Bradenton Restaurants Exposed: Via Italia is the Perfect Place for Date Night

BRADENTON – Via Italia has a five-star, classic Italian menu and sophisticated dŽcor to compliment it, but the real attraction at this establishment is their unbeatable ”dinner for two special.“ The deal includes an appetizer to share, two soups or dinner salads, two entrŽes, homemade dessert and a bottle of wine for $50! Did I mention it also applies to the entire menu as well as all the daily specials?

”Everyone comes in for that special,“ said proprietor Michael McGowan. ”It is great for the people and it’s great for me because it brings the people back.“

There are so many things to like about Via Italia. The ambiance, for one, is set off by amber lights illuminating a quaint room that’s decorated with all the components of a fine-dining establishment. Silverware is placed to consume a meal consisting of several courses and cloth napkins are folded at place settings. Each table is lit by candlelight and the wine glasses are already on the table, just waiting to be filled. One thing that can’t be found on the premises is a second-rate bottle of wine.

”We get nice wines,“ Said Owner/Chef Michael McGowan. ”I don’t want to buy wine that isn’t good because it has to accompany the meal and if people like it, we know we’re going to get them back.“

At Via Italia the wine flows freely (and without judgment), the protein is cooked to perfection, and the type of pasta matches the dish. Plates prepared with fish are paired with a more delicate noodle such as angelhair, and the sauce covers everything – a true sign of authenticity.

”Quality is the key to everything we do in life. When it comes to the wine, if I buy a large quantity I get a better price for quality wine – so that’s what I buy,“ he said.

McGowan has owned the restaurant for five years and said he originally purchased it to meet people because he was the real estate business. Since the collapse, he became more involved with it, taking on a chef’s position when he had never really cooked professionally before. When asked about his house specialty dish, he says ”it’s the next best thing I make.“

”I’ve worked for a lot of really good chefs. I learned a lot and you take what you know and try to maneuver it around to where it becomes yours.“

The name Via Italia  doesn’t limit his cooking either -- McGowan says he embraces other cultural influences, like French, as well.

”Everybody eats everything. When you come up with something good, you give it an Italian name and it’s Italian,“ he said.

Customers aren’t limited to menu items. Lynn Johnson, who has been a server there for four years, said that often regulars will call days ahead of time and pre-order something that, may not be on the menu, but takes time to prepare.

”Everything is made to order,“ said Johnson, ”so if there is something you don’t see on the menu and we have it, we’ll make it for you.“

The restaurant will also do private parties and fully or partially close down the restaurant for the night depending on the party size. Often times, the customer will create their own menu for the occasion by brainstorming for something different with the chef and staff.

”It is like a mini-country club here – everyone knows everyone,“ said Johnson. ”I’ve been in the industry for many years and this is the best place I’ve ever worked. (People appreciate ) the atmosphere, the food is fabulous, the wines are great, it’s nice and cozy – it’s kind of like you’re not even in Bradenton anymore when you walk in.“

Via Italia is open from 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Johnson recommends making a reservation especially if customers plan on eating from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. or want to come on the weekend.

Merab Favorite is a writer for the Bradenton Times. She can be reached at merab.favorite@thebradentontimes.com