Thanks, Yelpsters, for recommending Cafe Epicure. We hada late lunch here after checking into our hotel. Two bowls of lovely bean soup and a bowl of Fusilli Puttanesca Bianca -- Fusilli evoo base, capers, anchovies, olives, cherry tomatoes and bread crumbs. Both the soup and the pasta tasted like Italy,, unlike so many Italian restaurants. Epicure may have actually had an HTG Italian in the kitchen. Our waiter was very helpful. read more

Cafe Epicure - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Knowing that they were affiliated with 'Mediterraneo', I had very high hopes for a satisfying Italian meal. Service was excellent! From the second we stepped into the restaurant and saw the host to our outstanding server. She helped us with the menu, bussed and watered the table as needed and was a gracious host. The decor was clean, uncluttered and very welcoming. It fit perfectly with the theme of the restaurant. Now the food, a HUGE disappointment!! When I decide to go to an Italian restaurant, I expect: Hearty Deep Flavors, Portions similar to what you would receive in an Italian home and everything cooked to perfection as they prepare it all the time. Well, the food our party of 6 received was incredibly disappointing. I ordered my 'standby' meal that I actually rate an Italian restaurant by and judge if I would recommend and return; The 'ol time favorite-Chicken Parmigiana. I HAVE NEVER IN MY LIFE HAD A CHICKEN PARMIGIANA WHERE THE CHICKEN WAS POUNDED OUT THIS THIN!!!!! Seriously, they pounded the hell out of it and was seriously the thickness of a piece of cardboard. It was hot, it was covered in a thin layer of very thin red sauce and topped with perfectly melted cheese. But the Chicken portion size shows a level of greed showing how little can be spent on the chicken and how flat and wide you can make it. Not very impressed with the thin sauce either. I genuinely felt ripped off! They use the same cardboard thick chicken breast for their Chicken Milanese, and the unlucky recipient of that meal was as disappointed as me. Another guest in our party ordered the Salmon. NOT a big piece and according to him, VERY bland and very overcooked. That's 3 of the 6 of us and the other 3 were very underwhelmed. Not 1 person in our group said that they were going to either recommend or return. Come on guys, don't be an Italian restaurant if you're NOT going to serve food that your Italian grandmother would serve you! Nothing served was even picture worthy! Back to 'Tiramisu' in Bradenton for REAL Italian food!!! read more

After being physically ill since eating here, I've decided to call the health department. Here is my original post: I really hating posts like what I am posting but this place missed the mark so badly Im going to in hopes it will improve. Positive things, this time of year, our restaurants spill into the sidewalks and it's awesome. We have a pageantry everywhere from cars to yachts and people. For a small tourist, arts and financial center it's great to see, the food was good but not amazing. Less than positive: our service staff was AWFUL and very distant. We constantly had to ask for her to come to the table. Next I ordered Cipino, a very simple be delicate Sicilian sea food dish. When it arrived, and it took a long time. Food came hot and the place wasn't that crowded. The octopus was rubbery meaning it in the bowl too long. Was it in the server window too long? Flavor was awesome but the mussels tasted gamey, the scallops were overcooked and the clams were very small. Like dime quarter sized . I should have known better to have sent it back but I didn't want to be that guy. Sicilian cannoli for dessert was one of OUTSTANDING! Like grandma made. I should have stuck with that and will surely come back for those alone Ordered an espresso with my cannoli but the espresso was cold by the time by the time my cannoli hit the table. I asked to have a replacement espresso but it never arrived. I don't know what my servers problem was but man, some of the worst service I've received. UPDATED 4/20/26: I spent the last 2 days in the bathroom as a result of my eating there therefore have reported them to the health department. They have had a corrected 8 violations. I truly hope they do better. I want to see them successful. read more

Cafe Epicure remains one of my favorite restaurants in Sarasota. It consistently performs at a high level, has tasty fresh Italian food, and a staff that is friendly and professional. Their pizza has an amazing crisp thin crust and is cooked (almost always) to perfection in their wood fired oven. My friends were very happy with their pasta dishes, and I thought the chicken Milanese with arugula and tomato salad was excellent. We also enjoyed the selection of meats and cheeses were ordered. You can dine in or outside seating too. The vibe is fresh and modern Mediterranean. It can get very busy and very noisy. There's a parking garage directly across the street. read more

