Panaretto Italian Bistro, Fort Lauderdale

The first Panaretto Trattoria opened in1989 in Italy before a second location opened 20 years later in Fort Lauderdale. And just like in Italy, the chefs build pizzas from scratch, starting with dough and sauce made fresh daily. Stretched crusts cook in a brick oven and arrive at tables on a panaretto, a traditional Venetian wooden serving plate that prevents condensation so crusts stay crispy. Pizzas are topped with classic mushrooms and bacon, as well as more eclectic ingredients such as truffle cream, cured prosciutto ham, and stracchino cheese. The menu also offers traditional Italian entrees, including housemade gnocchi and chicken marsala. For lighter appetites, freshly baked ciabatta bread serves as the base for sandwiches stuffed with meatballs and honey baked ham. In celebration of the myriad dishes made from scratch on the menu, the eatery sells jars of housemade pesto, bolognese, and tomato sauces for customers to enjoy at home or while serving on jury duty.