"Really good pizza in Sarasota" sounds like the punch line of a joke, but it really does exist. This is a brief review of strictly their pizza although they have a full menu. This is a small (30 seats?) but comfortable place and we were provided seasoned dipping oil and bread (a plain & cheese bread) promptly along with our menus. We shared a large White pizza ($13.99) made with garlic and olive oil as the "sauce" along with generous quantities of Ricotta, Mozzarella, Spinach and Broccoli. It was made on a thin crust with just the right crispness. Friends shared a medium "NY" pizza ($11.50) with one topping. It was served with a slightly thicker crust, plenty of pepperoni, and a delicious homemade red sauce. They offer all the usual toppings, plus the unusual; fresh or sun dried tomatoes, artichoke, eggplant, roasted peppers, capers, pineapple and more. Whole wheat pizza is available too. The menu lists Stromboli, Calzones, salads, pasta and subs, along with Italian style seafood, chicken, veal, and eggplant entrees. There is a good selection of bottled beer including three Italian imports, along with wine by the glass. Service was pleasant and prompt and I left with the impression that they do everything on this menu well. We really loved the pizza.
(4)
Kathy R.
I've eaten here several times, and had several different pasta dishes. They have all been terrific. The purses filled with pear and gorgonzola were wonderful. But I was disappointed when I asked about them and found out they were pre-made and purchase from a supplier, not made in-house. The bruschetta is the best anywhere. It's piled high with fresh tomatoes & stuff, and the toasted bread is ever-so-slightly charred on the tips, just enough to add flavor. You can just make a meal of it - with a glass of wine, of course. Last time we had pizza. I so wanted to love it. But the sauce is just too sweet, and there is just a bit too much of it. It cloyingly overpowered the rest of the flavors. But the crust!!!! Oh yes. I finally found the perfect crust in this area. We just have to convince Frank to do something about the sauce. All that said, they make the absolute BEST linguine with white clam sauce I've ever eaten. I can not make it as well at home, and that's really saying something. I often drive the 26 mile trip each way just for the linguine with white clam sauce. Yes. It's that good.
(4)
Carolyn B.
their specialty pizza guy left and its just not the same
(3)
Kathy F.
I'll give it 2 stars because the crust and sauce are good on the pizza. I ordered a sausage pizza that had exactly 1 crumb of sausage on each piece. I ordered a sausage sub that had little sausage on it. If you're looking for meat, look someplace else
(2)
Elena C.
Last pizzas we ordered were practically inedible.
(1)
Alyssa H.
My family and I got this recommendation of Trip Advisor and we are very glad we listened. This is a great bistro for Italian food, service and atmosphere:) Get the pizza .. It's more than cliche ... It's awesome!
(5)
Mark S.
Best sauce in this town. Mussels marinara and pizza both sensational.
(4)
Kim P.
As soon as we walked in, we could smell tomatoes and garlic! The bread basket had various breads. Their garlic bread tasted great in the dipping oil with herbs and balsamic vinegar. I had the veal parmesean and penne pasta. The marinara sauce was sweet and had nice tomato chunks. My boyfriend had the veal Francaise, which had a nice lemon and garlic flavor. Our waiter was attentive and very nice. We sat in the back, where its really cozy. The next time I will take pictures.
(5)
Matthew N.
I really don't want to be harsh, but my standards for Italian food are pretty high. My mom and grandma are excellent Italian cooks and we have some solid restaurants in Boston. The food at this place was like when you were a kid, and you would go to a friends house and their non Italian parents attempted to make Italian food. I still ate it because I was hungry, but it wasn't good. That being said, the staff was super nice. He did recommended the baked ziti, but it wasn't very baked and came in a soupy concoction of cream and melted cheese. Very strange... Next time we visit I will try and steer us toward a different place...
(2)
John L.
A small pizzeria type restaurant; not elegant, but great NY type Southern Italian food. Pizza was excellent; thin, crisp crust and very tasty. Other food we tried was like home made. I recommend this place when you are hungry and do not want to break the bank. Service was good and servers were friendly. Plenty of parking in this small strip mall on the SE corner of Weber and Beneva. Enjoy!
