‘Watts for Dinner’: Sale e Pepe – Inspired, gourmet Italian dining

Our next dining destination is one of our favorites, Sale e Pepe at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. That’s why I was shocked to learn that our last official visit was August 2021, more than two years ago.

On this chilly evening – yes we still dined on the outdoor patios overlooking the beach – cocktails were in order. We opted for the Sardinian Cosmo ($17). Along with the heaters, these drinks kept us nice and warm.

On the food side, things got off to an appetizing start with the “Fritto Misto” ($23). It’s light and crispy calamari and shrimp dish served with a Calabrian chili aioli dipping sauce. Lots of restaurants serve calamari, but the lightness and freshness of this dish makes it one of the best. I highly recommend it.

For my main entrée, I ordered the Zucca ($28). It’s fresh pasta, raviolis, filled with butternut squash and goat cheese. An amazing flavor. The pasta was a little tough, fortunately that’s exactly the way I like it.

My dining companion opted for the Ippoglosso ($52). It’s a parmigiano and lemon crusted Georges Bank halibut with roasted squash and a parsley sauce. The crust was delicate and delicious. The fillet was thick. A really nice meal.

A word of warning for those of you on a budget, we only had one drink each, one appetizer, to share, one entree each— and mine was on the cheaper side — no dessert and with a 20 percent service charge and taxes, our total was $176. Add the tip for the waiter and we easily topped $200.

I know I could not eat like this every day … or week … or month. 

From the meal to the service and the surroundings, and the sun sets, Sale e Pepe is as close to perfection as you’ll find in paradise. Happy eating! 

More‘Watts for Dinner’: Stan's Idle Hour – Awesome food, drinks and the Mullet Festival

AndHey Marco Island, looking for a place to eat?

AlsoNow You Know: Marco beachfront villa enters market for $10.5M; answers on major project

Prices indicate time of visit and may vary. This newspaper pays for all meals related to dining reviews. We do not solicit or accept free food.

If you go

Sale e Pepe

• 480 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
• 239-393-1600
• sale-e-pepe.com