Eighteen Seminole Street Italian Bistro Review – Stuart, FL
Eighteen Seminole Street Italian Bistro Review – Stuart, FL – I’ve walked past this little spot countless times, always drawn in by its cozy, welcoming feel. There was something about it that made me want to step inside, and once I finally did, it completely lived up to that first impression.
Location & Atmosphere
Tucked behind the Colorado Inn in Downtown Stuart, Eighteen Seminole Street Italian Bistro sits inside a charming historic cottage that feels more like stepping into someone’s home than a traditional restaurant. Once inside, the warmth continues with an intimate, relaxed ambiance and friendly service that makes you feel like a regular right away. We even found ourselves chatting with the staff, which only added to the inviting atmosphere.
Bread & Appetizer
Dinner began with a loaf of Baked Bread served with basil, olive oil, and oregano. The bread was perfectly toasted with a satisfying crunch, and the herb-infused olive oil packed a bold, flavorful punch. As someone who loves carbs, it was the perfect way to start the evening. One of the first appetizers we tried was the Eggplant Tower, which stood out both visually and in flavor. Layers of tender eggplant, fresh tomato, and a generous portion of mozzarella were finished with balsamic. The tomato was ripe and supple, and the eggplant added a delicate, savory layer that brought the whole dish together beautifully.
House Salad
For something lighter, the House Salad delivered a fresh balance of greens topped with blue cheese. Normally not a fan of blue cheese, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it complemented the salad and the house dressing, which happens to be one of the chef’s secret recipes.
Veal Marsala
For entrées, we started with the Veal Marsala. The veal was perfectly tender and topped with fresh mushrooms in a rich marsala wine sauce, served alongside pasta. Adding a touch of Parmesan enhanced both the flavor and texture, making it a satisfying and classic Italian dish.
Lasagna
But the real standout of the evening was the Lasagna. Made fresh in-house every day, it tasted like something straight out of Nonna’s kitchen. The marinara sauce—another one of Chef’s secret recipes—had a depth of flavor that paired beautifully with the layers of pasta and melted cheese. With a glass of wine on the side, it’s the kind of comforting dish that keeps you coming back.
Affogato
The dessert menu changes daily, and on this visit, we ordered an Affogato. It was my first time trying one, and I was instantly hooked. The combination of hot espresso poured over cold ice cream created a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors. Even as someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward ice cream, it was a perfect ending to the meal.
Why Eighteen Seminole Street Is Worth A Visit
Chef Skip, who is also the owner, opened Eighteen Seminole Street more than 14 years ago, bringing his vision to life inside this historic 1923 building. The result is a restaurant that feels personal, welcoming, and rooted in tradition. Between the cozy cottage setting, friendly service, and comforting Italian dishes made with care, it remains one of Downtown Stuart’s most charming hidden gems.
Know Before You Go
Cuisine: Homemade Italian cuisine with classic, comforting dishes made from scratch, including house-made sauces and traditional recipes that lean into rich, familiar flavors.
Best For: Date nights, special occasions, and relaxed evenings downtown where you can take your time, enjoy a glass of wine, and settle in for a leisurely meal.
Atmosphere: Intimate and romantic with a cozy, cottage-style setting that feels warm, personal, and inviting from the moment you walk in.
Address: 18 SE Seminole Street, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 266-8061
Website: https://www.facebook.com/EighteenSSI
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