It is a small Italian restaurant with the ambiance of old Italy, it serves delicious food, great service, and very reasonable prices. I had Spaghetti Boulenaise, which was just like homemade. Best to make reservations as it is very popular with the locals. read more

our first time trying here and amazing experience Matthew went out of his way to give us a warm welcome and the point is food is amazing. read more

Loved it! We had a nice bottle of pinot grigio to go with our napolitan eggplant appetizer, trenne pasta and papardelle with sausage (a special). Both pastas were delicious but the trenne was a little better. The lemoncello cake was very good, my wife prefers more coffee flavor in her tirmisou. All servers and the owner are personable and helpful. Almost forgot - nice warm bread to start. read more

We had Mathew as our waiter and he is wonderful. The homemade recipes are simple yet delicious. It's hard to get a reservation, but it's worth it. read more

Dolce Italia is an intimate cozy spot in Sarasota. Great ambiance, amazing food, and extremely attentive/friendly service. This is a gem of a restaurant with authentic Italian dishes. Five stars, you won't be disappointed. read more

Italian Sarasota resident. Tried almost every Italian restaurant in Sarasota looking for authentic Italian food. Found Dolce Italia and will never go anywhere else. I don't understand why there isn't a line around the block waiting to get in! Every time we've gone we've had a fabulous experience and "yummed" through every bite. Matthew is a gracious, knowledgeable host and his food suggestions are so spot on that each time we leave with a new "favorite". Fresh warm homemade bread, great wines, entrees with the freshest made-to-order ingredients, and if you have room left the desserts are over the top. We've tried Tiramisu all over the world and hands down Dolce Italia's is a 10! We've never felt rush, even though most everyone makes reservations. You leave feeling like you spent the evening transported to a small family trattoria in Italy and had one of the best meals of your life!!! read more

Quaint Small Clean and Wonderful Authentic delicious recipes Awesome staff except one who's not all that bad just might require a humbling experience or two to remind them they are not as perfect as they think lol. And leave their attitudes at the door when it's time for their shift! Seriously though, it was a tad amusing but don't hesitate to go! It is a VERY Friendly place to visit and hope they stick around another decade Chef de Cuisine CIA 93' read more

Fantastic for classic/old school Italian food. We've been here a few times and the owner/waiters make you feel like you're a guest in their home. It's just a very welcoming, cozy restaurant.The food itself is nothing flashy but it tastes so good that you can't stop eating. The Napoletan Eggplant is outstanding and our group of 4 always regrets not ordering two of them because we can't stop eating it. We also always order the buratta which you can't go wrong with. We each ordered a pasta for dinner and additionally got one of the special pastas on that night as an extra to share. I ordered the lasagna and would highly recommend. Every component was excellent, especially the red sauce which means I'd trust any red sauce based item on their menu. Another stand out is their Trenne Dolce Italia pasta with sausage. Can't really go wrong with that if you're not sure what to order. read more

Fabulous restaurant, great food, good service and intimate atmosphere. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Don't look anywhere else. DOLCE is by far the very best Italian in Sarasota (in my opinion.. all of FL). I have very high expectations for food, service, ambiance. DOLCE exceeds all expectations. perfect for couples or night out for upscale family dinner. incredible staff!! you are good hands. Go & Enjoy!!' read more

We had dinner here on a Monday evening with our cousins while on a visit to the area. We were pleasantly surprised by the warm greetings by the Owner and Waiter. The atmosphere is charming and immediately we felt comfortable and sure we were in the right place. Our Waiter helped us along with the Owner to make our meal selections. Wow! The Lasagna, spaghetti and a Basil Pesto Sausage (made to special order) were outstanding! Our wine was selected with the help of the Owner from her region of Italy: a lovely white- not too dry. Next time we are in town, will definitely return! Highly recommend! read more

Dolce Italia - Dolce Italia exterior - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I found this gem years ago and I always go back! I met the chef/owner at the time and she was amazing full of life and love of the food she was creating... She held her staff to the same high standards that she did with her food, so the service is outstanding and the ambience just made you think of the island she is from off of Italy, Ischia. The family has grown and now Matt is the owner and is doing an amazing job carrying on the legacy that he helped maintain for years. On the rare occasions if you're lucky, you'll be there when the chef herself is there back visiting the restaurant.... If you're looking for a restaurant, that is gonna transport you to enjoy the culture of another country. Then I highly recommend Dolce Italia as you're starting point on your adventure to Italy! i'll be back soon...!! read more

