3 Coming Soon Manatee County Restaurants

Manatee County has three distinct restaurant concepts on the way, ranging from an Italian restaurant and specialty market to smoked barbecue tacos and a locally owned smash burger spot. Here’s what to know about each project.

Bottega Del Gusto — Parrish

Address: 1890 U.S. Hwy 301 Ste 100, Parrish, FL 34219

Status: Targeting an early 2027 opening. Owner Giuseppe Del Sole hopes to complete construction by the end of 2026 before moving into hiring, training and opening preparations.

What to expect: Bottega Del Gusto will combine a full-service Italian restaurant with a specialty retail market. The restaurant is expected to seat about 156 guests between its indoor and outdoor areas, with furnishings, tableware and other design elements brought in from Italy.

Menu highlights: Family recipes will form the foundation of the menu, with bread, pasta and desserts made in-house. Guests can expect Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-burning oven, meat and seafood cooked over a wood-charcoal grill, handmade ravioli and other pastas, prime-cut steaks and picanha.

The market: A retail section will stock Italian specialty products including olive oil, sauces and pasta. A deli case will feature DOP-certified Italian meats and cheeses, while wine will be available at retail pricing for guests to take home or enjoy with their meal.

Experience: A visible pasta station will give customers a look at the pasta-making process, while desserts will also be prepared within view. An indoor-outdoor cocktail bar will connect with a patio designed to host live music and other entertainment.

Who’s behind it: Giuseppe Del Sole is an experienced restaurateur from Italy who also owns Osteria 500 in Lakewood Ranch. Bottega Del Gusto will be the fourth restaurant he has opened in the United States.

Read the article.

Wardo's Smokin Tacos & BBQ — Bradenton

Address: 2127 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207

Status: Targeting a September 16 opening, although the date could change depending on final preparations.

What to expect: Wardo’s Smokin Tacos & BBQ will combine barbecue techniques with Mexican dishes and West Coast flavors in a fast-casual setting. Customers will order at a walk-up counter before taking a seat, with employees bringing food to the table and handling beverage service.

Menu highlights: Smoked meats will be incorporated into tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos. Traditional birria, carne asada and chicken are also planned, with Spanish rice and refried beans among the key sides.

Drink program: Beer and wine will be available, with staff providing beverage service rather than a self-service setup.

Hours: Planned hours are 11 a.m.–8 p.m. The restaurant will be closed Mondays.

Who’s behind it: Eddie and Kate Meek bring about 27 years of restaurant experience from California, Utah and Florida. They also operate Pork Bellies in Bradenton and previously ran two Pork Bellies locations in Utah.

Read our full article.

Dave's Hot Chicken – Bradenton

Address: 7627 Cortez Rd W #106, Bradenton, FL 34210 (according to a plan review filing)

Status: Opening date is TBA

What to expect: Dave’s Hot Chicken is a fast-casual brand built around Nashville-style hot chicken, with a streamlined menu centered on chicken tenders, sliders and bite-sized chicken. Guests choose from seven spice levels ranging from no heat to the extremely spicy Reaper level, and the brand’s chicken is hand-breaded and seasoned to order.

Menu highlights: Sliders are served on potato buns with kale slaw, pickles and Dave’s Sauce, while tenders and bites can be paired with seasoned fries, mac and cheese and kale slaw. The menu also includes shakes and rotating specialty items, with newer offerings including loaded sliders and combination meals.

The brand has been rapidly expanding across Florida. According to the Bradenton Herald, this will be the first location in Manatee County.