Carrying the legacy of upscale, neighborhood Italian cuisine at La Fontanella

By Cheryl Mandell

For most local southwest Floridians, the homemade quality and warm hospitality of 24-year-old Bonita Springs restaurant La Fontanella is no secret. Opened by Adel Khalil in 2000 and taken over by his cousin Moe Abdelmasih in 2005, the fine-dining Italian eatery was sold to Jamie and Natalie Stalowski in December 2022.

Since then, the new owners of La Fontanella, originally from Pittsburgh, have held on to the same principles of culinary excellence and strong relationships.

2024 was a busy year for the Stalowskis, who also own global dining hotspot Blanc in Fort Myers. They took over ownership of beloved Bonita breakfast spot Poached, right next door to La Fontanella, earlier this year. The restaurateur duo also opened a second location of La Fontanella in Fort Myers.

The menu, which is the same in both places, is filled with salads, small plates like Portobello alla Griglia, grilled portobello topped with roasted red peppers, goat cheese and a balsamic glaze, pasta dishes and ample entrees for lovers of all things surf and turf. They also serve family-style takeout that serves three (likely five, given the portions) and includes bread and butter, salad and a host of entree selections. There are plenty of Italian and domestic wines to pair with each dish on the menu.

The main difference between the two locations is that there is a full bar in Fort Myers, with different happy hour specials than Bonita Springs. Recent interior renovations at the Bonita location give the space a warm yet contemporary feel, with earth tones and dark brown floral and brick accents on the walls.

Native southwest Floridian Sophia Lucas started as a server four years ago, and was promoted to management at La Fontanella. She knows the menu inside and out, and says her favorite item on the menu is the Chilean Sea Bass, followed by the Vitello Forestiera, which is veal scallopini and prosciutto with porcini mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and shallots in a marsala demi glaze.

“Our veals are great here,” said Lucas. “We get a lot of compliments on them.”

Generous specials like the early bird dining — two for $70 — are another reason to stop by. This daily special includes a bottle of Woodbridge cabernet or chardonnay, or a $20 credit toward another selection on the wine list. First course is a choice of two salads, and the entree options consist of nearly the entire menu at La Fontanella. Both locations offer private dining for special occasions, as well as a catering menu that can be tailored to guests’ needs.

Whether you bring friends or family, you’ll be warmly welcomed and served generous portions of authentic Italian dishes that will bring you back again and again.