Dolce has been our go-to Italian restaurant since we moved here in 2016. The food is always phenomenal and the staff make you feel like family. The fresh, warm bread is always amazing and hard to NOT fill up on. The Trenne Dolce is my standard order, but since I don't like mushrooms they make it without and with sausage. My son, who is now 18, only orders the Gnocchi Di Patate al Quatro Formaggi and pronounces it with an Italian accent now. We went this past weekend when my son was home with his girlfriend. I messaged Matthew to get a reservation and just happened to mention that it is het birthday. They surprised her with a Tiramusu with a candle. We didn't even ask them to. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I know. read more

Absolutely fabulous! unbelievably authentic taste, enjoyment, and indulgence on a plate, and in the experience. the owner and the service was immaculate, professional, and out of this world! read more

Dolce Italia - at - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Intimate setting, attentive staff, and absolutely incredible food! We got the house specialty an eggplant appetizer and it was so very tasty and flavorful. Followed by the house special pasta and spaghetti with meatballs and sausage. When I tell you this is the BEST pasta I've ever eaten, believe me. Just unbelievably good. We had the limoncello for dessert and it was absolutely dreamy , light and perfection. I cannot say enough good things and wish them all a world of success and happiness. Homemade PastaSpaghetti and Meatballs read more

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I love this place. Third time dining here, this time with my extended family of 10. Their balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Parmesan, and tomatoes are top quality. I order the spinach salad, penne al'arbiatta, and gelato Nutella read more

Amazing food amazing service! Could not ask for anything more for me and my friends. Place was amazing all around 10/10 read more

Dolce Italia - Gnocchi di Patate alla Sorrentina - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Sep 2024, the house specialty Trenne Dolce Italia (no mushrooms, sub homemade sausage). - still the best!

Make reservations! Walking in, it's small, but felt very welcomed. It started off great with a basket of bread and butter w/ sun dried tomatoes... delicious! Eggplant appetizer flavorful and fresh. We ordered off the specials menu and let me tell you... home made pasta and sauce TO DIE FOR. All the staff was amazing and seemed to all work together. We also met the owner and she was so nice. This is a favorite for this NY Italiana! read more

Eat here!!!! I asked my parents to try this place with me right after they picked me up from the airport. I was thrilled that the environment was nice, but not so upscale that I wasn't welcomed in my athleisure and sneakers! The gulf gate estates shopping center has plenty of one way parking out front and along the street, it can get busy but it's easy enough to walk if your parking spot isn't in front of the restaurant. I was nervous that we wouldn't get a table on a Friday night, but we were greeted by a server as soon as we walked in and he got us a table. This restaurant is run by just three people, but my goodness do they crush it!! The owner greets every table and indicated which menu items were her grandmothers recipe. Our server Jackie told us at the end of our meal that it was her first day on the job, and we couldn't believe it. She knew the menu well and managed navigating our array of culinary experience perfectly. The NAPOLETAN EGGPLANT was OUTSTANDING. I am not patient enough to cook eggplant nor will I ever attempt again after tasting how perfect this dish was. I knew from this dish alone that everything was homemade and the quality of cheese was good. There was a grilled octopus listed on the specials menu and we also had that for an appetizer. Again, OUTSTANDING. We were encouraged to try the complimentary beans with it and it was tasty. The tomato sauce on every dish was lapped up with the bread that came with the table. My parents shared the Caesar salad and they loved it. My mom typically doesn't like Caesar dressing with anchovies but she was a fan. For our entrees, we all ordered off the specials menu, and I'm glad we did. My dads salmon was a healthy portion and cooked perfectly. I don't usually think of salmon couples with tomato sauce, but it was perfect. My mom had steak stuffed with spinach and cheese on a bed of homemade pasta and loved it. I had the penne with a homemade sausage sauce and I would absolutely order it again. I wish I got a photo of the specials menu because I don't remember the exact names, but just know that if you order off the specials menu you can't go wrong! Our server recommended the wine that was staged on our table when we sat down. We weren't told the price when given the pitch, which would've been nice, but not a big deal since it was priced reasonably under $50 and it was outstanding and just as she described. Oh and they serve Pellegrino, which is the first class ticket to my heart. Restaurant was very clean, including the restroom nestled in the back. Authentic Italian food with a charming rustic Italian decor...cant beat it! read more

