Travel to Italy via Argentina at El Gaucho Trattoria

By Cheryl Mandell

El Gaucho Trattoria

Restaurateurs Mariano Maldonado and Rocio Navarrete have done it again. The creative husband-and-wife pair behind the award-winning El Gaucho Inca in Fort Myers and Estero, have brought their signature fusion of global cuisines to north Naples at El Gaucho Trattoria. This time, with a distinctly Italian flare.

Stepping into this new Italian hotspot, the Mediterranean influence adorns every corner of the wide-open space. Views of Vatican City, the Colosseum and the Forum in Rome and the canals of Venice in giant photographic backdrops transport guests to each destination right from their seats. Gladiator helms and Italian artifacts sit atop Roman columns throughout the restaurant, giving a museum-like touch to the ambiance.

Chef Maldonado was born and raised in Argentina, where he learned the art of cooking from his family, spending tireless hours in the kitchen preparing bountiful meals for family gatherings. In addition to South American cuisine, Maldonado’s Italian roots on his father’s side exposed him to Mediterranean cuisine.

A large number of Italian immigrants settled in Argentina in the late 19th century, and their heavy influence can still be found in everything from fashion to food to architecture. Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cultural capital, is sometimes referred to as ”little Europe.”

El Gaucho Trattoria, with its love affair for all things Italian, opened its doors in May. To better appreciate this new Italian venture, the history of “El Gaucho” and “La Inca” are worth delving into. Maldonado (the Argentinian “gaucho”) met his future bride, Rocio Navarrete (the Peruvian “Inca”), in Naples, Florida in 2002.

They married and began building their dream of bringing the people of Southwest Florida a unique culinary concept featuring Peruvian, Argentinian and Italian dishes. Their dream was realized in 2011 with the opening of the first location of El Gaucho Inca in Fort Myers, and the second location in Estero in 2021.

Homemade pasta, a nod to the culinary influence of European settlers, is just the beginning. The extensive menu, expertly prepared by Chef Sal Vargas, a longtime friend of Maldonado, features everything from starters, such as garlic knots (warm, soft knotted bread topped with garlicky goodness), to sliced filet mignon Carpaccio di Lomo, to customizable pizzas. 

The incredible array of fresh, handmade pastas are tossed in every sauce and protein pairing imaginable.  Specials like Filet al Gaucho feature eight ounces of Angus filet mignon, center-cut and topped with seafood, spicy chili and roasted potatoes and herbs. Everything is fresh, organic and homemade.

With so many options on the menu, it might seem daunting to choose a favorite, but our insightful and cheerful server Mariana, from Argentina, was quick to choose hers. “I am a meat person, so I like the filet mignon and the surf and turf.”

The wine and spirit selections complement any dish on the menu. El Gaucho Trattoria hosts happy hour Tuesday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., including unique wine tapas, as well as an incredible three-course special for $29.99 that currently runs Tuesdays through Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. 

“We want to transport you to Italy by way of Argentina,” said Navarrate.

So, grab your appetites and visit Italy with a touch of South American style at El Gaucho Trattoria – no passports needed.