Chef Anthony Vitolo brings his renowned Italian cuisine to South Florida with the recent opening of Vitolo, a family-owned and operated dining destination within the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel. The New York City chef and hospitality visionary Rob Crosoli are excited to bring the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine from New York City to South Florida’s lively coastline. Chef Vitolo, widely known for his exceptional work as the Executive Chef and Partner at Emilio’s Ballato in Manhattan, has garnered a dedicated following for his steadfast commitment to Italian cuisine.
“Fort Lauderdale Beach is experiencing a culinary boom, with a wave of new restaurants and high-caliber chefs. We are thrilled to bring Vitolo and Chef Anthony to South Florida to enhance the growing culinary scene,” Crosoli says. “Vitolo will not just be another restaurant; it will boast three individual immersive dining experiences for all our guests. At Vitolo, we’re fully committed to welcoming all guests into our family through the most intricate details of our service and hospitality, catering to their specific expectations. Whether it’s recalling a guest’s preferred beverage preparation, remembering a birthday, or an anniversary, or even noting specific table preferences…no detail is too insignificant. For our team, it’s about not only delivering exceptional cuisine but also adding those personal touches to ensure our guests feel right at home.”
At Vitolo, Chef Vitolo’s classic take on New York Italian cuisine is enhanced by the old-school Italian vibes that set the mood. The restaurant prides itself on preserving time-honored recipes, cooking methods, and culinary customs passed down through generations. Chef Vitolo’s profound culinary heritage has inspired him to create a menu combining Italian history’s rich tapestry with a fresh twist. Some of the menu highlights include Mozzarella en Carrozza, crispy breaded mozzarella served with marinara sauce; Linguine alla Vongole, linguini with fresh top neck clams, olive oil, and garlic; Vitello Antonio, a center cut veal chop for two, Panko crusted with vodka sauce, sweet peas, crispy prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella; as well as a selection of signature hand-crafted pizzas made with fresh Italian-imported ingredients straight from Chef Anthony Vitolo’s family farm in Sarno, Italy.
“My culinary journey began in the kitchen of my family’s restaurant, Emilio’s Ballato in Manhattan, where I learned the importance of authenticity and hard work,” Chef Vitolo says. “Now, I’m excited to introduce these traditions to the heart of Fort Lauderdale Beach with the opening of Vitolo. I’ve designed the menu with signature beloved classics that evoke nostalgia and innovation in a single dining experience. Drawing from my family’s farm in Sarno, we’re committed to bringing only the best and freshest ingredients to Vitolo, ensuring our guests savor the authentic flavors of Italy.”
The restaurant has meticulously designed its ambiance to offer three unique dining experiences for its patrons. With its open-kitchen design, Vitolo’s Cucina provides a perfect destination for a “chef’s table” experience where diners can be proper amid the culinary action to experience an authentic, home-cooked meal. Just outside of the Cucina walls lies the Sala Arco, Vitolo’s beloved supper club lounge, which takes guests back to the golden Art Deco era of South Florida. Patrons can sit at the arched bar and indulge in a signature cocktail crafted by mixologist Jarmel Doss or choose a table for an extensive a la carte dining experience. Lastly, guests can enjoy romantic al fresco dinners in Vitolo’s outdoor Terrazza, which captures the rustic ambiance of Roman trattorias while exhibiting the coastal charm of the Amalfi region.
Vitolo has brilliantly incorporated South Florida’s lively energy with the restaurant’s cherished family heritage, perfectly balancing contemporary sophistication and the enduring tradition of Nonna’s Sunday night feasts. With its dynamic design, three distinct dining areas, an extensive wine collection, a thoughtfully selected cocktail list, and Chef Anthony Vitolo’s culinary expertise, Vitolo promises a delightful and comforting Italian dining adventure against the breathtaking backdrop of Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Vitolo is located within Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach at 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. For reservations, visit OpenTable or call 954-414-5127.
