Small quaint place . The fish dish was excellent with the Lemon sauce. It was so good and smooth. The desert was the best it was truly Italian
(5)
Doyle H.
I've had Ristorante Fabio bookmarked on Yelp for a while, and one day decided to just give it a go for a late lunch/early dinner. I ordered the penne alla Fabio, which came with fresh bread and a salad. The bread was very yummy, and would have been even better served with herb-filled olive oil. The salad... pre-made and refrigerated on the plate. Gods, I hate this. The lettuce has a tendency to stick to the plate, and it browns, both of which held true to my salad. There were inedible oxidized pieces that would have been easily noticed by the kitchen if the salad was made fresh. I've never understood this approach, as it doesn't save much time in the kitchen, and the potential for a bad salad is greatly increased. My entree was pretty fresh and tasty. There was enough to take home and make another meal. It seemed like the other patrons in the restaurant were regulars. Not just SOME of them, but ALL of them, which tells me they have a loyal following. When my water is running low, do NOT remove my glass from the table to refill it. That beverage based sin is only trumped by letting it run dry. If it were soda, bring a fresh one. Water should get a refill at the table, or a fresh second glass. In summary: I'm not sure why the 5-star rating. Nothing here says true 5-star dining. It's located in a run-down strip mall forgodsake. The decor was nice and intimate. I've had many Italian meals that were much better, but at least it wasn't a chain restaurant or a pizzaria. If I happened to be in the area, and Jonesing for Italian, I'd probably come back.
(3)
Richard H.
This place is still kickin it. I was there at lunch time ... The phone was off the hook for dinner reservations.4 -6-13 tables. So if you need Italian food come here.
(5)
Joe P.
A run-down suburban strip center in North Ft. Myers is about the absolute LAST place I'd ever expect to find a good Italian restaurant, let alone a great one. But Ristorante Fabio is THAT good. On a recent visit to SW Florida, we took my Dad here for a birthday dinner, and I was impressed with every aspect of the meal, from the succulent calamari we shared as an appetizer, to the outstanding gnocchi and eggplant parmigiana my wife and I shared, to the perfectly paired Chianti recommended by our waitress. Sure -- it helps when you're one of the few good restaurants in a community that's a virtual fine dining DESERT. But when you consider that the owners could make a killing opening a trendier spot in Tampa or Miami, the good people of Ft. Myers should count themselves lucky that they seem quite happy to stay where they are.
(4)
Peter S.
I'm not sure why this place has such a high rating. The food is ok, but not exceptional and not 5 stars good. Ristorante Fabio is clean, small, and family owned. Everybody that was inside was a local that has been here before. There was plenty of talk between the patrons and the wait staff, like they were all friends. Nothing wrong with that at all, just saying. The menu has good options and the specials sounded good. The service was good and friendly. Like I said, the food was decent (except the Calamari) but not as good as many other places in Fort Myers.
(3)
Fred w.
Visiting some locals this weekend and we hit this place. In a small strip mall would make you question this choice- but don't be fooled! It was Saturday eve and they were slammed. Great service (apparently a family affair) the waitress is the chefs daughter, the Chefs father was doing the Italian Grampa thing with all the women and was very engaging. I had Pasta Bolognese, which I had to take home about 2 lbs left from the huge plate I was served. Breads, salads and wine were great! Highly recommend this stop!
(5)
Sharon W.
First, the service was great! The food tasted divine. They serve large portions so bring your appetite. I am picky about my unsweetened ice tea and they did not disappoint me there either. Next time I visit I will try one of the deserts.
(5)
Steve W.
Excellent food and the service was outstanding. Our new favorite restaurant in N Ft. Myers. Will be there every week!!
(5)
Anne R.
This is a MUST-GO restaurant for locals and tourists alike!! We found it via Yelp, and entered despite the lackluster facade. Don't be fooled-- the family staff and food both sparkle! Viviana and other patrons quickly welcomed us. The salad dressing is awesome and a bottle can be purchased to take home. I had the Basa fish and mom had penne vodka. I can't tell you which was better ! The wine pours were generous too. It can get busy at dinner, so you may want to make a reservation or go for lunch/early dinner at this N Ft Myers jewel.
