50 Best Italian Restaurants near Lakewood Ranch

“4.9 Stars! Anything on the menu is good. I was there with a very large group. we all enjoyed our meals. the service was phenomenal. prices were reasonable.“

“We were there last evening for dinner. This location is much smaller than the one at UTC. Difficult to carry on a conversation even at a small table. Food was good and service was as well. Very busy and noisy for a Wednesday evening. We prefer a more intimate experience, as well as excellent food.“

“What a wonderful establishment, the atmosphere is very welcoming. On a busy Friday night, we were a giant party, so many I don't know the official number, and the service was fantastic, our server, Josh was awesome! The food was spectacular. I highly recommend the baked clams! The Veal Hero was delicious, best I've had in a long time. My husband had the lasagna and it was brilliantly seasoned, the noodles were perfectly al dente, super cheesy, and the Bolognese was delectable!“

“Really enjoyed our visit tonight. I had lasagna and my wife had the spaghetti and meat balls. Friends had the snapper piccata and gulf shrimp spaghetti and Caesar salad. Each had a drink. One thing you should do is use filtered table water. Chlorine in the water was noticeable. Also the Caesar romaine was cut too thinly. Other than that it was a good experience and plan to be back.“

“Absolutely delicious!, Small, intimate, great service, and oh so delicious“

“Simply said, PHENOMENAL! Emelio, Rosie and staff are fantastic! The food is sensational! I certainly think it’s one the best restaurants in Sarasota! Bravo!! Can’t wait to go back!“

“Fantastic all around. Food is fresh and delightful. The staff are so kind and helpful. The cocktails are bright and refreshing. Highly recommend this to anyone, regardless of whether you’re local or visiting. Classico always comes through for us, and we’re sure they’ll come through for you.“

“Went to dinner with family at the Carrabba’s on University. Teddy was our server and we was phenomenal. Service was prompt, he was attentive without hovering, and when we had a little mishap by way of a spilled glass of Sangria he took care of us immediately. Alex was our bartender and he’s got mad skills with a dirty martini. If you’re at this restaurant ask for these young men… You will not be disappointed!“

“Was a great evening with the wine Pairing yesterday. The wines were great and Tatorial was informative. The 5 Dinner courses were exceptional, can't wait for the next ? one.“

“We have been to Fiorella's 4 times since the first of the year. I believe they opened in August of 2022. We chose to try it in the first place because it was open on Sundays and the menu looked very appealing. The chef and servers are great. The pasta (house made) dishes are especially good. There is typically a starter, pasta and entrée special each night. The bruschetta starter is unique, not your typical style, and awesome we get it every time we go. The chef is willing to accommodate a diners personal wants and needs. The portions are a perfect size, not too big and not too small. We haven't tried every dish on the menu yet but those that we've had were excellent. It's a small intimate type of restaurant. Make your reservations early for the weekends because they fill up fast. We took friends with us the last 3 times we went there and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. This is fast becoming our new favorite Italian restaurant!“

“Our server Sam was the best! Great personality as with all your staff. The Bianca pizza is sooo delicious! We are Italian and from NJ. You are doing it right! Your entrees are also delicious! We will see you next Winter when we return. Linda & Tom Sellitto“

“My husband found this place for us while we were vacationing in Sarasota. The food was incredible. My in laws got the lasagne, my husband got the Ragu, and I got the risotto special that had prosciutto and burrata. This was easily the best meal we had while in Sarasota. The service was great, and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. We were so full we couldn’t finish our meal, and we sadly did not have a microwave at our hotel! Thank you for a great experience and even better food!“

“The food at Sardinia is exquisite. The atmosphere is elegant and the owner is very warm and friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant. One of the best in Sarasota! Will be returning there with friends and family many times.“

“Thanks you . cibo davvero delizioso. il vitello è super tenero“

“This place was highly recommended by a friend. My expectations were completely exceeded. Small quaint place that feels like you rolled into a bistro right from a cobblestone path in Tuscany. One chef, one prep line, small kitchen that creates big bold flavors. Food reminded me of Nanas cooking from childhood. We never went without anything as the service matched the food. Hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Thank you chef and wonderful staff for an amazing birthday meal.“

“Lived here for 12 years and just discovered this place. Definitely the BEST Italian restaurant around. Everything tasted like my mother and noni had prepared it. Caesar salad was the real thing. Gnocchi truly melted in my mouth. Sauce was exceptional.“

“Amazing wine, food and service!“

“I used to love this place but it has changed. The garlic knots were fantastic but the ziti was cooked noodles with I think canned tomato sauce with no cheese and not baked. The waitress was friendly but the kitchen staff just seemed to mingle about. Plenty of parking and easy handicapped accessible. Price was more than what the food was worth.“

“Wonderful atmosphere and wonderful service“

“Awesome Italian cuisine in Lakewood Ranch! Consistently excellent service and food. Lovely management and wait staff! Very nice outdoor patio dining overlooking the lake : ) Our favorite local spot!“

“Always great food, great service, great atmosphere!! Love the Neopolitan pizza it's the best. Waterfront Dining!“

“The homemade sausage is excellent! The caponata was a little mushy. Overall, not a bad meal.“

“Our server Sam was the best! Great personality as with all your staff. The Bianca pizza is sooo delicious! We are Italian and from NJ. You are doing it right! Your entrees are also delicious! We will see you next Winter when we return. Linda & Tom Sellitto“

“I tried Wheat + Water for the first time, and the food is superb! I added grilled chicken to a pasta dish, and it melted in my mouth. You haven't gone to heaven until you've had the tiramisu for dessert. Next up is the pizza!“

“This is a rather small local Italian restaurant hidden at the back of a building in The Meadows. There are no signs visible from the street announcing the existence of the restaurant let alone one directing you to the entrance. You’ll need to rely on Google Maps to find the place. You definitely want to call for a reservation as the place is small.