(4)
Marc L.
Fabulous place. I wanted to return the next night, it was that good. Amazing food, excellent service. You might not think it to see the place. Located in a small strip shopping center in a pretty distant quadrant of Sarasota. The place is pretty small, maybe 20 tables. Small, unassuming local spot, worth seeking out. Tuesday pasta specials are awesome. You get to choose a pasta type (most are made locally) such as fusilli/linguini/angel hair/gnocchi, a sauce (marinara, pesto, alfredo, etc.), and up to 4 ingredients (e.g., roasted garlic, fresh garlic, peas, meats, portobellos, regular mushrooms, and on and on). Fresh pasta, fresh ingredients make a huge difference. Desserts: tiramisu and cannoli were fabulous. The cannolli was fresh-piped so that the shell doesn't get soaked. What amazing taste! Owner behind the counter making pizza, we thanked him for his efforts, so pleased. We shall return!
(5)
Richard L.
Well I don't want to be too harsh but here goes . Our night there was not a good one. Very small place had to wait for table and we understand that but to wait and get horrible service that was the last draw.. Extremely Noisy in there and the tables are cramped together very close not very relaxing . As for the food it was just average at best nothing to brag about. Now we can say we have been there. Prob won't go again!
(1)
Arthur Q.
Great local pizza restaurant. Pizza was great, Italian wine good and priced well. Service was huge. Lots of local clients and many pizza takeouts. Will be back.
(4)
Jack B.
Pizza was average but the metal from a brush used to clean something there was not what i would consider a topping. Sorry cant say i will buy from there again.
(2)
Gail L.
Tried pizza take out. Underwhelmed. Sauce ok but toppings skimpy and just ok. Think we will skip pizza and stick to regular menu.
(2)
Rachael L.
Best pizza and eggplant parm hero ever!!!! We came here last year on vaca too and had to make a return trip :) we may even go again before heading home! Yum!!!
(5)
Pat W.
I'm one of those people that relies on yelp for making a good food selection but I have never written a review. I've lived in Sarasota for six years and I've tried probably every pizza place in my area. I started off going to Francesco's for pasta but decided to get the pizza last night and it was phenomenal. Best pizza in the city. I've ate here probably six times now and am blown away every time. It's hard to believe that this place has any negative reviews.
(5)
Tim W.
I tried this place last night with two other people. My wife and I agree that this could be the best pizza we've had so far in Sarasota. Low grease, great taste, and just the right amount of sauce. I'm even craving the pizza as I write this review so that is a great sign! The dining area is a little cramped with tables and the Chianti tasted really bad but they serve great pizza. It's worth a try....I know I will be back for sure!
(4)
Erin W.
This is my family's go-to! We either get pizza takeout or dine in at Francesco's every week. The food truly never disappoints! The pizza is incredible, authentic Italian pizza. They have wonderful specials, too! Try the bruschetta...WOW. You can't go wrong with any menu options, but my family's go-tos are the chicken Marsala, mussels, and special ziti! Small staff that remembers and appreciates your business. This place is 5 stars for sure!!
(5)
Ivan P.
I first discovered "Francesco's" late last year via a local direct mail flyer of their menu. Since that time i've eaten inside the restaurant like half a dozen times and ordered delivery another half a dozen times. The specialty pizza's are original variations mostly not offered anywhere else. (ie Chicken Parm Pizza & Pesto Capricciosa) Although at one point I looked over their website and found numerous bugs and design flaws. I mentioned it on their Facebook fan page which after a couple of weeks they responded thanking me. The prices are good and the portion sizes are generous on a fair amount of the dishes. The acoustics are a bit loud for such an intimate setting but other than that the decor is classy. Kudos also for the Free delivery with their limited delivery area.
(5)
Annie C.
Thin-crusted but not crispy pizza. Personal speaking, a little salty for me. Free garlic breads are delicious. Pizza Flavor--"Everything" size--med $17.25 Pizza price from US$9.25(small) to US$20.25(X-Large)
(3)
Barbara N.