(5)
Timothy S.
Great food, great service, great atmosphere. You'll be treated like part of the family on your first visit. Fresh daily specials, delicious desserts, large wine selection, family run and operated. Come on over and experience what you've been missing.
(5)
John G.
I ate here while visiting family, and Italian is the last thing is choose when visiting Florida. That being said, this place was awesome. The best red sangria I've ever had. The best Arrabiata I have ever eaten. And the Tiramisu was the best I ever had. That's 3 best evers for me in one place. Will be trying to persuade family to eat here every trip to Ft. Myers.
(5)
James E.
Amazing Italian food! You probably wouldn't expect such amazing italian in a N. Ft. Myers strip-mall, but this place is excellent. It has been here forever, is family owned, and the food is consistently excellent. Veal-parm and Tortelacci della nonna are our favorite dishes. The tiramisu is the best I've had anywhere. Great food and service here!
(5)
Aurelia S.
Came with my family last week. Nice little family authentic Italian restaurant. Fresh bread with olive oil and spices, calamari was just right. I had the veal with artichokes in a creamy tomato sauce. It was tender and the sauce- perfect. Wish I had room for dessert. The grandfather of the family came to greet us personally which made us feel very welcome.
(5)
Mindy M.
We went to this restaurant based on the reviews and it did not disappoint. The food is amazing and flavorful. You can tell it is made with love. I was impressed with everything we ate and truly enjoyed our meal. Plus, the service is great. This is a true family restaurant. Our waitress was the granddaughter of the owners. Her grandparents and her mother were both in the restaurant running things. If you are looking for a nice, special meal where the staff makes you feel welcome and the food makes you want to come back, come here. You will be very happy you did.
(5)
Mike Gina P.
The nicest people, most delectable food, and surprisingly cozy atmosphere. We have been to Fabio's several times and will continue to frequent this quaint restaurant.
(5)
Frank N.
My wife and I loved this place, I had the lasagna, wife had the gnocchi, I asked our waitress not to keep my mom in the kitchen late, great authentic Italian food
(5)
Paul D.
Pallenta, rigs w sausage. White clam, cicken french, tiramisu, all perfect (no surprise there)
(5)
Spike P.
Our first time at this Italian restaurant and it is the absolute BEST! Anyone who loves and appreciates good Italian food should go here. I can't stress enough how delicious this food is... And the service is just as great! I can't wait to go back and try something different. I had the eggplant Parmesan and it was the yummy!!
(5)
Chris P.
I travel 9-10 months out of the year and one of my favorite things to do is find authentic non-chain places to eat while traveling. Every once in awhile I stumble across places that leave a lasting impression. This one is definitely one of those diamonds in the rough. - Family owned - friendly and personable ... The cook and owner even came out to talk with us! - Everything is home-made - The creamy salad dressing is incredible. I took home two bottles for myself and my family to try. It's that good! - the bread will melt in your mouth and will definitely fill you up faster than you want - I ordered the lasagne and it was to die for! Some of the best I've ever had. My friend ordered the chicken Alfredo with mushrooms and it was delicious . The best I've ever had! Go here and dine for an experience you won't regret!!
(5)
Jerry C.
Fabio's is our favorite little Italian restaurant. This is a family run establishment with even the adult grandkids working. They have a daily chalkboard menu along with standard menu. The meal we have had there appears to be made from scratch. This is about our 10th visit and we have always been happy with the service and food. Tonight my wife had a chicken dish with a mildly sweet raspberry reduction that included grape and raisin, breaded and fried broccoli and potatoes. She loved it. I had Veal and eggplant parmesan with a light marinara sauce that covered the plate. The servings are large, but also excellent. The desserts we had were Tiramisu and I had Zabaione. Both were excellent and again ample portions. Go and try them I,m sure you will love the food.
(5)
Kelly O.
We ate at Ristorante Fabio over a year ago and my family still talks about how fabulous it was! It is run by the nicest family who spent a lot of time taking good care of us, including giving us a free sample of the tripe (cow stomach!). Everything we ate was so delicious. You could tell it was made from scratch and prepared by an authentic Italian chef. Stop reading this review and go immediately!
