Ortygia — Restaurant in Bradenton

The challenge was on. My wife of 24 years hinted I could up my romantic game, so I responded by surprising her with a trip to Ortygia yesterday evening. We arrived for our 5:30pm reservation, initially impressed by the quaintness of the decor. However, there was no one there to greet us; we had to poke our head into the kitchen hallway. Once seated. we ordered two Peroni beers. It was a good start, as they arrived in frosty mugs. But from there our experience went south. First, we felt very rushed by the wait staff. Our appetizer, the bruschetta, was underwhelming: lukewarm caramelized onions and tomatoes. We then ordered our entrees (again, more quickly than we wanted). My wife ordered the swordfish special and I ordered the Osso Buco special. The entrees arrived. My wife's fish was not very large, and not very thick. She began cutting into it, and some was cooked, some not. Clearly this was frozen fish, not fresh. When we explained it to the waitress, she began explaining how they cook their pork medallions, before realizing we were talking about fish, and then she took it back. My osso buco wasn't bad; again, smaller than I expected and a little salty. We paid our bill - the waitress apologized again - and we left. Before I wrap up this review, a few last remarks. I don't enjoy giving a bad review to a local place (you will see most of my reviews are favorable). But the food here should have been much better. I was a little surprised the chef didn't come out and apologize or explain. And, given that the staff knew this was a romantic occasion (I explained that through open table when I booked), I would have expected them to not rush us. Once we returned the fish, they may have also removed other charges to show that they were truly sorry. Finally, I realize many people are impressed by better-than-average food, but we cook great meals at home and know what great food is and is not. Leaving on a high note, I will say the staff were very friendly. Given how this dinner turned out, I will be doing a "re-date" at another location. This dinner will not torpedo my attempts to...

Amazing Italian restaurant located at the Village of Arts area in Bradenton! Led by renowned chef Gaetano Canatta, Ortygia specialty is the Sicílian Cuisine, with a menu that is frequently renewed. I’ve had the opportunity of visiting the restaurant 3 years ago while visiting Bradenton and in that occasion was attracted by the coziness and home feel of the restaurant, the wonderful live music and the deliciousness and authenticity of its menu and the very courteous service. Not to mention that chef Gaetano would momentarily take a break from the kitchen, pull out an harmonica from his pocket and play and sing the blues! Yesterday I was able to finally come back to Ortygia with my wife. We’ve ordered a grilled octopus appetizer: very Tender and well seasoned. Our main dishes were veal Milanese (perfect!) and, by suggestion of our server Ellen (hope I’ve got her name right) we also had the Yellow Edge Grouper. This dish was the highlight of our dinner. I don’t think I ever tasted a grouper so tasty in my life! Chef Gaetano came several times to our table to check if all was to our content! Definitely, Yes, Chef! Our desserts were a black cherry gelato and a very creative and delicious lemon-basil semi fredo! Our meal had the company of a good Sicilian Nero D’Avola red wine! Dining at Ortygia is Highly Recommended not only because of its extraordinary authentic Southern Italian cuisine but also because the establishment’s Chef and its staff make sure you have a truly wonderful experience. If only Ortygia was...

Found out about this spot through a Google search and so glad we went. I tried to confirm a reservation through their website but never got a confirmation. When I called a couple hours later they were able to get us in at the time we wanted. I was pleased to find that their weekly menu does in fact update weekly. Ortygia is located inside a renovated house, so the dining experience is quite intimate as you are close to other patrons and their conversations. The onion bread served before the meal was not something I had tried before but was surprised that I enjoyed it. It was definitely better fresh out of the oven than after it cooled down. For our appetizer, we ordered the veal meatballs (comes in an order of 3). They were absolutely delicious, cooked perfectly. Before our main course, Chef Gaetano came by our table and chit chatted for a bit. It was clear he cares about his customers as he knew this was our first time dining there without asking. I had the chicken parmigiana and it was the best I have ever had. The chicken was so tender and moist and the breading was exquisite. His tomato sauce is wonderful and the pasta was cooked to perfection. My partner ordered the Timballo, which seems to be a signature dish. Although I did not try it, she said it was really good. We both joined the clean plate club. The portions were filling. The service was also superb, we wanted for nothing while we were there. My taste buds and I will definitely be...