Zito Italian Opens in Fort Lauderdale with Strictly Italian Menu

Fort Lauderdale gained a new dining option this week with the opening of Zito Italian, a restaurant dedicated exclusively to Italian cuisine. The establishment rejects the hybrid American-Italian model common in the region, opting instead for a menu that features only dishes and ingredients from Italy.

The concept originated during a transatlantic flight. Chef Sam and his business partner, Christopher Zito, met as strangers in the cabin. After nine hours of conversation, the two decided to return home and form a partnership. Their agreement was immediate: if they opened a restaurant, it would be entirely Italian. They rejected the idea of an "Italian slash American" menu in favor of strict authenticity.

The kitchen operates on a zero-outsourcing principle for core items. Chef Sam stated that the team produces all pasta in-house and refuses to purchase pre-made components. "We don't buy anything else. We made everything in the house," Sam said. This approach extends to key proteins, such as grill octopus sourced directly from Spain.

One signature dish combines ingredients from two distinct Italian regions to create a unique flavor profile. The plate features pistachios from Sicily and kids from Naples. Sam described the dish as a union of two families. "I think we are the only one in Fort Lauderdale that has it," he said. The kitchen also prepares a burrata dish and Spanish shrimp.

The menu includes a Neapolitan-style pizza, which Sam identified as a critical element of the dining experience. He expressed a personal commitment to mastering the style, noting, "I have to beat the pizza Napoletana on the menu." The pizza serves as the final course in a meal designed to reflect specific Italian culinary traditions.

Zito Italian is currently directing new customers to its digital platforms for more information. Sam emphasized the restaurant's active presence on social media. "We are very strong on Instagram," he said. The website, zitositalian.com, also provides details on the menu and location.