OUR STORY:
HOW WE BECAME THE BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN ORLANDO
The story of Nonno’s Italian Restaurant begins long before a single dish was served in Florida. It starts in Marsala, Sicily, where Stefano grew up surrounded by the aromas of simmering sauces, fresh seafood, and family-style cooking that brought entire neighborhoods to the table.
After years of hard work on fishing boats, merchant ships, and finally in Brooklyn’s Italian kitchens, Stefano brought his love for honest Sicilian food to Central Florida. With nothing but dedication and a lifetime of culinary experience, he quickly earned a loyal following — and helped shape what many people now call one of the best Italian dining experiences in Orlando.
Before creating Nonno’s, Stefano opened and operated two beloved restaurants — Il Pescatore and Stefano’s Trattoria. Those kitchens became community landmarks, and although he eventually sold them, they remain a proud part of his legacy and the foundation of everything we do today.
Over the years, our family has stayed rooted in the restaurant world — from running kitchens to rolling dough to stirring sauces at sunrise. Every lesson, recipe, and sacrifice led us right here: Nonno’s Italian Restaurant, a family-run place that prides itself on authentic food, warm hospitality, and a reputation for being among the best Italian restaurants in Orlando.
WHERE TRADITION STILL LIVES
At Nonno’s, family isn’t a marketing line — it’s our way of life.
Stefano still arrives early to prepare morning sauces, taste the soups, and make sure the kitchen is ready for the day. And when the dining room fills, you’ll almost always find him walking from table to table, greeting guests, sharing stories, and making everyone feel like famiglia. It’s the kind of hospitality you can’t teach — it’s who he is.
Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll feel the warmth the moment you walk in. Because here, you’re not “just a customer.” You’re sitting at Nonno’s table.
THE EVOLUTION OF A FAMILY BRAND
As Nonno’s grew, so did our vision.
Guests constantly asked if they could take our sauces home — especially Stefano’s creamy basil pesto, a crowd favorite for years. What began as a simple request eventually became something bigger: a new chapter in our story.
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That’s how Simply Nonno’s Sauces was born.
We took the same passion, craftsmanship, and family recipes we’ve served for decades and put them into jars so you can bring a piece of Nonno’s home. It’s the taste of our kitchen — on your table.
WHY WE’RE CONSIDERED ONE OF ORLANDO’S BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
Decades of Authentic Experience
Stefano has devoted over 30 years to Italian cuisine, shaping Orlando’s Italian restaurant scene with true Sicilian heart and expertise.
Quality Ingredients & Time-Honored Recipes
We honor tradition — from our house-made sauces to signature dishes like Pollo di Stefano, Tortellini di Leo, and our beloved seafood entrées. Every dish is prepared with intention and care.
Family-Style Hospitality
Our staff treats guests like extended family, and Stefano personally makes sure every table feels welcomed, appreciated, and well-fed.
A Memorable Experience Every Visit
Great ingredients warm the stomach.
Great hospitality warms the heart.
Together, that’s what sets us apart — and why so many locals consider us one of the best Italian restaurants in Orlando.
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
Whether you’re joining us for dinner or picking up a jar of our signature pesto to bring home, we’re honored to share our family’s table with you.
Come taste the difference that tradition, passion, and Sicilian hospitality make.