For some of the best gnocchi, occhi and gelato you’ve ever tasted outside of Italy, just walk in to Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana in Hilton Head, SC. This family owned Italian restaurant in Hilton Head has earned quite a reputation for its excellent cuisine and hospitable service. Fresh ingredients, wonderful recipes and great pride in every dish they make, puts this eatery in a class by itself. Michael Anthony’s is family owned and has quite an impressive staff.
Tony and Becky Fazzini, along with family members Jill Boyd and Executive Chef Michael Cirafesi, are the faces behind the name. Originally from Philadelphia, this group desired to create an authentic Italian restaurant similar to those found in small Italian neighborhoods. It appears that they have succeeded in their mission.
One of the favorite dishes among their customers is Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Salsiccie e Funghi. That’s quite a name for a simple, but delectable dish of homemade potato gnocchi with sausage, wild mushrooms and fresh tomato sauce. The Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci alla Fiorentina is a ravishing homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and fresh spinach sauteed with butter and sage. They also make an excellent veal scalloppine with prosciutto and sage, topped with white wine and garlic. Filet mignon, a daily selection of fish and sauteed breast of duck are also acclaimed dishes. For the pasta lovers, they will even split the order to include half servings of two pasta choices to satisfy their discriminating tastes. The wine list is appreciated by many guests with its great selection of wines from Italy, California and other select locations. Chef Michael Cirafesi also likes to shake up the menu a bit with his daily specials. These greatly anticipated offerings may include striped bass or other fresh fish, soft shell crab and other delightful surprises.
For those guests that cannot resist delving into the dessert menu, Michael Anthony’s has prepared a uncomplicated, but luscious list. Each dessert choice is made fresh daily right in the restaurant. Customers rave over the tiramisu and authentic gelato. The panna cotta and homemade Italian crème puffs are also superb. For those who find it hard to choose, the Dolce Mista della Casa provides a sampling of all of these, except the gelato. This is a great dessert to share. A nice selection of gelato and sorbets are offered in the Gelati e Sorbetti.
This upscale restaurant provides a wonderful atmosphere for a romantic dinner or an outing among friends. The meal is not rushed so guests can eat at a leisurely pace as they enjoy the serene ambiance of this brilliant restaurant. Be sure to make reservations during the busy season and weekends, as they do stay rather busy. The cozy bar is a great place to wait for your table while having a relaxing drink. Or you may decide to have your meal right there at the bar where guests can order from the full menu.
If you don’t mind eating a little early, try out the Early Dining Menu that is offered Monday through Saturday from 5:15 to 5:45 pm. This menu provides a wonderful way to enjoy this fine eatery at a more affordable price. Early diners that order from this menu, receive a sumptuous three-course meal for around $15. Begin with your choice of antipasti that includes a Tuscan white bean and pasta soup, Caesar salad, or a red beet salad with balsamic vinegar. The entree list also offers some nice choices including breast of chicken with wild mushrooms and wine sauce, seafood linguini in a fresh tomato and wine sauce, or pork scaloppine with prosciutto. The choices are scrumptiously inviting. The dessert list again includes the classic tiramisu, panna cotta and homemade Italian crème puffs. This meal comes with iced tea or soda, and a glass of house wine can be included at a reduced price of $5 per glass.
Also popular among fans of the restaurant are the cooking demonstrations, hands-on cooking classes and regional wine dinners that take place in the upstairs dining room. These events are very popular and do require reservations. Class sizes are limited to optimize the enjoyment of all attendees. The demonstrations include themes such as A Taste of Florence, Rome and Venice, while the hands-on classes my provide an experience in Italian comfort food or fall cooking with figs. The wine dinners could be the Tribute to Ferrari or a Grand Tour of Europe. Plan early for this one so you can call ahead to reserve your spot at one of these exciting events during your trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana
Address: Orleans Plaza, 37 New Orleans Road, Suite L, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29928
Phone Number: (843) 785-6272
Website: http://www.michael-anthonys.com/
If you’re looking for other great places to eat in Hilton Head, visit our list of the best restaurants in Hilton Head, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best coupons for Hilton Head, SC to snag some great Hilton Head restaurant coupons. If you’ll be looking for something to do, then check out our list of the best things to do in Hilton Head as well!