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il Tesoro, Sanibel, FL

il Tesoro

4.6
4.6
303 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary Italian
Il Tesoro Ristorante, our fine dining restaurant in Sanibel Island, Florida, was established by our head chef, A.J. Black. He was born Antonello Jacopo Maximus Cuoco in a small seaside town in Sicily. Inspired by his childhood on the island, where he fished and cooked with his family every day, Black got his start cooking for neighbors and friends. It was an act of love and a chance to work with masters of cuisine. They taught him to transform fresh ingredients from local gardens, mountains, and seas into delicious fare.
After growing up working in his family's restaurant in Rome, Chef Black refined his talents at the Italian Culinary Institute before completing his training at the famous Grand Hotel. At the age of 19, he opened his first restaurant, Cafe Roma, in the Laterno District of Rome, on the Via San Giovanni.
Featuring fresh, local, seafood-based Italian cuisine with a modern twist, we're Sanibel Island, Florida's, best place to enjoy an intimate meal in

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (239) 395-4022
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual

What 303 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

302 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible evening!!!! Guiseppe the owner Is an incredible host and so helpful in food choices and wine!!!! Wonderful evening!

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  2. BarbaraB

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food as always. Maybe even more quality and portions because of conditions. Considerate of spacing (25%). Felt very comfortable.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Il Tesoro! Its a staple on our dinner reservation list when we are on Sanibel. We are repeat customers and the other evening was no exception to our past experiences.....it was a wonderful meal. We ordered antipasta, burrata special and artichokes for appetizers yum! Pasta, Zuppa d’pesce and Chilean Sea Bass special for entrees no one was disappointed. We had an excellent waiter who allowed us to take our time and enjoy each course after we ordered. The atmosphere is very quaint and its a small space (can be a bit loud if later in the evening when the restaurant is full). The kitchen is right at the entrance of the restaurant and you can smell and see all the wonderful meals as they are being created. Everything is made to order and definitely has a homemade taste. They take reservations .....and i would highly recommend making them well in advance during the busy spring break time. A sanibel must!

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  4. DeborahK

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was good but portions were not that big for the price. Small but cozy. Attentive wait staff. We would definitely go again.

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  5. RMS27

    Naples

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food with excellent service in a quaint setting. Our meal was wonderful from start to finish, with every course timed perfectly.

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  6. Mary

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2020

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    30 minute wait even though had reservations. Six people put at a table that would comfortably seat four. Food outstanding.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Muy Rica comida italiana

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was awesome—the short rib special was fabulous! But be warned: this restaurant (like many others on the island) has no liquor license. It’s beer and wine only.

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  9. Gabriele

    Naples

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Mid week reservation ! Crowded, small tight tables , but authentic, like eating in Italian grandmother’s basement! Expect to wait for your table, despite reservation, cuz people just won’t leave ! Maybe they overbook! Do not choose specials, which are doubled in price, vs menu selections ! A piece of sea bass, with pasta, nothing else, not worth $50! $30 not $50 ! Bread nothing special, but it should be for an Italian restaurant ! And don’t cheap out on the olive oil dip! Italian wine selection decent ! Probably overpriced ! I won’t return, but will instead visit Il Cielo on the island! Better value, better food & service !

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  10. WaitOnMe

    Greater Boston

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We generally dislike noisy restaurants, but will forgive a lot for a congenial staff and great food. Everyone thought their dishes--salmon, veal, fettuccini, and angel hair pasta--were fabulous. We're here for a month and will definitely go back. It is small. Crowded. Noisy. But it's a warm and friendly kind of noise and while there was a small wait despite our reservation, the wait staff instantly appeared and there wasn't a long wait for food. If you like delicious food...give it a try.

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  11. Organista65

    Greater Boston

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our favorite place on Sanibel.The owner and his wife and staff do everything possible to make your dining experience excellent. The food is always delicious and wine selection very good.

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  12. 5moons

    Cincinnati

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our first time at il Tesoro. A very quaint little gem on the island. We literally felt like we were back in Italy. Very authentic. Anti pasta appetizer and all dinners were exceptional. Seating is a little tight and it’s beer and wine only. We will definitely go back.

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  13. TedB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was Amazing! Will be back to try other thing on the menu. Small place so make reservations

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  14. Barbi

    Minneapolis

    16 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Compliments to the chef. Our meals were wonderful. Restaurant is quaint. Unfortunately the poor service was a disappointment that overshadowed the evening. For example, I ordered cappuccino at the end of the meal and received a half cup (I could see the other customers received a full cup). Also the dessert we ordered to go never came (but was on the bill). When we asked our server she said it was in the bag. She checked the bag and said it was there. Then she proceeded to go in the kitchen and get the dessert and added to our bag, never apologizing for the oversight. It was towards the end of the night (9:00) and it seemed like they just wanted everyone to finish up so they could go home.

