Longboat Key boasts one of the most exclusive zip codes in our area and even the state. You drive past waterfront mansions, lavish resorts, and private clubs. But even the poshest places still need good solid food that keeps customers of all income levels coming back for more. And that is Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar.
“The neighborhood is exceptional,” gushes owner Debra Murphy. “There’s no pretentiousness; everyone is just wonderful. All the money in the world doesn’t matter, because the people are good souls, and they sit at the bar together and break bread.”
The bread, by the way, is fabulous. But the customers are drawn in by the solid Italian food.
“I am New Jersey Italian,” Debra says proudly. “My father is Italian, and I cook what I know. Ventura is my maiden name.”
Popular menu items include classic NY cheese pizza, and Ventura’s specialty, a thicker Brooklyn Sicilian pizza. Other favorites include lasagna Bolognese, veal Parmesan, and I am still thinking about the rich, creamy and oh-so-satisfying veal cannelloni.
“People came in and asked for it,” laughs Debra. “The veal cannelloni is actually from the previous owners’ menu, when it was Bayou Tavern. We called them to get the recipe. They had been ready to retire and put [the restaurant] up for sale and we [with husband, Mike] saw an opportunity.”
Ventura’s is on the north end of Longboat Key in a strip mall. The building is 50 years old and doesn’t look like much from the outside. But the front doors open to a dining room with big windows overlooking the water, and a bright cheery bar. The scratch kitchen portions are generous, the wine list impressive, and prices affordable. Debra and Mike are on the floor greeting customers and checking on their food. Their dedication to quality and customer service is evident, and their customers came through in support after last season’s two destructive storms.
“There were three times when we thought we were going to close our doors,” says Debra wistfully. “We’re a start-up, a mom-and-pop, you know? After the second storm, I looked at my husband and said, ‘I don’t know what we’re going to do.’ And then we did a GoFundMe. The outpouring of support was nothing like I had ever seen.”
“One of our special customers said, ‘You are a staple on this island and the people that live here need you.’ I thought it was the sweetest thing; I cried my eyes out.”
Debra explains, “I have had this vision since I was 14, when I was serving pizza slices in Margate, New Jersey. I just fell in love with the restaurant industry. I am a retired flight attendant, and my brothers convinced me [in 2022] I should open something up in Florida.”
And now, they are expanding. Look for Ventura’s Italian Kitchen on Cortez with a more casual menu of subs, cheesesteaks, and—where it all began—an iconic pizza slice window.
Ventura Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
6814 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key
941-312-4975
venturasitaliankitchen.com
