Excellent Italian restaurant with great food and great atmosphere. Walking into this restaurant makes you fell you have walked out of a busy New York street and into a corner hideaway. Artists will paint live in front of as the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant takes you away from everyday life. Focus on the food, focus on the atmosphere but don't be distracted from missing this gem of a restaurant. read more

Made a reservation the same day for 2 couples and when we showed up on time we were immediately seated. That's a positive in busy Sarasota in February. Our waiter did a nice job, knew the menu well and was quite helpful as we worked through the process of selecting drinks, an appetizer to share, and the entrees. The food was very good and the prices very reasonable. I dinged the rating 1 star because I have a pet peeve about water glasses and drinks not being filled often enough. It was a very nice dinner and I recommend giving it a try. read more

Cafe Barbosso did not do anything correctly. The staff member was asked if Barbosso had continued Savor Sarasota (multi course menus $16 lunch, $32 dinner). The response was NO. They are listed in publications as continuing to offer the Savor Sarasota discounted menu. Dinner was ordered. It took 45 minutes to arrive. Service was rotten. One dinner was pasta with sauce, meatballs and sausage. What it should have been described as was a BREADBALL DISGUISED AS A MEATBALL, A DRY PIECE OF ROPE DISGUISED AS SAUSAGE and DRY PASTA WITH A SMATTERING OF SAUCE. Outside of these small disparities the dinner was AWFUL!. Do yourself a favor and buy a can of Chef Boyardee Italian food instead of eating at Cafe Barbossa. You will probably enjoy the canned food better than what is served at Barbossa. read more

We loved this place. The food is outstanding and the service was excellent. I definitely will be back - the eggplant lasagna was my favorite and the pasta was the best I've ever had. Try having the Chef's Table - you get an assortment of dishes that the chef creates just for your table. This place is busy so be sure to make a reservation. read more

For starters, when making a reservation for a party of 20, we were told, any noshows and we will be charged $40 each. Wow! There was one waitress for 20 people assisted by 2 young busboys. the busboys appeared only when it was time to serve the food. At that point the waitress was nowhere to be found as the busboys stumbled playing guess who's order it is. That was like a comedy. They were walking around the table shouting out orders, to see who ordered what. They walked around 4 times with stuffed mushrooms and 3 times with salad, no onions, with no assistance from the waitress. That could have been alleviated with a simple notation on her pad. The food came out so spread out, in time, that the last plate came when everyone was finished. It took the waitress 3 times to even get my check right. (There was separate checks for each couple). To be honest the food was not good, either. When a complaint was lodged, the manager was all ready with his excuses. We were told that the $40 fee was just instituted because they had a noshow party, recently. Welcome to the restaurant business. We were told that they were understaffed, hence the poor service. If you can't handle a party of 20, say so, when the reservation was taken. You're not the only restaurant in town. We would have went elsewhere, as we do once a month, with this party. Totally disappointed!! read more

I took my husband and mother here at the recommendation of my brother. We ordered shrimp marinara, the Bandito salad, and so many other dishes for just three people that you Yelp readers would probably judge us. Gotta say, though, that they were all delicious, ESPECIALLY the two previously mentioned. Mmm!! Will be back soon! read more

Food Passion is their thing? Need to work on the food a bit. I ordered the penne ala vodka with chicken, the pasta was hard and not cooked all the way, the chicken was hardly in the dish at all. The sauce was a marinara not vodka sauce. My friend ordered the garlic pizza and it was not cooked all the way. The service was good. When we ordered our main dishes she looked like she wanted to tell us not to order that but never said anything. We did have the grandmas meatballs for the appetizer and it was delish! The atmosphere was also very neat and a good idea with all the art & artist! Just work on the main dishes....... read more

A wonderful first-time experience, the food was absolutely delicious, we were seated on a reserved and covered patio (Which is not the front patio) and although it was a cold night they provided heaters to occupy the patio area. Even though we desired experiencing the art displayed indoors, the outside seating was just as comfortable and accommodating. Price is fair considering portion and quality of ingredients. Definitely a go-to when celebrating a special event! read more

