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Sarasota has had a deep love affair with Italy since its founding. John Ringling possessed an enormous collection of Renaissance art, including the well-known replica of Michelangelo's David. It is so recognisable that the City of Sarasota adopted it as its logo. There is also his enormous Venetian-style palace, the Ca d'Zan, located on Sarasota Bay. However, that is only the tip of the iceberg.
Not to mention Lido Key, named after a barrier island in the Venetian lagoon, and the city of Venice itself, there's the Asolo, named for a small town in the Veneto region of Italy from which the interior of the theatre was sourced in the 18th century.
The restaurant culture, which is bursting at the seams with osterie, trattorie, Taverne, and, of course, good ol' red sauce places, reflects the city’s found relationship with Italy. Is Italian food the most popular cuisine in Sarasota? Yes, based on the enormous quantity of eateries. To discover the best, here is the extensive list of Italian eateries in the neighbourhood.
7 Italian Restaurants At Sarasota To Try
1. Andrea's
At his midtown restaurant, Andrea's Chef Andrea Bozzolo presents a delectable blend of well-known and lesser-known Italian dishes. So although the menu features dishes like lasagna, gnocchi, and scallopini with veal, you'll also find baked polenta strengthened with Fontina cheese, cacio e pepe that savours a white truffle emulsion, and tripe prepared in the Piedmont region—home of Bozzolo. Explore the restaurant's seasonal three-course prix fixe menu.
Location: 2085 Siesta Dr #1, Sarasota, FL 34239, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna, gnocchi, and scallopini
Price for 2: $70 approx.
2. Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria
It was owner Dan Bavaro who, with the aid of a century-old yeast from Naples that gives life to this little Tampa Bay chain's dough, introduced Neapolitan-style pizza to Florida. But pies aren't all that Bavaro's does. Simple comfort foods like spaghetti and meatballs and tagliatelle Bolognese are offered on the pasta menu, while a charcuterie board is filled with foreign goodies like mortadella and prosciutto. Experience the live music while sitting outside on the terrace with the best food.
Location: 27 Fletcher Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Mortadella and prosciutto
Price for 2: $70 approx.
Image Credits: Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria
3. Café Amici
At Café Amici, calm early-evening dining gives way to lively late-night partying. It's a nice place for a night out with a fantastic sparkling wine range. However, it doesn't always have to be a party. When it comes to food, Amici takes business very seriously. The main course on the menu is the Apulian meal called braciole and orecchiette, which is pasta topped with beef rollatini, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Location: 1371 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Apulian meal called braciole and orecchiette
Price for 2: $70 approx.
4. Atmosphere
Tucked away in one of the town's best-fed commercial centres is a small pizzeria where the proprietors know every customer by name. Everybody becomes a regular, generally sooner rather than later; therefore, personalised reservation signs are affixed to the few tables at Atmosphere. An imported Italian wood-burning oven is used to cook the pizza, giving it a crunchy, charred crust that is typical of Neapolitan cuisine. Although takeaway is an option, eating in is the best way to savour the pizzas.
Location: 935 N Beneva Rd unit 409, Sarasota, FL 34232, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Neapolitan Pizza And Spaghetti
Price for 2: $70 approx.
Image Credits: Atmosphere
5. Cassariano Italian Eatery
Although there is a second site in Lakewood Ranch, the original Cassariano is the best restaurant on Venice Island. After supper, strolling along the Venice Avenue strip while taking in the towering palm trees overhead is enjoyable. Choose the Panzanella di granchio, a bread salad with avocado and crab, for a lighter entrée. Pappardelle cooked from scratch at Marcello Ristorante Italiano. Make sure to book early, as there has always been a long waiting line.
Location: San Marco Plaza, 8209 Natures Way UNIT 103, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, FL 34202, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Panzanella di granchio, Croutons Lobsters
Price for 2: $70 approx.
6. Marcello Ristorante Italiano
The place has an extensive wine list, which features over 500 vintages and five pages dedicated to Brunello di Montalcino—a Tuscan wine that chef Marcello Aquino fervently believes in—people refer to him as "the king of Brunello." The wines complement everything that Aquino is preparing in the eatery's open kitchen. Every day, a different variety is made, although Aquino excels in fresh seafood. Excellent duck, veal, and steaks are also available.
Location: 4157 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Wine and Cheese Pasta
Price for 2: $70 approx.
7. Café Epicure
When exploring downtown, Café Epicure, which is open for lunch and supper, is a great way to satisfy your appetite. Pick a seat outside to enjoy the cold air, or curl up with an espresso martini at the modern, backlit bar. You are going to be in for a treat regardless of your choice. Carpaccio rucola, thinly sliced raw beef topped with Parmigiano and rocket, is a great way to start a meal. You will also adore the quattro formaggi rigatoni. Even though it's only fancy macaroni and cheese, it always tastes good.
Location: 1298 N Palm Ave A, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Must-Try Dishes: Macaroni and cheese, Carpaccio rucola
Price for 2: $70 approx.
Whether you visit this stunning section of Florida's Gulf of Mexico coastline for business or pleasure, you're likely eager to indulge in the abundance of Sarasota's local waters and sample the chefs' inventive cuisine. Fine dining establishments, classic Italian restaurants, fun local hangouts for delicious fish tacos, and every conceivable kind of cuisine in between can all be found in Sarasota. These places have amazing food and a nice environment. Try them.
