Best REAL Italian. My husband and I love this place and every time we eat another Italian place we always say this place is better! read more

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Walking into La Violetta from a small office parking lot feels like stepping into Rome. It's warm, intimate, and genuinely feels family-owned. The Italian staff (speaking Italian and carrying themselves in that effortless European way) make the experience feel authentic, not staged. The interconnected dining rooms are beautifully designed -- a refreshing change from the typical one-room Sarasota setup. The food was outstanding from start to finish. Complimentary frittata to begin, delicious bread with olive tapenade (would've loved it slightly more toasted, but minor detail). The carbonara on fried bread with guanciale was a WOW dish -- crispy, rich, unforgettable. The duck lasagna special was mind-blowing with clearly homemade pasta, and the short rib with polenta was fall-off-the-bone tender (a touch more sear would've made it perfect). Panna cotta to finish? Incredible. Old Fashioned was a bit sweet for me, but the martini and Sangiovese were spot on. We will absolutely be back. A true escape to Italy right here in Sarasota. read more

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Atmosphere - The restaurant has a quiet elegance. There is a small bar (8 spots?) as you enter the restaurant that looks very inviting. Service - beginning with the bartenders to our server, we were provided prompt and attentive service. Food - I had the tagliatelle Ragout. The entree was served hot and pasta was cooked perfectly. The Wagu was plentiful, tender and very tasty. Overall - this is not your basic Italian cuisine. The menu is varied and offers many interesting options. Although the prices are a little higher than most (the appetizer menu is overpriced in my opinion and experience), the restaurant delivers a high quality experience read more

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We had a reservation and showed up early for a drink at the bar and were happy there were actually seats. The only odd thing is that they were set for people to eat there and they didn't remove anything when we just ordered drinks. I had a cosmopolitan and it was just okay. Probably too much cranberry juice for my liking. I did like that it was served in a martini glass and not the new cocktail glasses that restaurants are using. The restaurant has numerous little rooms which I loved, because the noise level is down and it seems more intimate. Our server took drink orders while we looked at the menu. The menu has lots of appetizers which are extremely pricey. Our table agreed that because people eat appetizers as entrees they have now increased the prices to almost an entree price. We didn't order any. The server rattled off numerous specials, too many for us to remember. Specials on paper at the table would have been much better. I ordered the braised short rib tortellini. While waiting, they brought bread and also another plate of a zucchini appetizer and a cheese one. I didn't care for the zucchini but the other was good. My tortellini arrived looking great and it was hot. It tasted as good as it looked. I made the right choice. Service was ok, nothing special. read more

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Wow what a beautiful place! The food here is delicious!!! Very unique, almost to the point of not really feeling confident in my order because the descriptions are too fancy. Everything ended up being perfect! The chef shared a complimentary carbonara bread that was so flavorful! The stuffed zucchini and the eggplant appetizer were great starters! I enjoyed the black truffle ravioli. Loved the creamy sauce. And the tiramisu was the perfect way to end the meal! The servers are Italian and can be difficult to understand. They run around the whole restaurant and don't spend much time with you. Meanwhile the servers assistant is a little bit too grabby. They take things off the table before you've finished. Overall great experience and would be back! read more

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At this point, I have to give this restaurant 1 star, because they have been deceptive twice. The first time was when I was charged $65 for Dover sole from the specials menu (was never told the price). The second time I asked for the price of the clams and pasta special. The waiter said it would be $29, but I was charged $39. These are deceptive practices. read more

Woww...what is all the hype ?? If you are going to serve and list Truffles on most of the items on your menu...Please learn how to properly store and care for them Yuck and P U read more

My girlfriend an I came in for dinner to celebrate her college graduation. The ambiance was very charming and everyone there seemed to be in high spirits and very helpful. Our waiter was Federico and he was great. We got the carpaccio and octopus appetizers. The carpaccio was really good, but had a very strong lemon taste in some areas. However, it was fresh and tasted amazing. The octopus was incredible. I wish I took a picture, but we devoured it. It was grilled to perfection and had some amazing garlic potatoes to go with it. I got the duck entree with orange risotto and it was incredible. My girlfriend got the chef special of fish with spaghetti and she loved it. We finished with an incredible tiramisu. It was 100% worth the price, as the food and service were amazing! Will definitely be coming back (When we are back in Sarasota)!! (Not the best lighting, I hate using the camera flash in restaurants) (sorry) read more

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Some of the BEST Italian food ever!! Alessandro was amazing!! The best ravioliI ever tasted egg yolk! Amazing pillows of pasta! Porketta to die for!!! Outstanding food and service! Owners straight from Italy and are so welcoming! Can't wait to return! read more

