Tony D’s, a highly-regarded Rochester, New York Italian eatery, has opened in Fort Lauderdale near Oakland Park Boulevard and A1A. The owners are Chris DeGrazia, Tony DiCesare and Jay Speranza, all from Rochester. Executive Chef Jay Speranza and Head Chef Sean Kelley are at the helm with Scott Niskar as General Manager.

The restaurant is open nightly for dinner and offers an extensive menu with an array of regionally-inspired classic Italian-American fare featuring pastas, seafood, pizzas steaks and chops. Tony D’s has a spacious bar area and a 17-seat chef’s counter over-looking the open kitchen.

All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes

Fried Calamari with Pickled Peppers, Olives, Garlic, Parsley and Lemon with Orange Chili Aioli for dipping.

The fried calamari was very good. The calamari itself has a great texture, it is NOT chewy at all. The exterior has a lightly crisped coating. The orange chili aioli is a great accompaniment.

Caesar Salad with Romaine Hearts, Shaved Pecorino, Homemade Croutons, Homemade Caesar Prosciutto Dressing

I will preface by saying that I am a stickler for a good caesar salad. It is something I will not order unless the dressing is homemade. Tony D’s hit the mark and then some by adding prosciutto for a unique twist. Fresh lettuce and better than average croutons sealed the deal.

Burrata & Heirloom Tomato Salad with Maui Onions, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Red Wine Vinegar

You cant go wrong if you order this creamy burrata with fresh tomatoes!

Meatballs Al Forno – Beef, Pork and Veal Meatballs with Marinara and Melted Ricotta Cheese

These tasty meatballs had a nice texture too – not overly firm.

Bucatini Cacio E Pepe – Thick Spaghetti with Pecorino Romano and Black Pepper

The Cacio E Pepe is listed with thin spaghetti on the menu, we swapped it out for bucatini. A simple yet scrumptious dish.

Carciofi Pizza with Artichoke Hearts, Sundried Tomato-Almond Pesto, Goat Cheese and Grana Padano

The carciofi makes for a really pretty presentation, however, the goat cheese is a little bit too overpowering. I would like the goat cheese to be distributed in smaller amounts throughout the pizza. The (coal fired) pizza crust itself is darn good.

Grilled Lamb Chops with Sautéed Greens with Smoked Prosciutto Shallot-Herb Confit

The lamb chops were nicely cooked and came with a flavorful sauce. I found the accompaniments to be a little bit too salty.

Chocolate Chip Cannoli 

I was a little bit disappointed in this dessert item because I did not find the filling to have that traditional ricotta taste I would expect from a cannoli.

Orange Infused Olive Oil Cake

The orange olive oil cake was delightful – a very moist cake with a lovely citrus essence. The desserts at Tony D’s are made in house by a local pastry chef, which is always a plus!

I definitely recommend checking out Tony D’s Fort Lauderdale as the team has successful brought New York Italian to Florida – a job well done.
-Sage

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Tony D’s with special entrées and drinks throughout the weekend of February 12-14. Couples will receive complimentary champagne and $7 pomegranate vodka martinis.

The restaurant seats 199 people and is a 4500 square feet space located at 3300 NE 32nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.

Tony D’s on social media:

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonydsfl/
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TonyDsFlorida
Tweet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TonyDsFL

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All images appearing in this post photographed by Holli Lapes