Little Sicily, a Fort Myers-based pizza restaurant, has been named the best in Lee County for 2025 following its victory in The News-Press’ 2025 Bracket Challenge. The establishment, which opened in August 2023, triumphed in a competitive field, ultimately defeating Pezzo in the final round.
Co-owner Joey Basile, who was understandably surprised by the win, shared his excitement. “Oh wow, I’m in shock,” Basile said after hearing the news.
The victory marks a significant achievement for Basile, who comes from a long line of pizza makers. His father, Marco Basile, and his five brothers founded the iconic Nino’s restaurant in Fort Myers in the late 1970s. Marco’s brother, Sal Basile, is a prominent local restaurateur known for establishing several beloved eateries, including Taste of New York and Bella Rosa, as well as co-hosting the Cooking Channel’s Pizza Masters. Sal’s son, Alex, is now his partner in the popular The Saucy Meatball.
Joey Basile’s own journey into the pizza business began at a young age, as he learned the craft from his father, who worked as a pizza maker. Basile fondly recalls his early exposure to the kitchen, “My father’s had restaurants my whole life. I would watch him in the kitchen all the time. He was the pizza guy.”
At just 15 years old, Basile joined his father on the pizza line, gradually building his skills in the family business. After studying architecture at a local community college, he returned to the restaurant industry when his father became ill, taking over Paese Mio in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Basile continued to work alongside his family in various restaurants, eventually moving to Florida in 2020.
Little Sicily, which Basile opened with his uncle Pierre Carvello, quickly gained recognition after its debut in 2023. The restaurant was seeded No. 4 in the Bracket Challenge and made its way to the final by overcoming 3 City Pizzeria, San Matteo, and top-seed Uncle Rico’s in earlier rounds.
Despite his family’s deep-rooted presence in the local dining scene, Basile expressed his shock at the recognition. “I never imagined we’d win the whole thing,” he admitted, but added that his family’s decades of experience played a crucial role in their success.
For Joey Basile, this victory is just another chapter in a rich family history of pizza-making excellence, and it’s clear that Little Sicily is poised to remain a staple in Fort Myers’ vibrant culinary community.
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