Vernona Gourmet — Restaurant in Bradenton

Vernona just opened in December in St. Armand’s Circle. They have a restaurant and grocery store with lots of European food items, sunscreen, and more. Their breakfast and lunch options are great, with lots of options for different tastes. Personally, I was on the hunt for a nice croissant 🥐 and some eggs. When I saw the Greek breakfast burrito 🌯 it had everything I loved: eggs, spinach, feta, kalamata olives, tomato and came with potatoes or grits. I also ordered a green tea and the croissant :). My husband loves southern style breakfast so he ordered the biscuits and gravy and latte in a traditional latte glass which he loved, and our friend was looking for an omelette and pancakes and got just that. We loved all of it!

Given St. Armand’s European influences and history, we are SO happy to see this European-owned and operated restaurant bring some new and traditional dining options. The owner is Hungarian and very kind. The staff was very nice and attentive.

If we had to provide any feedback, I would suggest offering some typical European breakfast options (I.e. French croque madam, or baguette and coffee combos, etc.). We will definitely be back! We love Europe and Vernona gave us a little hint...

We organized a family dinner for 4 at Vernona which has fantastic food and wine menus that represent a quintessential culinary tour of Hungary.

We ordered Bakonyi Palacsinta and Hortobagyi Palacsinta (Mushroom and Chicken Ragu crepes, respectively) for appetizers and a bottle of Kekfrankos (a light-body red wine) to start our meal. This was followed by the main course orders of Toltott Kapozsta (Stuffed Cabbage), Chicken Paprikas, Cigany Pecsenye (Pork Ribeye Steak, in the photo), and Rantott Sajt (Fried Cheese Patties), and a bottle of Bikaver Superior (Bull’s Blood - Hungarian red blend). The latter pairs best with the grilled red meat options on the menu. The dinner was capped with two Hungarian deserts - Somloi (sponge cake with chocolate filing) and Kremes (which will remind you of a Napoleon or various derivatives made across Germany, Austria and Italy).

All dishes were perfectly executed (and got the approval of the Hungarian family members) and the service was superb. Highly...

Recently we went to Budapest and enjoyed whole experience with tour and foods. Once we came to Sarasota, we missed authentic eastern European foods. I did extensive Google search and Verona was recommended by AI search. With some reluctance, we decided to give Verona a go!@! Initial impression was not the best as decor was tired and outdated but then what do you expect from Eastern block country(yes I do know Hungary was liberated years go). Well now the reason for this review!! Foods!! I ordered a combination of potatoes pancake and gulash as appetizers. Then ordered special pasta recommended by "Patrick" as main entree. Finally I also ordered stuffed cabbages. Gulash was even better than Budapest gulash and pasta which was recommended by the waiter was also excellent. Only the stuffed cabbage was somewhat dry and less than I had expected! But overall the portion was good and seasoning was excellent!@ My overall experience was 5/5 and my family will definitely come back...