Located on the corner of South Federal Highway and Southeast Sixth Court in Fort Lauderdale, upscale Italian restaurant Valentino Cucina Italiana closed in 2020, at the height of COVID-19 pandemic-related closures. It was then thought that the restaurant might reopen later that year, although this never eventuated.
On Friday, What Now found a job posting on Craigslist showing plans to reopen “Val&Tino Restaurant” this fall. What Now reached out to Giovanni Rocchio, owner and former chef at the restaurant, to inquire about the reopening. Rocchio said the restaurant is working to relaunch in September.
Asked about the menu, Rocchio said plenty of updates to Valentino Cucina Italiana’s proven menu can be expected, declining to make any further immediate comment. It’s not yet known whether Rocchio is returning as the restaurant’s head chef.
When we last saw it, Valentino’s menu featured entrees like Chicken Scarpariello, Branzino, and house made pasta dishes like Tagliatelle and Agnolotti Carbonara. We’re looking forward to seeing what the relaunched Valentino Cucina Italiana will have in store for this fall.