Easily one of the worst restaurant experiences I have had in a long time. The server was not particularly helpful. I asked a simple question: "Do you know if the salmon is farm-raised?" Her response was, "No, I'm new and haven't been here that long." Not, "I'm not sure, but let me find out." We ordered the Frittura Mista di Pesce appetizer, which tasted like it had been sitting on the counter for half the day--cold and rubbery. We sent it back and it returned edible, but looked like it had simply been refried and tossed back on the plate. I ordered a medium-well burger that arrived basically raw in the middle. I sent it back to be cooked more, and when it returned the outside was blackened while the inside was still raw. To her credit, the server did ask if it was better, and I honestly told her it was not. Since I didn't eat the burger, we asked for it to be removed from the bill. Initially, the request was denied, although it was ultimately removed. The reason? Management believed I was a regular customer who frequently returned and complained about the food. Honestly, I was stunned. I live in Los Angeles and had never been to this restaurant before. Regardless, denying a legitimate complaint rather than making it right says a lot about the caliber of service this establishment provides. Simply put: subpar food and disappointing service. read more

One of the best restaurants in the city. Great location Very good food and lovely staff. read more

Cafe Epicure - Full bar - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We went to this place again for dinner last night. We haven't been there in a year cause we live in Chicago, but this was our first dinner we had in Sarasota. We had the shrimp with the linguine in the squid sauce. It was better than good. the bread they give you is wonderful with the olive spread and we shared their house salad and it was great and we topped it all off with a piece of chocolate cake and coffee this is a feast. It isn't a meal. She's an easy five star over and over and over again. read more

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It's such a fun atmosphere back at the bar. Making their incredible pizzas, lots of great drinks and an international crowd. It was the night of the Holiday Parade so it was busy, but we got two seats at the bar no problem. We had their charcuterie platter with super good cheeses and meats. Wish it had some vegetables (roasted red Peppers?) but it was delicious and great with their wine. Will definitely go back. read more

Very sad they got rid of the seafood ravioli. It was one of the best dishes that they had.

We went twice this week! Sat outside both times. Nice wine selection and the service is spot on. Great variety on the menu. read more

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Super cute Italian spot downtown! The menu was huge. I got the penne sorrentina, which was decent. Service was kind of slow, but we had a really large party so they accommodated us pretty well. read more

Cafe Epicure - Penne Sorrentina - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Daniel is a great host Great pizza and the chicken parm is A1. Best consistent food/ drink in DT Sarasota read more

Generous servings on charcuterie boards, mortadella, prosciutto and cheese were excellent. Salads delicious and gnocchi were superb. Service was excellent. I like the fact that a towelette is at the setting to sanitize hands before eating. I also like that you can customize your charcuterie by items and amounts. We ate there twice. Highly recommended! I'm sorry I didn't get pictures. Love this restaurant. read more

We were very disappointed. The food was only okay, and the hosts and our waiter were terrible: brusque, impatient, and - let me say it - full of themselves. read more

Went here over the weekend with my son. It was about 6 in evening, but we were able to sneak a table outside which I feel is the best place to be when visiting Cafe Epicure, cozy city feel as long as it's not above 80%. This is about the fifth time I've eaten here over the last couple of years. The lasagna and eggplant app might be my 2 favorite things to order when visiting along with a nice glass of Chianti. We had a nice buratta pizza and some calamari which were both pretty decent. I do enjoy their pizzas nice and thin, nice to share these items at the table. The espresso is on point and nice to finish the meal with this liquid gold. The only criticism is the bread is usually a little on the harder side, but not enough to keep me away. Service was decent, sometimes the waiter or waitress might stay away for a bit but not to the point of complaining. Over all we do like eating here and I will return. Food 8.0 Atmosphere 8.0 Service 7.5 read more

Cafe Epicure - Calamari and shrimp - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I accidentally ran into this place walking around like Dora. We were super early so it was packed at all. Quick in and out service. And big shout out to Letty she was awesome !! I had two kids wanted 2 different things and she was patient and answered any and all questions! Even recommend a great drink for me The VALENTINO! And we ate the Rigatoni 4 Formaggi and ate it before we could even get a picture lol read more

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We ordered pounded chicken with arugula salad. The chicken was very dry and pounded too flat. We asked for sauce to place on top of dry chicken. We were charged 3.00 for sauce. We will not be returning to this restaurant again. read more

Cafe Epiciure, located in downtown Sarasota, is THE place for seafood salad. This dish is not really a salad. It's primarily tender and fresh mussels, shrimp, octopus and calamari drizzled with olive oil and herbs. The seafood is artfully presented with a slice of endive, a few celery slices for crunch, a couple of arugula leaves and a tomato wedge. The minimal "salad" really helps the seafood stand out. Perfection! I also enjoyed the salsiccia pizza: sausage, tomato, and mozzarella cheese on a soft, chewy, thin crust. Sitting outside in the sunshine, attentive service, wonderful food makes Epicure a 5/5. read more

Cafe Epicure - Seafood salad - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

