There’s no shortage of solid pizza places on and around Siesta Key. But what is the point of a “good” pizza when you can get an exceptional pizza? This is the kind of question Chef Flavio would ask you.
Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar is an authentic pizzeria and bar run by its lead chef and owner, Flavio Cristofoli. The restaurant began by offering Italian cuisine, but has recently encompassed a massive full bar and a booming (and always running) brick pizza oven.
Flavio’s is undoubtedly one of the finest places to eat in the area and it is conveniently located in Siesta Village at 5239 Ocean Blvd, near many of our Siesta Key vacation rentals.
The History of Flavio’s
Flavio is the cornerstone of Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar. He moved from Italy to the United States in the 80’s, securing a leading position with a bar and restaurant apprenticeship developing high-end Italian cuisine.
In 1991, he purchased the restaurant, and still runs it to this day. He eventually grew his crew and currently works the restaurant with his wife. He is not a hands-off chef. Have you ever been to Flavio’s? He might have prepared your meal himself.
The Flavio Menu
This is an authentic Italian eatery, right in the heart of Sarasota. What makes Flavio’s so special? The restaurant is defined by three things. These are:
- Scratch brick oven pizza
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- A great selection of wines
Not coincidently, these are three of the things that make Italy so great. Flavio has an extensive culinary family history in Venice including a grandfather who was a chef, and it shows on the menu.
The menu borrows the Italian approach. You have primos (primary dishes), secondis (second meal) and an assortment of antipasti options. Primos are usually pasta dishes while secondis include fillet-stuffed green peppers, salmon, chicken, and other meats.
You can’t forget about the pizza. You can get all the staples, such as vegetarian, white, and margherita. You can also find a few eccentric items, such as the Birsmak, which includes tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, sausage, olives, artichocke, prosciutto, and eggs.
One of the menu highlights is the Pizza Quattro Stagioni, made with mushrooms, mozzarella, artichokes, ham and olives. The menu also includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Other Details
The restaurant has a rustic and cozy décor. It only seats 60, but don’t expect it to remain quiet and subdued. Locals get enthusiastic about the pizza, and you will too.
You can take advantage of Happy Hour at Flavio’s, every day of the week from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It includes $5 glasses of Italian wine, $2.50 domestics, and premium well mix drinks for $5 (rocks for $6).
Non-drinkers aren’t entirely excluded for Happy Hour. You can order a 12-inch pizza for $8 during happy hours.
Similar to many Italian pizzerias, the restaurant is open only in the evening, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You get an extended half hour, to 10:30 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays.
Find it at 5239 Ocean Blvd, within a close distance to Siesta Beach where you can work up an appetite swimming, playing volleyball with the family, or simply relaxing. Then head on over for one of the best authentic Italian meals on the island.
You’ll also find a plethora of other excellent dining options, dessert shops, beach gear stores, and other unique attractions within walking distance of Flavio’s.
Give us a call at 941-349-1125 to learn more about local eating or traveling to Siesta Key. Discover the best and most luxurious Siesta Key vacation rentals for your next vacation to the gulf coast of Florida.
