Giorgio’s on Hillview is replacing the former Mercato Pizzeria & Bar (previously Ocean Blues, The Table, Zoria) and is expected to open in mid-July. Co-owners Giorgio Guastella, who was proprietor of Mercato for the past year, and Elena de Luca, both native Italians, have given Michael Garey “carte blanche” as operating consultant in redoing the entire restaurant. Garey has won accolades for his restaurants, Lazy Lobsters (Longboat Key and Lockwood Ridge Road), and Kacey’s Seafood & More.
“We’re bringing a neighborhood Italian-American restaurant reminiscent of Little Italy or North End with moderate pricing,” said Garey. “It will be suitable for family meals, but also for casual date nights as opposed to high-end, fine regional Italian dining. It will be more Sinatra and Michael Buble than opera.”