The Jessica Pizza (shrimp and garlic) was AMAZING!!! I had no self control and had the extra pieceThe heck with the diet - I was not able to stop myself- DELICIOUS!!! read more

Food was good, service ok. Not sure staff enjoyed working there. No one was smiling

Great food. We had the pasta with the amazing bread. This combined with the series was an amazing experience read more

Cafe Epicure - Great outdoor seating - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

3.75 actually. Greeted and seated upon arrival. Staff was friendly and worked together to make the experience very good. Not crowded on a Saturday lunch. The atmosphere was casual bistro which it is. Pasta dish was delicious. Pizza crust a little soggy in the middle. Glad to see the staff working together into their roles. Will be back again. read more

During our 5-day trip to Sarasota from Miami, we came to Epicure Café four times--that's how amazing it was! The food is exceptional. We tried the Margherita pizza, carbonara pasta, frutti di mare pasta, frutti di mare salad, and tuna tartare--and every dish was perfectly executed, full of fresh flavor, and beautifully plated. The service made the experience even more special. Manuel took care of us on our first night at dinner with such warmth and attention. Arletty was wonderful during lunch--friendly and helpful with excellent recommendations. And Ivana gave us top-tier service on our last night, making it a perfect send-off. Delicious food, consistent quality, and exceptional service--this is now a must-stop whenever we're in Sarasota! read more

We used to love coming here, 15 years ago when we lived here. The squid ink pasta, service and desserts were always memorable. When we came back recently, it was one of my first stops. Definitely not what I remember. There was a man always watching the door and a bathroom. The desserts were freezer burned, but the drinks were OK. My husband had to use the restroom and they made him walk to the other side of the restaurant to the one was open. He said it was trashed. When he came back, the other bathroom was only being opened for perhaps favored guests. I don't think we looked like riff raff. Not the nice classy restaurant we remembered. read more

NEVER DISAPPOINTS: We have been regulars at Cafe Epicure for over 10 years. It is our go to restaurant when we want excellent food, great service, lively vibes and all around relaxed ambiance! Keep up great work Cafe Epicure! Mary Lou and Jim Burne read more

Still think of this pizza often- even years later.. it is the pinnacle by which all others aspire to be. I hope they never lose this chef's recipe or technique for creating this masterpiece pizza. read more

I found this great restaurant three years ago. It is the best Italian food I have had in Florida. It is so authentic. The pasta is fresh. Prepared to perfection. The Lasagna is a work of art. Thin pasta sheets and beautiful testing cheese with hints of meat. Consistently great. Since my two trips to the Old Country I have become a little picky about my pasta but I have been trying Carbonara. Tonight I ordered the Rigatoni carbonara. Creamy, al dente, beautiful pancetta. It did not disappoint. I do prefer guanciale to pancetta. But it was delicious. The food was served by truly professional waitstaff. BTW. The have a pizza chef and an Italian oven out by the bar. The manager was on top of the operation and he was very prompt in treating me and getting us a table. I get a great vibe here. It is my most frequented restaurant. As I am eating...If I closed my eyes I am in Roma. read more

Cafe Epicure - A real Italian mama trying some real Italian food at Epicure. - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

If you find a good waiter, look for him each time. Some are indifferent to the point of rudeness. Place can be noisome inside, seat yourself outside if possible. Food is usually good and not overpriced, considering the location is now tourist central. read more

Warm and friendly greeting. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, personable staff. The food is nicely presented and delicious. The price is moderate and you get exceptional value for your money. read more

Banging pasta and yummy booze! I got an aperol sprits (which I know is so last summer) and the bowtie alla vodka. My boyfriend for the lasaña and my grandmother got the penne. Everything was delicious! read more

Cafe Epicure - I got the bowtie alla vodka and grandma got the penne - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Penne - Very tasty but warning: this is the size of an appetizer! Eggplant parmesian (appetizer) - Huge portions which is ironic given the size of the Penne Old Fashioned - pretty decent. Comes with their own sweet mixture and a cherry (as the drink should!) Margarita - very sour! Just okay. Staff was personable and attentive. Next time I'd like to try the pizzas! read more

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We went midweek for a late lunch in early December. We sat outside because the weather was beautiful. We were greeted immediately. My wife got a delicious cocktail, I got an Italian IPA from Sicily. The spaghetti carbonara was delicious. The bread plate was extensive and almost too much. The dessert menu looked great, but we were too full. Had very attentive service. They kept her water glasses full. The interior was beautiful as well. However, we chose to sit outside. Street parking. Parking ramp close by. read more