Tonight--a 5-star dinner at Francesco's [*see below]. I've eaten there before, but this was the best ever and the first visit since the place was completely redesigned. Nice room. Friendly service. She was a family member. The owners hail from Calabria at the 'toe of the boot.' Had the Martha's Vineyard salad with gorgonzola, sliced pears, pecans and raspberry vinaigrette--very nice blend of flavors. Perfect fried calamari appetizer--a sure sign of a well-run southern Italian kitchen. Delicious if a bit too salty bruschetta. And baked ziti that they sort of made into a confection--with a pink meat sauce and served with a dollop of ricotta that's so tasty it could've been mascarpone. *Visited a 2nd time. The calzone was quite salty and bruschetta was again too salty. Also, the dining room was too warm for comfort. So, I've downgraded my rating to 4 stars. I'm still a fan and will return.
(4)
Doug D.
I think these guys just need to keep the pencil sharp to keep the high reviews of this place. Great Garlic Bread, nice people and even provided great service even though I was there 30 minutes before closing. I listed the garlic bread first because of the great taste and huge portion, even for two people. I was in the mood for great shrimp scampi over pasta last night and it came up a bit short. Pasta was cooked perfect and the shrimp were about a 4 out of 5. The scampi sauce was too thin and really lacking in flavor. I will go back again and try some of their core specialties.
(3)
Michelle L.
Absolutely phenomenal pizza and Stromboli. The service is great. The price is right. At your table they bring to-die-for focaccia bread with dipping sauce. We vacation here and found them on Yelp. LOVE IT!!!!!
(5)
Elise L.
This is my go to Italian take out place. Their pizza, calzones, hot sandwiches and baked pasta dishes are excellent. The staff is nice and the restaurant is clean. I get there baked ziti and have them add Eggplant. Its cheesy goodness, with a very balanced red sauce. The salads are adequate, but focus on your main dishes. You will be happy you gave this local joint a try.
(4)
Eric C.
Loved it, we rolled in on father's day w/ 10 people and they handed it like pros, service was great and the food was awesome, we live in st Petersburg and I'd go back just for dinner
(5)
Joanne O.
My family and I moved here from New York and enjoyed eating in and ordering out from his establishment. Their pizza was very good, which is hard to find in Florida. The owner hired new pizza makers a few months back and we bought two pizzas home that were loaded with salt and just bad quality. We called and the host said no problem, we will comp you one free pizza the next time. When the next time came, we arrived at the restaurant to pick up the pizza and that same hostess reminded the owner of the issue. His response, right in front of us, was the most unprofessional, immature display I have ever witnessed. He was pissed to say the least and acted as though we wanted a free meal, rather than humbly accepting the fact that we were loyal customers and his product was not up to par.That was not the case. The way he spoke to his hostess was embarassing to watch as well, and the poor girl kept apologizing to us. We didn't want her to endure anymore, so we paid for the pizza, and decided Never Again. We were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, seeing as he had new staff, but his attitude sealed the deal. We now go to Solorzanos where the pizza is fantastic and the courtesy of the staff is second to none.
(2)
Scott P.
They have the best Veal Parmesan I have ever had. I have ordered a variety of meals, I have never had a bad experience. The food has always been top notch. I love the sauce on their pizza, I have been to almost every pizza place in the area and beyond (pizza connoisseur). They are in my top 3 pizza places in Sarasota. I sat outside 2 weeks ago at a table and listened to 5 full groups of people leave the restaurant, and every single customer walked out talking about how amazing the food was. I wish they were open for lunch I would stop in for some pizza. Don't miss this place it is worth going to again and again.
(5)
Billy B.
we came here on 7/3/14 with 3 couples. we waited 1 hour for a glass of water and a piece of bread. another 30 minutes to take our order and 1 hour for the food. all the people were eating at the other tables except for us. we were dressed in suits and ties and ladies wore dresses. I had to get up from my table 3 times to ask for service. it seems they are not used to serving people that are clean and dressed as those who ate were dressed like bums. they are a bunch of swamp guineas in there. avoid if you are well dressed. come as a bum.
(1)
Matthew R.
