In many vacation areas, Italian restaurants and pizza joints come a dime a dozen. Fat Clemenza’s in Destin, Florida, affectionately called Fat C’s, is definitely one of the treasured exceptions to that rule. It has earned the reputation as one of the best restaurants in Destin, FL. The locals always know the best places to eat, and this is one of them. They were voted “Best Italian Restaurant” in 2008 by Emerald Coast Magazine readers. Fat C’s also received top honors with the highest ratings by Northwest Florida Daily News and The Beachcomber Restaurant Review.

Due to the unassuming location of Fat Clemenza’s, it is often quite a surprise for guests to learn that this restaurant is so fabulous. It’s tucked away in the Holiday Plaza strip mall on Highway 98 close to the Silver Sands Outlet Mall and one mile east of the Bass Pro Shop.

The Pizzas are very popular here and guests who try them are in for a real treat. These authentic Italian pies are compared to the best pizzas of Italy. Fat C’s is said to have the “Best Pizza This Side of Naples.” Those guests who have experienced the truly authentic Italian pizzas in Italy are very impressed. That may have a lot to do with the fact that the chef is from Naples! The staff is extremely nice and the owner often walks through the dining area visiting with the guests.

The dough for the pizza and calzones are made and hand tossed by their pizza maker from Italy. The sauces are also freshly made. Pizzas are fired in a wood burning brick oven at 900 degrees. These thin crust pies are absolutely delicious and leave you wanting more.

Fat Clemenza’s is not just a pizza restaurant, they also have a great menu with authentic Italian dishes. Start with appetizers such as bruschetta, calamari or Mimmo’s Homemade Garlic Rolls. You might also try their delicious soup of the day or the fresh House Salad.

The Fettuccine Alfredo and Lasagna are fabulous. Guests also like to order Ravioli or the Pasta Carbonara with Pancetta. Pick your own sauce from their choices of Alfredo, Marinara, Bolognese or their specialty, Vodka sauce. The wood-fired Calzones are very popular and come in four styles.

And, of course, the very tasty dessert menu includes some Italian favorites. They offer Cannoli, Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, Spumoni and Homemade Cheesecake. They are all so good, it’s really hard to choose.

Even thought the menu at Fat Clemenza’s does not change often, the owners like to spice things up a bit with their daily specials. Regular customers look forward to trying out the new dishes to see what they come up with next. When you walk in the door, you will always find the blackboard, which will list the daily specials along with the soup of the day.

Many people are interested in the name of this restaurant and how it came to be. Fat Clemenza is the nickname of the Pete Clemenza character in the popular movie, The Godfather.

Everyone will feel right at home at Fat C’s. Bring your friends and family to eat at this casual Italian restaurant. You will want to stop by Fat C’s early on during your trip to Destin, FL because you will probably find yourself making time for a second or third meal at this wonderful restaurant.

Fat Clemenza’s
Holiday Plaza
12273 US Highway 98
Destin, FL 32550
(850) 650-5980
http://www.fatclemenzas.com

If you’ve eaten at the Fat Clemenza’s in Destin, Florida be sure to let everyone know what you thought by using the comment form below. To see other great restaurants in Destin, FL check out our list of the best places to eat in Destin, FL.