With deep roots in Bradenton, EnRich Bistro is not necessarily new to the area. The very popular Bradenton restaurant had to make the hard decision to close during the pandemic, like many others. Unfortunately, most of those that closed did not reopen. But EnRich had a fan base hopeful for a return and, thankfully, they got their wish. EnRich reopened on Friday, May 10, and just two days later, served a crowd of 400 on Mother’s Day.

The new EnRich Bistro has modern look, with a bar area, two partially separated dining rooms, as well as a private dining area with doors that slide closed.

The Geraldson’s Farm Eggplant on the specials menu was the perfect starter; crispy fried panko eggplant was served on top of a base of herbed Chèvre and red wine reduction, with a dollop of jalapeño tomato jam. After hearing about the small plate tuna poke, I had to try it, too. The yellowfin tuna was fresh and flavorful and paired well with the avocado and wasabi kale slaw. Wonton chips were served on the side for scooping up all that deliciousness.

Taverna Toscana

The first of three Italian restaurants on our list, the excitement for Taverna Toscana was building for some time before they finally opened on Manatee Avenue. What sets this restaurant apart of the other Italian spots is that it offers more of a rustic Italian menu than the traditional dishes you’d expect. The menu has a wide variety of options for appetizers as well as entrées.

This is definitely the kind of spot where you could sit at the bar with a glass of wine or cocktail and share a few appetizers for a meal. I’ve been to Taverna Toscana three times and enjoyed a different experience each time. The first time I shared the crostini del giorno, Fabio’s Wagyu meatball, and the grilled octopus at the bar along with a French I-75, one of their specialty craft cocktails.

Oyster River

Oyster River, the rooftop restaurant at the fabulous Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, opened at the end of July. The resort is beautiful and is only just getting started. A private beach area, spa, and more are on the way. But Oyster River is open and already often seeing crowds at their upscale fresh seafood restaurant with a Mediterranean twist. Executive chef Anthony Castro has been at the helm of restaurants all over the world, including the Shangri-La Hotel in Asia.

Inner Compass Brewing

We kept hearing about Inner Compass Brewing from friends who had visited. We finally stopped in on our way home from SRQ and found it to be a fun, family owned, neighborhood spot with a long bar and family-friendly vibe. It’s much larger inside than I expected, with 2,500 square feet of taproom, 2,500 square feet of brewery, and even more space for private events. There’s also an outside patio with more seating and an area for entertainment.

The list of beers is long, but you can taste anything on draft to find what you
like. With 30 taps, you’ll have a lot of choices. They try to have as many of their own beers on tap as they can, and any guest beers will be from our state. We loved the Stouts Honor and the Kan-Do Kölsch. Though they don’t have a full bar, they do offer a selection of wines, mimosas, High Noon vodka and tequila canned cocktails, and soft drinks.

Bar Italia

If you’re wondering why there are so many new Italian restaurants in our area, perhaps it’s because Italian food is the most popular of all ethnic cuisines, according to a 2023 article in Forbes. Bar Italia opened in July in Lakewood Ranch and hasn’t slowed since. With a lively bar, popular happy hour, and delicious food, this Italian bistro should be added to your list. As the website says, the setting is elegant, comfortable, and unpretentious. We couldn’t have said it better.

We started with the 12-month proscuitto with ricotta served on grilled country bread. The breadsmith makes this bread exclusively for Bar Italia using the restaurant’s recipe. The crust is crunchy and the bread is soft and flavorful. Pace yourself. There’s a lot more to taste. The shrimp “aqua pazza” scampi is bathed in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with reggiano and more of that grilled country bread. I’m always up for sharing appetizers instead of ordering entrées, and I plan to go back and order the fritto misto, housemade meatballs, and Chef Rob’s stuffed peppers. Can’t wait.

Scarpino’s Classic Italian

The only restaurant on this list located in west Bradenton, you’ll find Scarpino’s in Bayshore Shopping Center. Though this classic Italian restaurant was founded by Frank Scarpino over 30 years ago, it’s been given new life through new ownership and a renovation. Last year, the restaurant was purchased by Rob Arias. Though the decor has a whole new look, a couple of very important things haven’t changed. Many of the original recipes are still used, and much of the staff remains. Scarpino’s pizza chef, Giorgio, who relocated from Italy to work there, will continue to use his 25 years of experience to create those mouthwatering pizzas fans have loved for years.

With 16 appetizers to choose from, you might want to order a bottle of wine and try at least a couple. This is my kind of meal, where friends can share several starters like Scarpino’s shrimp or those tender meatballs, and not even get to the entrées. But then you’d miss the fettucine puttanesca and piccata.
Thinking pizza? You’ll have more than 25 to choose from. You might want to look at the menu ahead of time and decide before you go.

Don’t leave without dessert. Yes, you’ll have a dozen of those to choose from, too. Order the cheesecake and the cream puff cannoli. You’re welcome.

Visit Scarpino’s at 6152 14th St. W in Bradenton.