Every Tuesday, Mama Maria spends the entire day rolling meatballs for a family that can’t seem to stop growing. With so many mouths to feed, that’s “a lotta” polpette. Her son, Tony Wright, and daughter-in-law, Isis, are also on a roll. Now boasting three restaurants, each with its own distinct style, their family-owned and operated Italian Food Company is going gangbusters.
This food-obsessed couple recently opened their flagship Key Largo location at 98070 Overseas Highway.
Despite it being their first foray into the restaurant business, the avid foodies felt right at home. Together with Tony’s Sicilian mother, Maria, an incredible home cook with a repository of authentic recipes, they launched the Italian Food Company.
Their original Key Largo location is anchored by a mammoth wood-burning oven, which, like everything else in the restaurant, is imported from Italy.
This is where Grand “Pizzaiolo,” Simone Calemme, skillfully spins his soft, airy dough into masterful works of art. Fresh from the oven and piping hot, his perfectly rendered Neapolitan pies lineup includes favorites like Margherita with fresh garden basil, Diavola with spicy Calabrian salami, and the four cheese Quattro.
The rest of the menu at this popular Southern Italian cookery is simple and straightforward. The soulful homestyle preparations exceed expectations and feature slow, simmered sauces, Mama Maria’s famous hand-rolled meatballs, traditional meat lasagna, classic parmigiana, and so much more.
Not to be missed: the Boccas – IFC’s own unique twist on a Panini. Crafted with freshly made pizza dough, these addictive handhelds come stuffed with all kinds of deliciousness, ranging from mozzarella and meatballs to eggplant parmesan and sliced Prosciutto di Parma.
Just down the road is the Italian Food Company Express at 92330 Overseas Highway in Tavernier. Opened in 2023, this is THE place to go for the Wright’s extraordinary Roman-style pizza, “swoon-worthy” sandwiches, and lots of grab-and-go delights for folks on the run. There’s also a full menu of signature specialties. Both the Key Largo and Tavernier locations also serve wine and beer.
In Islamorada, Tony and Isis managed to snag 4,000′ of prime Village space at 82779 Overseas Highway. With two spacious levels, this large-scale trattoria has a lively full-service bar, live entertainment, dancing, and unique event space.
But here’s the best part: You’ll still find many of the same award-winning Italian dishes that the IFC is renowned for. Here, authentic wood-fired Roman-style pies share the limelight with a larger, more elevated menu.
In addition to a bevy of risottos, pasta, salads, and, of course, Mama Maria’s famous hand-rolled meatballs, you’ll find sensational meat and seafood items like Grilled Lamb Chops, a 36 oz Porterhouse Steak, freshly Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, several inventive Mahi – Mahi preparations and much more.
FYI: A seat here in season is as prized as catching a record-breaking marlin, so be sure to make reservations.
And now for more Breaking News: Tony and Isis are planning to open a fourth Islamorada eatery. Rumor has it that this “Lido Beach style” waterfront restaurant will have boat access and an extensive menu of fresh focaccia sandwiches, grilled fish, and meat dishes. Watch this space for more deets. Who knows, maybe they’ll even cook up a new kind of fish sandwich — one with an Italian twist, of course!
More info at italianfoodcompany.com.