    1 person found this helpful

  15. Heisenberg

    Atlanta Metro

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic find on Sanibel! Our waiter Marco was fabulous and all the dishes were loved by our party. Very small dining area but makes it a nice experience. Can’t find these types of places in Florida much and especially on Sanibel. Nice wine selection as well. Highly recommend the fried artichoke appetizer and the Antipasto is a must. The house specialty Halibut over risotto and the Zuppa di peace were flavorful presented well and made for a terrific dinner. Highly recommend when visiting Sanibel Island.

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  16. LikeFreshFood

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2020

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I wanted to like il Tesoro as we want a new option on Sanibel, but it was too loud for us - just three at a table - and the food was fairly heavy. As an example, I had the veal piccata which was fairly heavily breaded. I also thought the wines by the glass were a little weak for an Italian restaurant.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful experience, definitely recommend

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  18. JayCee

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very enjoyable evening. They were very accommodating when we requested to change our reservation to an hour later despite the fact that they were very busy. The service was outstanding as was the food.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this tiny Italian restaurant which feels as if you are in a tiny town in Italy. Incredible food and service. Love this place.

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  20. KarenM

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Lovely restaurant good food very enjoyable.

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  21. DavidA

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Indescribably delicious Italian specialties impeccably prepared and delivered with casual but attentive service. An intimate setting reminiscent of a Tuscan trattoria. I would recommend it without hesitation!

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  22. Outstanding

    Indiana

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had an absolutely wonderful meal and the service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly and accommodating. The risotto, the scampi, and a lobster ravioli were out of this world great.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service and food was exceptional. Physical space was tight but manageable.

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  24. sdsu98

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The service was spot on and the food tasted great. The only issue was the wait was excessive for a 730 reservation with getting seated well past 8pm. If you wait outside, the mosquitos are out already so be aware or prepared.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2020

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Visit here every year and usually have good experience. This visit, we were seated at two top turned to 3 with one seat directly in front of kitchen door that staff go in and out of. Out three meals came out at three different times with 5-10 minutes in between. Server was unapologetic. Food was good but undermined by discomfort of experience. Recommend that table in front of kitchen door is removed and timing of food delivery worked out.

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  26. Deshore

    Chicago

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food. Small dining room. Attentive wait staff

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  27. Mannophone

    Greater Boston

    28 reviews

    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    A return visit again on vacation. Salads were fantastic. Entrees - bolognese and veal Prosecco were lovely. Service delightful! Recommend il Tesoro along with a reservation at this popular spot.

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  28. DavidN

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this place. We shared the lobster ravioli special and each had a different veal dish. The food was outstanding. Our server was excellent and gave great recommendations. We waited a bit long between courses, but didn’t mind - very European.

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  29. OpenTableregular

    New York Area

    21 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great service, excellent food, excellent wine list.

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  30. ElizabethB

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    A quaint authentic restaurant with a great variety of options at standard pricing.

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  31. zeker1

    Greater Boston

    82 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent cuisine but a bit pricey. Fifty dollars for Bass seems excessive.

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  32. bills

    Minneapolis

    63 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    63 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Felt like were in Italy. Great ambiance. Service excellent. Will be back.

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  33. dine60nyc

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Very small Italian Restaurant run by the talented chef and owner. Quality ingredients used to prepare delicious dishes. Highly recommended!

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  34. MaryW

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best ever!!! Well worth the wait!!! Our favorite in Sanibel!!

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  35. DavidA

    Columbus

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding!! Great experience. Great service. Great food.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Indiana

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a very good Italian. Small place so not many tables but the food was to die for. A little on expensive side but you get what you pay for. Portions are large.

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  37. BeemerGirl

    Pittsburgh

    40 reviews

    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was a lovely ad unexpected dining experience. amazing food in a romantic setting with excellent service.

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  38. KimS

    Austin

    177 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    177 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Valentine’s Day dinner with out of town guests. Everything was spectacular!

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  39. TedB

    Naples

    25 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 1
    We were seated right next to the cafe doors that didn’t stop. No dinning guest should be put through the torture with a swinging door that when opened were too close for comfort. Asked to have half of my dinner to be boxed and asked for more sauce since my lamb was very dry. Request ignored. Very uncomfortable, dark, and musty setting. Valentines dinner was most disappointing.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Toledo

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2020

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Exceptional food and service, never dissapoints.

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FAQs

il Tesoro is rated 4.6 stars by 303 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for il Tesoro

751 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Sanibel
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Delivery, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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