AMICI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
Suntree Restaurant Boasts Attitude of Gratitude

Generous, warm, grateful … These are all words that can be used to describe the qualities of a good friend. They’re also words that can be used to describe the atmosphere and staff at Amici’s Italian Restaurant.

“We want every guest to receive a warm and friendly greeting. We will go out of our way to accommodate each guest’s needs and make sure they know we are grateful for their business,” says David Dashi, who owns Amici’s, which, fittingly, translates to “friend” in Italian.

The concept of treating each restaurant patron as a friend is something that Dashi learned from his parents. His father, a native of Italy, and his mother, a native of Croatia, opened up the original Amici’s in New York in 1989. While the family’s New York location is still in business, David and his wife, Valentina, decided to take the concept of Amici’s to the Space Coast in 2007, opening up the second location at the Boardwalk of Suntree Plaza.

When it comes to Italian fare, Amici’s has it all. The extensive menu runs the gamut from traditional Italian dishes, to creative homemade specialties, to gourmet pizzas and fresh pastries.

Amici’s Truffles Sacchetti is a personal favorite, and tends to be a favorite among the staff as well. The dish features pasta stuffed with ricotta and romano cheeses and truffles, prepared with chopped garlic, onions and sundried tomatoes sautéed in butter sauce. The Chicken Amici – a dish that blends a tender sautéed chicken with butter, white wine and prosciutto – is another popular dish.

“Some people come in just for the pizzas,” says Dashi, referring to the gourmet pizzas created with made-from-scratch dough. The palatable pizza pies are available in 10-inch, 16-inch and 18-inch sizes, and range from Eggplant Parmigiana Pizza, made with ricotta, marinara and mozzarella; to Stuffed Garden Pizza filled with mushrooms, spinach, broccoli and peppers.

Last, but certainly not least, tasty temptations are prepared fresh everyday by Amici’s pastry chef who brings over 30 years’ experience to the restaurant’s bakery. A variety of cakes, tarts, cheesecakes, cannolis, pastries and cookies are available. The bakery’s cookies are exceptionally good, and a sample of offerings includes Black & White Cookies, Italian Flag Cookies and Sugar Bowtie Cookies.

Catering and event hosting also are offered, and Dashi estimates that the restaurant has hosted 27 rehearsal dinners since opening up its banquet facilities.

In August, Amici’s hosted a golf tournament at Suntree Country Club, benefiting Brevard PALS Autism Coalition which garnered support from 120 people and raised over $3,000 for the cause. The tournament represents just one way in which Dashi aims to give back to the community that has solidified Amici’s staying power and success.

“We couldn’t have made it without the support of the local community, and for that, we are very grateful,” says Dashi. “We’ve been successful due to the support we’ve received, and we feel very blessed.”