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Every time we visit they seem to have taken the restaurant to a new level. The expanded wine list snd wine room offer all Italian selections dating back to 1975. Prices are terrific. The menu has been updated and included two items that literally arrived this day - baby clams, smoked buffalo mozzarella (every Thursday from Italy). We took advantage of both! The expanded restaurant is decorated so beautifully and the bar is available for drinks and dinner. Service is always outstanding and super friendly. Rosa and Emilio are unique and offer the most amazing northern Italian experience this side of the Atlantic. read more

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We were blown away by La Violetta. This was an an amazingly satisfying experience. The ambiance is quaint and well lit. Everything has a rustic feel to it. The owners is from italy and brings over the traditions and techniques from her region. I ordered the espresso martini, which tasted of rich, fresh brewed espresso. For coffee lovers, this will not disappoint. It had nice little sugar crystals around the rim that cut through the richness of the fresh brewed espresso while adding a satisfying crunchy texture. Our appetizer was the egg yolk ravioli. My girlfriend and I agreed that this was the best ravioli we have ever tried. The yolk was perfectly cooked. The pasta and the filling were seasoned beautifully. The mushrooms and truffle on top were delicious. We ordered the gnocchi and the tortellini as our entrees. The tortellini was filled with braised short rib and lying in a ragout that had tomatoes, braised pork ribs and vegetables. The sauce was rich, aromatic and seasoned to perfection. The gnocchi was filled with spinach and lying in a bed of tomato sauce. The texture of the gnocchi was to die for. The spinach was not overpowering. For desert we tried the tiramisu, which was also delicious and well presented. Everything that we ate here was made with finesse and flavored beautifully. We were absolutely thrilled with our experience and will recommend this place to anyone visiting the sarasota area. read more

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Best Italian food this side of Italy. Service and selection are fantastic Would not disappoint even the fussiest of diners. Can't wait to go back. read more

This was our fourth time here and the food has been consistent. I had a nice welcome from the hostess and was seated promptly with our reservation of course. Our waiter was decent, but I must say don't be in a rush here, for the food takes time to prepare. The decor and ambiance is very nice and Italian themed, great job with that. We ordered a carbonara type bread and octopus appetizer, both were really good, my only curiosity was why one tentacle?? For our main we had wild boar and polenta it was good and the meat was extremely tender, the polenta was very good, Some kind of large short rib ravioli that was ok in that it was different than your average entree, and the three different ravioli dish, the star in that dish was the white parm sauce ravioli (the others were just ok), for dessert we had was the tiramisu and pistachio crème brûlée, yes to the tiramisu and no to the pistachio. When you visit this restaurant keep in mind this is not the Italian food that you might be more accustomed to. This is a more northern Italian style restaurant. Check out the menu before going. We will return maybe once a year. Food 8.0 (northern Italian) Ambiance 9.0 Service 8.0 read more

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High quality food and service. So nice to have an Italian restaurant that does specializes in rustic Italian rather than the usual Italian fare. Had sardines, martinis and the prosciutto flatbread is great. read more

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The food service and ambience were all top notch The attention to detail of the food was very noticeable. Execution was extremely high. Homemade pastas were amazing and first rate. read more

Had plans to go somewhere else and driving past this place and decided to be spontaneous and give it a try. Luckily we were there before 5:00pm as the whole time we were there it was busy and they had to turn people if they didn't have a reservation-so I suggest making a reservation. The restaurant is so cute and quaint and the staff was so friendly, it was a great first impression. We were so excited to be spontaneous! We ordered the PANNA COTTA DI GORGONZOLA as an appetizer, the GNUDI TOSCANI and the Dover Sole (Special Fresh Fish of the day). They brought out fresh bread and the appetizer was delicious. The Gnudi TOSCANI was the best Gnocchi I've ever had. Unfortunately the Dover Sole was not good. It wasn't flaky, it was cold, and so were the vegetables that were on the plate. I'd still recommend going and I'm looking forward to going back and trying their other dishes! read more

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Amazing authentic dishes and great service. Old world style. Best Italian in Sarasota/Bradenton are. A++++

Excellent authentic Italian cuisine and service. Rosie (wife owner) was very friendly and greeted every guest. Alessandro (our server) was super friendly also, attentive and knowledgeable about the food and wine menus, which were both very extensive. Chef extraordinaire Emilio was wonderful, whom we had the privilege of saying hi to on our way out. We had a very enjoyable dinner. Highly recommended if you are looking for a quick culinary trip to Italy !:) Will post pics as well. read more

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ambiance was both elegant and rustic. although large restaurant had a homey intimate feel. Menu quite varied. We all ordered something different and none of us were disappointed.....tripe,rabbit,Dover sole,white lasagna. The service was perfect and our waiter was very knowledgeable regarding both wine and menu items. We can't wait to go back. read more