We have ordered from here twice (both to go orders), once for pizza and the other for Italian fare. I really cannot recommend either. The pizza was okay (there is another place in the same plaza that has really good pizza), but the Italian food we ordered was not good. I had the lasagna and it seemed to be in watered down pasta sauce similar to Ragu. We also ordered the baked ziti which was supposed to come in a meat sauce, we saw no meat in the Ragu. We like good Italian and this really does not come anywhere close to that.
(2)
Lisa A.
Total score! My Yelp app came through for me while I was in Florida with my parents visiting my grandparents. I think I found my grandparents' new favorite restaurant. Yay for granddaughters who use Yelp! Please, do yourself a favor and bypass the chain restaurants in the area and stop in here for a homemade Italian feast. The five of us ate here early on a Saturday night and got seated promptly. It's a neighborhood place (I think they've been here over 10 years) where, judging from the interactions between staff and patrons, there seem to be lots of regulars here. Our waitress, Enis, was so incredibly nice, friendly and patient. And, hello, she's from NY. :) Get the brushetta. Just trust me on this. The bread is soft (not painfully crusty so it won't cut the roof of your mouth) topped with the blend of tomatoes, basil, black olives and olive oil it's perfect (no spills when biting into it either). Plus, everyone at the table exclaimed it was the absolute best brushetta they've ever had. We also had an order of the delicious artichoke picatta, which is lightly breaded and fried (not oily), whole artichoke hearts served with a light caper/lemon drizzle over some greens (paired with a few glasses of wine, I could have consumed that all by myself). Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals which included meat lasagne, meatballs, spaghetti with GIANT meatballs, grouper francese, pasta purses filled with gorgonzola and pears and linguini with marinara. Some of us at the table became members of the "Clean Plate Club" (yes, I'm looking at you dad and grandma). Everything is homemade to order too...so the pacing of food is perfect. The wine list is selective and, well, I certainly couldn't pass up $6.50 glass of tempranillo (!!) We all had such a nice evening here and I will most definitely be back when visiting family in the area. I'm happy that my grandparents now have a new restaurant in their dining rotation, especially one that conveniently delivers too.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Jim H.
"Really good pizza in Sarasota" sounds like the punch line of a joke, but it really does exist. This is a brief review of strictly their pizza although they have a full menu. This is a small (30 seats?) but comfortable place and we were provided seasoned dipping oil and bread (a plain & cheese bread) promptly along with our menus. We shared a large White pizza ($13.99) made with garlic and olive oil as the "sauce" along with generous quantities of Ricotta, Mozzarella, Spinach and Broccoli. It was made on a thin crust with just the right crispness. Friends shared a medium "NY" pizza ($11.50) with one topping. It was served with a slightly thicker crust, plenty of pepperoni, and a delicious homemade red sauce. They offer all the usual toppings, plus the unusual; fresh or sun dried tomatoes, artichoke, eggplant, roasted peppers, capers, pineapple and more. Whole wheat pizza is available too. The menu lists Stromboli, Calzones, salads, pasta and subs, along with Italian style seafood, chicken, veal, and eggplant entrees. There is a good selection of bottled beer including three Italian imports, along with wine by the glass. Service was pleasant and prompt and I left with the impression that they do everything on this menu well. We really loved the pizza.
(4)Kathy R.
I've eaten here several times, and had several different pasta dishes. They have all been terrific. The purses filled with pear and gorgonzola were wonderful. But I was disappointed when I asked about them and found out they were pre-made and purchase from a supplier, not made in-house. The bruschetta is the best anywhere. It's piled high with fresh tomatoes & stuff, and the toasted bread is ever-so-slightly charred on the tips, just enough to add flavor. You can just make a meal of it - with a glass of wine, of course. Last time we had pizza. I so wanted to love it. But the sauce is just too sweet, and there is just a bit too much of it. It cloyingly overpowered the rest of the flavors. But the crust!!!! Oh yes. I finally found the perfect crust in this area. We just have to convince Frank to do something about the sauce. All that said, they make the absolute BEST linguine with white clam sauce I've ever eaten. I can not make it as well at home, and that's really saying something. I often drive the 26 mile trip each way just for the linguine with white clam sauce. Yes. It's that good.
