Trattoria Limoncello Punta Gorda -- True to its Name

According to Wikipedia, "a trattoria (trah-tor-EE-uh) is an Italian-style eating establishment, less formal than a ristorante, but more formal than an osteria... service is casual, wine is sold by the decanter rather than the bottle, prices are low, and the emphasis is on a steady clientele rather than on haute cuisine. The food is modest but plentiful...."

Trattoria Limoncello, as evidenced by the casual atmosphere, bountiful food, and steady stream of regular customers, fits this definition. A family affair, Gino, Gisella, Lorenzo and Stephanie, the owners are omnipresent, cooking, attending to customers, and doing whatever necessary to make the place welcome and friendly. Gino and Gisella, both born in Italy are the parents of the group. Gino, from Benevento and Gisella from the Isle of Capri, bring the cuisine of their native areas to the dishes offered. They also bring a touch of New York, with in our opinion, the best Pizza in the Punta Gorda area, and the main enticement for our visits to the Trattoria. Not surprisingly, Gino ran a pizzeria in New York.

In keeping with the trattoria feel, Limoncello is bright, open and noisy with high ceilings, walls painted terracotta and ochre and Italianiate columns and accents. The intensity of the lighting can be off-putting, making Limoncello the wrong choice if you are looking for a quiet, romantic evening. On the otherhand, for a fun night with family and/or friends with pizza to die for (pizza with a thin crispy crust and just the right amount to toppings) or scrumptious pasta dishes, Limoncello is a good choice.

In addition to pizza and pasta, Limoncello offers a long list of chicken, meat and fish dishes. And in line with the Trattoria tradition, take-out as well as catering are available.

Address: 10261 Tamiami Trl., Punta Gorda. 
Phone: (941)639-6500
Type of Restaurant: Italian

Rating: ♦♦♦

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