- Attraction: Nonno’s Italian Restaurant
- Location: 1140 E Altamonte Dr, Ste 1018, Altamonte Springs, FL
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.nonnositalianrestaurant.com/
Some restaurants fool you with their exterior, and Nonno’s Italian Restaurant proves that exceptional Italian cuisine can thrive in the most unexpected places.
While Prairie Lake Plaza might look like any ordinary strip mall, step through Nonno’s doors and you’ll discover why this family-owned treasure earned the title of Orlando’s Best Italian Restaurant in 2023.
The LaCommare family has been perfecting their craft for over 30 years, bringing authentic Sicilian traditions blended with New York flair to Central Florida.
What started as Nonno Stefano’s dream when he arrived by boat in New York has evolved into a beloved local institution where recipes passed down through generations meet original creations you won’t find anywhere else.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
Stuffed Chicken Balls: This is Nonno Stefano’s famous creation that put Central Florida on the map for unique Italian cuisine. These aren’t your typical meatballs – they’re tender chicken balls stuffed with whatever Nonno feels inspired to create that day. You’d be hard-pressed to find this dish even in New York’s Little Italy anymore, making it a true treasure.
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Keep Exploring →Pollo di Stefano: The restaurant’s crown jewel features succulent chicken paired with Italian sausage and prosciutto, all nestled with mushrooms, Kalamata olives, and pepperoncini in a silky white wine lemon garlic sauce. This extravagant dish showcases the family’s flair for combining multiple flavors into one harmonious masterpiece.
Tortellini di Leo: Previously known as Tortellini di Stefano, this beloved pasta creation features house-made tortellini swimming in a rich pink meat sauce with prosciutto and melted mozzarella, then baked until bubbling. The generous portions and indulgent cheese pulls make this a crowd favorite that consistently leaves diners raving.
Seafood Specialties: Drawing from Nonno Stefano’s background as a fisherman, the restaurant excels at dishes like Shrimp Parmesan, Zuppa di Mare Marsalese, and Linguine con Cozze. Their PEI mussels are particularly exceptional – perfectly prepared and so flavorful they melt in your mouth, unlike the rubbery disappointments served elsewhere.
The Famous Pesto: Don’t miss the house-made pesto served with fresh Italian bread. This isn’t your typical basil blend – it’s made with vinegar instead of lemon juice, creating a unique flavor profile that has customers wondering why all pesto doesn’t taste this incredible. They go through more than ten gallons weekly, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Homemade Desserts: The four-layer chocolate cake is legendary – so popular it often sells out. Made with semi-sweet chocolate cake layers filled with rich chocolate fudge and topped with marbled chocolate curls, it’s the perfect ending to any meal. Their cannolis and tiramisu are equally impressive and made fresh in-house.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Décor
Cozy Strip Mall Charm: Don’t let the Prairie Lake Plaza location fool you – inside, you’ll find a warm, inviting space that feels like stepping into a family’s Italian kitchen. The intimate dining room features photos of Italian food adorning the walls and comfortable seating that encourages lingering over your meal.
Family-Run Intimacy: The restaurant maintains that authentic mom-and-pop feel where Nonno Stefano himself often stops by tables to check on diners. You’ll frequently see the LaCommare family members working throughout the restaurant, creating genuine connections with guests who become like extended family over the years.
Musical Ambiance: Frank Sinatra tunes fill the air, adding to the nostalgic Italian-American atmosphere that transports you away from the strip mall setting. The background music perfectly complements the homestyle cooking and creates an environment perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings.
Limited Seating: The restaurant is intentionally cozy with limited tables, which means it fills up quickly, especially during dinner hours. This intimate setting contributes to the authentic family dining experience but also means you should arrive early to avoid waits.
Other Considerations
Exceptional Value: Despite serving generous portions of high-quality ingredients, Nonno’s maintains reasonable pricing that offers excellent value compared to other Italian restaurants in the Orlando area. The massive portions mean you’ll likely have delicious leftovers for the next day, making each meal stretch even further.
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Keep Exploring →Gluten-Free Excellence: The restaurant goes above and beyond for diners with dietary restrictions, offering extensive gluten-free pasta options and knowledgeable servers who can guide you through safe choices. They even adjust cooking methods, like skipping flour dusting on chicken, to accommodate allergies.
Takeout Quality: Unlike many restaurants where quality suffers with takeout, Nonno’s maintains exceptional standards for their to-go orders. The food arrives so hot that you’ll need oven mitts to handle the containers, and every takeout order includes their famous pesto for the bread.
No Reservations Needed: The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which fits their casual, family-style approach. However, this means arriving early for dinner is essential, especially on weekends when waits can form quickly.
Perfect for Families: The welcoming atmosphere and hearty comfort food make this an ideal spot for multi-generational dining. The portions are large enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites, and the staff’s genuine warmth makes everyone feel like part of the family.
Limited Hours: The restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, operating Wednesday through Sunday with reduced Sunday hours. This schedule reflects their commitment to family time and ensures the staff can maintain their high standards when they are open.
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Discover MoreNonno’s Italian Restaurant
📍 1140 E Altamonte Dr, Ste 1018, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
