Sarasota Restaurants That'll Transport You to the Mediterranean

You don't need to travel halfway around the world to enjoy the sunny, sophisticated feel of the Mediterranean and its delicious, fresh food (and viño!). Right here in Sarasota, we've got several restaurants that will provide just the right ambiance you might mistake for a coastal-chic town in Italy or France. Cheers to that. 

Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria

Bavaro's prides itself on being the first traditional Neapolitan-style pizzeria to open in Florida. Since then, the restaurant has become so popular that it has multiple locations throughout the state. Among Bavaro's pizza highlights are Margherita, Americano, Whipped Limoncello (featuring limoncello ricotta), and many more. There also are plenty of pasta dishes to try. If you've got a sweet tooth, some tiramisu or nutella pizza may tempt your taste buds. Tip: If you can't get enough of Bavaro's, make sure to buy some of its pasta sauce to take home.

27 Fletcher Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237

Bohemios Wine & Tapas Bar

When you're looking to try a little bit of everything, you can't go wrong with Spanish tapas. Bohemio's Wine & Tapas Bar specializes in high-quality tapas, with items like Manchego Croquettes, Calamari, Beef Empanadas, and much more. Of course, there's also Spain's famous Iberian ham. For dessert, you've got choices like Tres Leches (Three Milk) Cake and Lava Cake. Don't miss out on Bohemios' expansive wine and spirits selection!

3246 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231

Cafe Venice Restaurant & Bar

Are you looking to enjoy a gourmet French meal without jetsetting to France? Then come to Cafe Venice Restaurant & Bar in Venice. Cafe Venice features French cuisine, with unique dishes like Escargot, Duck Pot Stickers, Mediterranean Salad, and Country-French Pot-au-Feu (slow-cooked pot roast). Cafe Venice also has live music most nights of the week.

101 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285

C'est la Vie

Imagine that you're sitting outside in the sunshine at a table, people-watching and enjoying a croissant in Paris…only you're not in Paris. You're actually in Sarasota! You can let your imagination take you away at C'est La Vie, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Sarasota. C'est La Vie is an authentic French bakery, bistro, and cafe, with a menu geared toward breakfast (great to know as not all restaurants are open for breakfast), lunch, and dinner. Don't forget to try a crepe!

1553 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236

Columbia Restaurant

Known as Florida's oldest restaurant–it's been around since 1905–Columbia Restaurant brings together an interesting mix of history (it's Florida's oldest restaurant, having opened in Tampa in 1905), and it focuses on Spanish and Cuban cuisine. Columbia has locations around Florida, and its popular St. Armands Circle location in Sarasota has a huge Mediterranean-style open dining room, so you can people-watch and enjoy a festive atmosphere while you eat. Menu highlights include Spanish Bean Soup, Columbia's Original "1905" Salad, Shrimp & Yellow Rice, and various tapas.

411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236

Flavio's on Main 

Back on Main Street of downtown Sarasota, find this local touchstone serving up authentic Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean modern touch. While technically fine dining, Flavio's offers a casually elegant ambiance and a happy hour worth noting from 4-6pm. If you're a fan of the menu here, you may be delighted to find their second location out on Siesta Key: Flavio's Brick Oven & Bar. After an afternoon on the beach, enjoy a variety of brick-oven pizzas with an extensive selection of wines in a warm, rustic setting. 

1766 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34232 and 5239 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

La Dolce Vita

You definitely can live the sweet life at La Dolce Vita, which serves authentic Italian food under the auspices of husband-and-wife team Mauro (the chef) and Tina. Reviewers praise the restaurant's cozy atmosphere and hospitality, not to mention amazing food like Lasagna Alla Bolognese, Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, and Polpo con Patate (octopus with potato).

2704 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231

Ristorante San Marco

Come enjoy Southern Italian food in a cozy European atmosphere. Whether you're visiting Ristorante San Marco in Venice for lunch or dinner, you've got your choice of robust appetizers like an Eggplant Tower (layers of lightly breaded eggplant and fresh mozzarella with marinara sauce) or Fresh Bruschetta. Or, choose a pasta dish like Spaghetti and Clams or Gnocchi with Shrimp alla Vodka. There also are meat and chicken dishes, including Osso Buco (pork shank) or Grilled Filet Mignon. We could go on, but we're making ourselves hungry in the process…

305 W Venice Ave Unit B, Venice, FL 34285

Sardinia Restaurant

Welcome to Italy! Er, it's actually welcome to Sarasota, but you'll feel like you're swept away to Italy with a visit to Sardinia, famous for its authentic Italian fare. Chef/owner Dino Carta is a Sardinia native, so you know you're getting the real thing when you enjoy your dishes. Menu highlights include Fettuccine with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Pecorino, Salt-Crusted Mediterranean Sea Bass, and Ember-Roasted Veal Chop. Sardinia also serves more than 150 types of American and Italian fine wines.

5770 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231