Spazzi -- A Rustic Osteria in Punta Gorda

Spazzi closed.  Now Sandra's - a German restaurant.  

Hidden away on Olympia behind the new parking garage, is a charming Punta Gorda osteria, for want of another word when bistro isn’t quite right.  With about 140 seats, it is a larger place than it appears to be when you first walk through the door.  Because the designers managed to create with custom woodwork , interesting alcoves and partitions, the place, which could have been in the hands of lesser skills, a big, cavernous and  noisy cafeteria, is a comfy, intimate dining venue.  

The first welcoming sight is the sophisticated wine bar reminiscent of favorite enotecas in New York or Florence.  While the exposed brick, arched service areas, burnt sienna walls, and stone accents give Spazzis the feel of a rustic wine cellar.  

Friendly, informative servers help with the menu and wine selections.  Featuring dishes from all regions of Italy, Spazzi’s signature dish is their baked ziti, but the chef also offers specials often featuring local fish.   Moreover, a selection of traditional  pasta, seafood, beef, and poultry dishes are excellently prepared, acclaimed by both  friends and others visiting Spazzi .   But one of the real treats at Spazzi is their outstanding brick-oven pizzas.  Spazzi also offers some delectable starters and sides including one of this writer’s favorites, not often found on local menus, broccoli rabe.  A nice selection of wines and beers complement the food offerings. 

Reasonably priced at dinner, Spazzi also offers a lunch menu with sandwiches and wraps, soups and pizza, of course.

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Address: 111 W. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda. Phone: (941)575-9669Type of Restaurant: Italian

Rating: ♦♦♦

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