Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine restaurant

1. La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine

4.9

Exceptional(346)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 4 times today

We welcome our guests to an authentic Italian restaurant: here we offer traditional cuisine, with a modern take on northern and southern Italian recipes. Mauro, the chef, and his wife Tina, have an huge amount of experience behind them.Mauro is from Naples, Tina was born in a little sicilian town near by Enna.He began to learn everything about the southern cuisine by his experience in Naples since he was a child, from “Polipetti alla Luciana” to “Paccheri ai frutti di mare”. Furthermore he moved in Milan and he had the chance to learn the northern cuisine, from “Risotto ai funghi porcini” to “Polenta grigliata”, one of his favourite specialties!From an ancient sicilian tradition, Tina learnt everything about the desserts by her grandmother and her mother, from “Millefoglie” to “Cannoli cake”.We hope you enjoyed reading about us. but it would be great if you would have the chance to taste our fantastic dishes! It will be an amazing experience with no

A photo of Pietro's Italian Restaurant restaurant

2. Pietro's Italian Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(639)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 12 times today

Italian Restaurant& wine bar in Sarasota. Where you are a stranger only once.His philosophy served him well with his previous Sarasota businesses. Café Gabbiano located on Siesta Key was originated by the Migliaccio family in 2003 where is four sons grew in and out of the restaurant business.A second venture in downtown Sarasota was opened and designed by Pietro in 2012 named Casantica, a small old house converted to a quaint homey restaurant. Both restaurants are now under new ownership.Now, this small intimate place is where I can have fun serving and meeting new friends. Benvenuti.

A photo of La Violetta Restaurant restaurant

3. La Violetta Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(1029)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 25 times today

La Violetta is an authentic Italian restaurant, as noted in multiple reviews. Reviewers frequently mention the 'authentic' and 'genuine' Italian cuisine, and some even mentioned the chef being from Northern Italy. The restaurant's ambiance and service also received high praise, adding to the authentic Italian experience.

A photo of Bar Italia Lakewood Ranch, Florida restaurant

4. Bar Italia Lakewood Ranch, Florida

4.6

Exceptional(394)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Fruitville, Florida

Booked 90 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.

5. Paris Bistrot

4.8

Exceptional(1447)

Price: Expensive

• French • Lakewood Ranch

Booked 8 times today

From France to Florida … Family owned and operated since 2008, enjoy authentic French bistro fare like Beef Bourguignon and Pork tenderloin in a black pepper and Cognac sauce directly from Grandma's recipe book. Small and cozy modern place, ideal for sharing a delightful moment with friends or an intimate and romantic dinner. Alexandra & Jean-Christophe (JC) will be glad to welcome you every week days for Lunch-Dinner and Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner Saturday and Sunday.A large wine and Champagne list or a nice traditional French dessert as “creme brulee” or multiple sweet crepes will finish this authentic French experience.You can also enjoy no more than 80 different items : crepes sweet or savory, sandwiches in freshly baked baguette, quiches and traditional French salads everyday at breakfast and lunch time.

A photo of CUBA 1958 - Sarasota restaurant

6. CUBA 1958 - Sarasota

4.5

Awesome(82)

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Sarasota

Booked 18 times today

Infused with the legacy of a prestigious Cuban restaurant in New Jersey, a part of this family's culinary lineage, the new Cuban restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, promises to be a beacon of excellence and authenticity. Building on the reputation and expertise garnered from their successful establishment up north, this new venture aims to elevate the dining experience in Sarasota by offering a refined yet soulful menu that reflects the family's dedication to quality and tradition. From classic dishes that have graced the tables of their renowned Jersey restaurant to innovative creations that push the boundaries of Cuban cuisine, every bite tells a story of passion, expertise, and a commitment to culinary excellence that spans generations. This new restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a destination where food becomes art and tradition meets innovation in a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Cuba.

