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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Sarasota

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3669)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 65 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 Amore Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(738)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 6 times today
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 Pazzo On Orange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(11)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 39 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 La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(385)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 18 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 Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2766)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 30 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 Maestrale restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(131)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Gulf Gate Estates
Booked 5 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JamesVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •115 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Pazzos is one of our favorite places! Always good food & service! Great ambiance inside & out!
    More info
    Pazzo On OrangePrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    4.7
  • Gianni
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    First things first, our server / bartender Miko was the absolute best! The menu was diverse, offering something for everyone, and each dish was a masterpiece. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was stunning—clearly crafted with care and expertise. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience!
    More info
    AshPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Tampa
    4.5
  • TomVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amore's Italian-and-Portuguese menu is consistently excellently preparedm and our service was wonderful. Amore is nearly unique in its commitment to dinnertime live music; our keyboard vocalist was both terrific background and great fun. I happily recommend Amore among Sarasota's many excellent restaurants.
    More info
    Amore RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    4.6
  • Mike
    Southwest Florida •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Food was good and service was excellent. We will come again.
    More info
    La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian CuisinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
    4.9
  • JaneVIP
    California Central Coast •107 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 3 Mar 2025
    The menu here is so vast and creative. My table was near the kitchen door so I saw all of the scrumptious beautiful dishes coming out of the kitchen. The walnut ravioli with gorgonzola/ pears is so good.. the sauce is light. Squid appetizer the best… so fresh… service was a little slow for a not crowded night but nice…always great food here
    More info
    Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood RanchPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    4.8

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Sarasota

Discover the vibrant and sophisticated scene of contemporary Italian cuisine in Tampa / Central Florida West, Sarasota / Bradenton, Sarasota. This area is celebrated for its culinary diversity, with a focus on modern Italian dishes that combine traditional flavors with innovative twists. Each restaurant in this locale promises a unique dining experience where authenticity meets creativity, offering a range of dishes from expertly crafted homemade pastas to exquisite seafood delicacies enhanced with local ingredients. Patrons can expect not only a feast for their taste buds but also an ambiance that complements the high standard of the meals served, from casual chic to elegantly formal settings. Many establishments also cater to dietary preferences, ensuring a welcoming experience for all. The dining scene here is a testament to the area's commitment to excellence and innovation in the culinary arts, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the best in contemporary Italian cuisine. Whether you're a local foodie or a visiting gourmand, the restaurants in this region offer an impressive blend of taste, service, and atmosphere.

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