(4)Carolyn B.
their specialty pizza guy left and its just not the same
(3)Kathy F.
I'll give it 2 stars because the crust and sauce are good on the pizza. I ordered a sausage pizza that had exactly 1 crumb of sausage on each piece. I ordered a sausage sub that had little sausage on it. If you're looking for meat, look someplace else
(2)Elena C.
Last pizzas we ordered were practically inedible.
(1)Alyssa H.
My family and I got this recommendation of Trip Advisor and we are very glad we listened. This is a great bistro for Italian food, service and atmosphere:) Get the pizza .. It's more than cliche ... It's awesome!
(5)Mark S.
Best sauce in this town. Mussels marinara and pizza both sensational.
(4)Kim P.
As soon as we walked in, we could smell tomatoes and garlic! The bread basket had various breads. Their garlic bread tasted great in the dipping oil with herbs and balsamic vinegar. I had the veal parmesean and penne pasta. The marinara sauce was sweet and had nice tomato chunks. My boyfriend had the veal Francaise, which had a nice lemon and garlic flavor. Our waiter was attentive and very nice. We sat in the back, where its really cozy. The next time I will take pictures.
(5)Matthew N.
I really don't want to be harsh, but my standards for Italian food are pretty high. My mom and grandma are excellent Italian cooks and we have some solid restaurants in Boston. The food at this place was like when you were a kid, and you would go to a friends house and their non Italian parents attempted to make Italian food. I still ate it because I was hungry, but it wasn't good. That being said, the staff was super nice. He did recommended the baked ziti, but it wasn't very baked and came in a soupy concoction of cream and melted cheese. Very strange... Next time we visit I will try and steer us toward a different place...
(2)John L.
A small pizzeria type restaurant; not elegant, but great NY type Southern Italian food. Pizza was excellent; thin, crisp crust and very tasty. Other food we tried was like home made. I recommend this place when you are hungry and do not want to break the bank. Service was good and servers were friendly. Plenty of parking in this small strip mall on the SE corner of Weber and Beneva. Enjoy!
(4)Marc L.
Fabulous place. I wanted to return the next night, it was that good. Amazing food, excellent service. You might not think it to see the place. Located in a small strip shopping center in a pretty distant quadrant of Sarasota. The place is pretty small, maybe 20 tables. Small, unassuming local spot, worth seeking out. Tuesday pasta specials are awesome. You get to choose a pasta type (most are made locally) such as fusilli/linguini/angel hair/gnocchi, a sauce (marinara, pesto, alfredo, etc.), and up to 4 ingredients (e.g., roasted garlic, fresh garlic, peas, meats, portobellos, regular mushrooms, and on and on). Fresh pasta, fresh ingredients make a huge difference. Desserts: tiramisu and cannoli were fabulous. The cannolli was fresh-piped so that the shell doesn't get soaked. What amazing taste! Owner behind the counter making pizza, we thanked him for his efforts, so pleased. We shall return!
(5)Richard L.
Well I don't want to be too harsh but here goes . Our night there was not a good one. Very small place had to wait for table and we understand that but to wait and get horrible service that was the last draw.. Extremely Noisy in there and the tables are cramped together very close not very relaxing . As for the food it was just average at best nothing to brag about. Now we can say we have been there. Prob won't go again!
(1)Arthur Q.
Great local pizza restaurant. Pizza was great, Italian wine good and priced well. Service was huge. Lots of local clients and many pizza takeouts. Will be back.
(4)Jack B.
Pizza was average but the metal from a brush used to clean something there was not what i would consider a topping. Sorry cant say i will buy from there again.
(2)Gail L.
Tried pizza take out. Underwhelmed. Sauce ok but toppings skimpy and just ok. Think we will skip pizza and stick to regular menu.
(2)Rachael L.
Best pizza and eggplant parm hero ever!!!! We came here last year on vaca too and had to make a return trip :) we may even go again before heading home! Yum!!!
(5)Pat W.
