Best Italian Restaurants in Lakewood Ranch

Price: Moderate (42)Price: Expensive (47)Price: Very Expensive (2)

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bar Italia Sarasota restaurant

1. Bar Italia Sarasota

4.4

Awesome(282)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Fruitville, Florida

Booked 74 times today

Serving house-made sauces, the freshest pastas, and Italian specialties in a bar-centric, white tablecloth Italian Bistro inspired by your favorite NYC Italian restaurants. Our combination of old favorites and new flavors await your next visit. We look forward to sharing our love and passion for Italian food with you.The menu pays homage to the essence of the great Italian-American restaurants in New York City. Where delicious, exceptionally well-prepared food is served in settings that are simultaneously elegant, comfortable and unpretentious. Familiar dishes like Classic Chicken Parmesan, Bucatini Bolognese, and Spicy Vodka Rigatoni are elevated to a new level.

A photo of Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch restaurant

2. Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch

4.8

Exceptional(2585)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 32 times today

Nestled in the heart of Sarasota at Lakewood Ranch, Cassariano Italian Eatery stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Born from the culinary passion of Northern Italian natives Luca Cassani and Antonio Pariano, this eatery offers a perfect blend of bistro flair and fine dining. Diners consistently rave about the "well-balanced bolognese" and "delicious Branzino with risotto," highlighting the authentic flavors and innovative dishes. The ambiance is described as casual and relaxed, making it a local favorite. It’s no wonder patrons say, "Always a fantastic experience at the Cass!! Excellent service and delicious food." Cassariano is truly a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary Italian fare.

A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Sarasota - University Town Center restaurant

3. Brio Italian Grille - Sarasota - University Town Center

4.4

Awesome(3319)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 15 times today

Brio University Town Center is a premier Tuscan-inspired Italian restaurant in Sarasota, FL serving authentic, northern Italian cuisine, luxury wines & cocktails-our specialties include premium quality steaks, chops, seafood, made-to-order pasta and flatbreads. If you're looking for the best holiday party venue or restaurant for Thanksgiving, Brio offers easy reservations and catering services to make your event special. Whether dining in or ordering online, Brio University Town Center is the place to eat in Sarasota, FL for great Italian cuisine. Visit us today-reserve your table or order online!

A photo of Scarpino's Classic Italian restaurant

4. Scarpino's Classic Italian

4.6

Exceptional(95)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Bradenton

Booked 9 times today

Scarpino's Classic Italian, nestled in South Bradenton, is a gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine with a unique Italian twist. The restaurant has been lauded for its exceptional food and service, making it a must-visit spot. Patrons rave about the "absolutely delicious supreme pizza" and the "best chicken piccata I have ever had," highlighting the quality and authenticity of their dishes. With a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by live music and a newly remodeled space, Scarpino's offers an unparalleled dining experience. As one reviewer puts it, "the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was fantastic," making it a top choice for both locals and visitors in Bradenton.

A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant

5. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano

4.8

Exceptional(3468)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 27 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 Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota restaurant

6. Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota

4.7

Exceptional(1062)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 15 times today

Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria in Sarasota is celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, a rare find as noted by enthusiastic diners. The restaurant prides itself on delivering a slice of Italy with its wood-fired pizzas, which many claim are the best in Sarasota. One reviewer raves, "Best pizza and atmosphere for a great night out with friends," highlighting the inviting ambiance and high-quality cuisine. Another exclaims, "The pizza is incredible. Real sourdough crust baked in a wood-fired pizza oven." Bavaro’s commitment to authenticity and quality makes every dining experience memorable, with patrons often returning for the "absolutely best Pizza Napolitana," and ending their meals on a high note with homemade tiramisu described as "THE BEST EVER!!!"

A photo of La Violetta Restaurant restaurant

7. La Violetta Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(989)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 13 times today

Intimate and designed to provide a rustic Italian experience. Buonissimo!

A photo of Bruschetta Fine Italian Cuisine restaurant

8. Bruschetta Fine Italian Cuisine

4.9

Exceptional(35)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Gulf Gate Estates

Booked 2 times today

At Bruschetta Fine Italian Cuisine , our history is rooted in family and tradition. Our recipes have been passed down for generations, and we take great pride in using authentic ingredients and techniques to create the flavors of Italy. From our humble beginnings in a small kitchen in Rome to our bustling restaurant today, we've always stayed true to our roots.

A photo of element: steak. seafood. pasta. restaurant

9. element: steak. seafood. pasta.

4.6

Exceptional(1927)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 11 times today

At Element in Sarasota, the seafood cuisine is a true highlight, celebrated for its fresh, local ingredients and expert preparation. Diners consistently rave about the delicate flavors and inventive presentations, with one guest exclaiming, "The oysters were wonderful!" and another praising the "creatively prepared halibut." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with offerings like lobster and crab gnocchi described as "little clouds of heaven." This attention to detail and dedication to sourcing the finest seafood make Element a must-visit for any seafood lover looking for an exceptional dining experience in Sarasota.

10. Sardinia Sarasota

4.8

Exceptional(1476)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 10 times today

At Sardinia Sarasota, the essence of Mediterranean cuisine is not only preserved but celebrated with exceptional authenticity and flair. Chef Carta, with his commitment to the Sardinian tradition, has crafted a menu that speaks volumes about the purity and simplicity of Mediterranean flavors. Diners rave about the "authentic Sardinian paella" and the "homemade pastas" that are a testament to the restaurant's dedication to freshness and quality. The glowing reviews highlight the "perfectly roasted Branzino" and the "unique flavor of bottarga," which are just samples of the culinary delights that await at Sardinia Sarasota. Located in the heart of Sarasota, this gem offers a true Mediterranean dining experience with dishes cooked in an imported wood-burning oven, echoing the authentic Sardinian techniques. Whether it's the daily baked Sardinian bread or the freshly made pasta, every meal here is a celebration of good food and good conversation, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mediterranean cuisine in Sarasota.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in Lakewood Ranch

Discover the rich flavors of Italian cuisine right in the heart of Lakewood Ranch, Tampa / Central Florida West, and Sarasota / Bradenton areas. Our selection of Italian restaurants offers a diverse range of authentic dishes that cater to every palate, from traditional classics like lasagna and rigatoni to innovative culinary creations. Each restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to craft meals that bring a taste of Italy to your table. The dining scene in this location is vibrant and inviting, with establishments that not only prioritize the authenticity of the food but also the overall dining experience, providing cozy interiors and delightful outdoor seating options. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these Italian eateries provide a perfect blend of warm hospitality and exquisite flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Engage with the culinary expertise of chefs who have dedicated years to perfecting their craft, ensuring each dish is a reflection of genuine Italian cooking. Celebrate your special occasions or make any day memorable by exploring the rich, culinary delights our Italian restaurants have to offer.

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