5 Amazing Siesta Key Italian Restaurants

Think Siesta Key, that beautiful barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, and you’re probably going to think of beaches first. That white quartz sand and clear blue water. Fun beach activities ranging from surfing to kayaking. Lying in the sun, unwinding and forgetting your troubles.

But if you’re vacationing on Siesta Key, there’s so much more to do and explore than just the beaches. You’ll shop. You’ll hike. You’ll stay at a wonderful resort or hotel. And you’ll eat.

While many Siesta Key restaurants offer some sort of seafood fare, there’s a wide range of culinary tastes available. Below is a look at the five most amazing Italian Siesta Key restaurants you’ll find when visiting.

siesta key italian restaurants

Cafe Gabbiano

Location: 5104 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Looking for upscale dining with great Italian offerings? You’ll find it at Cafe Gabbiano. Bringing Italy to Siesta Key, you can’t go wrong with this restaurant.

Some of the famed and authentic dishes include Pollo Momma Lucia, Costolette di Vitello Parmigiana, and Lasagna Bolognese. There’s plenty of mouth-watering and traditionally-prepared carne, pollo and pesce dishes to choose from. There’s also a selection antipasti dishes available as well.

When more than 80% of patrons rate a restaurant as Excellent and Very Good, as you’ll find with those rating Cafe Gabbiano on TripAdvisor, you know you’re in for a treat.


If you want authentic Italian cuisine in a quiet atmosphere, with a head chef straight from an island off of Naples, make Cafe Gabbiano a must-try.

Venezia Italian Restaurant

Location: 373 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236

You won’t get any more Italian than a restaurant called Venezia! More than 20 varieties of pizza made with homemade dough, such as pesto della nonna, prosciutto and marinara; chicken and veal parmigiana; eggplant Venezia (in homemade tomato basil sauce); risotto salmon; chicken fontina; so many more entrees and pasta dishes!

Start with one of many appetizers, including caprese, pizza crostini, antipasto or meatball parmigiana.

It’s all provided in a relaxed atmosphere with a wonderful corner location in the city and a big bar area.

Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar

Location: 5239 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242

For authentic homemade Italian specialties, head over to Flavio’s, another Ocean Boulevard eatery with a full bar and casual setting.

Brick oven pizzas ranging from four cheese and white pizza to prosciutto e arugola and pizza del giorno, you’ll feel like you’re in Italy itself when these hit the table.

There’s also pasta and secondi piatti dishes: lasagna al forno, linguine alle vongole, paccheri alla norma, veal saltinbocca, piccata di vitello and much more. Antipasti dishes also offered.

flavios italian restuarant on siesta key

Sardinia Restaurant

Location: 5770 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231

Straight from the Italian island of Sardinia comes the fine and authentic cuisine offered at this Sarasota restaurant.

Meats are prepared in a wood-burning for traditional Sardinian taste, and locally caught fish is used for seafood dishes. You’ll enjoy housemade pastas, fresh seasonal ingredients and organic produce for a taste that will bring you back each time you visit Siesta Key.

You will find a variety of appetizers, like the roasted Sardinian pecorino cheese over homemade carasau bread. You’ll find le paste dishes, such as homemade tagliolini with sausage, spinach, olive oil and garlic. You can’t beat Sardinia for a truly traditional Italian atmosphere and taste.

Take the ten minute ride or so from the Siesta Key vacation rentals to Tamiami Trail in Sarasota if you’re searching for a special kind of Italian fare and make your dinner reservations at Sardinia Restaurant for a unique dining experience.

Solarzanos Pizzeria Siesta Key

Location: 215 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, FL 34242

Past midnight and craving Italian food? Solarzano’s has you covered! This popular location is open until 4 a.m. seven days a week.

You will not get more Italian than dishes with signature pizzas named Sinatra, Bada Bing, the Godfather and Rocky Balboa. There’s also baked ziti or spaghetti with meatballs, chicken parmesan and footlong heroes on homemade Italian bread. And you’ve got to try the baked hero called the Don: prosciutto, tomatoes, mozzarella, cappicola and oil and vinegar).

Two locations: one on Siesta Key and the other on the mainland in Sarasota.

Call us at 941-349-1125 for some details on our exemplary Siesta Key vacation rentals.