Fusilly's Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Bradenton

If I could give this place zero stars - i would. In contrast to the old ownership (which switched 3 months ago), the new food is smaller portions (with exact same menu and prices) and inconsistent cooks, as if they’re getting new chefs every couple of days.

Owners clearly don’t understand how to run a restaurant. Bathroom is located behind the kitchen meaning I have to walk past the kitchen and dish area to go to the bathroom, and then the cleaning supplies are back there too. Oh geez. A server has to grab a dirty, greasy mop or broom from the closet next to the clean-“ish” bathrooms, through the kitchen hallway and in front of all the customers.

The “entrance” is constantly being used by cooks and servers alike, to get food from the fridge/freezer which is located outside, as well as carrying trash through the hallway I mentioned before.

The servers pour the same wine no matter what you order (unless it’s by the bottle) - yes, you heard me. Order a Pinot noir, guess what: you’re getting Primitivo, or Chianti, or whatever other bottle is open at the time of ordering your glass. Same with white wines, you’re pretty much getting Pinot Grigio no matter what unless you order a moscato.

The owners and their friends and family are constantly eating and drinking alcohol (Illegal, I may add) in company shirts at the bar in the restaurant, instead of assisting in the heavy volume and letting the servers struggle. In addition to that, the “owners” don’t know the first thing about the food that they serve at THEIR restaurant.

Bread is thawed daily (not made in house), and the “garlic oil” they give you is nothing more than low quality olive oil with a couple of pieces of garlic in it. I know it’s crazy, but there is a thing called spices….

Salad is premixed and consists of 99% iceberg lettuce, dressing is not made in house like it’s claimed to be.

None of the pasta is fresh, it’s all boxes that they order is BULK. Tomato sauce is just canned tomato sauce that they add a couple of spices to, and Alfredo sauce has the look and texture of cheesy oil. Chicken is inconsistently cooked and regularly comes out over or under done.

The cheese used in the $55 cheese wheel isn’t even the cheese from the Parmagiano Reggiano wheel, it’s Asiago Romano Parmesan that they buy pre-shaved and bagged.

Coke products and soda water taste of Chlorine for months because they didn’t want to replace the filter, exposing their clients to Chlorine…. Need I say more about that one?

Bus tubs for dirty dishes are located directly next to clean bread and salad plates and in plain view of the dining room. Silverware is rarely polished properly.

An older guest one time slipped and fell on the bathroom floor because the servers were impatient to leave and mopped the bathroom while there were still guests present.

I could go on but I think the point is made…

Do not recommend this restaurant. From food to cleanliness to the way the owners operate and manage their employees, it is apparent that this restaurant needs more than just...

Don't waste your time or money This restaurant came highly recommend however we were more than highly disappointed. We were out for dinner to celebrate our anniversary and as always when we get a recommendation we always view the menu online. The menu was a bit pricey but we had been told the food was excellent and the portions were large so we were fine with the prices assuming we would have some leftovers and it was a special occasion. We ordered a bottle of the house wine which was 46.00 for a 10.00 bottle. That certainly didn't rock us as all restaurants do that. Our first appetizer was the grilled octopus which was rubbery, undercooked and tasteless for 30.75 the portion was that of a tapas, approximately a single six inch piece another words enough for one serving. We chalked it off and chose not to complain as to keep positive with our celebration. Next we ordered our second appetizer "Rocco's famous meatballs" at 30.75 so we expected a nice portion of delicious meatballs. First off there were barely 4 meatballs and although the sauce was tasty the meatballs were sub par for sure. My husband's take on the whole dish was very disappointing, my thought was it was mediocre and WAY overpriced. We were expecting more than 4 and something delicious which was not the case. Next up we were ready to order our entree. One of my favorite dishes is Saltimbocca. When checking the menu online I saw they offered it as an entree with either pasta or potato and vegetable. Being I don't eat pasta or potato I asked if I could please do double vegetable. I was told there would be an upcharge, I politely said ok then I will just take the single vegetable without the potato. The waitress then said there would still be an upcharge. I said I didn't understand why as the menu said pasta OR potato and vegetable and I just wanted the vegetable, no pasta no potato. She then explained to me that this menu was from the previous owners and the restaurant was under new ownership and my request was not available. Really???? Has the new owner not heard of Staples ???? Go print new menus temporarily and ditch the old ones. At that point as a matter of principle I politely asked for my check and chose not to order my entree. This was my first time ever doing so in a restaurant and I knew based on my husband's disappointment of the skimpy overpriced appetizers which should have been enjoyable which they were not that he would stand in solidarity with me. The experience was extremely unfortunate. We did not anticipate what we experienced when we excitedly booked a reservation for our anniversary. The evening was quite a let down for a bill of near 150.00 with drinks and apps leaving without even having a meal. We asked to see the manager and all he would offer us was 20 percent off our next visit. Clearly there won't be a next visit as he was unable to adjust anything on our current bill. Horrible experience. Will not revisit. Only hit one star to post however would give it zero which would be...

I am so Sad and actually totally taken back! We have been patrons of the ONCE Amazing FUSILLY'S located in downtown Bradenton. We called not once but 3 times tonight about delivery or puckup....since my wife had surgery..and we have a Max Assist Mother in bed. We were told by ....Ola ? Who is the new owner... that Rocco no longer the owner of this restaurant. Still hoping that the food was excellent....we called back for a order. Driving from NW Bradenton to Downtown...we received out meal. Only, to take it home...to find ...much smaller portions...but the big Kick I'm the once Amazing Roccos Balls...was no Salad...no Bread. This now lead us to our 3rd pho e call to the owner...Ola or Ohla...who proceeded to tell us.." Well...we don't GIVE YOU THAT...UNLESS U ASK FOR IT!....We were like...wait..it says served with Salad and bread...."Well not unless you ask"" we give you extra pasta...which was an absolute lue....if you have eaten at Roccos Fusillys..you can eat and feed neighbors for days!!!! I get inflation...take over of a business...but she had 3 tries to tell us...the "New Rules". I remember going to eat at Roccos after seeing my Mother in law after 8 months in the hospital, for lunch. He sat down ..asked about us...her....and came our of the kitchen...with a meal made...Just for Her! He was an amazing caring man!!!!! So tonight threw us for a loop.....we payed a large price for food...yes..it was good...but no more pasta...portions much smaller...but the sad part ..after telling her...after 3 calls....why couldn't u mention the salad or bread....it is NO WHERE WRITTAN...She was like oh well...next time ask for it.!!! We used to blast how AMAZING ROCCO AND HIS STAFF were on Facebook and Instagram eat. We never post negative....but if you care about us Loyal Customers that's boasted and promoted from day one...Wow! Again...WE HAD TO ASK FOR SALAD AND BREAD!!!! We live 25 minutes away!!! And she basically made us feel like it was our fault....for not asking something that is listed on the menu! So so so Diappointed...especially in our hearts...where there was so many random acts of kindness...and no cutting corners...and if he had to ......Rocco would sure tell us!!!! RIP....Roccos Fusillys Kitchen....you made us feel like family! And for future Patrons..watch out...your meat sauce may be extra...because you did...