Excellent Italian food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with big art everywhere. This place has a good vibe. You can watch artists working on their creations as you dine. The owner has an attitude of fun; the servers do too. We love the pizza and the meatball salad. The chicken parm is good too. You'll know you're a regular when the owner makes you try his mother's own secret pizza recipe. The service is fast and you can make a reservation. Great casual place. read more

Had dinner here with my mother and brother over the July 4th weekend 2021. At first, it looked like a pretty cool place; paintings covering the walls, good lighting, and even 3 artists painting in house. There were only 2 servers on their floor and we ended up with the bartender as our server; who never once checked on us, refilled drinks, or delivered food. Also made us feel weird asking for straws for our drinks, which is quite normal I think for any restaurant. After our meals were auctioned off; I looked at my veal marsala and penne, which came on two different dishes; and noticed the sauce was different on both. On the veal, it was extremely dark and thick; the sauce on the penne was completely watered down. I poo'd my pants 4 times in the next 24 hours and lived on the toilet. All the while, the owner and "chef" wasn't even in the kitchen. He was very concerned with his tiny dinner tasting party on the floor to ensure his kitchen produced the food his menu described. Immensely overpriced for the quality and service provided. They should invest in their wait staff and kitchen staff instead of the ridiculous artists I assume they pay. I suggest skipping out on this place and finding somewhere else to spend your hard earned money and enjoy some delicious food. read more

The service was accommodating but very uneven; as soon as the waiter's station filled up, he was overwhelmed...I didn't appreciate him berating his subordinate assistants as he cleared our table. The food? Mostly thumbs up, except for the marinara sauce being exceptionally bland. The prices? A bit steep...a strip mall Italian restaurant that claims to have "peasant food"shouldn't charge $25 for a lasagna with a small (with the emphasis on small) Caesar salad. The $10 flourless chocolate cake was also a bit pricey. The verdict? Our bill was nearly $40 per person, a party of two with no alcohol...I would have needed to have been"wowwed" to be encouraged to return. read more

We likely had a trainee waiter...did not know how to open the wine, did not check to see if we ever got our food -which we did not for over an hour. Food was average but with a $5 share fee (no matter how much else your check is) on top of a $15 pizza it should have been amazing. read more

What an amazing place. You wouldn't know it walking by the store front but the inside is very eclectic and inviting. Paintings surround the dining area as well as the bar. The high tops separate the tables from the bar. The staff was very helpful in picking out selections and are right on top of everything. We had the best calamari I have ever tasted. The sauces they provide complimented the moist, lightly breaded delicacy. We also had the Polpette pizza and a a veal parm sandwich. Both were delicious. We can't wait to come back with friends and try the Chef's Table. read more

Legit and authentic Italian food! The service was also fantastic! We loved watching the artists do their thing as well!

This place has been on our radar for a while and we decided to try it out this past Saturday evening. We were seated quickly and all of the staff was friendly and outgoing. We ordered the calamari and meatballs for appetizers and both were insanely good. The calamari was probably the best I've ever had....the only place close is Standard Tap in Philly. I ordered the chicken Parmesan and my wife got the carbonara. Both were huge portions and phenomenal! This is certainly the best Italian meal we have had since moving here and ranks with indigenous as the best meal period in the five years we have lived here. Gigantic portions and very reasonable prices! This is our new favorite restaurant and we will be back very soon. read more

Went to Cafe Barbosso last night. The food was good although I never had calamari that big. Service was not good. The Barbosso Martini was not good. We asked for a wine list and they could not find one so we ordered the House Cabernet which was awful. Service was not good either. Would recommend food. read more

Great Italian food for family and friends! The pizza is delicious! Great service and the owner is kindhearted!!!