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First timer this evening. I was instantly impressed by the responsiveness and sincerity of ALL the staff, not just the manager(s). Went with my wife and 2 daughters (12y and 7y). My 12y got the linguine w/ clams with white sauce and to my surprise, finished the whole thing (without giving dad a chance to try it...) I got one of the specials (delicious) and my wife was impressed with her dish as well. They also catered to my 7y daughter with a simple, yet tasty penne dish she really liked. Finally, the overall vibe of the place had us feeling like we were all a part of an extended family reunion (the kind you want to attend.) Grazie! read more

Sometimes when you have an amazing meal at a place you go back and are disappointed. This was definitely NOT the case at Dolce Italia! For the second night this week, our expectations were exceeded by a sensational meal. All four pastas were magnificent, cooked perfectly Al dente and the marriage of flavors were heavenly. If you want to know how excellent the pasta was, check out the before and after photos of our plates! Grazie mille Dolce Italia - Siempre Benne! read more

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We all (6 of us) tried the Savor Sarasota Menu last evening. This was the reactions: OMG!!! OMG!! omg !!! Omg!!! Everyone said the same thing with the first bite!!!! Orgasmic!! 2 had the shrimp tomatoe & red pepper appy 2 had the eggplant & tomatoe with creamy ricotta 2 had caesars. Papoadelke w/sausage & puréed eggplant! So delicious trenne pasta was loved & the gnocchi was so light & the 4 cheese sauce was just perfect! Don't wait !! make your reservations!! Best dinners we've all agreed during the Savor week !! read more

Dolce Italia - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Our whole dining experience was amazing! The food was incredible, the service was above and beyond and the prices were very reasonable. We have added Dolce Italia to our top 5 favorites in Sarasota!! read more

Everything was good but not great and overpriced for sure. I'm sure the bread is made with gold as they are very stingy with it. The almond tiramisu was overly sweet and way overly almond, seemed like they dumped half a bottle of almond extract in it, just too much. Clams in the linguine with clam sauce were over cooked and tough and one large shell stuffed with some sausage and ricotta should not cost $30. Salad was yummy but didn't come with dinner an extra $10-12 . Over $100 for a non impressive basic meal. I don't understand the amazing reviews, which were why we came. read more

Had an excellent dinner here! Can't wait to return. Casual yet linen tablecloths. The food is all really fresh & delish. Shared some great appetizers (caponata + calamari). & wonderful entrees w freshly made pasta. The cannoli to finish was perfect. read more

So here are the Positives and Negatives we experienced... The restaurant use to be much better, the management has changed to some degree, don't let them tell you otherwise Parking can be challenging during peak hours otherwise not an issue Cute & comfortable interior The servers were personable, accommodating as well as knowledgeable regarding the menu We liked that they had salt,/pepper, oil/vinegar, balsamic glaze as well as grated parm on the table so you didn't have to ask & wait for it The homemade bread was good, the compound butter was just ok, we used the olive oil instead The salads we tried were ample sized and very good The eggplant appetizer was good, the others not so much Our party had four different entrees, the fish smelled very fishy and was over cooked, the rest of the meals again were just ok The tomato sauce (gravy) was good on the various other dishes we ordered The Puttanesca - the olives had no briny nor cured flavor, I can not attest if anchovies were used, however the dish did not have that unique flavor so loved The desserts we had were all good, especially high marks on their tiramisu Five star restaurant..absolutely not Our party did not complain but we all agreed we will most likely not return read more

Everything is wonderful here! Lots of options.. all dishes made to order. The wine list is very good Reservation is recommended as room is small ! read more

Omg! 5 time out of 5 this place has been a true 5 star place. From 2 people to out latest group of 17 Dolce hit a home run! Excellent food and awesome service. Has to be the best Italian food in Sarasota! It' has become an automatic when we vacation here. read more

