo and executive chef Lorenzo Amato stand in the dining room of Cafe di Lorenzo, 608 14th St. W., Bradenton.

A peek at the menu reveals stuffed mushrooms, eggplant caponata, seafood risotto and limoncello mascarpone cake, all paired with appropriate wines.

The restaurant is open for dinner 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and closed Monday.

Lunch hours will be added starting in November, Garafalo said.

Cafe di Lorenzo has brought a whole new look to 608 14th St. ., Bradenton, which has for many years been a restaurant location.
Cafe di Lorenzo has brought a whole new look to 608 14th St. ., Bradenton, which has for many years been a restaurant location.

What to know

▪ Name: Cafe di Lorenzo

▪ Address: 608 14th St. W., Bradenton

▪ Hours and days: 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

▪ Phone: (941) 281-2008

▪ Online: www.CafediLorenzoDowntown.com

Lorenzo Amato, shown at left, spent two decades in Tallahassee and cooked for four governors, including Lawton Chiles, shown wearing a Seminole Indian jacket. Amato is now executive chef for Bradenton’s Cafe di Lorenzo.
Lorenzo Amato, shown at left, spent two decades in Tallahassee and cooked for four governors, including Lawton Chiles, shown wearing a Seminole Indian jacket. Amato is now executive chef for Bradenton’s Cafe di Lorenzo.
Clams scampi with pistachios is one of many offerings at Cafe di Lorenzo, 608 14th St. W, Bradenton.
Clams scampi with pistachios is one of many offerings at Cafe di Lorenzo, 608 14th St. W, Bradenton.
Rack of lamb is a popular offering at Cafe di Lorenzo, 608 14th St. W., Bradenton.
Rack of lamb is a popular offering at Cafe di Lorenzo, 608 14th St. W., Bradenton.
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