When you’re planning your next trip to Sarasota, you’re probably going to be excited about checking out the local food scene. After all, there are so many delicious options here that it can be hard to narrow it down! There are all kinds of great spots for fresh seafood, mouthwatering American classics, traditional Mexican food, and more.
But if you really want to experience the best of the culinary scene in Sarasota, you’ve got to go Italian. Curious about the most delicious Italian restaurants Sarasota has to offer? You’re in the right place! Best of all, each of these restaurants is just a quick trip from our Sarasota vacation rentals.
Venezia
Venezia Italian Restaurant has been a local staple for years, basing its success around a series of family recipes that have been passed down through the generations. The atmosphere is romantic and relaxing as well, allowing you to feel like you’ve stepped into Venice, Italy, without ever leaving Florida! Try all kinds of delicious selections like caprese, smoked salmon bruschetta, gnocchi, veal marsala, and more. No matter what you choose, you’re in for a simply delectable meal. Plus, the incredible location in Saint Armands Circle gives you an extra-special place to dine, perfect if you’re celebrating. After dinner take a relaxing Sarasota sunset cruise!
Venezia is located at 373 Saint Armands Circle.
Dolce Italia
It’s hard to find much more authentic Italian cuisine than what you’ll get at Dolce Italia. The owner, Tiziana Dicostanzo, came to Florida from Ischia, Italy, and brought her favorite recipes with her! This quaint and romantic restaurant is ideal for all kinds of occasions, whether you want to celebrate something or just want to treat yourself. On the menu, you’ll find classic Italian favorites like linguine with clams, penne alla Bolognese, lasagna Emiliana, and more. Finish off the evening with cannoli or some mouthwatering tiramisu! And of course, in true Italian fashion, you can also end the night with an espresso.
Dolce Italia is located at 6551 Gateway Avenue.
Café Gabbiano
Head just a short distance away from Sarasota to the shores of Siesta Key to experience Café Gabbiano. This eatery offers an intimate and serene dining experience that you and your sweetheart are sure to love. You can choose to dine in the carefully decorated dining room or outside on the climate-controlled patio. No matter where you choose to eat, you can enjoy selections such as pollo Milanese, spaghetti al pomodoro fresco, lasagna Bolognese, and more. Everything is prepared right as you order it, so you know you’re getting the freshest food available. Pair your meal with a selection from their extensive wine list to create the ultimate meal!
Café Gabbiano is located at 5104 Ocean Boulevard.
Eleni’s Pizza Works
Looking for Italian restaurants in Sarasota, FL, that keep things a little more casual? Eleni’s Pizza Works is one of the best. This eatery has been serving up pizza, pasta, and more since it opened its doors in 2004 and is now one of the area’s most popular restaurants. You can get all kinds of pizza varieties, from the classics like pepperoni and Marguerite to more unique options like the Happy Greek Pizza or Sausage Rustic Pizza. They also offer several types of Stromboli (calzones) and pasta options, as well as wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and so much more!
Eleni’s Pizza Works is located at 6711 15th Street E.
Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar
Another popular restaurant for those who want to leave their Sarasota condo rentals to explore the city is Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar. As they put it, this restaurant offers “a fresh, casual approach to classic Italian elegance.” You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere with some of the friendliest people you could hope to meet on your trip, and of course, the food is simply mouthwatering. Some of their most popular menu options include fettuccine carbonara, handmade ravioli, pollo piccata, and seafood piadina. They also have various selections of wine that you can pair with your dish for the perfect complement.
Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar is located at 1766 Main Street.
La Mucca Ballerina
When it comes to the best Italian restaurants in Sarasota, you want authentic cuisine. That’s exactly what you’ll find at La Mucca Ballerina. The family that owns this restaurant moved to Florida from Parco del Veio, Italy, which is just outside the center of Rome. They now work to serve delicious Italian favorites to the locals here in Sarasota, using only the freshest and tastiest ingredients. Select from menu options such as ragu Bolognese, carbonara, chicken marsala, and more. Finish off on a sweet note with tiramisu, affogato, or cannoli for the ultimate end to your dinner.
La Mucca Ballerina is located at 1668 Main Street.
Mediterraneo
Since 1996, Mediterraneo has been one of the most well-known establishments bringing Northern Italian cuisine to Sarasota. Mediterraneo has received tons of accolades and is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in all of Florida thanks to its inviting atmosphere, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and unique and intriguing menu. Guests enjoy popular menu options such as penne alla bisanzio, linguine al frutti di mare, and capellini primavera, among many others. The team here only uses the freshest local ingredients to prepare each dish, and you can truly taste the difference in every single bite.
Mediterraneo is located at 1970 Main Street.
Caragiulos Italian American
Since its doors first opened in 1989, Caragiulos is one of the most popular places for Sarasota natives and visitors to come and make incredible memories with their loved ones. This family-owned establishment has made a name for itself with its down-to-earth atmosphere and sincere passion for crafting delicious Italian food. On the dinner menu, you can find delectable options like chicken marsala, veal parmigiana, tortelloni, alla vodka, and more. Of course, there are also classic dessert options like the spumoni sundae and Chiara’s Tiramisu to help you end the evening right.
Caragiulos Italian American is located at 69 South Palm Avenue.
La Dolce Vita
Last but certainly not least on our list is La Dolce Vita, operated by husband-and-wife team Mauro and Tina. Both Mauro and Tina are from Italy and have come to Florida to share their favorite recipes and cooking traditions with the locals. The atmosphere here is refined but still casual, inviting guests to come as they are and enjoy a truly memorable meal. Popular menu options at La Dolce Vita include pappardelle alla Bolognese, misto partenopeo, petto di pollo piccata, and more. Be sure to ask your waitstaff for the best drink selection to pair with your main course! If you want to keep the drinks rolling, try Siesta Key Rum on your Sarasota vacation!
La Dulce Vita is located at 2704 Stickney Point Road.
We’ve given you tons of options for great Italian food in Sarasota. Now it’s time to plan your trip so you can try them for yourself! Rent Sarasota is proud to be your top resource for vacation rentals in Sarasota, FL, perfect for families of all sizes. In addition to being near these incredible restaurants, our rentals are full of luxurious features and are just moments from the best things to see and do in the area. Contact us today to learn more!
