Valentino's Cucina Italiana

The already upscale Valentino's Cucina Italiana has received an upgrade. The restaurant moved from a small storefront in one of the many shopping centers that line Fort Lauderdale's South Federal Highway to shiny new space a few blocks north. The food, as innovative and trendy as ever -- venison tartare, grilled sardines, ham and egg pasta -- is now served up in an elegant, yet comforting space. Crisp white walls, nice bright lights, and soft yellow and blue upholstery are now juxtaposed against a weathered oak bar and an enormous stainless steel kitchen. Did we mention the restaurant now has a bar? Aside from the creative, made-from-scratch fare, Valentino's now serves up innovative made from scratch cocktails -- including made-in-house bitters. Owner Givoanni Rocchio prides himself on taking new twists on old favorites. And quite frankly, between the food and the cocktails, he has definitely succeeded.