Parking: There is a large common parking lot.“

“Nobody should work for these people.. They are abusive to their employees. they steal their pay and they make people work off the clock and overtime without proper pay. When I made a big deal of it. I got paid on a Wed and gave these brothers all the Is opportunities to come talk to me and straighten it out. I was told on Wed it would be taken care of. It was not. Than told I had their WORD (not that that ment much) that someone would come in on Sat to fix everything. Not even a message sent to the store that they were not coming. I stayed with Johnny from LWR store till 1035 and nothing. Than on Sunday had the NERVES to call me to fill in for a CALL OUT. I went in to work that day. Also Sal don't make me post your text to me that Monday. U know yall are wrong that's why your acting like this. If yall just took better care of the people that work for yall. Man we do the HARD work daily that makes yall all that money. #dosntpayemployees #pizza #wagetheft #serviceindustry #abusiveboss #srqfoodie #Sarasotaprofessionals #lwr #lakewoodranchprofessionals #lakewoodranchsportscomplex #Bradentonpizza #USDepartmentofLabor #manateecounty #sarasotafood #labordayweekend #RETIREDCOMBATVET #usarmyveteran #Waitressabuse #Fixedincome #FoodService“

“Unique service. You enter and place your order at counter. Pay first. We ate in the Pizzeria. We ordered a large meatball and cheese large pizza and two ice teas. We had to help ourselves to plates, napkins and silverware on our own. The pizza was delivered to the table by a server. We had to ask for our beverages to be brought to us. I don’t know why I tipped on the bill if most of the service we did ourselves.“

“Very nice. Food and drinks were excellent and service was wonderful. We will be back.“

“Fantastic Italian food! Absolutely a must try!!!“

“The staff here is INCREDIBLE. I came here after searching and failing in finding a place to eat that can accommodate my allergies. The staff not only welcomed my party but made my order special just to assure me that I would be safe. The food here is delicious and the staff is fantastic. Such a great experience! Thank you ☺️“

“My husband and I ate at Ferraro's on January 28th at 5:15pm. Our waitress was Ronnie. She was a good waitress but we would have liked her to smile. She acted like she really did not want to be there. On the other hand, Emma came over to our table to check to see if we had gotten all our food and if we needed anything else. She had a super personality and I personally asked if she was an assistant manager. She said no. She went over to several tables to check to see if they were happy with everything. Emma made our night. We are glad that you have a person like this who enjoys work working here. Our compliments to Emma!!!! Food was delicious as usual.“

“Fantastic food and service!“

“You only have one chance to make a good first impression on a new customer and Eleni’s did not disappoint!! Friendly, courteous, and helpful was so refreshing. The pizza was great — loved the cheese! I’d go back again just for the great customer service. Good job, Eleni’s Pizza Works! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽“

“Delicious meal, great atmosphere with live music, and very friendly knowledgeable staff.“

“Food wasn't bad. Service was good. If you're looking for a more quiet place to dine, this would not be it. If you're looking for a place with more chatter and laughter, then I suppose this would be the place for you. In any case, though distracting, customers seemed to be having a good time. Bon appetite“

“Excellent excellent excellent. I've tried most of their subs now. It's becoming a habit. The subs are a bit spendy but huge. Two meals easily, so I think their pricing is appropriate. I get to go, eat half one day and half the next. Keep up the good work Faicco's.“

“The pizza was amazing. So much cheese!!“

“Great food, and the service was exceptional, best lasagna I’ve had in a long time“

“I cannot wait to dine here again. Incredible menu, quality delicious food and ingredients. There were so many items I wanted to try, but everything we had was excellent. I had homemade ravioli stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a vodka sauce, my husband had sautéed parmigiana encrusted grouper. We also shared homemade stuffed mushrooms, stuffed with sausage and goat cheese. Great wines by the glass and great service. The hostesses were exceptional as well, they gave as a quick tour inside to see if we preferred indoor or outdoor seating. Definitely a new fave! This restaurant also has one of the most beautiful patios in all of Sarasota! Such a gem spot.“

“Great atmosphere and delicious food! Very family friendly as our 7 year old had a blast! Well worth the price and hope to return again soon!“

“Great place best veal piccata in all of Florida. Service was great food excellent on make sure you get the lemon cello cake it is to die for. We will be back for sure just wish it were closer to Port Charlotte.“

“the pizza is very good.... the crust is very tasty and the right amount of chew.. the sauce is perfection! Last night was my first time in there and now I am hooked!!“

“We did a day tripper from Fort Myers Beach and tried the lasagna and hands down it's the best I've ever had. This is truly a local hidden jem as everything was superb! We will be back on a month or so our next day trip to Siesta Key!“

“Such a wonderful dining experience. The food was delicious and being able to watch the chef prepare it was an added bonus. Love to support a small family run business. Everything was very classy.“

“Stupendous! Highlights were the My Father Remembered salad, fettuccine with clams, rum baba. One of the best meals I've had in recent memory!“

“BEST pIzZa IN ALL OF MANATEE AND SARASOTA!“

“Cannot believe I just discovered this sweet little Bistro! Located in the heart of downtown, you will find a great selection of wines and food for your pleasure! A great space to enjoy live music 🎶 and friendly conversations . The decor had a bit of a retro vibe, local art decorated walls making it feel cozy, warm, and welcoming! Theresa, the owner was super gracious by allowing me to try a taste of wine before I got a whole glass ! This is a must try in sarasota!“

“Good pizzas and good salad 🥗“