One of Orlando’s most noted Italian restaurateurs is expanding the family business in Winter Park with the debut of Antonella’s Pizzeria.
By Jacob Engels
The daughter of Stefano LaCommare of IL Pescatore and Stefano’s Trattoria, has teamed up with her husband, Francesco, and brother, Leonardo, to bring a family-owned pizzeria to the Winter Park community. The second-generation restaurateurs opened the 10-seat traditional New York-style pizzeria to customers on December 1, 2015.
Located at 360 W. Fairbanks Avenue, Antonella’s specializes in Italian delivery and catering.
“A quality, family-owned pizzeria that delivers is what’s missing from Winter Park,” said Antonella Paradiso. “Our family motto has always been about great food and great service; the trust and loyalty that creates is what makes a successful business – and we intend to maintain that reputation.”
Antonella’s menu features a variety of Italian favorites, from antipasto salads and heroes to Stromboli-calzones and tiramisu. Chef Leonardo also offers a wide selection of Italian pasta favorites including a traditional pasta carbonara and the family’s noted chicken/shrimp limone.
Pizza Chef Francesco offers create-your-own pies along with the traditional favorites and specialty pies like the surf n’ turf with shrimp and bacon. A gluten free pizza crust is also available. Antonella and her family have been serving the Central Florida community with delicious Italian eats for more than 20 years.
Her father, Stefano LaCommare, has owned several successful Italian restaurants including the award-winning IL Pescatore in Orlando and Stefano’s Trattoria in Winter Springs. The family has been part of the culinary journey all along, with mother, Marie, and the children running both the front and back of house.
Son-in-law Francesco, who will helm the pizza oven at Antonella’s, and brother Leonardo, who will serve as Antonella’s Chef, have both served in the kitchen alongside Stefano for the last decade. Antonella and Francesco have also owned and operated local eateries including Pizza Paradiso and Goodfella’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria of Debary.
Antonella’s occupies the space formerly owned by Pi-Hole Pizza. A graduate of Winter Park High School, Antonella is especially passionate about returning to her old stomping grounds to ensure Winter Park has access to quick delivery, high quality, Italian favorites.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
