d i n i n g
Pazzo Italiano Keeps Local Tradition Alive in Santa Rosa Beach B y Te s s F a r m e r
Caprese Pasta
Chef Guillermo Dovalina III
Alfonso Pazzo Italiano
B usiness partners and friends Alfonso Di Bonito and Levente Tischler opened their first restaurant together four years ago in Destin. The success of Pazzo Italiano has been crazy in those few short years, just as the name suggests. The popular Italian restaurant and bar has become a favorite among locals and tourists... so much so that Di Bonito and Tischler expanded with their second location in Santa Rosa Beach. “We truly are a family run business in every sense, and pride ourselves on quality and commitment to our regular customers and visitors,” says Di Bonito. “We had just begun construction on the second restaurant early in 2020, and for a moment wondered if we should continue once the restrictions on operating restaurants began. We’re glad we forged ahead.” Since opening in July that year (2020) the restaurant has grown in popularity, and like Destin has many cus- tomers who return for the personalized service, authentic Italian dishes, and sophisticated yet comfortable atmo- sphere. Santa Rosa Beach local Tracy Miller was happy to come upon Pazzo Italiano in Destin years ago. “Their stylish and welcoming atmosphere was apparent from the moment we entered the door. And being fans for years, our family was so excited when they opened their new location in Santa Rosa Beach,” says Miller. “Both spaces are open, modern, and authentic, and a welcome change.” Both partners’ families are involved in day-to-day operations of the business, with both wives helping everything seamlessly behind the scenes, as well as
bringing the style and classic design elements to life in the restaurants. “We wanted to create an almost city-like atmosphere where if people feel like dressing up and going out to dinner, they can... at the same time, flip flops are welcome,” adds Di Bonito. Almost all the staff have been with the restaurant since opening in Destin four years ago, a rarity in a market driven by seasonal tourism, and a testament to the family culture honed by the owners. Di Bonito is an Italian native and award-winning pizza chef who has been learning, growing, and perfecting his craft since he started working in a bakery in his native Napoli at age 14. His passion for cooking and pride in his work comes from his upbringing, because for Italians food is the centerpiece of human interaction; it’s their language of love. Tischler’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to Destin from a small town in Romania where he started his career in the restaurant business as a teenager. He always held the vision and dream of opening his own restaurant and met Di Bonito working in a local restaurant after coming to the area in 2004. The two friends are two devoted family men, restaurant lovers and now businessmen, and have been serving and delighting their customers here for over 20 years. “It’s been our heart and soul. We are passionate about this business and providing the best experience,” says Di Bonito. “Our menu has been carefully pieced together to bring a combination of favorite Italian staples, some with
more sophisticated flavors and a touch of fun and some new crazy combinations,” he continues. “I’m always open to new ideas from our chef to incorporate seasonal seafood and produce, which along with our traditional staples, keep bringing our regulars back for more.” “Pazzo’s food is what really sets them apart,” adds Miller. “We can’t visit without enjoying their Vegetali Di Stagione salad, and our son never strays from his favorite, chicken parmigiana. We have enjoyed trying many of their dishes: some of our favorites are the lasagna, egg- plant parmigiana, piccata, and their wood-fired pizza is the best in the area.” With housemade pizza dough, sauces, and pasta, Pazzo Italiano is known for their pizzas, pasta, calzones, salads, homemade desserts, and chef specialties. They only cook their pizza in wood-fired ovens that provide the rich flavor and taste that comes from true artisanal pizza. “On our most recent visit with our extended family for our son’s birthday, we enjoyed their Nutella calzone, which I am sure we will be required to order on all future visits,” says Miller. “With a fun kid’s menu and an extensive wine, beer, and drink menu, it’s a great fit for the whole family. As locals, we feel lucky to have Pazzo Italiano right down the street and are happy for their continued success.”
Pazzo Italiano , 111 North Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, (850) 213-4581, www.pazzodestin.com for hours and menu details
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