Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Lakewood Ranch

To start with, the food is largely amazing. The lettuce wedge salad is a triumph. The linguini with lobster and truffle cream was magnificent: al dente but not undercooked, and a lobster tail the size of my forearm. So, too, the double cut lamb chops — done Moroccan style, with sumptuously subtle spices and roasted marble potatoes, carrots and Brussels sprouts with cold yogurt, it was sublime to the point of saying it’s the best I’ve had. However: The ribeye, admittedly a fatty cut of meat best cooked medium well to ensure it melts into the sinew, was a little too — easily a third of the cut was blubber. The mac and cheese that comes with it is too rich by half, although the broccolini was perfect tender crisp and charred just right. Overall, 4 and a half stars. The only issue here is ambiance. Dining outside is heaven: Shockingly picturesque view of the bay, gorgeous sunset. The inside is modern and sleek, but it really suffers from being a slave to the the name of the place: It has an actual banyan tree inside which, sure, is striking. But the resulting architecture means super high ceilings and lots more surface areas on which sound will endlessly bounce. Inside it is loud. Very loud to the point where it’s a bit hard to hold conversation if you’re middle aged and certainly impossible for older folks to discern what’s being said. All of which is to say: Go, but try and get an outdoor patio table. Oh, and the prices are beyond reasonable. A meal of this quality and this waterfront location in Venice or Sarasota will set you back 2 or three times as much. Dinner for three was $150 before tip, excluding gratuity and without cocktails or wine. Overall, 4.5 stars owing to the challenging interior acoustics and the botched ribeye steak, & a slow kitchen. But forgive that, & it’s a 6 star gem a mere 19 minutes from the oversubscribed town of Venice. My advice is: Make the trip. You can always go to the Crow’s Nest to be mistreated & taken for granted some other day!

Jose was an exceptional waiter! He made great suggestions and was pleasant and efficient. Food was cooked perfectly!

The food here is always prepared well and flavorful. Our server was excellent and hardworking. He patiently answered our questions and we valued his suggestions. Our steaks were cooked perfectly and the fries were great. We enjoyed the sauce on the steak. We ended our meal with a delicious cheesecake. The ambience is pleasant and welcoming

I took my wife for Valentine’s Day, we had the filet mignon and 2 glasses of red wine. It was an experience we will remember forever, the dining area was beautiful and the ambiance was marvelous. The food and wine was to die for, I can’t recommend this restaurant enough

Dolci Italia never ever disappoints. People rave about other Italian restaurants in the area, but none compare to Dolci Italia. The service, the food, the value, and the atmosphere are all top notch. Most importantly, they have a high standard in both service and their food and they consistently maintain both each and every visit. Matthew and his team are outstanding . The dishes are authentic and and delicious. We have worked our way through the menu and are never disappointed.