“Picture this: an upscale sports lounge with amazing food, impeccable service and affordable prices— is it possible? At Tutto, everything is possible.”
— Tutto’s Web site.
Owners Giovanni Safina, his three sons Sal, David and Joe, and Donato Salvo truly strive to provide everything for their customers in Tutto, the two-story restaurant and bar that is tucked away at 1033 Old World 3rd St. Booths with personal LCD television screens and candlelit tables are tastefully scattered admist the deep chocolate décor. Catch the sports games on the TVs during the day and a variety of music videos at night. Large photographs of sports figures positioned along the cream brick wall create the perfect mix for a trendy yet casual atmosphere.
The Safina’s are a large part of the Milwaukee businesses family. Giovanni, who is originally from Sicily, created Giovanni’s restaurant in 1977. Sal co-owns with Salvo one of Milwaukee’s night clubs, Texture (606 S. 5th St.). Joe co-owns Centanni Piano Bar (218 N. Water St.) with Giovanni and a business partner.
General Manager Joe Balistrieri masterfully concocts specialty martinis ($9) from behind the bar. A favorite is the Canoli Martini, which is a delicious, creamy dessert drink complete with chocolate swirls, chocolate chips and a miniature canoli on top. Balistrieri would not revel his secret recipe for this treat. The Toasted Marshmellow Martini tastes like a s’more with a graham cracker rimmed glass.
Others to try: Mojito Martini (mint infused Bacardi Lemon chilled with lime juice), Tuttotini (passion fruit infused rum and fine orange liquor), Pomegranate Martini (pomegranate vodka, pomegranate liquor and “a dash of something special”)
In addition to their creative martini list, Tutto boasts an extensive wine and beer list. In fashion with their Italian heritage, Peroni ($4.50) is an imported option. Wines are sectioned into helpful categories: aromic white, voluptious and rich white, light and fruity reds, jammy and spicy reds, full and bold reds and bubbles.
Try an espresso ($3) or cappucino ($4) if you’re driving. If not, Giovanni’s Cappuccino ($9) has espresso, vodka, kahlua, cappuccino liquor, creamy topping and three espresso beans for “buono fortuna” (good fortune).
The bar is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays have half priced bottles of wine and “Two Buck Tuesdays” host $2 domestic beers. My favorite specials come at the end of the week. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays offer $5 Specialty Martinis, although on Fridays it’s just for the ladies.
The personal and friendly staff helps to make Tutto the perfect place to celebrate “la dolce vida.”
Call for private parties 414.291.5600 or visit www.tuttomilwaukee.com.
