Ormond Beach just got a little more Italian. Little Italy’s Ristorante officially opened its brand-new location on South Atlantic Avenue this month, bringing the same handcrafted recipes and genuine hospitality that built a loyal following in Daytona Beach straight to the heart of Ormond Beach.
From Daytona to Ormond: Same Heart, New Home
Little Italy isn’t a newcomer to the area. After years of earning regulars at their original spot on S. Beach Street in Daytona Beach, the restaurant made a fresh start this March at 814 S Atlantic Ave in Ormond Beach, just steps from the coast.
The familiar faces are still there, the recipes have not changed, and the same energy that kept people coming back week after week traveled right along with them.
What’s Actually on the Menu
This is a kitchen that takes the classics seriously. The carbonara is made without cream, the way it is supposed to be. The dough is handcrafted in-house. And the portions are the kind that come with a takeaway box, not by request, but because you will need one.
The full menu covers everything from light starters to hearty mains, with vegetarian-friendly options throughout.
Here is what to expect at the table:
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Antipasti: Burrata Alla Caprese, Arancini, Bruschetta, Beef Carpaccio, Mussels Fra Diavolo
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Pasta (Primi): Cacio e pepe, Ragù della domenica, Pasta amatriciana, Shrimp scampi, Linguine e clams, Pasta alla vodka, Pasta bolognese
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Secondi: Osso Bucco, Lamb Lollipops, Tuscan Salmon, Pollo Marsala, Filet Mignon
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Desserts: Tiramisu, Cannoli, Limoncello
If you’re looking for a proper sit-down Italian dinner in Ormond Beach that goes well beyond pizza, this menu delivers on every level.
The Atmosphere You’ll Want to Linger In
Past regulars describe the vibe as quintessential Italian New York. Warm lighting, Sinatra and Bocelli setting the mood, and a dining room that makes you feel like slowing down is perfectly acceptable. It is one of the more distinct restaurant experiences in Ormond Beach, where the setting genuinely matches the food.
Whether you’re planning a date night or a relaxed family dinner out, the atmosphere makes the whole meal feel like a complete evening rather than just a meal.
Live Music and Daily Specials
Little Italy’s keeps the experience going throughout the week:
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Live music on select evenings
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Rotating daily food and drink specials
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A full bar to pair with whatever you order
Check their Facebook page for current specials and upcoming live music nights before you plan your visit, especially on weekends when the dining room fills up fast.
The People Behind the Plates
Alexis, Mario, Cara, Congo, and Shawna run the front of house, and reviewers on Yelp and Tripadvisor consistently call out the service as a standout. The owner has a habit of stepping out to check on tables personally, which is exactly the kind of detail that separates a family-run Italian restaurant from a chain. You walk in as a new customer and leave feeling like a regular.
Plan Your Visit
Little Italy’s Ristorante
814 S Atlantic Ave, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
(386) 265-4778
Hours:
Mon – Thu: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Reservations are recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The new Ormond Beach location is just getting started, and if the Daytona Beach years are any indication, tables are going to be hard to come by once the word is fully out. Whether you’re a longtime regular making the short drive down or a first-timer ready to see what the buzz is about, now is a great time to walk through the door.
Hungry for more local finds? Explore more businesses right here on Ormond Beach Connect every Wednesday and see what else your community has to offer.
Sources: thelittleitalysristorante.com, Little Italy’s Ristorante Facebook Page, yelp.com, slicelife.com, tripadvisor.com
Header Image Source: Olayinka Babalola on Unsplash
