That’s Amore: Italian Options on the Beach

Italian cuisine is a popular choice among folks, whether it’s for lunch, dinner or dessert. Add the atmosphere of laid back beach lovers plus the art of cooking and voila, Italian food just got better. The beaches are proven to be a top notch location to indulge in a hot, Italian dish.

Where is your favorite spot to enjoy Italian cuisine?

If you’re a meat lover, head on over to Su Ottavo. For a light option, try the Pollo di Aglio for $13.95. The dish includes fresh chunks of grilled chicken that are tossed with rosemary, garlic, artichokes and mushrooms. Not enough? Get your fill from the Scaloppini al Prosciutto ($14.95). The plate is complete with a juicy pork tenderloin that comes wrapped in prosciutto and covered in white wine sauce. It is then served over sauteed spinach.

For a high profile night out, look for further than Palm Court, where fresh seafood is key. Try the Salmone plate ($22) as it is served with chinook salmon, lemon risotto, asparagus and a sweet corn truffle puree. Another popular choice is the Lutiano Rosso ($27.50): locally caught red snapper with beluga lentils and crab served with a tomato butter sauce.

For a laid back, but delicious meal, check out GiGi’s. From pizza and pasta to meats and dessert, GiGi’s has it all. Cool of with GiGi’s Caprese Salad ($8.50): vine ripened tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil, topped with balsamic vinegar and virgin olive oil. For a more hefty dish, dive into a pizza pie, starting at just $7.99. Choose from a long list of toppings like seasoned ground beef, bacon or sliced meatballs.

If you’re on the go and shopping at John’s Pass, stop at Delosa’s for one of their many famous dishes. For pasta, choose from spaghetti, linguini or penne and have it your way: red sauce ($8.99), white sauce ($8.99), meat sauce ($9.99), meatballs ($9.99) or sausage ($9.99). With a menu of subs to choose from, the Hot Sicilian ($5.49) is Delosa’s most popular. Between two slices of fresh garlic bread, the filling includes: ham, salami, provolone, onions, tomatoes, pepperoni, and spices.

For a snack, try one of Stefano’s appetizers or order a couple and make it a meal. Bruschetta ($7) is served toasted Italian bread and calamari ($8) is served with a side of Fra Diavolo sauce. The popular pre-meal choice of fiocchi ($7) is also on the menu, which is comprised of small pasta purses stuffed with pear and ricotta, then covered in a light cream sauce. Fried zucchini is up for grabs at $6, with marinara sauce on the side.