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We strolled by this lovely restaurant with ample outdoor seating, looked at the menu and decided to give it a try. We are so glad that we did! We were seated outdoors on a lovely early evening, perused their wine list and chose a nice bottle of red wine from Sicily, a 2014 vintage. Delicious, especially after decanting. We started with a delicious appetizer of octopus, very tender and served with a sweet potato puree that enhanced the flavor. Next was a fresh salad of of Bibb lettuce and fresh tomatoes, dressed with a high quality olive oil and balsamic. A thin Neapolitan style pizza with ham, artichokes, mushrooms was tasty. Followed by a near perfect tiramisu and cappuccino. A truly delicious meal, attentive service and friendly staff. We felt appreciated and valued. We hope to come back soon to try their house made pasta! Such a nice menu. We are happy that we stopped and dined here. Take a chance and try this lovely spot in downtown Sarasota read more

excellent lunch here today! the caesar tasted so fresh, pizza was one of my boyfriends favorites, sauvignon blanc tasty. will be back soon!! want to try their dinner menu. read more

Cafe Epicure - caesar salad - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

I dined at Cafe Epicure for the first time this past weekend and everything about my experience was amazing, from the moment we walked through the door. We were greeted promptly and warmly and told the host (maybe managers?) that we were looking for seats at the bar. It was a packed Saturday night and no seats were available, so we were asked to wait near the bar. The bartenders, though very busy, also greeted us immediately and warmly, helped us find seats, and continued to give us EXCELLENT service throughout the night, despite how busy it was. The food came out quickly and everything was incredible. We had a salad, a pizza, and tried 2 different pastas. I was very impressed with everything, which is not usually the case for me, as I have lived in the biggest cities in the US and traveled the world. But this was one of the best experiences I have had since moving to downtown Sarasota and I will be back soon! read more

Exceptional! It took us a while to try Cafe Epicure - our fault for not enjoying it much earlier! The food is truly exceptional, the flavors are what they should be, a rarity in these surroundings. They add various touches to enhance even "basic" dishes. We did lunch. My wife had sea food salad (so delicate, tasty and well portioned, you'd think you are in Italy!). I had a burger, since I thought it's the safe choice in a place I didn't know. While this is basic fare, they managed to enhance the thick juicy burger with an exceptional and unique bun. Well, that's because, as the sophisticated Italian owner explained, it's made in house! The fries were delicate and tasty - as opposed of being drowned in salt & cheap frying oil. I'll surely be much more adventurous in our future visits. For dessert, we split a 3-scoop gelato; again, excellent, unlike the fatty & overly sugary supermarket variety. Compliments to the owner & chef! We strongly recommend it! For desert read more

Food was good! Service was a bit spotty. Ambience was not good, very noisy and the tables were not very clean. Came here for dinner one night. Sat outside, tables were rocking and not super clean. Ordered a few items to share. The shrimp in tomato sauce appetizer was really delicious. For entree, I got the seafood ravioli, small portion size and it was decent. Service was spotty. No parking, we walked from Marina Jack. Prices are reasonable. read more

Cafe Epicure - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We had dinner last night with friends....menu is amazing but the food is better..shared the tropicale appetizer.........Carbona and Milanese entrees were outstanding......drinks are great.........service with Manual was over the top.....We will visit again with more friends read more

Excellent customer service- friendly service and good food. A nice way to sit outside in the evening. Dogs are allowed to sit outside and are treated like family too. I love this place! read more

Still pretty good It was a beautiful day today when we stopped by for lunch, so nice that I didn't see anyone sitting inside eating. Their outside seating area was busy. We stepped inside to get someone to seat us, hopefully outside. While we watched staff moving around doing things, it started to feel awkward being ignored. To our rescue our soon to be server signaled an outside table we should use. I decided to order the same thing I ate when I wrote my last review, Farfalle Alla Vodka. Our server got us going with drinks and someone brought bread with an olive spread. In under 10 minutes our food arrived. Mine looked great in the center of a large white bowl. Graded cheese was added, and I dove in. The shrimp was great, the pasta not overcooked. I thought the Vodka sauce was too mild, I like it better when it dominates the flavor of the dish. In my last review I wrote about the portion looking deceptively small, this time I thought it really was a little small. Maybe I was hungrier. Service was more interesting than you usually find in restaurants. Aside from taking my glass for a refill and never bringing it back, I liked the more noticeable approach for a change. I described him to my wife as a character. That doesn't seem be an apt description, but it's the best I can come up with. We did see they no longer had the gelato case I mentioned in my older review, so that was sad. In that review I also railed on the cost of lunch. It wasn't any cheaper today, but I've become more understanding of the plight of all restaurants to charge what they need to. read more

Cafe Epicure - Farfalle Alla Vodka - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida