Mark on the Shore

Mark’s Score 9.1

Bizzotto’s is one of my favorite restaurants, unfortunately the last couple of times I have been in Onancock it was closed. But I was recently back in Onancock, and this time, to my delight, Bizzotto’s was open. 

This restaurant has one of the most unique back stories of any restaurant on the peninsula. It was opened by Miguel Bizzotto who was an Argentine artist and Italian-influenced restauranteur. He opened Bizzotto’s as a hybrid art gallery (displaying his works) and restaurant. Bizzotto has since passed away but his legacy lives on in that Bizzotto’s is still an art gallery/restaurant offering Mediterranean-leaning cuisine reflecting Bizzotto’s original philosophy and vision. Bizzotto’s is a blend of art, culture and cuisine offering a refined and intimate dining experience. 

I had planned to visit the Historic Onancock School Museum and to walk the Onancock Nature Path along the river, then lunch at Bizzotto’s. Unfortunately, there was a fire at the museum and it does not plan reopen until the end of the summer 2026. So, I walked the trail and then headed over to Bizzotto’s for an early lunch. 

It is still early in the season and it was early in the day, so when I arrived, I was the only customer. It was so early, the bartender was still wiping down the bar, but she graciously stopped her prep work to seat me. She then proceeded to tell me their exceedingly long list of specials for the day. Honestly, she was less than half way through when I just zoned out. It was a cold cloudy day, so I ordered the French Onion Soup followed by their grilled chicken crushed olive sandwich with a warm pasta side salad. 

I have to say that I found the onion soup a bit too oily, it wasn’t bad, but it could have done with less olive oil. The chicken sandwich and pasta side were spectacular. In fact, the grilled chicken with crushed olives was one of the best chicken sandwiches I have had in a very long time. As for the warm pasta salad, it was heaven. It was just penne seared in olive oil, with caramelized onions, and red peppers, but it was a mouth bomb of flavor. I could have happily made a meal of that dish alone. 

For me, dining out is more than just food. It is the whole package that makes for an occasion. Food is most important of course, but I also take into account the atmosphere, service, menu selection (smaller is better, as long as the cuisine is innovative), and presentation. If the chef doesn’t care enough about how the food to present it in style, then why should I care about the food? 

In short, this restaurant has it all, the atmosphere is beautiful, the dishes innovative and presented with style, and the food was delicious. I even liked the music. That is why I rate this restaurant 20^th out of the 125 restaurants I have visited  to-date.  

What else is there to do in Onancock?