Nesa’s, located at 920 Seawall Blvd in the former Jack in the Box building, officially opened its doors on Friday. The family-run Italian eatery is still waiting on its outdoor signage, but that hasn’t stopped the owner from stepping out to warmly greet customers as they arrive.

The menu features all the classic Italian favorites, with counter-ordering and table delivery. I sampled the manicotti and was impressed—flavorful, generously portioned, and fairly priced for the beachfront location.

Currently, Nesa’s offers only bottled and fountain sodas, but the family plans to apply for a beer and wine license in the near future.

The restaurant accommodates both dine-in and take-out orders, with indoor seating for 60 and additional patio seating that boasts stunning ocean views. While the drive-thru window is not yet used for traditional service, it is currently available for pickup of call-in orders. Delivery options through Grubhub and DoorDash are also in the works.

One thing that sets Nesa’s apart is its unexpected ambiance: rather than traditional Italian music, country tunes fill the air, and TVs line the walls—giving the space a laid-back, Texas-style twist on the classic Italian dining experience.

Photo credit: KGTX 7/Whisper Williams