Our parents took us this weekend. They raved about this place having been before. To begin, we were very nice and respectful all evening. But we did speak up to address some rudeness. They dismissed it. We were all shocked at the haulty, rude demeanor of the gentleman who seated us as well as our waiter who was short, rude and dismissive all night. My elderly father-in-law asked if they had lemonade. Waiter said no and dismissed him cutting off his next question which was if there was another option he could recommend. My mother-in-law even addressed him regarding the dismissal and pointed out he had another question. Waiter was rude and dismissed her. And he cut me off too with the only question I had of the night. The waiter did not offer the specials and almost slung the water, a sign of a very disorganized and/or inexperienced waiter. My husband and I had the eggplant parm. It was a tasteless lump of mush under cheese and sauce. The only reason I gave it two stars was for the dessert. We ate at several wonderful restaurants in the area over the weekend prior to trying this last one. We have no idea how this place got positive reviews. We've never seen anything like it. Best to spend your money elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Paul Campbell
Unfortunately, the service was very poor. The attitude we encountered felt arrogant and unwelcoming, which led us to leave before being served. I wouldn’t recommend based on that experience alone
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
stacey
We loved the atmosphere and the service was great. The beef carpaccio was fabulous. Thought the Caesar salad was too salty and too much dressing. Main dishes were a bit salty as well. Although presentation was very well done for all courses. I would give five stars in all if it weren't for a bit over seasoned. All in all, a great evening out.
William
We have been to Cafe Amici several times over the last few years and always enjoyed it. Unfortunately the wait, despite reservations, was more than 20 minutes past our time and it seemed a bit disorganized/chaotic from taking our name when we arrived and being seated. The wine selection is very nice although pricier than expected. The “purse” pasta was good but my partner said the lasagna was not nearly as well done as other restaurants we have been to in the Sarasota area. It will be a while before we return.
richard goffe
Worst treatment at a restaurant anywhere in the world. Food was ok. The service even before arriving was poor and disrespectful moving a reservation time and not communicating. Expected a lot more from an establishment in communication and timely service
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Peter
Not the best experience. The host was great, the food was delicious, but the waiter was impersonal, unconcerned and rude. Been there, done that!
Tori
Went here a few weeks ago with a couple of girl friends and definitely will be returning. Food was amazing, owners were kind, and staff was very attentive. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Katherine
Great location after theater. The food was very good as was the service. We hesitate to return because of the large credit card hold on the reservation.. I understand the reason but too steep for the person making the reservation.
Tami
We had the perfect Christmas Eve dinner, good wine, great food and the owners were friendly and attentive.
I4421QCelaines
The cafe was beautiful my cousin and I came and the waitress was amazing and the food was to die for. Thank you for making my birthday special. I wanted to bring one thing to the attention we arrived right as a group was leaving for the night, we went in and the I heard was the head waiter/Supervisor, asked about a table he said would be 20 minutes and only place was available. He did come out to light the heater but could tell he was not happy about it, I did have to use the ladies room when I went into the dining room he said I already told you 20 minutes. After went outside and a couple of girls came to the hostess stand and they where seated right away inside. Waitress came out so I asked about it and she said he has angry issues just ignore him he is just a jerk.
Delicious and super friendly and helpful waitress!
Steve Camp
The service was highly attentive and friendly. The food was mouthwateringly delicious. We loved the charm of the atmosphere especially the cork ceilings!!! We loved this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lorenzo Giovanni
Our dining experience was extremely disappointing. As locals, we were excited to bring our out-of-state family to this restaurant — but the evening quickly became embarrassing. After requesting to speak with the owner, the individual identifying himself as the manager/owner appeared far more focused on paying inappropriate attention to my 16-year-old granddaughter than on addressing our concerns or managing his restaurant.
The issues were numerous: • Poor and inattentive service • Unclean surroundings • Staff who seemed unprepared and overwhelmed • Only one operational restroom for the entire restaurant
It took an unreasonable amount of time — over 45 minutes after ordering — to receive our food. During that waiting period, the manager was observed spending more time casually interacting with females at the bar than overseeing operations or supporting the waitstaff.
As a family with Italian heritage, we were especially disappointed by the food quality. It was bland, overpriced, and lacked authenticity — more thrown together than thoughtfully prepared.
We were embarrassed in front of our guests and will not be returning. This establishment failed to provide the minimum level of professionalism, hospitality, and culinary quality expected from a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Tonya Winkler
To the man who introduced himself and claimed to be the manager/owner (which I question): Your behavior was shockingly unprofessional. Flirting with me in front of my husband was disrespectful and inappropriate.
I left your establishment shocked, disgusted, and deeply disappointed — not only by the conduct of your team, but also by the quality of the food. Shame on you for allowing such an environment to exist in your business. We will never return, and I will strongly discourage others from patronizing your restaurant.
