For over three decades, Andrea Mucciga has been a culinary force gracing Southwest Florida with a taste of the Mediterranean. From the idyllic shores of Sanibel and Captiva Island, his restaurants over the years – Bellini’s on Captiva Island, Riviera, Dolce Vita, and Traditions on the Beach at Island Inn – became synonymous with warm hospitality and exquisite flavors – a taste of la dolce vita soaking in the Gulf Coast sunshine.
But as all of us who live here fully know, sometimes in paradise the storm clouds gather. In late September 2022, Hurricane Ian’s wrath forced the closure of Mucciga’s beloved Traditions on the Beach. Yet, true to his Sardinian spirit, Chef Mucciga isn’t one to be deterred by adversity. Instead, he has embarked on a new chapter, bringing a touch of Italy – and a whole lot of deliciousness – to the McGregor Boulevard corridor of Fort Myers (off the islands, but still very nearby). Bellini’s, named after the famed Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini (and a nod to his previous establishment on Captiva), has landed at Cypress Square (13451 McGregor Blvd).
The story of this new Bellini’s chapter, however, began long before its grand opening. Mucciga’s passion for food was ignited in his native Sardinia, where his family owned restaurants. There, he learned the culinary arts “the old fashioned way,” a philosophy that remains the cornerstone of his restaurant, even today.
“It is the old fashioned way; starting your food preparation from scratch,” Mucciga explains. “It is a more expensive and time consuming way, but it pays off in quality.”
This dedication to quality propelled Mucciga across continents, honing his craft during apprenticeships in Italy, Switzerland, France, and England. In 1970, he arrived in the US, working as Food and Beverage Manager for large cruise ships. But his entrepreneurial spirit craved a deeper connection. So, in 1979, he set his sights on Dallas, opening a string of successful restaurants named Lombardi’s.
The call of Southwest Florida, however, proved irresistible. In 1988, Mucciga and his family arrived on Captiva, bringing their love for Italian cuisine with them. There, they opened the first Bellini’s, a restaurant that quickly captured the hearts (and palates) of locals and tourists alike. Over the years, Mucciga’s culinary empire morphed and expanded, each restaurant a continuation to his mission of unwavering dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients and an atmosphere that embraced the timeless warmth of Italian hospitality.
Bringing Bellini’s to Cypress Square feels like a full-circle homecoming for Mucciga. Though originally planned for a November 2023 debut, the reality of getting this NEW restaurant (in an AGING space) service-ready proved far more intricate than initially anticipated. The former Stillwater Grill required a complete metamorphosis. New tile floors. New furniture. A curated art collection adorning the walls. But the most dramatic transformation unfolded in the heart of the restaurant – the kitchen. Here, a brand new, custom-made hood ventilation system was required, replacing the old one. If you ask him nicely, perhaps Mucciga, with a twinkle in his eye and a touch of his characteristic flair, might regale you with the almost unbelievable tales of this particular saga.
“Over 75 percent of this restaurant is completely new,” he says with a hint of pride in his voice.
But the wait is over. On May 8th, 2024, after a successful soft opening, Bellini’s announced it was opening to the general public via an unexpected social media post just two hours before dinner time. My wife Charlene and I decided we had to pay our old Sanibel friend Andrea an opening day visit at his brand new restaurant – and we’re proud to say that we now hold the historical distinction of being the first real guests to ever be seated in the NEW Bellini’s 🙂
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Additional Information about Bellini’s of Fort Myers
Inside the new Bellini’s of Fort Myers, two indoor bars hum with energy, while the inviting dining areas offer a choice of sophisticated elegance or a touch of casual charm. An expansive outdoor space beckons those who want to soak in the balmy Florida evenings, and live music adds a touch of magic to the atmosphere. A special tribute adorns one wall, showcasing artwork that celebrates Mucciga’s restaurateur legacy on Sanibel and Captiva, a reminder of the deep and enduring roots he’s planted in Southwest Florida.
The heart of Bellini’s, however, lies in its menu – a delectable exploration of the Mediterranean, with a strong Italian influence. The wine list boasts a bevy of Italian and French selections at multiple price points ($38-$185), catering to a range of palates and budgets. Alongside a tempting cocktail menu, featuring a signature Bellini of course, there are even “Sober Sips” for those who prefer to forego the vino.
There are raw bar options plus a seafood tower with Fresh Oysters, Shrimp, Ahi Tuna, Chilled Octopus, Clams, and King Crab.
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Our visit to Bellini’s in Fort Myers
On this opening day visit to Bellini’s in Fort Myers, we embarked on our culinary adventure with a delightful Shrimp Diavolo – a fiery tango of oven-roasted shrimp, chili oil, and garlic chips, accompanied by crusty sourdough bread. The Curry and Mint Chicken Skewer, with its delightful dalliance of eggplant kimchi and avocado tzatziki, offered a refreshing counterpoint.
The true stars of the show, however, are the main courses. For the seafood lover, the Lobster Ravioli Carbonara is a must-try – a rich and creamy carbonara embracing pancetta and parmesan, a perfect example of Mucciga’s belief in quality ingredients and traditional techniques. The Seafood Wellington offers a decadent alternative – shellfish and melted leeks encased in a golden puff pastry, served on a bed of julienned vegetables and finished with a luxurious lobster brandy sauce.
No culinary voyage is complete without a sweet surrender, and Bellini’s delivers. We yielded to the siren song of the Chocolate Toffee Mousse Pie, a decadent melody of caramel and chocolate ganache, and the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable meal.
As Mucciga himself says, “After overcoming the challenges post-hurricane on Sanibel, we’re delighted to announce we have now opened Bellini’s in Fort Myers! For those who’ve been with us through thick and thin, your support means the world. Bellini’s has a special history on Captiva, and now we’re bringing that cherished legacy to Fort Myers! Your enthusiasm makes our journey even more special. We can’t wait to create more unforgettable memories with you at Bellini’s in Fort Myers.“
Bellini’s brings not just a menu, but a legacy – a cherished tradition from Sanibel and Captiva Island finding a new home in Fort Myers. The team is eager to set sail on this new adventure, creating unforgettable memories for diners to come. So, set a course for Bellini’s, and prepare to be swept away on a wave of culinary delight. We’re already looking forward to a return visit!
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