Perhaps best Italian eating in Sarasota is found in a small restaurant in the GULF GATE district. It competes with other kitchens only a few steps away. Its excellence comes from the richness of its background from a small island off the city of Naples. We visited the restaurant mid week. The menu was a compact selection of exceptional offerings. Most were unique in American restaurants. The real surprise is the daily SPECIALS posted on the blackboard on the wall. Each menu or posted dishes are simply described but they are unique in Italian kitchens. Pasta, in its many forms, were outstanding in preparation, presentation and taste. The sauces in each pasta dish runs from MARINARA to PUTTANESCA. Its is a "tough" choice. Veal, Chicken, Meat ball, Seafood delicacies become magical when combined with the choice of sauces. I must also include the home baked deserts . Don't forget to review the dessert menu. Visit this marvelous experience. It is cozy. The owner and waitstaff was skillful and add the experience in this treasure of cuisine. read more

Their veal piccata was dry and tasteless. Came with pasta with marinara sauce which was very tomatoey and strong oregano flavor. If you like lots of chunky tomatoes in your marinara sauce with very strong oregano flavor, this is your place. Perhaps it's their regional taste. Tiramisu was good. read more

Extremely authentic Italian food that I grew up with. Memories of Brooklyn and my family. Did not disappoint read more

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The food here was phenomenal. We had a party of 6 adults and 4 children and everyone was in love with their meal. Being from out of town this was an exceptional find last minute for us. It was pretty exciting that the owner and chef came out to tell us the menu and specials for the day. I would highly recommend others to try this place out. read more

Dolce Italia - Neapolitan Caccavella: Special of the day - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

WOW! We absolutely loved this place. We had a perfectly balanced shrimp appetizer with just a hint of lemon that was perfect. Their bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I added crumbled sausage to the bolognese and it was the best bolognese I've ever had. The staff were attentive and friendly and the atmosphere is intimate. Overall, just a perfect experience. read more

I visited Dolce Italia on a Tuesday night. The restaurant was fairly busy, yet Tiziana, the owner, sat us promptly. We were quickly greeted by our server, presented with menus and served drinks. We ordered the Burrata appetizer which was delicious. The arugula and tomatoes were super fresh and the burrata was creamy and cold; it was delicious! We both ordered Cesar Salads which were excellent. The dressing was perfect with the right amount of citrus. For dinner, I had lasagna and my guest had spaghetti and meatballs. Both were fantastic and we cleaned our plates. There are many restaurant choices in the Sarasota area. Choose Dolce Italia. You won't regret it! It is fantastic. Buon Appetito!!!! read more

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Hidden gem... The food was fantastic and authentic. The Chef and owner is engaging and lovely. The Trenne Dolce Italia was absolutely the best entree I've had this year. My mouth is watering just recalling the experience. read more

Simply amazing. Authentic italiano restaurant! So glad we found this during our Siesta Key vacation! read more

Dolce Italia - Trenne Dolce Italia with sausage. Simply amazing! Authentic Italiano restaurant. - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

I took my 9 year old twin granddaughters for their favorite Italian meal-gnocchi! We (they) were not disappointed! The best they have yet, for we search for this everywhere. Not many Italian restaurants serve it. We were visiting from Gainesville, Fl and a friend recommended it. I had the Savor Sarasota 3 course menu, which was quite pleasing to the pallet. Dessert for the girls was Nutella Gelato and I had the Limoncello cake. Delicioso! The place is nicely decorated, staff surrounds you with excellent service. Reservations a must, for it is a small establishment with only about 7-8 tables. Next time we visit, we will be back! read more

Thank you for participating in the Savor Sarasota event, I had the opportunity to stop in and it was amazing. The service was outstanding, Matt and Bernard went over and above to provide a superb dining experience. And the food, the food was delicious! I enjoyed one of the signature dishes, the Trenne Dolce Italia and added meatballs. Absolutely the best meatballs I have ever eaten. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire meal and will definitely be back! read more

We did 3 restaurants for Savor Sarasota, and Dolce Italia was the winner! Delicious (and novel) appetizer - shrimp in a tomato sauce, very tender chicken picata with lots of delicious sauce, and a tiramisu to die for - so light! Service was great, despite being a full house, and noise level was reasonable. Echo the quaint, small, clean, and wonderful! read more