Sarasota restaurateur opens new Italian eatery this month in St. Armands

A two-story Italian restaurant will be opening soon on St. Armands Circle. Called 15 South by Napulè, the eatery is owned by restaurateur Alessandro Di Ferdinando, who also owns Napulè on Tamiami Trail near Gulf Gate and used to own Made in Italy of Venice.

A grand opening at the St. Armands eatery is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 27, while the restaurant officially opens on Monday, April 29.

At the free grand opening – which is open to the public – guests will be able to sample appetizers and pizzas as well as imbibe a complimentary glass of wine or beer while getting a sneak peak at the restaurant.

When it opens, 15 South by Napulè will have on the menu fresh pastas, wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked breads and other modern Italian fare, according to a statement released on behalf of the restaurant.

Chef Giancarlo Di Cosmo of Rome is a “legend for his handcrafted pastas,” while local pizza-maker Antonio Mancini is “known throughout Sarasota for his irresistible wood-fired pizzas and fresh baked breads,” the statement says. Di Cosmo worked alongside Di Ferdinando at a Soho House concept in London, sister publication YourObserver.com reports. Mancini is a former Napulè pizza-maker who also owns Vesuvio Neapolitan Pizza Inc., according to the Florida Division of Corporations.

At 15 South by Napulè, a bright gold pizza oven will be the centerpiece, with the restaurant divided into sections for two “moods," a statement says. Downstairs will offer a space suitable for intimate gatherings, while the upper level will feature a dining terrace and lounge bar for live music, dancing or private events.

“We want everyone who comes to 15 South by Napulè to have a good time,” Di Ferdinando says in a statement. “We eat, we drink, and catch a great sunset from the balcony.”

15 South by Napulè is named for its address; it is located at 15 S. Boulevard of the Presidents on St. Armands Circle. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.