(5)
Ryan N.
Everything you read on here is so true. The 81 yr old grandfather shuck our hands after dinner and thanked us for coming in. The whole family was great and can't wait until we return to eat again. Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get. Best tiramisu I have ever had!
(5)
Marc B.
We were headed to one of the national chain restaurants on Friday night and had over one hour waits so we decided to try Fabio right around the corner. We had heard that it was very good, but pricey. First part was right second part was wrong. We have been coming down here for years and this was "hands down" the best meal we have ever had. Service was great with family members everywhere, bread was hot and crunchy, salads were excellent and the food was truly astounding. Top it off with a great cup of coffee and our only regret was that we had no room for what sounded like over the top delectable deserts. Our new favorite restaurant in Fort Myers.
(5)
Tim B.
This place is easily the best Italian food in Fort Myers. Also, I am pretty sure that the food has magical healing abilities. I found out that I had stomach cancer and only a few days to live. For my last meal I came to Fabio's to try the phenomenal pork cutlet with vinegar peppers. I went to the doctor's the next day and found out that my cancer was completely cured! I went to a gas station to by a Four Loko to celebrate and picked up a lottery ticket as well. Later that night I was eating left overs from Fabio and watching the lottery drawing on TV and ended up winning the PowerBall. Ristorante Fabio will change your life. If you don't eat here you'll be as unhappy as when someone puts your cake out in the rain, and all the sweet delicious icing flows down and then you lose the recipe, and on top of that you can't sing worth a damn. Pros: Delicious food (try the pork cutlet with vinegar peppers) Cures cancer Increased chance of winning the lottery Makes you run faster Cons: Despite what the name suggest, male model Fabio doesn't actually work here or own the restaurant
(5)
John F.
Just had a great meal with great owners and staff. The veal was excellent and great fresh crisp salad. This is the same high quality restaurant that the daughter and son in law have in north GA. The service was awesome and they make you feel like a regular. Try it you will enjoy it I,m sure.
(5)
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Address :4150 Hancock Bridge Pkwy,Ste 21
North Fort Myers, FL, 33903
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Lynn P.
Small quaint place . The fish dish was excellent with the Lemon sauce. It was so good and smooth. The desert was the best it was truly Italian
(5)Doyle H.
I've had Ristorante Fabio bookmarked on Yelp for a while, and one day decided to just give it a go for a late lunch/early dinner. I ordered the penne alla Fabio, which came with fresh bread and a salad. The bread was very yummy, and would have been even better served with herb-filled olive oil. The salad... pre-made and refrigerated on the plate. Gods, I hate this. The lettuce has a tendency to stick to the plate, and it browns, both of which held true to my salad. There were inedible oxidized pieces that would have been easily noticed by the kitchen if the salad was made fresh. I've never understood this approach, as it doesn't save much time in the kitchen, and the potential for a bad salad is greatly increased. My entree was pretty fresh and tasty. There was enough to take home and make another meal. It seemed like the other patrons in the restaurant were regulars. Not just SOME of them, but ALL of them, which tells me they have a loyal following. When my water is running low, do NOT remove my glass from the table to refill it. That beverage based sin is only trumped by letting it run dry. If it were soda, bring a fresh one. Water should get a refill at the table, or a fresh second glass. In summary: I'm not sure why the 5-star rating. Nothing here says true 5-star dining. It's located in a run-down strip mall forgodsake. The decor was nice and intimate. I've had many Italian meals that were much better, but at least it wasn't a chain restaurant or a pizzaria. If I happened to be in the area, and Jonesing for Italian, I'd probably come back.
(3)Richard H.
This place is still kickin it. I was there at lunch time ... The phone was off the hook for dinner reservations.4 -6-13 tables. So if you need Italian food come here.
(5)Joe P.
