Looking for more than the same Sarasota foods? These local restaurants bring a little bit of Italy to the community! Between their traditional menus and Tuscan décor, you’ll feel truly transported to this romantic island in Europe. Check out one of these amazing Italian restaurants in Sarasota next time you want a full dining experience.

Caragiulos Italian-American Restaurant

Combining Italian and American food, Caragiulos uses fresh ingredients to make dishes that satisfy. With freshly-baked bread, mozzarella made in-house, and biscotti still baked by the owner, you’ll feel like you’re eating a meal with your family. Menu favorites include caprese, meatballs al forno, and crispy lobster arancini.

La Dolce Vita

Featuring frittura di calamari, risotto alla pescaatora, and petto di pollo piccata, La Dolce Vita's menu offers authentic Italian cuisine. The chef and his wife work together to create the authentic Italian atmosphere you’ll find in this Sarasota restaurant.

La Mucca Ballerina 

Specializing in Italian comfort food, La Mucca Ballerina serves meals packed with common Italian flavors. They use the freshest ingredients in Sarasota to offer you the tastiest cuisine possible. The meals are traditional Italian dishes while also being American favorites. Menu items consist of salad, sandwiches, and pizza.

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Pazzo Southside 

This Italian restaurant invites Sarasota families to come together and eat a hearty, well-cooked meal. With foods made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, you’ll feel like you’ve been welcomed home. Some of the dishes offered at Pazzo Southside include fettuccini surf and turf, veal spiendini, and pork saltimbocca.

Marcello’s 

Everything about Marcello’s shows just how much they value their customers. From menus tailored for the people of Sarasota to the warm, inviting environment, dining here is an experience. Using quality local produce, the meals are made in a fresh, healthy way while retaining that same great Italian taste. Though you don’t know the menu before you walk in the door, rest assured that everything will still taste delicious!

The Bodhi Tree Cafe 

Conveniently located in Downtown Sarasota, this restaurant features the best flavors of both the Mediterranean and Italian cultures. The innovative menu includes dishes such as eggplant parmigiana, burrata, and handmade flavored gnocci. Walk into a garden oasis, and walk out with a satisfied appetite. To provide especially healthy and delicious food, most dishes contain organic and locally-grown ingredients.

Cafe Gabbiano 

With a calming and serene atmosphere that fits in perfectly with the ambiance of Siesta Key, this gem of an Italian restaurant is sure to make you forget your troubles. Each meal is made with passion and love by a team of chefs who use their own family recipes. Simply ask for a wine pairing with your meal, and you’ll be served a personally-chosen beverage from the wine cellar.

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Antoine's Restaurant 

The restaurant specializes in bringing a creative Italian menu to Sarasota. With so many seafood options, the menu stays true to locals while still providing that Italian flavor. Everything is created in-house including menu items such as mushroom delight, halibut filet, and duck breast archiduc, but don’t forget to try one of the many ways they prepare their mussels as well.

Let’s face it: Italian food is some of the most filling and tasty. So next time someone asks you where you want to go for dinner, go somewhere you know will satisfy everyone and one of these incredible restaurants that bring a bit of Italy to Sarasota.

Find more restaurants in Sarasota by registering on 941area, your free guide to the Sarasota and Bradenton area.

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