The Best Italian Restaurants in Sarasota

The Best Italian Restaurants in Sarasota

Italian cuisine is certainly one of the most popular types of food in the world.  Italian food is built on the foundation of passion and simplicity.  There are no fancy techniques or hard-to-get ingredients.  Italian food is fresh, it is delicious and it is fun.  More importantly, Italian cuisine is the food of family and love.  Everything in Italy moves at a slower pace and this includes leisure meals with family, friends, and romantic partners. 

Here is our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Sarasota.

Napule Ristorante Italiano

7129 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231-5503

https://www.napulesarasota.com/

(941) 556-9639

Napule offers a traditional and full menu, from pizza “al metro” cooked in a wood-burning oven to fresh pasta, bread, and desserts – all homemade daily.  In addition to their incredible pizza and pasta dishes, don’t forget about their homemade sausage creations and their spiced seafood preparations.  The menu is wide-ranging within the southern regions of Italy and the island of Ischia.

Napule also features a full bar with freshly prepared signature cocktails and a large wine cellar.

Mediterraneo

1970 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236-5921

https://www.mediterraneorest.com/

(941) 365-4122

Mediterraneo focuses on classic but modern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on artisanal and contemporary Northern Italian style.  It is known throughout Sarasota for its warm and friendly atmosphere and its genuine Italian hospitality.  It features fresh seafood, pasta dishes and thin crust, wood-fired pizza, along with a dedicated bakery directly above the restaurant.  The restaurant has won numerous accolades, including the acclaimed Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano awarded by the Minister of Agriculture & Commerce in Rome.

Dolce Italia

6551 Gateway Ave Sarasota FL, Sarasota, FL 34231

dolceitaliarestaurant.com

Dolce Italia features authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality, furnished in a warm Italian trattoria with wood beams, stonework, and a cantina.  Tiziana Di Costanzo started Dolce Italia after coming to the United States from Ischia.  She brings traditional Italian recipes as well as her family favorites.  This award-winning restaurant continues to receive accolades and recognition as one of the best Italian restaurants on the west coast of Florida.

La Violetta

4837 Swift Rd Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34231

https://www.laviolettasrq.com/

(941) 927-8716

La Violetta provides a rustic, yet intimate Italian experience, perfect for family celebrations and romantic dinners.  The 50-seat restaurant features handmade dishes from authentic recipes from northern Italy.  Dine on appetizers, pasta, soups, meats and cheese, and whole fresh fish.  There is also an excellent wine list and the owners pride themselves on excellent service.

Speaks Clam Bar

29 N Boulevard of Presidents St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236

speaksclambar.com

(941) 232-7633

Created in the tradition of the clam bars from New York’s Little Italy and the fun-loving spirit of the speakeasy this award-winning Italian restaurant features fresh seafood, Italian specialties, homemade pasta, and craft cocktails all at a very fair price.

Italy maybe thousands of miles away, but these Italian restaurants will bring the wonder and magic of Italy to you.  If you are craving authentic Italian cuisine, Sarasota has some of the best offerings that you will find in any city outside of Italy.

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