TAVERNA TOSCANA

By Kelly Stilwell

The building of the Taverna Toscana restaurant, taking up the ground floor of the Sunz Insurance Company building, brought a lot of excitement to the Bradenton area. Word spread quickly that celebrity chef and best-selling cookbook author Fabio Viviani would be leading the way for this new Tuscan Italian dining experience.

I signed up for text messages to follow the progress. Finally, on May 10 of last year, Taverna Toscana opened its doors to a barrage of eager diners. A year later, you’ll still have a hard time getting a table on the weekends and happy hour fills most bar stools and high tops. It’s best to make a reservation, but we’ve also stopped in and gotten lucky with an open spot at the bar.

It looks like the strategy the Top Chef Fan Favorite used to open his other three dozen eating establishments around the country has worked its magic again. And as a frequent visitor, I’m so glad he chose our area for Taverna Toscana.

After its first year in Bradenton, we sat down with Fabio Viviani to find out how things were going and what was in store for the future.

BMag: What inspired you to open a restaurant in Bradenton?

Chef Viviani: I have partners in the area, and I fell in love with Bradenton the moment I set foot here. The community has this amazing blend of laid-back Florida charm and a genuine appreciation for good food. It reminded me of the warmth and authenticity I grew up with in Italy, and I immediately thought: “These are my kind of people!” Opening Taverna Toscana here was an easy decision.

BMag: How do you like the area? Are you taking time to explore?

Chef Viviani: Bradenton is full of fantastic surprises! I’m always on the go, but every time I’m here, I make sure to sneak in some exploring. The beaches, the friendly vibe, the farmers’ markets, the historical ties of the city, the Riverwalk, the artist district — there’s always something new to discover. It’s been wonderful getting to know the community.

BMag: How do you feel the restaurant has been received?

Chef Viviani: The response from Bradenton locals and visitors alike has been phenomenal. Honestly, it exceeded even my expectations. People here are passionate about great food, and they’ve embraced Taverna Toscana with open arms. It makes me incredibly proud and grateful every day.

BMag: What is the restaurant’s most popular dish? Is there a story behind it?

Chef Viviani: Our Rigatoni Bolognese is a huge favorite. It’s inspired by my grandmother’s recipe, the very first dish I learned to cook in her kitchen back in Florence. Slow-cooked sauce, handmade pasta, and a touch of Italian charm, every bite tells my family’s story. People can’t get enough of it!

BMag: Any summer happenings we can share?

Chef Viviani: Summer at Taverna Toscana is all about fresh, seasonal flavors and community events! We’re launching special wine-pairing dinners and chef-curated tasting menus highlighting local ingredients.

BMag: What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for Taverna Toscana?

Chef Viviani: We’re planning some amazing hands-on cooking classes and interactive dinners where guests get into the fun or entertain their work colleagues and families. It’s going to be fun, memorable, and delicious — just the way it should be!

Cooking classes? I’m in! If you haven’t been to Taverna Toscana, go! The vibe is fun and friendly, and the food is exceptional. And yes, the Rigatoni Bolognese is heavenly. Start with the Grilled Octopus or Fabio’s Wagyu Meatball, both large enough to share.

Have you been yet? Tell us your favorite dish on the BMag Facebook page!