North Italia, the modern Italian concept known for its handcrafted cuisine and cocktails, officially opened its first Orlando location on Wednesday, November 3rd at 7335 West Sand Lake Road.
North Italia’s open and airy atmosphere in the 7,665 square foot space includes an exhibition kitchen that overlooks the dining room, a full-service bar and seating for up to 294 guests both indoors and on the covered outdoor patio. The restaurant’s upscale and inviting aesthetic makes North Italia the ideal spot for any dining occasion.
Executive Chef Gerson Quiliche, a seasoned industry veteran with 21 years of experience across well-loved restaurants in Orlando, will lead the North Italia culinary team. Quiliche grew up in Lima, Peru, and originally studied engineering before taking an unexpected job in a restaurant when he moved to the United States in 2000. Since then, he has supported teams at Disney, Metromedia, Darden and other renowned brands, bringing a wealth of management experience and culinary knowledge to the North Italia Orlando family.
Joining the front of house team as general manager is Vinnie Delillo, who spent his childhood in his family’s Sicilian restaurant, fostering a lifetime love of food and beverage. Delillo is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America Apprentice Program and holds previous experience in senior management at Disney and North Italia’s sister brand, The Cheesecake Factory.
North Italia Orlando is now open with dine-in service for weekend brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Its menus showcase fresh and seasonal ingredients across a broad selection of antipasti, salads, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and entrées inspired by the garden, farm and sea. For guests who would prefer to experience North Italia in the comfort of their own home, the Orlando location offers takeout and delivery via DoorDash and online ordering.
Lunch:
Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Offers something for any palate, from handmade pizzas and salads like the Cacio e Pepe Pizza topped with pecorino crema, mozzarella and cracked pepper; a Seasonal Vegetable Salad now featuring radicchio and kale tossed with roasted Brussel sprouts, sweet butternut squash, cauliflower, farro and dates dressed in bright white balsamic vinaigrette and topped with cubes of pecorino cheese and roasted pistachios; to small plates like the Italian Meatballs with creamy polenta, rustic marinara and grana Padano.
Dinner:
Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Serves main entrées like Grilled Branzino with roasted fennel, broccolini, cauliflower, Romanesco, glazed cipollini and charred butter, that can be paired with a specialty, handcrafted cocktail or a glass of wine from the extensive list. Diners can complete their meal with one of North’s homemade Italian desserts like the Salted Caramel Budino topped with crème fraiche and Maldon sea salt.
Brunch:
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Features options like the refreshing New Italian Spritz to complement any dish like the new Beef Tenderloin & Eggs, topped with bearnaise sauce and served with crispy hash with with piquillo peppers, cipollini onions, Calabrian bomba, grilled bread and two eggs, as well as the new Banana Coffee Cake with dark rum butterscotch, caramelized banana and whipped crème fraiche.
Guests can also indulge in North Italia’s happy hour featuring signature specials like the Bottle & Board, Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.— including choice of bruschetta or Chef’s Board paired with a bottle of red or white wine. A selection of specially priced wines, beers and sangrias are also available by the glass or pitcher.
North Italia is offering two signature takeout bundles for an easy, yet delicious, dinner at home. The Family Pasta Kit for $65 serves 4-5 and includes a large Caesar salad, parmesan garlic bread, tiramisu, choice of fresh pasta (tagliatelle, bucatini, rigatoni or strozzapreti) and choice of pasta sauce (Bolognese, marinara, garlic parmesan cream or basil pesto). The Lasagna Bolognese Family Pack for $65 serves 4-6 and includes a ready-to-bake signature lasagna with house-made Bolognese sauce and delicious sugo with fresh herbed ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and grana padano cheese and fresh herbs. The pack also includes a Caesar salad, parmesan garlic bread, a side of marinara, and tiramisu.
Whether an aspiring restaurateur or seasoned professional looking for a change, North Italia Orlando is seeking new talent for all positions to join the team. To apply, prospective employees can visit the location at 7335 West Sand Lake Road.
You can also make a reservation and find more details on the menu.