Made reservations for our 25th anniversary and when we got there they couldn't find it. We got put at a bar table and asked to sit at a regular table and were told they didn't have any, unless we wanted to sit outside. We sat outside for 17 minutes while the server waited on the other 5 tables on the patio - before we finally left. She did get us water. On the way out we told the manager, she said "sorry", but it didn't seem to really matter. We planned this dinner for weeks to make sure we could enjoy it, since going out is a rare treat for us. read more

We have ordered take out family meals several times. Last week our experience was terrible. I was told they only had spaghetti and meat ball meal so I went with it. After waiting for a half hour in my car, I went in to see when my order would be ready. My pizza had been sitting for a half hour or more along with my salad. After two more trips in to check, the spaghetti was still not ready. I finally got my food after asking again. My pizza was cold, no salad dressing and the spaghetti was terrible, very little sauce and hard meat balls. I called the restaurant to tell them about the issues, no one has called me back. I suggested this meal so I could enjoy the company of my military son and family visit. I was so disappointed after being gone to pick up the order for so long and then bring terrible food to my family. No one was in charge or cared about my issues. Won't go back. Terrible food, terrible service and no response. read more

The best veal picatta and tirasmassu we have ever had. Ask for Eric to be your server. He is very entertaining and a Hoot. Really enjoyed speaking with artists and seeing their work. read more

Great place, live local and stop in every 2-3 months and the atmosphere and food is always fantastic. Service is alway great. The artists is a huge plus, if you haven't been.....treat yourself and come on bye. Likely will need reservation. Note sure status with all the COVID 19 issues? read more

Staff was very friendly. Drinks & food were delicious. Atmosphere was fantastic. Loved all the art. While there was no painter currently painting, we stayed late into the night and no one chased us out. Very accomodating. The calamari to share had cheese on it unfortunately for my vegan friend that was at the table. Not sure if they charged us for the second plate of calamari. But I got the pecan-cranberry-goat cheese sprinkled salad that was delicious. Chicken was succulent. Overall, very good experience. read more

The place was jammed so we were very excited and hungry. The Caesar salad was decent as were drinks and bread. The veal Parmesan was a huge disappointment. We ordered one and only finished half. Tasted like cardboard. read more

We were beyond impressed with this place! The service was fantastic and the food was even better! I got shrimp rigatoni and my husband had short ribs with veal raviolis. They were each so good that we ate half of each others dinner! I couldn't believe my husband who I never get to eat pasta loved these two pasta dishes and today he wanted to go back! This place is not your average Italian, it was extraordinary! read more

I know, we were "those people", but me and 7 friends of mine who are all locals came to one of our favorite spots, Cafe Barbosso! Our clan is littered with people who are currently in, or have been in the service industry. We rolled in an hour and a half before close and assured the hostess we would be patient and non problematic with respect to being in season, but we could not be accommodated. We sadly walked away but then were not settled with defeat! We peaked in and found, with pleasant surprise, 8 spots at the bar! Vicky, the bar tender, quickly seated us and assured we were welcomed, and made us feel it. Her service was bar none (no pun intended), and had we listened to the manager would have had a below average experience at a plan B restaurant. We are so grateful we got squeezed in with exceptional service. We will come back, again and again and again! Also, Shawn (head chef) curates amazing cuisine which also may be 50% of the reason of my continuous return, and reoccurring recommendations for this restaurant. Albeit my singular situation found an alternative accommodation, I will always love and eat at this establishment. read more

Without a doubt, the best Italian food in Sarasota! The chef/ owner is a Brooklyn- born Italian and he knows his Italian food. It's a pretty long drive for us, but well worth the trip. Sometimes we'll just go in for a pizza, but we always get distracted and have something else with it! :-). The eggplant Parmesan is just crazy good! This is the place we always bring guests, and warn them to come hungry! Eating here is not just a meal - it is an experience! read more

Decided to give this restaurant one more chance. The service was horrible and the wait time for the appetizer was 40 minutes. We were 3 couples and it took 1 1/4 hours to get our entrees! The fish of one friend was undercooked and overly salted; the wrong fish came out for another friend and another chicken dish was tasteless. The waitress didn't apologize and said they were busy! There are plenty of other Italian restaurants in town! Would not recommend this noisy and sub par restaurant. read more

I truly love this place and eat here every time I'm in town. The pizza is wonderful, carbonara to die for, pesto superb. They are always busy, so a reservation goes a long way. Last visit, the chef surprised us with a slice of 8 layer chocolate cake. Lovely that he supports local artists, too. Will always go back and tell friends about this place. read more

