Best Restaurants 2026

Giuseppe Del Sole Leads Osteria 500 With a Smile, a Lot of Pasta and Inspiration From His Mother’s Home Cooking

“My mother is 87 and still cooking. She gave me a gift, this love for food.”

02/03/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Simply the Best

The Best Restaurants in Sarasota

Our list of the 33 most fabulous restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee.

02/03/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Arrivederci!

Update: Caragiulos' Palm Avenue Location Will Stay Open a Few More Weeks

The 36-year-old pizza and pasta joint will reopen in a new location on Ringling Boulevard in January 2026.

10/27/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Memories of Marcella

An Afternoon With Marcella Hazan

Ahead of the national release of a new documentary about Hazan, writer Ruth Lando recounts an unforgettable lunch with the renowned Italian chef and longtime Longboat Key resident.

05/07/2025 By Ruth Lando

A Moveable Feast

After 36 Years on Palm Avenue, Caragiulos Is Moving to Ringling Boulevard Later This Year

The family-owned Italian restaurant is preparing for a fresh start while also honoring its long local legacy.

01/20/2025 By Kim Doleatto

Strip Mall Superstars

Sarasota's Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants

Our guide to out-of-the-way, hiding-in-plain-sight, if-you-know-you-know restaurants that will knock your socks off.

09/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Little Italy

The Best Italian Restaurants in Sarasota

Sarasota has dozens and dozens of Italian restaurants. Here are the 22 best.

06/14/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Something Old, Something New

15 South by Napulé Opens April 27 on St. Armands Circle

The newest rendition of an old Sarasota favorite is spearheaded by Alessandro di Ferdinando, the owner of Napulé.

04/16/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Mangia!

Wellen Park Has Added Acqua Pazza, a New Italian Restaurant

The eatery completes Downtown Wellen Park's first growth phase.

12/15/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Ciao Italia!

Osteria 500, a New Italian Restaurant from the Owner of Napulè, Is Coming to Waterside Place

Napulè's Giuseppe Del Sole has partnered with three others to bring a taste of Italy out east. The restaurant is scheduled to open later this month.

07/07/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Recipe For Success

Osteria Southside, a New Italian Restaurant, Opens Today

The new spot replaces Reef Cakes in Southside Village.

04/10/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Cheese the Day

Andrea Bozzolo's New Wine Shop, Malmosto, Opens on Siesta Drive

With wines starting at $20 and a comprehensive food menu—including great pizza—there's a little something for everyone.

03/22/2023 By Lauren Jackson

Hot Noods

DalMoros Serves Up Pasta To Go on St. Armands Circle

The Venice, Italy-based franchise opened on John Ringling Boulevard last Wednesday.

12/01/2022 By Lauren Jackson

🍝🍝🍝

In Praise of Spaghetti and Meatballs

The tiresome debate over the authenticity of Italian American cuisine.

12/01/2022 By Lauren Jackson

La Ciociara

Primo Ristorante Has Closed. For Fans of Its Iconic Billboards, It's Another Example of a Vanishing Sarasota.

Chef-owner Maurizio Colucci looks back on the controversy that greeted the restaurant's billboards.

11/21/2022 By Isaac Eger

Origin Story

For Our Eat & Drink Editor, a Lifelong Obsession With Food Started With Just One Dish

"I haven’t been back to Italy in almost 15 years, but I still prepare my favorite dishes from the country at least weekly."

11/12/2022 Photography by Lauren Jackson

Prize Possession

Sarasota Restaurant Wins Prestigious Wine Award

Marcello Ristorante Italiano recently received the 'Best of the Award of Excellence' from Wine Spectator.

08/17/2022 By Bob McGinn

Feelin' Saucy

Fiorella Italian Bistro Is a Creative Addition to Sarasota's Italian Food Scene

The new restaurant offers an impressive Italian menu with subtle French influences.

08/11/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Pasta La Vista, Baby

Sarasota Chef Christopher Covelli Showed Off His Italian Roots on the Food Network This Weekend

Covelli appeared on the fast-paced cooking show Alex vs. America.

08/01/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Brrr

A Sarasota Restaurant Is Changing the Frozen Pizza Game

One of our favorite pizza spots is selling their pies direct to your freezer.

05/11/2022 By Lauren Jackson

Sarasota Magazine

Italian Food