I'm one of those people that relies on yelp for making a good food selection but I have never written a review. I've lived in Sarasota for six years and I've tried probably every pizza place in my area. I started off going to Francesco's for pasta but decided to get the pizza last night and it was phenomenal. Best pizza in the city. I've ate here probably six times now and am blown away every time. It's hard to believe that this place has any negative reviews.
(5)Tim W.
I tried this place last night with two other people. My wife and I agree that this could be the best pizza we've had so far in Sarasota. Low grease, great taste, and just the right amount of sauce. I'm even craving the pizza as I write this review so that is a great sign! The dining area is a little cramped with tables and the Chianti tasted really bad but they serve great pizza. It's worth a try....I know I will be back for sure!
(4)Erin W.
This is my family's go-to! We either get pizza takeout or dine in at Francesco's every week. The food truly never disappoints! The pizza is incredible, authentic Italian pizza. They have wonderful specials, too! Try the bruschetta...WOW. You can't go wrong with any menu options, but my family's go-tos are the chicken Marsala, mussels, and special ziti! Small staff that remembers and appreciates your business. This place is 5 stars for sure!!
(5)Ivan P.
I first discovered "Francesco's" late last year via a local direct mail flyer of their menu. Since that time i've eaten inside the restaurant like half a dozen times and ordered delivery another half a dozen times. The specialty pizza's are original variations mostly not offered anywhere else. (ie Chicken Parm Pizza & Pesto Capricciosa) Although at one point I looked over their website and found numerous bugs and design flaws. I mentioned it on their Facebook fan page which after a couple of weeks they responded thanking me. The prices are good and the portion sizes are generous on a fair amount of the dishes. The acoustics are a bit loud for such an intimate setting but other than that the decor is classy. Kudos also for the Free delivery with their limited delivery area.
(5)Annie C.
Thin-crusted but not crispy pizza. Personal speaking, a little salty for me. Free garlic breads are delicious. Pizza Flavor--"Everything" size--med $17.25 Pizza price from US$9.25(small) to US$20.25(X-Large)
(3)Barbara N.
Tonight--a 5-star dinner at Francesco's [*see below]. I've eaten there before, but this was the best ever and the first visit since the place was completely redesigned. Nice room. Friendly service. She was a family member. The owners hail from Calabria at the 'toe of the boot.' Had the Martha's Vineyard salad with gorgonzola, sliced pears, pecans and raspberry vinaigrette--very nice blend of flavors. Perfect fried calamari appetizer--a sure sign of a well-run southern Italian kitchen. Delicious if a bit too salty bruschetta. And baked ziti that they sort of made into a confection--with a pink meat sauce and served with a dollop of ricotta that's so tasty it could've been mascarpone. *Visited a 2nd time. The calzone was quite salty and bruschetta was again too salty. Also, the dining room was too warm for comfort. So, I've downgraded my rating to 4 stars. I'm still a fan and will return.
(4)Doug D.
I think these guys just need to keep the pencil sharp to keep the high reviews of this place. Great Garlic Bread, nice people and even provided great service even though I was there 30 minutes before closing. I listed the garlic bread first because of the great taste and huge portion, even for two people. I was in the mood for great shrimp scampi over pasta last night and it came up a bit short. Pasta was cooked perfect and the shrimp were about a 4 out of 5. The scampi sauce was too thin and really lacking in flavor. I will go back again and try some of their core specialties.
(3)Michelle L.
Absolutely phenomenal pizza and Stromboli. The service is great. The price is right. At your table they bring to-die-for focaccia bread with dipping sauce. We vacation here and found them on Yelp. LOVE IT!!!!!
(5)Elise L.
This is my go to Italian take out place. Their pizza, calzones, hot sandwiches and baked pasta dishes are excellent. The staff is nice and the restaurant is clean. I get there baked ziti and have them add Eggplant. Its cheesy goodness, with a very balanced red sauce. The salads are adequate, but focus on your main dishes. You will be happy you gave this local joint a try.
(4)Eric C.
Loved it, we rolled in on father's day w/ 10 people and they handed it like pros, service was great and the food was awesome, we live in st Petersburg and I'd go back just for dinner
(5)Joanne O.
