Phil's 41 Moves into old Mamma Nunzia's

The long time Punta Gorda restaurant, in fact the first  we visited in Punta Gorda, Mamma Nunzia's, is no more. Recently the restaurant was sold to Phil Cerciello, who most Punta Gordeans will know as former owner of the Burnt Store Grill.  

Phil reopened as Phil's 41, and if evidenced by the cars in the lot and the patrons in the restaurant when we visited, Phil's 41 looks like a winner. We visited Phil's shortly after he opened his doors a few weeks back.  He was bustling through the restaurant greeting customers obviously enjoying his return to the Punta Gorda restaurant scene. 

Operating with a transition menu with many of the Italian offerings from the former osteria, Phil has also added Greek and American dishes and also lowered many price points. He plans to make more extensive changes after the summer.

The familiar music of Mamma's is gone. Phil learned after visiting the restaurant many times prior to his purchase and through talking to customers that many preferred a conversational environment during the dining hours.

We checked out and very much enjoyed some of our Italian favorites during our recent visit. I also noted that neighboring tables were praising their steak and fish entrees. Many people familiar with the quality and dependability Phil delivered at the Grill were already avid Phil 41 goers. I heard one woman note that she was already a frequent diner at Phil's during the luncheon hours and that the food was excellent.

The intimate bar that we so love was bustling with patrons, and Phil confirmed that he would still be offering early dinner specials and a happy hour.  

Good luck, Phil. We are glad you chose to stay in Punta Gorda!

(Phil Cerciello at right with Gene Murtha)

Address: 1975 Tamiami Trl., Punta Gorda. 
Phone: (941) 575-7575

www.phils41.com

Type of Restaurant: Italian/American

Rating: ♦♦♦