La Norma is delivering pieces of Italy to Longboat Key: ingredients, staff and the Italian sensibility have been transported from the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico. Proprietors Gianfranco and Alessandra Santagati come from Sicily, and they have extensive backgrounds in the restaurant business.

With their two eateries, they serve two clienteles on the barrier islands — Isola Bella on Anna Maria Island near Holmes Beach, and La Norma in the Centre Shops of Longboat Key. La Norma is open 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It's closed Sundays.