The pizza is amazing. It's called Grandma's pizza. The food is great. The atmosphere is fun. Joe is so friendly. Definitely coming back for dinner. read more

Stopped in tonight with Susan for dinner, they were busy and reservations were needed, we sat outside on the screened porch area, it was a nice area and a good evening for outside dinning, for a appetizer I order the shrimp with garlic, I was pleasantly surprised, it was flavorful and the shrimp were cooked perfectly, susan ordered the braised spare ribs with polenta (it was a gluten free choice, which they have plenty of) it was awesome, the ribs were melt in your mouth and the gravy was awesome. I ordered the Veal parmigiana I expected three medallions of veal fried with some parmigiana cheese melted on top, not here it was a plate size veal that was well prepared, very tender and the sauce was great, this is a hidden gem here in Sarasota, highly recommend and suggest calling for reservations on the weekends. read more

Great restaurant for date night and family get together. Such a great atmosphere with artist painting while you dine. Classic italian dishes as well as wonderful chef specials which make use of in season ingredients. The veal parmesan and pizzas are our go to favorites. read more

Our Friends gifted us the Chef's Dinner and what a joy! We have dined at a lot of cool, funky, high end, diners, eateries in our travels but without a doubt, this was our favorite dining experience! Chef Joe and his assistant Evan were delightful, funny and so entertaining. The 8 course meal was beyond all expectations. Watching the plating alone was art in motion. I've had 3 other amazing food adventures that I would rank high (Mastro's in Newport Beach, Everest, a Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago, and StephAnIe Izard's Girl and the Goat), but Cafe Barbosso's Chef's Table wins, hands down. Thank you. read more

Great pizza. I really enjoyed our dinner experience here. My only complaint would be is the plate sharing charge. The servers are friendly and it was great watching the Artist paint during our dinner. read more

Delicious! If you want authentic Italian food you must go to Cafe Barbosso. Went there for the first time last night and couldn't have been more pleased. The food was incredible, especially the eggplant parmesana. It just melted in your mouth. The ravioli was wonderfully tender. The portions are very generous. The staff and the owner go out of their way to make you feel relaxed and welcomed. Once you try this place it would be hard not to return. Got to try the pizza next time, it smelled and looked great! read more

Wow! What a change from before the renovation to now. Way overpriced now. I ordered the penne with vodka sauce that came with only 3 shrimp!! For 18.50. Everything went up in price. My husband ordered a side of meatballs. Two instead of three. No early bird menu any more. Very disappointed. Don't waste your time or money. read more

I'm from Melrose Park, Illinois. As I walked in to the restaurant, I was told that the food was "peasant Italian." It is fit for any king or queen. The red sauce "gravy " is fabulous. I had the seafood diablo. I requested that they add a piece of octopus and I said that i would pay extra. I was charged $7 for one piece of octopus which was very good but a little overpriced. The eggplant lasagna was recommended and was so delicious with 10 very thinly sliced pieces of eggplant and that wonderful red "gravy." They have only been open for 4 months. read more

Had the most amazing and unusual Chef Special pizza! Figs and Gorgonzola with Orange Marmalade and Honey! Absolutely delicious and just as yummy the next day reheated! A winner!! read more

Our meal was excellent, wait staff excellent and on top of that we watched an artist complete a painting while we dined.

Had the pleasure of dining at the bar with a friend last night at this fabulous place. Just happened upon it without knowing one thing about it. George behind the bar was fabulous! We had the chopped salad and split the carbonara - absolutely delicious and plenty for 2 with leftovers for me to enjoy today! The artists painting while we were dining and all the lovely artwork adorning the walls is so charming. Loved this place, and will be back. Just go, you won't be disappointed! read more

What a great experience! This was our first visit and we were NOT disappointed by anything! Loved watching the artists paint and the food was phenomenal! Chef Joe was great to watch and the food was simply delicious! Evan our waiter made the experience very enjoyable! We will certainly be back again soon and only wish we had heard about it sooner! read more