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Best Authentic Restaurants in Sarasota

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine restaurant
1. La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine
4.9
Exceptional(349)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 7 times today
We welcome our guests to an authentic Italian restaurant: here we offer traditional cuisine, with a modern take on northern and southern Italian recipes. Mauro, the chef, and his wife Tina, have an huge amount of experience behind them.Mauro is from Naples, Tina was born in a little sicilian town near by Enna.He began to learn everything about the southern cuisine by his experience in Naples since he was a child, from “Polipetti alla Luciana” to “Paccheri ai frutti di mare”. Furthermore he moved in Milan and he had the chance to learn the northern cuisine, from “Risotto ai funghi porcini” to “Polenta grigliata”, one of his favourite specialties!From an ancient sicilian tradition, Tina learnt everything about the desserts by her grandmother and her mother, from “Millefoglie” to “Cannoli cake”.We hope you enjoyed reading about us. but it would be great if you would have the chance to taste our fantastic dishes! It will be an amazing experience with no
A photo of CUBA 1958 - Sarasota restaurant
2. CUBA 1958 - Sarasota
4.6
Exceptional(83)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Sarasota
Booked 12 times today
Infused with the legacy of a prestigious Cuban restaurant in New Jersey, a part of this family's culinary lineage, the new Cuban restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, promises to be a beacon of excellence and authenticity. Building on the reputation and expertise garnered from their successful establishment up north, this new venture aims to elevate the dining experience in Sarasota by offering a refined yet soulful menu that reflects the family's dedication to quality and tradition. From classic dishes that have graced the tables of their renowned Jersey restaurant to innovative creations that push the boundaries of Cuban cuisine, every bite tells a story of passion, expertise, and a commitment to culinary excellence that spans generations. This new restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a destination where food becomes art and tradition meets innovation in a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Cuba.
A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
3. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(3531)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 29 times today
With its modern but classic Italian cuisine and emphasis on artisanal and contemporary Northern Italian style, Mediterraneo is often credited with being the first restaurant to bring authentic contemporary Italian cuisine to Sarasota when it first opened in 1996. Still under the same ownership, Mediterraneo has consistently been rated one of the top restaurants in Zagat. The restaurant has received numerous accolades including the acclaimed Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano awarded by The Minister of Agriculture & Commerce in Rome. With its highest honor, inducting the restaurant into its Accademia Italiana della Cucina "Fine Dining Hall of Fame." Mediterraneo has been rated as Best of the Best in Sarasota Magazine since the first year of opening. So whether you're celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a quick bite to eat, at Mediterraneo you are always assured the best quality food accompanied by excellent service. All of it thoroughly Italian.
A photo of 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen restaurant
4. 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(1378)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Sarasota
Booked 28 times today
The modus operandi at 1592 is fire. The key feature – everything is cooked on wood fired grill. The menu is handcrafted and well executed. 1592 is a great spot to indulge in comforting and flavourful cuisine from around the world.
A photo of Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota restaurant
5. Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota
4.8
Exceptional(1085)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 26 times today
For parties of 13 or more please call the restaurant.*Weather may interfere with your reservation, we will do our best to accommodate you.*Out of passion, tradition, hard work and integrity, Bavaro’s opened its doors in March 2009 as the first traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria in the state of Florida. Determined to share their family recipes with the world, Dan Bavaro, his wife Anna-Maria, and their five beautiful children packed their U-Haul, left their friends and family, drove from New Jersey to Tampa, and set out to provide for others the same love, energy, and authenticity that they experience around their own dinner table.
A photo of Cafe Amici restaurant
6. Cafe Amici
4.8
Exceptional(983)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 11 times today
Cafe Amici is a traditional Italian cuisine in Sarasota Fl, since 1996 we offer extensive menu you will enjoy dish from Puglia, Veneto, Tuscany and the Mediterranean shores. There is an eight seat bar with 20 wines by the glass, 300 bottle of wines from all over the world, wine vintage from 1964 thru 2022.
A photo of La Violetta Restaurant restaurant
7. La Violetta Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1038)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 23 times today
La Violetta is an authentic Italian restaurant, as noted in multiple reviews. Reviewers frequently mention the 'authentic' and 'genuine' Italian cuisine, and some even mentioned the chef being from Northern Italy. The restaurant's ambiance and service also received high praise, adding to the authentic Italian experience.
A photo of Marcel DW restaurant
8. Marcel DW
4.8
Exceptional(89)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary French / American • Sarasota
Booked 9 times today
Marcel is Sarasota's newest and most popular dinner spot. It is an elevated European Bistro that specializes in unique dishes with a French influence. Our menu and portions are designed for guests to try a variety of items, and sharing is encouraged. Our standout dish is the snapper ceviche made with mango and passion fruit, and our most popular dish is the short ribs, which you must try!
A photo of Drunken Poet Cafe Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar restaurant
9. Drunken Poet Cafe Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar
4.5
Awesome(613)
Price: Moderate
• Thai • Sarasota
Booked 11 times today
Drunken Poet Cafe Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar in Sarasota, FL is authentic Thai and sushi cuisine. Customers rave about the 'excellent food and service' with special mentions of the 'fresh ingredients', 'cool vibe' and 'good ambiance'. The menu is also praised for its 'eclectic' options, including the famous 'Sexy Man Roll'.
A photo of Casantica Ristorante restaurant
10. Casantica Ristorante
4.4
Awesome(1013)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 3 times today
CasAntica Ristorante is a true authentic Italian dining experience. The host, Roberto, comes from Rome, Italy, bringing the best Italian dishes to Sarasota. As per the reviews, the food is 'authentic and delectable', with a 'true Italian feel'. The food is prepared 'upon request with tender loving care', and the pasta is 'homemade'. The ambience is 'like stepping into an elegant Italian Villa' and the service is consistently praised, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JudyVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •15 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We’re always happy and well fed when we eat at 1592
    More info
    1592 Wood Fired KitchenPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Sarasota
    •
    4.7
  • David
    Tampa / Central Florida West •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food and so many options! I can’t wait to go back and sample some more menu items!
    More info
    CUBA 1958 - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Sarasota
    •
    4.6
  • SallyVIP
    Southwest Florida •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Another fabulous Friday pizza night at Bavaro's. The wood fired oysters appetizer was so delicious and the pizza margherita is always perfect! Enjoyed an espresso martini in honor of our forever server, Steven's, birthday. It was so delicious. If you are searching for the best Pizza Napolitana, look no further than Bavaro's. It's there waiting for you.
    More info
    Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • Margaret
    Tampa / Central Florida West •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    As always, La Dolce Vita serves fresh, authentic and delicious Italian food. From the moment you walk through the door until the time you leave you will not be disappointed. Tina‘s limoncello is the best we have ever had.
    More info
    La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian CuisinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
    •
    4.9
  • Steve
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    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,
    More info
    Mediterraneo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
    •
    4.8

Discover best authentic restaurants in Sarasota

Discover the essence of authentic dining in the vibrant regions of Tampa, Central Florida West, Sarasota, and Bradenton. This area is celebrated for its rich culinary diversity and commitment to genuine flavors, making it a prime destination for food enthusiasts seeking a true and traditional dining experience. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering not just meals but a real taste of their cultural heritage, whether it’s the robust flavors of Italian cuisine or the sophisticated subtleties of Thai dishes. Patrons consistently praise the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, which is a testament to the restaurants' dedication to quality and authenticity. The dining scene here is characterized by a warm and inviting atmosphere, where every meal is served with a touch of local charm and exquisite care. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these dining spots offer an authentic glimpse into the culinary delights of Sarasota and its neighboring regions, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

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