From Rocker to Restauranteur.

Creating sumptuous food and hitting all the right notes is Heritage restaurant’s head honcho, the multi-talented owner and executive chef, Rino Cerbone.

Chef Cerbone has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for his very cool, innovative restaurant.

Arising from the somewhat sterile urban Fort Lauderdale Arts District in the Flagler Village neighborhood, Heritage stands out as a popular, contemporary Italian establishment known for its creative cocktails, house-made pastas, and artisan pizzas.

Heritage was packed on the eve of Valentine’s Day. On a balmy winter’s night, a hungry crowd milled around outside, anticipating the delectables.

We were seated quickly (reservations are a must) and the party ensued.

Our server, Hernando, was a gem and his recommendations were stellar.

We commenced the pre-Valentine dinner with a truly authentic Aperol Spritz. In fact, the best since my last sojourn to Italy ($16). A wonderful glass of Nero D’avola was also enjoyed ($16).

We kicked things off with the Kale and Finnochio Salad which would not have been my first choice, but Hernando said it was a must. I live on salads and the kale salad was memorable, consisting of baby California kale, fennel, pine nuts, red radish, pickled shallots, sweet garlic breadcrumbs, ricotta salata and the outstanding dressing made with truffle oil, pecorino, Romano, and Parmigiana Reggiano cheese ($20).

The next course was the Funghi Pizza which was amazing. Wild mushrooms abound with mushroom creme, telleggio, provoleta, and fontina cheeses, adorned with fresh basil and truffle oil. The blistered crust was magical ($24).

The house-made Bucatini with White Clams and toasted breadcrumbs was all that. The abundance of clams was outstanding and the pasta perfectly prepared. The sauce was sensational and we scooped up the clams, savoring the gems on their own ($32).

We ended the evening with another surprise selection, The Strawberry Olive Oil Cake. The moist warm cake with toasty edges was unbelievable. The strawberry sauce was a fabulous accent and the vanilla bean semifreddo, mascarpone whip and extra virgin olive oil rendered each mouthful tantalizing ($15).

We toasted the outstanding dinner with two glasses of Limoncello presented to us by the equally outstanding Hernando.

No to be redundant, but another outstanding element was meeting Rino. He is not only talented, but endearing.

Heritage is a must try. If you are in South Florida make the effort. The Michelin recommended restaurant is simple, yet classic and relies on the best ingredients which speak for themselves.

There are a plethora of pastas, pizzas, salads and appetizers to choose with something for everyone.

Heritage is redolent with soulful tradition and a richness imbued in the outstanding repository of classic indulgences.

Heritage 903 NE 5th Ave Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Open Wednesday-Sunday 5-11:00pm. Lunch 11:30am-3pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Reservations on Resy. Street and lot parking.