A run-down suburban strip center in North Ft. Myers is about the absolute LAST place I'd ever expect to find a good Italian restaurant, let alone a great one. But Ristorante Fabio is THAT good. On a recent visit to SW Florida, we took my Dad here for a birthday dinner, and I was impressed with every aspect of the meal, from the succulent calamari we shared as an appetizer, to the outstanding gnocchi and eggplant parmigiana my wife and I shared, to the perfectly paired Chianti recommended by our waitress. Sure -- it helps when you're one of the few good restaurants in a community that's a virtual fine dining DESERT. But when you consider that the owners could make a killing opening a trendier spot in Tampa or Miami, the good people of Ft. Myers should count themselves lucky that they seem quite happy to stay where they are.
(4)Peter S.
I'm not sure why this place has such a high rating. The food is ok, but not exceptional and not 5 stars good. Ristorante Fabio is clean, small, and family owned. Everybody that was inside was a local that has been here before. There was plenty of talk between the patrons and the wait staff, like they were all friends. Nothing wrong with that at all, just saying. The menu has good options and the specials sounded good. The service was good and friendly. Like I said, the food was decent (except the Calamari) but not as good as many other places in Fort Myers.
(3)Fred w.
Visiting some locals this weekend and we hit this place. In a small strip mall would make you question this choice- but don't be fooled! It was Saturday eve and they were slammed. Great service (apparently a family affair) the waitress is the chefs daughter, the Chefs father was doing the Italian Grampa thing with all the women and was very engaging. I had Pasta Bolognese, which I had to take home about 2 lbs left from the huge plate I was served. Breads, salads and wine were great! Highly recommend this stop!
(5)Sharon W.
First, the service was great! The food tasted divine. They serve large portions so bring your appetite. I am picky about my unsweetened ice tea and they did not disappoint me there either. Next time I visit I will try one of the deserts.
(5)Steve W.
Excellent food and the service was outstanding. Our new favorite restaurant in N Ft. Myers. Will be there every week!!
(5)Anne R.
This is a MUST-GO restaurant for locals and tourists alike!! We found it via Yelp, and entered despite the lackluster facade. Don't be fooled-- the family staff and food both sparkle! Viviana and other patrons quickly welcomed us. The salad dressing is awesome and a bottle can be purchased to take home. I had the Basa fish and mom had penne vodka. I can't tell you which was better ! The wine pours were generous too. It can get busy at dinner, so you may want to make a reservation or go for lunch/early dinner at this N Ft Myers jewel.
(5)Timothy S.
Great food, great service, great atmosphere. You'll be treated like part of the family on your first visit. Fresh daily specials, delicious desserts, large wine selection, family run and operated. Come on over and experience what you've been missing.
(5)John G.
I ate here while visiting family, and Italian is the last thing is choose when visiting Florida. That being said, this place was awesome. The best red sangria I've ever had. The best Arrabiata I have ever eaten. And the Tiramisu was the best I ever had. That's 3 best evers for me in one place. Will be trying to persuade family to eat here every trip to Ft. Myers.
(5)James E.
Amazing Italian food! You probably wouldn't expect such amazing italian in a N. Ft. Myers strip-mall, but this place is excellent. It has been here forever, is family owned, and the food is consistently excellent. Veal-parm and Tortelacci della nonna are our favorite dishes. The tiramisu is the best I've had anywhere. Great food and service here!
(5)Aurelia S.
Came with my family last week. Nice little family authentic Italian restaurant. Fresh bread with olive oil and spices, calamari was just right. I had the veal with artichokes in a creamy tomato sauce. It was tender and the sauce- perfect. Wish I had room for dessert. The grandfather of the family came to greet us personally which made us feel very welcome.
(5)Mindy M.
We went to this restaurant based on the reviews and it did not disappoint. The food is amazing and flavorful. You can tell it is made with love. I was impressed with everything we ate and truly enjoyed our meal. Plus, the service is great. This is a true family restaurant. Our waitress was the granddaughter of the owners. Her grandparents and her mother were both in the restaurant running things. If you are looking for a nice, special meal where the staff makes you feel welcome and the food makes you want to come back, come here. You will be very happy you did.
(5)Mike Gina P.
The nicest people, most delectable food, and surprisingly cozy atmosphere. We have been to Fabio's several times and will continue to frequent this quaint restaurant.
(5)Frank N.