Everything was excellent. The menu choices are palette provoking. Our first course choices of the fish trio, tripe and popolo all met with rave reviews. The main courses of Soaghetti al Rocco di Mare with home made chittara spaghetti, sea urchins, shrimp and hints of orange and mint. So delicious! The tagliatelle al ragout di wagyu was exceptional. The ossobucco melted in your mouth. Our desserts were the perfect ending along with the Porto and coffees! Our evening out with friends was a delightful experience at La Violeta and we will return. The service was attentive and friendly, plenty of free parking and a warm, inviting atmosphere. read more

The best Italian restaurant in Sarasota, no joke. There are so many Italian places in this area but the vast majority are mediocre at best. La Violetta brings an authentic favor profile that is unmatched. Pros - phenomenal food. My favorite appetizer was the polpo octopus. They sous vide the octopus and it is as tender as tofu. The caramello pasta is incredible and my go-to entree. All their dishes are made in-house and fresh Cons - smaller place so have to make reservation ahead of time. Overall, the quintessential Italian place in Sarasota. As close as it gets to the Old Country. read more

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Hands-down this is a five star meal that you should definitely make reservations for. We went on our anniversary and it was so impressive. The pasta is fresh, drinks are on point and service was outstanding. While we were visiting Sarasota, it was the BEST meal on our trip. read more

La Violetta - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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What a great restaurant and wonderful food and excellent service. Definitely a return visit will happen. All 6 of us were completely satisfied with the experience. read more

Been looking forward given the outstanding Yelp reviews and the restaurant did not disappoint. The service is professional, the wine is Italian and the food is exceptional. I started with the tri color caprese salad which was enough for two. I picked the pasta with sausage as an entree. The noodles were thick and the tomato sauce was wonderful (glad to have fresh bread to soak up the sauce).The sausage was tasty and plentiful; could not finish my meal(leftovers tomorrow). My wife had the special fish entree which tasted like sea bass and was accompanied with spaghetti noodles. Our dinner guest opted for the smoked fish appetizer which was a meal in itself. The wine selections were reasonable and were a perfect complement to our meals. Overall, an exceptional dining experience that deserves to be repeated. Plenty of parking and upscale casual. read more

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Caroline the bartender is awesome. Sit at the bar if you can. I like the gnocchi appetizer even better than the polenta. It's in a nice clear broth/sauce. The caramelle remains the overall winner. read more

Excellent spot! Really a good addition to the Italian scene in Sarasota!! The pasta is made fresh on site, the entrees are all very well done with fresh ingredients. Family that runs it is definitely the real deal, direct from Italy, and a great addition to the local scene. Scene. They have been here for you years operating in a different spot, and they're making a go of it at this place. It's hard to get a reservation so plan ahead! read more

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We did not have reservations so we sat at the bar. All I can say is the food was amazing so delicious.

La Violetta -Another amazing place for great Italian food. We really enjoyed the food service and atmosphere. Nice change of pace from downtown. read more

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This is my favorite Italian restaurant. This may be our favorite restaurant in Sarasota - we had a vigorous debate on the way home. Emilio and Rosie (from Parma) add a very personal touch to this northern Italian restaurant. I'm not Italian, but it feels like coming home - sort of like showing up at your favorite aunt's place for what you know will be an impressive meal. When family and friends visit us in Sarasota, this is where we bring them. The food is outstanding. We fully intend to make our way through their entire menu. We've made a rule (more of a pact really) that we must try at least two new items every time we come. We're continually surprised and delighted as we explore their offerings. How do I describe their food... I'm not sure I have the diction to do their food justice. It's fresh - you can watch the pasta being made via the window into the kitchen from the bar. We enjoy the range and marvel at the wonderous flavors... caviar on quail's eggs, burrata caprese salad with prosciutto, whole sous vide snapper, cow's tongue carpaccio, beef tenderloin carpaccio, short rib ravioli, pappardelle with oxtail ragu, risotto Frutti di Mare, baked duck, veal ossobuco, seared octopus, ... We still have so much exploring to do (note that some of these were specials)! The ambiance is inviting and comfortable. The décor is slightly upscale - we're casual (I typically wear nice shorts and a golf shirt) so we tend to sit at the bar (hey, Caroline!). There's no requirement that you speak Italian, but if you do, you'll feel right at home. The location is convenient with plenty of off-street parking. We're pleased to let you know that they do take reservations - I strongly encourage you to make one. read more

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Wow. The lay out of the restaurant and the decor is so welcoming, like someone's home. The appetizers were amazing; SCHIACCIATINA ALL'ITALIANA, a special with burrata and fried pizza dough, a complimentary flatbread which I think was the SCHIACCIATINA ALLA CARBONARA, and another special was a big ravioli with ricotta and a runny egg with black truffle. They are known for their homemade pasta, which is so fresh and tender. We all had different pasta dishes; a special with braised short rib ravioli, the Caramelle (I love black truffle), Tris di ravioli, and TAGLIATELLE ALLA CHIANTIGIANA. The service was excellent and we had a great time. They do not rush you, so enjoy the atmosphere and relax and eat delicious rustic Northern Italian food. We will certainly be back! read more

