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New Smyrna Beach fine-dining restaurant to expand with South Daytona location

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 6:29 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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Via Canaletto Brings Authentic Italian Dining to South Daytona’s Newest Culinary Hotspot

South Daytona is set to receive a fresh culinary sensation as the Italian-inspired restaurant Via Canaletto prepares to open its doors in the heart of the city. The forthcoming eatery, slated for an opening later this month, promises an immersive dining experience rooted in the flavors and traditions of the Amalfi Coast, paired with a contemporary Southern Florida ambiance.

A Vision Rooted in Heritage

Via Canaletto’s founders, culinary duo Alessandro Rossi and his sister Lucia, grew up in Naples where family meals were both a celebration and a tradition. Rossi, a seasoned chef who previously helmed a Michelin‑starred establishment in Rome, has brought his refined expertise to the new venture. Lucia, a seasoned hospitality manager with a decade of experience in luxury resort restaurants, has focused on delivering an impeccable guest experience. Together they aim to marry authenticity with accessibility, making high‑quality Italian fare available to the South Daytona community without compromising on the genuine culinary artistry.

“We wanted to create a space where people could feel the warmth of Italian family meals,” Rossi explained during a recent interview. “It’s about more than just food; it’s about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating memories.”

Location, Layout, and Atmosphere

The restaurant will occupy the former café space on the south side of Main Street, a location that has historically been a community hub for the city’s residents. Renovations have transformed the modest storefront into a warm, airy setting featuring Mediterranean-inspired décor. Hand‑painted tiles, wrought‑iron chandeliers, and an open kitchen allow diners to observe chefs in action. A small outdoor patio, complete with string lights and potted herbs, offers a serene spot for al fresco dining during the Florida evenings.

The interior design draws heavily on the coastal aesthetics of the Italian Riviera. Light, pastel color palettes complement the natural light that floods the dining area, while rustic wooden tables evoke the feeling of a family table in a seaside trattoria. A curated wall of vintage photographs captures scenes from Naples’ historic port and the Amalfi cliffs, providing diners with an immediate visual connection to the restaurant’s heritage.

Menu Highlights

Via Canaletto’s menu showcases a balance between traditional Italian classics and modern twists, all sourced from local farms and artisanal producers in the United States and Italy.

Starters

• Bruschetta Trio – Classic tomato, olive tapenade, and a signature avocado‑cherry salsa served on sourdough.
• Fritto Misto – A mix of lightly battered shrimp, calamari, and zucchini, fried to a golden crisp and served with a lemon‑garlic aioli.
• Arancini di Riso – Fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and peas, accompanied by a rich tomato reduction.

Main Courses

• Linguine al Faro – A hand‑made al dente linguine tossed in a creamy saffron, white wine, and clams sauce, finished with fresh parsley and grated Pecorino Romano.
• Branzino alla Griglia – Grilled whole sea bass, seasoned with rosemary and lemon, served with roasted seasonal vegetables and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil.
• Pollo alla Parmigiana – Breaded chicken breast topped with mozzarella, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of basil, served over freshly cooked gnocchi.

Desserts

• Tiramisu – A classic layered dessert featuring espresso‑soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and dusted cocoa.
• Panna Cotta – A silky vanilla bean panna cotta topped with a mixed berry compote.
• Gelato Selection – Hand‑crafted gelato featuring flavors such as pistachio, stracciatella, and an unexpected hint of lavender.

All dishes on the menu are prepared with locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, and the kitchen employs traditional cooking techniques such as slow simmering and wood‑fire grilling to maintain authenticity.

Community Engagement

Beyond its culinary offerings, Via Canaletto is committed to engaging with the local community. The restaurant plans to host monthly “Italian Night” events, featuring live acoustic music, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations. Additionally, they intend to collaborate with local schools to offer educational programs on nutrition, Italian culture, and culinary arts.

“We believe food can be a bridge between cultures,” Lucia remarked. “By opening this space, we hope to bring a slice of Italy into the heart of South Daytona, while also supporting our local producers and artists.”

Opening Date and Reservation Details

The restaurant will officially open its doors on November 15, 2025. A soft opening for friends and family is scheduled for November 10, and the grand opening event will feature a live performance by a local folk band, a toast from the Rossi sisters, and complimentary tasting of the menu’s signature dishes.

Reservations can be made through the restaurant’s new website, www.via canaletto southdaytona.com, or by calling (555) 123‑4567. Guests are encouraged to book early as the venue is expected to fill quickly, especially during the holiday season.

A New Culinary Chapter for South Daytona

With its thoughtfully designed interior, menu rooted in tradition yet adapted to local tastes, and a clear vision for community engagement, Via Canaletto is poised to become a staple of South Daytona’s dining scene. The restaurant’s opening not only adds a new dimension to the city’s culinary landscape but also celebrates the enduring ties between Italian heritage and American hospitality.

For more information, visit the restaurant’s website or follow them on Instagram @ViaCanalettoSD, where you’ll find behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of the kitchen, staff introductions, and updates on upcoming events.