My family and I moved here from New York and enjoyed eating in and ordering out from his establishment. Their pizza was very good, which is hard to find in Florida. The owner hired new pizza makers a few months back and we bought two pizzas home that were loaded with salt and just bad quality. We called and the host said no problem, we will comp you one free pizza the next time. When the next time came, we arrived at the restaurant to pick up the pizza and that same hostess reminded the owner of the issue. His response, right in front of us, was the most unprofessional, immature display I have ever witnessed. He was pissed to say the least and acted as though we wanted a free meal, rather than humbly accepting the fact that we were loyal customers and his product was not up to par.That was not the case. The way he spoke to his hostess was embarassing to watch as well, and the poor girl kept apologizing to us. We didn't want her to endure anymore, so we paid for the pizza, and decided Never Again. We were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, seeing as he had new staff, but his attitude sealed the deal. We now go to Solorzanos where the pizza is fantastic and the courtesy of the staff is second to none.
(2)Scott P.
They have the best Veal Parmesan I have ever had. I have ordered a variety of meals, I have never had a bad experience. The food has always been top notch. I love the sauce on their pizza, I have been to almost every pizza place in the area and beyond (pizza connoisseur). They are in my top 3 pizza places in Sarasota. I sat outside 2 weeks ago at a table and listened to 5 full groups of people leave the restaurant, and every single customer walked out talking about how amazing the food was. I wish they were open for lunch I would stop in for some pizza. Don't miss this place it is worth going to again and again.
(5)Billy B.
we came here on 7/3/14 with 3 couples. we waited 1 hour for a glass of water and a piece of bread. another 30 minutes to take our order and 1 hour for the food. all the people were eating at the other tables except for us. we were dressed in suits and ties and ladies wore dresses. I had to get up from my table 3 times to ask for service. it seems they are not used to serving people that are clean and dressed as those who ate were dressed like bums. they are a bunch of swamp guineas in there. avoid if you are well dressed. come as a bum.
(1)Matthew R.
We have ordered from here twice (both to go orders), once for pizza and the other for Italian fare. I really cannot recommend either. The pizza was okay (there is another place in the same plaza that has really good pizza), but the Italian food we ordered was not good. I had the lasagna and it seemed to be in watered down pasta sauce similar to Ragu. We also ordered the baked ziti which was supposed to come in a meat sauce, we saw no meat in the Ragu. We like good Italian and this really does not come anywhere close to that.
(2)Lisa A.
Total score! My Yelp app came through for me while I was in Florida with my parents visiting my grandparents. I think I found my grandparents' new favorite restaurant. Yay for granddaughters who use Yelp! Please, do yourself a favor and bypass the chain restaurants in the area and stop in here for a homemade Italian feast. The five of us ate here early on a Saturday night and got seated promptly. It's a neighborhood place (I think they've been here over 10 years) where, judging from the interactions between staff and patrons, there seem to be lots of regulars here. Our waitress, Enis, was so incredibly nice, friendly and patient. And, hello, she's from NY. :) Get the brushetta. Just trust me on this. The bread is soft (not painfully crusty so it won't cut the roof of your mouth) topped with the blend of tomatoes, basil, black olives and olive oil it's perfect (no spills when biting into it either). Plus, everyone at the table exclaimed it was the absolute best brushetta they've ever had. We also had an order of the delicious artichoke picatta, which is lightly breaded and fried (not oily), whole artichoke hearts served with a light caper/lemon drizzle over some greens (paired with a few glasses of wine, I could have consumed that all by myself). Everyone at the table enjoyed their meals which included meat lasagne, meatballs, spaghetti with GIANT meatballs, grouper francese, pasta purses filled with gorgonzola and pears and linguini with marinara. Some of us at the table became members of the "Clean Plate Club" (yes, I'm looking at you dad and grandma). Everything is homemade to order too...so the pacing of food is perfect. The wine list is selective and, well, I certainly couldn't pass up $6.50 glass of tempranillo (!!) We all had such a nice evening here and I will most definitely be back when visiting family in the area. I'm happy that my grandparents now have a new restaurant in their dining rotation, especially one that conveniently delivers too.
(5)