Amy Shetler
I had the best time here and the food was incredible. I ordered the duck and it was perfection. I will be going back.
Our parents took us this weekend. They raved about this place having been before. To begin, we were very nice and respectful all evening. But we did speak up to address some rudeness. They dismissed it. We were all shocked at the haulty, rude demeanor of the gentleman who seated us as well as our waiter who was short, rude and dismissive all night. My elderly father-in-law asked if they had lemonade. Waiter said no and dismissed him cutting off his next question which was if there was another option he could recommend. My mother-in-law even addressed him regarding the dismissal and pointed out he had another question. Waiter was rude and dismissed her. And he cut me off too with the only question I had of the night. The waiter did not offer the specials and almost slung the water, a sign of a very disorganized and/or inexperienced waiter. My husband and I had the eggplant parm. It was a tasteless lump of mush under cheese and sauce. The only reason I gave it two stars was for the dessert. We ate at several wonderful restaurants in the area over the weekend prior to trying this last one. We have no idea how this place got positive reviews. We've never seen anything like it. Best to spend your money elsewhere.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Unfortunately, the service was very poor. The attitude we encountered felt arrogant and unwelcoming, which led us to leave before being served. I wouldn’t recommend based on that experience alone
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
We loved the atmosphere and the service was great. The beef carpaccio was fabulous. Thought the Caesar salad was too salty and too much dressing. Main dishes were a bit salty as well. Although presentation was very well done for all courses. I would give five stars in all if it weren't for a bit over seasoned. All in all, a great evening out.
We have been to Cafe Amici several times over the last few years and always enjoyed it. Unfortunately the wait, despite reservations, was more than 20 minutes past our time and it seemed a bit disorganized/chaotic from taking our name when we arrived and being seated. The wine selection is very nice although pricier than expected. The “purse” pasta was good but my partner said the lasagna was not nearly as well done as other restaurants we have been to in the Sarasota area. It will be a while before we return.
Worst treatment at a restaurant anywhere in the world. Food was ok. The service even before arriving was poor and disrespectful moving a reservation time and not communicating. Expected a lot more from an establishment in communication and timely service
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Not the best experience. The host was great, the food was delicious, but the waiter was impersonal, unconcerned and rude. Been there, done that!
Went here a few weeks ago with a couple of girl friends and definitely will be returning. Food was amazing, owners were kind, and staff was very attentive. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great location after theater. The food was very good as was the service. We hesitate to return because of the large credit card hold on the reservation.. I understand the reason but too steep for the person making the reservation.
We had the perfect Christmas Eve dinner, good wine, great food and the owners were friendly and attentive.
The cafe was beautiful my cousin and I came and the waitress was amazing and the food was to die for. Thank you for making my birthday special. I wanted to bring one thing to the attention we arrived right as a group was leaving for the night, we went in and the I heard was the head waiter/Supervisor, asked about a table he said would be 20 minutes and only place was available. He did come out to light the heater but could tell he was not happy about it, I did have to use the ladies room when I went into the dining room he said I already told you 20 minutes. After went outside and a couple of girls came to the hostess stand and they where seated right away inside. Waitress came out so I asked about it and she said he has angry issues just ignore him he is just a jerk.
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious and super friendly and helpful waitress!
The service was highly attentive and friendly. The food was mouthwateringly delicious. We loved the charm of the atmosphere especially the cork ceilings!!! We loved this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our dining experience was extremely disappointing. As locals, we were excited to bring our out-of-state family to this restaurant — but the evening quickly became embarrassing. After requesting to speak with the owner, the individual identifying himself as the manager/owner appeared far more focused on paying inappropriate attention to my 16-year-old granddaughter than on addressing our concerns or managing his restaurant.
The issues were numerous:
• Poor and inattentive service
• Unclean surroundings
• Staff who seemed unprepared and overwhelmed
• Only one operational restroom for the entire restaurant
It took an unreasonable amount of time — over 45 minutes after ordering — to receive our food. During that waiting period, the manager was observed spending more time casually interacting with females at the bar than overseeing operations or supporting the waitstaff.
As a family with Italian heritage, we were especially disappointed by the food quality. It was bland, overpriced, and lacked authenticity — more thrown together than thoughtfully prepared.
We were embarrassed in front of our guests and will not be returning. This establishment failed to provide the minimum level of professionalism, hospitality, and culinary quality expected from a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
To the man who introduced himself and claimed to be the manager/owner (which I question): Your behavior was shockingly unprofessional. Flirting with me in front of my husband was disrespectful and inappropriate.
I left your establishment shocked, disgusted, and deeply disappointed — not only by the conduct of your team, but also by the quality of the food. Shame on you for allowing such an environment to exist in your business. We will never return, and I will strongly discourage others from patronizing your restaurant.
I had the best time here and the food was incredible. I ordered the duck and it was perfection. I will be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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