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My husband's aged steak tasted rotten. It's the first time he ever left steak on his plate. He would not let me return it because we were already sitting for almost 2 hours. read more

Very popular We tried and failed couple of times to book reservations, until we finally planned a week in advance and was able to obtain an early dining time. It is a small place as in not that many tables, but doesn't feel small, it feels comfortable. We settled right in and had a great time dining with friends. Our server was very knowledgeable and entertaining, adding to the experience. The menu is impressive and does change, and they also had specials. I had decided what I wanted a couple of days earlier by looking online and on the day of our visit the online menu had changed and no longer listed my first choice. My new choice for dinner was their Mushroom Soup, followed by Pappardelle Di Agnello, wide pasta noodles with lamb ragout. I very much liked the soup, I'm a fan of mushrooms. The pasta dish was not as good as I anticipated. My expectations were pretty high, between the challenge of even getting a table and glowing Yelp reviews, I thought the food would be amazing. I'm a big flavor guy and found the flavor of this dish muted. It turned out all of us were a bit disappointed, a lack of seasoning, especially with the seafood dishes, was suspected as the leading cause. I'm not questioning the authenticity of the recipes, it is likely just a difference between what is usually found in a typical Italian restaurant and what La Violetta offers. In fact, they intentionally stay away from some of those typical dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and even the use of marinara sauce. No stars off for producing authentic food. read more

La Violetta - Mushroom Soup - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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This was second time here but unfortunately the experience my second time was not as great as the first. I got the Octopus appetizer that was excellent my first experience was also delicious and cooked perfectly! My entree was a nightly special: Fettuccine Lobster. I TRULY HAD to order a pasta dish as their pasta was amazing during my last visit. This time, I was a bit disappointed. The pasta was not al dente and definitely, along with the lobster tails, were all overcooked. And the flavor was a bit mild, maybe a tad more salt. My drink was excellent! I had a 'Makers Manhattan' Up that was chilled perfectly. And their bread and olive spread was a great accompaniment. It was a busy evening and our server did a good job in maintaining our table providing very good service. Even though it was a full restaurant, the noise level was very low due to the interior layout. I will definitely go back again and hopefully have an experience more like my first time. read more

La Violetta - Owner making fresh pasta - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Was so excited to try this highly recommended restaurant in Sarasota... And could not have been any more disappointed. It started out at 10 out of 10 with the greeting the amazing waiter and the decor... The menu and the verbal additional meal items delivery from the waiter was top-notch, really setting us up for an experience. I have to say the food literally made me and one of my friends sick. I had to go to the bathroom. My stomach was not well. Let's just say that. The gnocchi was absolutely disgusting and the duck inside the ravioli tasted like roadkill. I am such a foodie and I'm so sad to report this, but the food literally made two of the three of us sick. I do not recommend. Italian is my absolute favorite go to food and frequent. Quite a few restaurants in the downtown area. There are quite a few good ones. Unfortunately, La Violeta is not one of them. read more

A gem in Sarasota...beautiful Italian offerings, incredible beverage and wine offerings. Family owned, ambiance is inviting for any occasions! read more

La Violetta - Back bar at La Violetta - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Prices are super high! For a selected few. Their hours are short and only open certain days.

Service nice but slow, very loud (consider putting big parties in private/back room?), mostly meat offerings, main flavors were butter and salt, had to ask for Parmesan on the pasta, ordered a port for dessert and was given a shot of whiskey which was left on the table but included on the bill. read more

Incredible! Authentic Italian food where every bite melts in your mouth. The restaurant was filled with people enjoying themselves and their meals. Very inviting environment. Service was also top notch. They close at 9. We were hesitant to push through the doors at 8:30. We did and they didn't blink an eye. We appreciated that. Do not skip this experience! read more

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The food, atmosphere, wine list and service is absolutely awesome! From The appetizers to the desserts everything we are was off the chart's. We had a party of six and everyone was very impressed. Highly recommended read more

La Violetta - Just getting started for an amazing dinner - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Ambiance in this 'new' location is much improved. That said, the food was not as good as we remember. A few of the appetizers were nice such as the flat bread and the prosciutto/buffalo mozzarella. The main courses left something to be desired. The homemade pasta was a little rubbery and / or undercooked. One person in our group had snapper and it was filled with bones and scales (literally). We mentioned this to the server, he tried to suggest this is how people eat fish in Italy. Huh? Service in general was slow and inattentive. No help with the wine list either which was filled with Italian wines we did not recognize. We really want this place to be good and to succeed. They need to go back to basics. read more