My wife and I loved this place, I had the lasagna, wife had the gnocchi, I asked our waitress not to keep my mom in the kitchen late, great authentic Italian food
(5)Paul D.
Pallenta, rigs w sausage. White clam, cicken french, tiramisu, all perfect (no surprise there)
(5)Spike P.
Our first time at this Italian restaurant and it is the absolute BEST! Anyone who loves and appreciates good Italian food should go here. I can't stress enough how delicious this food is... And the service is just as great! I can't wait to go back and try something different. I had the eggplant Parmesan and it was the yummy!!
(5)Chris P.
I travel 9-10 months out of the year and one of my favorite things to do is find authentic non-chain places to eat while traveling. Every once in awhile I stumble across places that leave a lasting impression. This one is definitely one of those diamonds in the rough. - Family owned - friendly and personable ... The cook and owner even came out to talk with us! - Everything is home-made - The creamy salad dressing is incredible. I took home two bottles for myself and my family to try. It's that good! - the bread will melt in your mouth and will definitely fill you up faster than you want - I ordered the lasagne and it was to die for! Some of the best I've ever had. My friend ordered the chicken Alfredo with mushrooms and it was delicious . The best I've ever had! Go here and dine for an experience you won't regret!!
(5)Jerry C.
Fabio's is our favorite little Italian restaurant. This is a family run establishment with even the adult grandkids working. They have a daily chalkboard menu along with standard menu. The meal we have had there appears to be made from scratch. This is about our 10th visit and we have always been happy with the service and food. Tonight my wife had a chicken dish with a mildly sweet raspberry reduction that included grape and raisin, breaded and fried broccoli and potatoes. She loved it. I had Veal and eggplant parmesan with a light marinara sauce that covered the plate. The servings are large, but also excellent. The desserts we had were Tiramisu and I had Zabaione. Both were excellent and again ample portions. Go and try them I,m sure you will love the food.
(5)Kelly O.
We ate at Ristorante Fabio over a year ago and my family still talks about how fabulous it was! It is run by the nicest family who spent a lot of time taking good care of us, including giving us a free sample of the tripe (cow stomach!). Everything we ate was so delicious. You could tell it was made from scratch and prepared by an authentic Italian chef. Stop reading this review and go immediately!
(5)Ryan N.
Everything you read on here is so true. The 81 yr old grandfather shuck our hands after dinner and thanked us for coming in. The whole family was great and can't wait until we return to eat again. Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food you get. Best tiramisu I have ever had!
(5)Marc B.
We were headed to one of the national chain restaurants on Friday night and had over one hour waits so we decided to try Fabio right around the corner. We had heard that it was very good, but pricey. First part was right second part was wrong. We have been coming down here for years and this was "hands down" the best meal we have ever had. Service was great with family members everywhere, bread was hot and crunchy, salads were excellent and the food was truly astounding. Top it off with a great cup of coffee and our only regret was that we had no room for what sounded like over the top delectable deserts. Our new favorite restaurant in Fort Myers.
(5)Tim B.
This place is easily the best Italian food in Fort Myers. Also, I am pretty sure that the food has magical healing abilities. I found out that I had stomach cancer and only a few days to live. For my last meal I came to Fabio's to try the phenomenal pork cutlet with vinegar peppers. I went to the doctor's the next day and found out that my cancer was completely cured! I went to a gas station to by a Four Loko to celebrate and picked up a lottery ticket as well. Later that night I was eating left overs from Fabio and watching the lottery drawing on TV and ended up winning the PowerBall. Ristorante Fabio will change your life. If you don't eat here you'll be as unhappy as when someone puts your cake out in the rain, and all the sweet delicious icing flows down and then you lose the recipe, and on top of that you can't sing worth a damn. Pros: Delicious food (try the pork cutlet with vinegar peppers) Cures cancer Increased chance of winning the lottery Makes you run faster Cons: Despite what the name suggest, male model Fabio doesn't actually work here or own the restaurant
(5)John F.
Just had a great meal with great owners and staff. The veal was excellent and great fresh crisp salad. This is the same high quality restaurant that the daughter and son in law have in north GA. The service was awesome and they make you feel like a regular. Try it you will enjoy it I,m sure.
(5)