Ristorante Ragu Cucina Italiana recently opened in downtown Palmetto in a distinctive, two-story Victorian house built in 1890. During its long history, the house at 336 Eighth Ave. W. has been a home, an ice cream shop, and several different restaurants.

Ristorante Ragu, which takes its name from ragù, an Italian sauce made with ground beef or other types of minced meats, is the latest restaurant incarnation and specializes in serving authentic Italian cuisine. “I love it. The food is outstanding and I love the decor,” Tina Daugherty said of the art-covered walls and tables set with white linen table cloths.