Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

Had a really wonderful dinner tonight at Tzeva Restaurant Tzeva Sarasota in the Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection downtown. The food is a blend of Mediterranean delights, everything was done perfectly from the starters of Hummous and Toasted Feta Cheese with Thyme Honey, Dukkha, and Castelvetrano Olives plus accompanying warm Pita Bread to delicious Falafel with Smoked Tomato Chutney, wonderful Grouper Shaslik Kebabs with Fennel Orange Salad was perfectly cooked and while spicy, it was excellent—the waitress correctly gave me a heads up before taking the order and perhaps my favorite among favorites were the succulent Wagyu Short Ribs with amazing Golden Saffron Mashed Potatoes and Apricot Chutney which had my mouth watering—and dessert, which I usually skip was worth saving room for! Black Sesame Crème Brûlée. Yum! Service was spot on, nice ambience, a well-appointed wine list, interesting cocktails, some happy hour specials and a belly dancer added to the authenticity and fun! The room is contemporary and comfortable, the high ceilings, shiny wooden floors, large live plants and floor to ceiling windows helped create a welcoming ambience. Chef Ken Shiro and Tzeva are a great addition to Sarasota, this is way more than a typical “hotel restaurant.” Service was warm, friendly, professional, and efficient, Mary the Manager made sure to stop at least once at every table to ensure everything was to our liking and make folks feel welcome. It’s little touches like being acknowledged and checked in on during the course of the meal, having your water glass refilled without asking, and my waitress, Bucru even brought a brighter table lamp over without my asking, as she saw I was photographing my food (which I always do) and thought it would be helpful. Little things like staff that go the extra mile separate a good meal from a great meal.

On-street parking was ample nearby. Menu had MANY options. Food was great. Service (Carlos) was courteous and very prompt. Carlos was knowledgable about the menu. Prices were very reasonable. Noise level was acceptable even for this 81 year old with bad hearing. Nothing not to like and a VERY pleasant evening! Will keep coming back.

The food and service was exceptional. Can’t wait go back. Our favorite Italian restaurant in Sarasota or Bradenton

Came for my 21st birthday. Great atmosphere and view. Great upscale date restaurant. Great service. Great food

Once again, we had one of the best meals in Sarasota. The service and food quality is always consistent. We’ve been going for years and there’s never been an “off” meal. We ordered the chicken skewer and pork chop (moist of course). We were still talking about it when we got up this morning. If you’re in the Sarasota area, don’t miss this one!!