ByLouise Bolger
sun staff writer

When Mike Capalbo moved from his native Rhode Island to Florida’s sunny shores, after a brief stop over in North Carolina, he did what he does best: opened a restaurant. For 18 years Capalbo’s House of Pizza has been a fixture on Cortez Road and has become somewhat of a legend in Bradenton.

Capalbo says his restaurant is packed in season with the dinner rush in full swing by 4:30 p.m. Year after year, Capalbo’s patrons return expecting the same good consistent food they’ve been accustomed to and are never disappointed. After 30 years in the restaurant business, Capalbo’s motto is “Maintain quality,” something he must be doing based on his repeat business of senior citizens and full-time locals.

The menu at Capalbo’s is crammed with a variety of pasta dishes ranging from ziti, and spaghetti with sausage and meatballs to lasagne and chicken Parmesan. You can also order Italian subs with sausage, meatballs, eggplant and more.

But the real star of the show at Capalbo’s is the all you can eat buffet. The buffet contains homemade soup, salad, dessert and of course a variety of pizza served piping hot right out of the oven. If you don’t see your favorite pizza wait a few minutes, chances are it will be the next one up.

The buffet is open every day for lunch, to 3 p.m. and costs $4.99. For dinner the buffet is $6.29 and is available every day until 9 p.m., except Sunday, when it closes at 8 p.m. If you’re counting your calories, you can still take advantage of the buffet and indulge in Capalbo’s very popular homemade soup and salad for slightly less. There is also beer and wine offered and, of course, soft drinks with one free refill.

If you prefer to eat at home, Capalbo’s has a take-out service for everything on its regular menu, including 10-inch, 12-inch and 15-inch pizzas with all kinds of toppings.

What becomes a legend most? Apparently, it’s good quality food served in a homey atmosphere with a smile and years of experience. Capalbo’s House of Pizza — give it a try.

Capalbo’s House Of Pizza
10519 Cortez Road, Bradenton
792-5300
Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 9 p.m.
Credit cards not accepted