Ortigia Cucina

Ortigia Cucina & Bar is a Punta Gorda restaurant run by Chef Carmelo, inspired by the coastal Sicilian town of Ortigia. The menu centers on small plates meant for sharing, including fried calamari, charred octopus, eggplant parmigiana tower, and meatballs, along with fresh pastas, grilled seafood, and steaks. A full bar offers craft beer and cocktails.

The restaurant takes walk-in diners on a first-come basis and accepts reservations for groups of eight or more. Takeout and delivery are available, and there is fresh air seating downtown. Happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 6 PM and weekends from noon to 4 PM. The kitchen closes one hour before closing on most nights, so later arrivals should check ahead.