News Summary
Bernini Innovative Italian Cuisine, a family-run restaurant in Ybor City, celebrates 25 years of serving exceptional Italian cuisine. Known for its unique blend of Southern and Northern Italian dishes with an American twist, Bernini emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere. Owner Jason Fernandez, a fourth-generation Ybor City resident, highlights the restaurant’s community ties and historical location in a former bank building. With a rotating menu and commitment to quality service, Bernini continues to attract loyal customers and newcomers alike, reflecting Ybor City’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Tampa – Bernini Innovative Italian Cuisine, a beloved staple in Ybor City, is celebrating 25 years of service in 2021. The family-run restaurant, located in the historic Bank of Ybor City at 1702 East 7th Avenue, emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere, offering exceptional food and service to its patrons. Owner Jason Fernandez highlights the establishment’s uniqueness, claiming that it is not a typical Italian chain restaurant, but instead provides dishes that blend traditional Southern and Northern Italian cuisines with an American twist.
Bernini’s menu is both diverse and frequently rotating, though it maintains traditional favorites that have loyal customers craving them. Noteworthy menu items include Italian Eggplant crafted with homemade Pomodoro sauce, Romano cheese, and a decadent crispy half duck accompanied by a dried cherry and vanilla Chianti demi-glace. The restaurant prides itself on its family-oriented approach, treating guests like family and reflecting this ethos through both its service and the teamwork in the kitchen.
Among the regulars who appreciate the home-like feel of Bernini is NHL Hall of Famer Phil Esposito, who values the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere. This connection to the community is further underscored by Fernandez’s personal ties to Ybor City; the owner is a fourth-generation resident with family roots tracing back to Italian immigrants from Sicily and Spain, enhancing the restaurant’s authenticity.
The historical significance of Bernini’s location only adds to its charm. Situated in an 1896 bank building that opened its doors as a bank in 1910 and remained operational until the 1950s, the restaurant has transformed the original vault into a unique wine cellar. This blend of history and innovative cuisine provides a unique dining experience, combining the past and present of Ybor City’s rich heritage.
Open for lunch and dinner from Friday to Tuesday, Bernini remains committed to celebrating its legacy as a key player in Ybor City’s historic hospitality scene. Fernandez also places a strong emphasis on the importance of supporting local businesses, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. This commitment to community support resonates with patrons, who find comfort in dining at a restaurant that has deep local roots and a firm commitment to quality service.
With a focus on innovation while honoring tradition, Bernini Innovative Italian Cuisine continues to attract both loyal customers and newcomers alike. As it marks this milestone year, the restaurant stands as a testament to Ybor City’s vibrant culinary landscape, where family values and historic charm meet exceptional dining.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Ybor Eatery Offers All Flavors of Italy
- Wikipedia: Ybor City
- Tampa Bay Business Journal: Ybor City The City of Resilience and Reinvention
- Google Search: Ybor City
- Chicago Tribune: Ybor City is Florida’s Very Own French Quarter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tampa, Florida
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