Huntsville, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Floriana Italian Restaurant, known for its authentic northern Italian cuisine, is opening its third location in MidCity Huntsville in 2026. The 8,000-square-foot venue will feature beloved dishes such as scratch-made gnocchi and lasagna, alongside new offerings like a raw bar and wood-fired oven pizzas. The design, inspired by New Orleans’ Warehouse District, includes notable elements like a brick façade and a wraparound balcony, aimed at enhancing the dining experience and further establishing MidCity as a popular dining destination.
Huntsville
Floriana Italian Restaurant, a family-owned establishment, is set to expand with its third location in MidCity Huntsville, scheduled to open in 2026. The new venue will be housed in an 8,000-square-foot, two-story corner space at the NOLA Building, situated at the intersection of MidCity Drive and Stax Street.
Founded in 1979 by Floriana Nestore, Floriana has earned a reputation for its authentic northern Italian cuisine, featuring dishes such as scratch-made gnocchi, ravioli, tortelloni, and its famous lasagna. The restaurant emphasizes a focus on hand-shaped pastas and providing exceptional hospitality. The ownership of Floriana has transitioned to Jamie Branda and her brother Dino Tapper, who is the son of the founder.
The new Huntsville location is expected to feature not only beloved classics from its current menu but also introduce new items, including a raw bar, featured burgers, and wood-fired oven pizzas. Additionally, diners can anticipate a curated wine cellar and a craft cocktail program to enhance the dining experience.
Design and Atmosphere
The building’s design has been conceptualized by the local architecture firm Matheny Goldman, inspired by the New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Notable design elements include a distinctive brick façade and a charming wraparound balcony.
Growing Dining Destination
Max Grelier, co-founder of RCP Companies, noted that Floriana’s addition marks a significant step in bolstering MidCity’s reputation as a prominent dining destination.
Future Announcements
Specific details regarding the exact opening date and special events will be shared as the grand opening approach. For those interested in more information, they can visit Floriana’s official website at florianarestaurant.com.
Conclusion
Floriana Italian Restaurant’s expansion to MidCity Huntsville is highly anticipated, promising a blend of authentic Italian cuisine and hospitable service in a beautifully designed space.
FAQ
1. What is Floriana Italian Restaurant planning to do in 2026?
Floriana is planning to open its third location in MidCity Huntsville in 2026.
2. Where will the new restaurant be located?
The new restaurant will occupy an 8,000-square-foot, two-story corner space at the NOLA Building at the intersection of MidCity Drive and Stax Street.
3. Who founded Floriana Italian Restaurant?
Floriana was founded in 1979 by Floriana Nestore.
4. What dishes is Floriana known for?
The restaurant is well-known for its scratch-made gnocchi, ravioli, tortelloni, and famous lasagna.
5. Who currently owns Floriana?
The ownership has transitioned to Jamie Branda and Dino Tapper, Floriana’s son.
6. What can diners expect at the Huntsville location?
The menu at the Huntsville location will include best-loved dishes along with new offerings such as a raw bar, featured burgers, and wood-fired oven pizzas.
7. What design firm is involved in the new restaurant’s building?
The new restaurant’s building is designed by the local architecture firm Matheny Goldman.
8. What elements are part of the new restaurant’s atmosphere?
The building features a brick façade and a wraparound balcony, inspired by New Orleans’ Warehouse District.
9. How can I learn more about Floriana’s opening?
Details about Floriana’s exact opening date and special events will be announced as the grand opening approaches. Interested parties can visit Floriana’s official website at florianarestaurant.com.
Key Features of Floriana Italian Restaurant
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | MidCity Huntsville, 8,000-square-foot space at the NOLA Building |
| Open Date | 2026 |
| Founder | Floriana Nestore (founded in 1979) |
| Menu Highlights | Scratch-made gnocchi, ravioli, tortelloni, famous lasagna, raw bar, featured burgers, wood-fired oven pizzas |
| Atmosphere | Brick façade, wraparound balcony, inspired by New Orleans’ Warehouse District |
| Hospitality Focus | Exceptional hospitality, making every guest feel at home |
| Wine and Cocktail Program | Curated wine cellar, craft cocktail offerings |
| Design Firm | Matheny Goldman |
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Additional Resources
- WAAYTV: Beloved DC Italian Eatery
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- AL.com: Restaurant Opening in Huntsville
- Google Search: Floriana Italian Restaurant
- Port City Daily: New Restaurant Floriana
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Italian Cuisine
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
