Behind the smug arrogance lies a tired, dusty restaurant serving forgettable food. For an actual italian dining experience, go to Carrigulos, Epicure, or Bella Napule — where the quality matches the confidence.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Lucky
I have the opportunity to be in Sarasota two times a year. I always make a point to have dinner at "Cafe Amici". Not just one of the best in Sarasota, one of the best anywhere. Do not miss the Braciole. One of the few (if any) restaurants that have this dish on their menu. Not only do they do it, they do it perfectly. The service is fantastic. During this visit our waiter was Jeff. He was great. Traditionally, our waiter has been Andrei. Although not our waiter, for this visit he made it a point to chat with us and welcome us to the restaurant.
Chris Rich
Had an amazing experience at Cafe Amici Downtown! 🍝 The food was absolutely delicious and full of authentic flavor, the service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Perfect spot for a great Italian meal downtown—highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sophie Leereveld
Cafe Amici is one of the best Italian restaurants in downtown Sarasota! Simonetta was a great host and the staff were amazing. The food was very delicious, I will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
zoe leereveld
The best Italian food in Sarasota! The pear gnocchi is absolutely amazing, and Simonetta was wonderful—she made the whole experience even better! Will be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
H.W.
As usual our dining experience at Cafe Amici was outstanding. The staff are most professional & personable. As local person, they remember our name, and preferred table. The food is always outstanding and enough that you need a to go box. The wine selection is excellent. We celebrated a birthday and the staff could not have been more hospitable in setting up table decorations sent to them & the cake presentation. We look forward to our next visit.
Marilyn
The bronzino special was a bit dry & over baked, served with potatoes & vegetables. The appetizer of arugula, tomatoes & prosciutto was delicious. Our server & atmosphere ~ both very good.
M Thatcher
It saves a lot of time and expense when you don't have to travel to Italy to enjoy authentic Italian food.Surprisingly delicious. Our service by Jeff was top notch as well..Our first visit and we will be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris A
We like small Italian restaurants and this one fits the bill. We were walk-ins and got a nice table in the back. Restaurant is nicely decorated and not too big. Table spacing is good and it was easy to carry on a conversation.
Our waiter Jason was attentive, courteous and not overbearing during the entire meal. We started with a martini and a glass of wine, both of which had a nice poor. The fresh warm focaccia bread they brought to the table was great along with the pesto, garlic balsamic dipping sauce. We did not order an appetizer.
Wife ordered the Carbonara pasta and I ordered the Branzino fish special. Both came out in a timely manner, and both were hot. The carbonara in particular was extremely good and Wife thought it was one of the best she’s ever had. The Branzino was cooked a little different where it was butterflied and then breaded. It was perfectly cooked and had a great flavor.
This is a nice spot with great food. We’ll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leanne
Absolutely phenomenal! The fettuccini noodles are homemade. The fettuccini Alfredo and the lasagna were to die for.
Such a cute & cozy restaurant! Very authentic & kind staff. I love how detailed the inside is with the ceiling all corks. We got the gnocchi to go & they made it with a white sauce for us. Everything was delicious & the wine was great! Great vibes & atmosphere. We can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen Hurd
Has been a consistent experience of great food, warm staff delicious Martinis Outstanding
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Shettler
Veal chop—yes please! My coworker had the lasagna and it was lightning. This place is fire: great wine, excellent service, and consistent quality. This was my second visit, and I keep letting the waiter order for me—it never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susan Sewell
Delicious meal and great staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Philippe
Amici is an old reliable for us, but we had not visited in perhaps a year. Still generally quite good (excellent duck, rigatoni); disappointed with mozzarella/tomato appetizer: in August, tomatoes should be outstanding, these were anything but.
Behind the smug arrogance lies a tired, dusty restaurant serving forgettable food. For an actual italian dining experience, go to Carrigulos, Epicure, or Bella Napule — where the quality matches the confidence.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I have the opportunity to be in Sarasota two times a year. I always make a point to have dinner at "Cafe Amici". Not just one of the best in Sarasota, one of the best anywhere. Do not miss the Braciole. One of the few (if any) restaurants that have this dish on their menu. Not only do they do it, they do it perfectly. The service is fantastic. During this visit our waiter was Jeff. He was great. Traditionally, our waiter has been Andrei. Although not our waiter, for this visit he made it a point to chat with us and welcome us to the restaurant.
Had an amazing experience at Cafe Amici Downtown! 🍝 The food was absolutely delicious and full of authentic flavor, the service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Perfect spot for a great Italian meal downtown—highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cafe Amici is one of the best Italian restaurants in downtown Sarasota! Simonetta was a great host and the staff were amazing. The food was very delicious, I will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best Italian food in Sarasota! The pear gnocchi is absolutely amazing, and Simonetta was wonderful—she made the whole experience even better! Will be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
As usual our dining experience at Cafe Amici was outstanding. The staff are most professional & personable. As local person, they remember our name, and preferred table. The food is always outstanding and enough that you need a to go box. The wine selection is excellent. We celebrated a birthday and the staff could not have been more hospitable in setting up table decorations sent to them & the cake presentation. We look forward to our next visit.
The bronzino special was a bit dry & over baked, served with potatoes & vegetables. The appetizer of arugula, tomatoes & prosciutto was delicious. Our server & atmosphere ~ both very good.
It saves a lot of time and expense when you don't have to travel to Italy to enjoy authentic Italian food.Surprisingly delicious. Our service by Jeff was top notch as well..Our first visit and we will be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We like small Italian restaurants and this one fits the bill. We were walk-ins and got a nice table in the back. Restaurant is nicely decorated and not too big. Table spacing is good and it was easy to carry on a conversation.
Our waiter Jason was attentive, courteous and not overbearing during the entire meal. We started with a martini and a glass of wine, both of which had a nice poor. The fresh warm focaccia bread they brought to the table was great along with the pesto, garlic balsamic dipping sauce. We did not order an appetizer.
Wife ordered the Carbonara pasta and I ordered the Branzino fish special. Both came out in a timely manner, and both were hot. The carbonara in particular was extremely good and Wife thought it was one of the best she’s ever had. The Branzino was cooked a little different where it was butterflied and then breaded. It was perfectly cooked and had a great flavor.
This is a nice spot with great food. We’ll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely phenomenal! The fettuccini noodles are homemade. The fettuccini Alfredo and the lasagna were to die for.
Restaurantji Recommends
Such a cute & cozy restaurant! Very authentic & kind staff. I love how detailed the inside is with the ceiling all corks. We got the gnocchi to go & they made it with a white sauce for us. Everything was delicious & the wine was great! Great vibes & atmosphere. We can’t wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Has been a consistent experience of great food, warm staff delicious Martinis Outstanding
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Veal chop—yes please! My coworker had the lasagna and it was lightning. This place is fire: great wine, excellent service, and consistent quality. This was my second visit, and I keep letting the waiter order for me—it never disappoints.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious meal and great staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amici is an old reliable for us, but we had not visited in perhaps a year. Still generally quite good (excellent duck, rigatoni); disappointed with mozzarella/tomato appetizer: in August, tomatoes should be outstanding, these were anything but.
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