Chef Giuseppe Del Sole, 48, has established himself as a Sarasota County Italian restaurant titan, especially when it comes to hearty pasta and our favorite pizzas. He opened Venice’s Made in Italy in 2012, sold it in 2016; opened Sarasota’s Napulé in 2016, sold his share in 2023; and now calls Osteria 500 in Waterside Place his professional home. Del Sole co-owns the restaurant with Carmine Ussano, whom he calls his very best friend, and Ussano handles the dining room while Del Sole perfects dishes in the kitchen.

Del Sole grew up in Ischia, a small island off the coast of Naples, Italy. His mother has been his constant inspiration throughout his career in hospitality. “My mother is 87 and still cooking,” he says. “She gave me a gift, this love for food, all from helping her in the kitchen when I was a young boy.”

He also credits his wife, Giovanna, for much of his success. She loves to cook, too, and Del Sole says they often fight over who has control of the kitchen at home. “When I’m forming new dishes for the restaurant at home, she’s very honest,” he says with a laugh. “She’ll tell me if something’s no good right away and that I can do better.”

When it comes to leading his kitchen team, Del Sole says the most important way to inspire is by exuding happiness. “Keeping a smile on your face when the restaurant is busy is the best way to show the staff that they can trust me and that everything is going to go great, even if it might not feel like it in the moment,” he says. “There’s a time to play in the kitchen and a time to be serious, but no matter what, I’m doing it with a smile.”

Osteria 500 | 1580 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota, (941) 866-8962