A photo of Rocco's Tacos - Sarasota restaurant

7. Rocco's Tacos - Sarasota

4.2

Awesome(425)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Lakewood Ranch

Booked 34 times today

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar in Sarasota is an authentic Mexican restaurant. Customers rave about the fresh, homemade flavors like the table-side guacamole and unique tacos. The fun, vibrant atmosphere is mentioned in multiple reviews. One customer even called it the 'Best Mexican restaurant around'.

A photo of Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant

8. Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

4.8

Exceptional(10486)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Sarasota

Booked 122 times today

Family-owned and operated for more than 116 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms. We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.

A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant

9. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano

4.8

Exceptional(3525)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 36 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.

10. GROVE

4.5

Awesome(3097)

Price: Moderate

• American • Bradenton

Booked 36 times today

Welcome to GROVE, the ultimate destination for a truly exceptional dining experience that embodies heart, balance, and spirit. Our Contemporary American cuisine showcases a personal and authentic approach to cooking that is sure to impress!Our menu is as diverse as it is delicious, featuring an array of handcrafted dishes made with only the freshest, seasonal ingredients that highlight our commitment to imaginative flavor combinations. Savor our house-made specialties, such as the succulent Pork Osso Bucco, the refreshing Seared Ahi Tuna Nachos, and the delectable Stuffed Lobster, all expertly crafted with a cross-cultural twist that creates a symphony of flavors.We are passionate about blending traditional cooking methods with innovative recipes, resulting in an elevated yet approachable menu that caters to even the most discerning of palates. Join us for a memorable dining experience that is sure to delight your senses.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AnnVIP
Tampa / Central Florida West •19 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding service and food Our favorite restaurant in all of Sarasota
More info
Pietro's Italian RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
•
4.9
E
Eileen
Fort Lauderdale •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Second visit to this restaurant. Food is very good.with large portions. Ambiance is nice. Somewhat pricey overall.
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Bar Italia Lakewood Ranch, FloridaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Fruitville, Florida
•
4.6
L
LynVIP
Tampa / Central Florida West •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our party of four enjoyed our dinner at Paris Bistrot immensely. Three of us ordered onion soup, which was astounding. The entrees were tasty, and the crème brûlée was delicious. It was our second visit, and I expect to return often.
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Paris BistrotPrice: Expensive• French• Lakewood Ranch
•
4.8
S
SherryVIP
Southwest Florida •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Dinner before ‘Candlelight’ performance at nearby Boniface Episcopal Church. Located in small plaza, we were welcomed with family warmth. Excellent meal perfectly prepared! Fresh calamari, sea bass and homemade pasta. Delicious!!! Will definitely return!
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La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian CuisinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
•
4.9
D
davidVIP
New York City •62 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We had heard from many friends that La Violetta was simply the best Italian restaurant in Sarasota. We totally agree! Everything from ambiance, service, quality of food was fabulous. Our server, Alessandro was terrific -- knowledgable, funny and right out of central casting with his great accent! We started with a lovely Prosecco (rec by Alessandro) along with a special of stuffed zucchini flowers that had great flavor, but were a bit disappointing on outer texture. Next, we shared salads as well as some "foccaccia" as an extra (highlighting the cuisine of Rome--- as La Violetta is an homage to Northern Italian cuisine -- no chcken, pasta carbonara, etc.). My wife had the wagyu beef special that was incredibly tender and flavorfull. I had the special osso buco stuffed ravioli that was remarkable in flavor and balance. Our friends had the special sea bream --- perhaps the most tender and flavorful of the night!-- as well as the seafood risotto. We quaffed a bottle of a great super tuscan that Alessandro recommended. For dessert, I got a birthday candle in tiramisu which we all shared--- an end to a truly wonderful, relaxed, quiet evening of fabulous food. We were there from 7:30 to 10:30! And will return!
More info
La Violetta RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
•
4.9

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Lake Sarasota

Best Authentic Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

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31 restaurants available nearby

1. La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine

2. Pietro's Italian Restaurant

3. La Violetta Restaurant

4. Bar Italia Lakewood Ranch, Florida

5. Paris Bistrot

6. CUBA 1958 - Sarasota

7. Rocco's Tacos - Sarasota

8. Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

9. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano

10. GROVE

See what locals rave about

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