Patrizia’s opens first location outside NY

“We thought it was an amazing opportunity. A lot of our following... in New York also live in Fort Lauderdale.

Patrizia’s has arrived at Galt Ocean Mile.

The family-owned Italian restaurant opened April 7 in the space that formerly housed Jackson’s Prime steakhouse, according to the chain’s website.

This is the first location outside of New York, where there are 11 restaurants spread across all five boroughs as well as one in Red Bank, N.J.

“We thought it was an amazing opportunity,” says managing partner Gennaro Frezza. “A lot of our following...in New York also live in Fort Lauderdale. Even pre-pandemic our customers were asking us when we were opening in South Florida. A lot of customers that left during the pandemic went to South Florida.”

Founded in the Bronx by brothers and chefs Giacomo and Gennaro Alaio in 1991, Patrizia’s bills itself as a mid-price restaurant with a family event vibe (waiters famously whirl linen napkins over their heads while singing for guests celebrating birthdays).

Frezza said that they are considering adding a raw bar to the Fort Lauderdale location,

Gennaro Frezza, Patrizia’s managing partner

a first for the restaurant chain.

“We have homemade pastas, fresh Mediterranean fish,” he says. “We’re looking at some prime cut meats. We’re also looking to work with some local farms...for the best produce. Oh, and our homemade desserts, we specialize in homemade desserts.”

On the Manhattan menu, starters and salads are $12-$19, pastas $19-$23, pizzas $14-$23 and entrees (veal, chicken, seafood, steaks/lamb chops/ sausages) $23-$34. All desserts average $6-$12 and Frezza adds that customers should try,

“Our signature homemade puffed pastry with Nutella hazelnut spread.”

There is also a $55 family style meal option, which is very popular with the eateries in New York and New Jersey. “It’s a very lively atmosphere with live music,” Frezza says. “We’re excited to bring a taste of New York down to South Florida.”

The address for Patrizia’s is 3300 NE 32nd. Street in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, go to Patrizias.com or Instagram.com/patriziasrestaurants.

PATRIZIA’S Pizza from Patrizia’s. Founded in the Bronx by brothers and chefs Giacomo and Gennaro Alaio in 1991, Patrizia’s bills itself as a mid-price restaurant with a family event vibe. The family-owned Italian restaurant opened April 7 in the space that formerly housed Jackson’s Prime steakhouse.

PATRIZIA’S Stuffed clams from Patrizia’s. Managment of the New York-based chain say that, in a nod to South Florida, they might have a raw bar at the Galt Ocean Mile location.

ROD STAFFORD HAGWOOD/SUN SENTINEL Patrizia’s was founded by brothers/chefs Giacomo and Gennaro Alaio.

PATRIZIA’S A lobster dish from Patrizia’s.

PATRIZIA’S A pasta dish from Patrizia’s.