Best Italian Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

We were seated right on time at our reservation. We were greeted warmly by our server Joanie and she gave us time to look at the menu after telling us about the specials for the evening. The ambience was very nice people dressed up a bit more due to the Christmas holidays. The noise level was low to medium, which allowed for a good conversation. I had the special for the night for the Casio de Pepe and a good glass of quilted Cabernet. I’ve been there before and they’re happy hours are awesome as well. We’ll be back !!!

Based on reviews and having to book more than a week in advance, we accepted an early reservation and are so glad we did. I consider La Violetta to be in the top three restaurants in Sarasota after dining there just this one time. Exceptional dishes for us were the ravioli osso buco and the sardine appetizer. Our server Frederico was exceptional. We'll be back.

The food at Pietro's is always so delicious that we keep returning time after time and year after year. The daily specials offer an interesting variety of options...LOVE all of the pasta dishes! Wine selection is terrific and the staff are always willing to give recommendations . The new location is a bit small, but very cozy. The owners, Pietro and Susan, are wonderful humans. Kudos to all of the staff: EVO, Wendy, Johanna, and Alejandro! A must go to in Sarasota!

First time here. Great food. Good service. It is an Italian restaurant but it isn’t the “same average Italain food” they have interesting and unique dishes. The salad is small. It is a small appetizer. The ravioli dishes come with 5 big raviolis. Generous gnocchi dish. The duck over risotto was a very good size. Cocktail was made nicely. It took while to order. Drink order. Brought the wine. Waitress made the cocktails and delivered them. Then, brought the bread. Then, went away and came back and told us the specials. Then, came back to take out orders. But this is my only compliant, and would not deter me from returning. Did not have dessert. The restaurant is not quiet. It on the louder side. I think it is the layout. Still a great meal and you can hear people at your table.

Looking forward to our next excellent ding experience at Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano. Reservations are simple with Open Table. A warm welcome upon arrival leads to a lovely dining table attended by hospitality professions who provided us with very attentive service while not obtrusive. The food is excellent; cold food is delivered cold and hot food is delivered hot! Numerous fine wines to choose from by the glass or the bottle. Lovely desserts, coffees, and after dinner libations. Thank you all at Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano for a wonderful dining experience last evening,