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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

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6 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
1. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano
4.7
Exceptional(3748)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary 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 Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch restaurant
2. Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch
4.8
Exceptional(2850)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 17 times today
Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch is the epitome of "Contemporary Italian Cuisine," expertly crafted by Northern Italy natives Luca Cassani and Antonio Pariano. Their passion for authentic flavors shines through in every dish, creating a memorable dining experience that "exceeds expectations." Located in Sarasota's Lakewood Ranch, this delightful eatery blends bistro charm with refined elegance. Guests rave about the "exceptional food and attentive service," while the menu offers unique dishes that delight the palate. From the perfectly cooked branzino to the veal stuffed ravioli, each plate is a testament to their culinary artistry. Cassariano is truly a "restaurant gem" worth visiting.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine restaurant
3. La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine
4.8
Exceptional(421)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 2 times today
La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine in Sarasota is a delightful gem that truly captures the essence of Contemporary Italian dining. Helmed by Chef Mauro from Naples and his wife Tina from Sicily, the restaurant offers a harmonious blend of Northern and Southern Italian recipes with a modern twist. Guests rave about the "magnificent" food and the family-like atmosphere, describing meals as "like being at a Sunday dinner with family." From Mauro’s exquisite lasagna to Tina’s homemade desserts, each dish is crafted with love and authenticity. With its welcoming ambiance, it’s no wonder La Dolce Vita is hailed as "the best Italian restaurant in town!"
A photo of Pazzo On Orange restaurant
4. Pazzo On Orange
4.6
Exceptional(78)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 20 times today
At Pazzo on Orange, we blend traditional Italian flavors with a touch of elegance, offering a dining experience that transports you straight to Italy. Our menu features Italian classics like the fresh mozzarella sandwich, Italian beef, and chicken or eggplant parm sandwiches. Pasta lovers will love our gnocchi Bolognese or seafood linguine with lobster tail, shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari in a spicy fra diavolo sauce.Beyond our delicious cuisine, we offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Our patio, complete with a cozy fireplace, is perfect for cooler evenings. We even host beginner’s conversational Italian lessons alongside our extensive wine selection. Whether you're here for a casual lunch, romantic dinner, or special event, Pazzo on Orange delivers an unforgettable taste of Italian hospitality.
A photo of Amore Restaurant restaurant
5. Amore Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(754)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Amore Restaurant in Sarasota is a true gem when it comes to Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an unforgettable dining experience that blends authenticity with innovation. Guests rave about the "delicious food and outstanding service," highlighting their delightful pasta dishes and exquisite Italian specialties. The ambiance, with live piano music from renowned local musicians like Eddie Tobin, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the delectable fare. Diners are especially fond of the "succulent lobster bisque" and "mushroom ravioli," with each dish crafted to perfection. Whether you're a local or visiting, Amore's commitment to quality makes it a must-visit for any Italian food enthusiast.
A photo of Maestrale restaurant
6. Maestrale
4.7
Exceptional(138)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Gulf Gate Estates
Booked 3 times today
Maestrale, located in the charming Gulf Gate Estates, Sarasota, is a delightful Mediterranean gem known for its authentic flavors from the heart of Puglia, South Italy. This family-owned restaurant offers a taste of the Mediterranean with dishes like "la puccia, focaccia, and orecchiette" that transport you straight to the Italian peninsula. The atmosphere is inviting, perfect for family gatherings or romantic evenings. Rave reviews highlight the "delicious food" and "superb service," with guests returning time and again for the "fantastico calamari" and "lobster ravioli." Maestrale's exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, paired with a fine selection of wines, ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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