Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

Outstanding service and food Our favorite restaurant in all of Sarasota

Second visit to this restaurant. Food is very good.with large portions. Ambiance is nice. Somewhat pricey overall.

Our party of four enjoyed our dinner at Paris Bistrot immensely. Three of us ordered onion soup, which was astounding. The entrees were tasty, and the crème brûlée was delicious. It was our second visit, and I expect to return often.

Dinner before ‘Candlelight’ performance at nearby Boniface Episcopal Church. Located in small plaza, we were welcomed with family warmth. Excellent meal perfectly prepared! Fresh calamari, sea bass and homemade pasta. Delicious!!! Will definitely return!

We had heard from many friends that La Violetta was simply the best Italian restaurant in Sarasota. We totally agree! Everything from ambiance, service, quality of food was fabulous. Our server, Alessandro was terrific -- knowledgable, funny and right out of central casting with his great accent! We started with a lovely Prosecco (rec by Alessandro) along with a special of stuffed zucchini flowers that had great flavor, but were a bit disappointing on outer texture. Next, we shared salads as well as some "foccaccia" as an extra (highlighting the cuisine of Rome--- as La Violetta is an homage to Northern Italian cuisine -- no chcken, pasta carbonara, etc.). My wife had the wagyu beef special that was incredibly tender and flavorfull. I had the special osso buco stuffed ravioli that was remarkable in flavor and balance. Our friends had the special sea bream --- perhaps the most tender and flavorful of the night!-- as well as the seafood risotto. We quaffed a bottle of a great super tuscan that Alessandro recommended. For dessert, I got a birthday candle in tiramisu which we all shared--- an end to a truly wonderful, relaxed, quiet evening of fabulous food. We were there from 7:30 to 10:30! And will return!