Wow! Just Wow! My husband surprised me with reservations at Marcello's & it was phenomenal!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marcello’s Restaurant – Sarasota This was, without question, the best meal I’ve had in Sarasota — possibly anywhere. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and intimate, like being welcomed into someone’s home in Italy. Every detail was thoughtful and elegant without being pretentious.
The food was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish tasted as if it was made with love and passion — fresh ingredients, layered flavors, and perfect presentation. The homemade pasta was beyond perfection, the sauces rich and balanced, and the desserts absolutely heavenly.
And the tomahawk steak?! Stop it! Beyond the best I’ve ever had — in my life. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and bursting with flavor. Truly unforgettable.
A special mention to Jeff, our waiter, whose service was exceptional. He was attentive without ever being intrusive — knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely passionate about the food and wine. His recommendations were spot-on and elevated our entire evening.
Marcello’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience. The kind that fills your heart as much as your plate. For me, it was an Italian girl’s dream (Incorvaia is my maiden name :) ) - authentic, romantic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Making reservations for our next trip to Marcello's. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dawn
The open kitchen turned dinner into theater-you see the fire, hear the knives and view showstopper specialty cuts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Riggi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marcello Restaurant – Sarasota Absolutely excellent! The food was incredible — every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully done. We sat in the wine room, surrounded by an amazing selection of bottles, including some really hard-to-find wines — such a cool atmosphere!
Our waitress Lilly was absolutely wonderful — friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. You can tell everyone here really cares about what they do.
Easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Sarasota. Can’t wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omar Palma
It couldn't be better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angela Pellegrino
I love the garlicy, cheesy, butter (I'd buy a jar of that) . It's so delicious! The best caesar salad ever!
My friends meals had lots of sauce with their meal and I was disappointed because mine barely had any. The parmesan pepper sauce with the scallops and gnocchi was tasty, but I would've liked more sauce.
I went with a party of 5 friends and we got one check. Two couples and me. We asked for them to split our mealsr separately and was told that 'we dont split the checks'. Basically we were all supposed to split the bill evenly. My friends both ordered two meals, (two of the meals was a $50 meal) another one also got an appetizer and I got a $35 meal. So the check rule made absolutely no sense for me to pay so much extra money. 🤷♀️Thankfully Another waiter came and split our checks instead. Because I wasn't paying $50-$90 for one $35 meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Tableside Caesar Salad, Beef Short Ribs with Pappardelle Pasta, Homemade Pappardelle with Black Truffles
Robert Wiley
We got real lucky because my friend and I walked in without a reservation but Marcello must have been in a great mood because he allowed us and wives to enjoy ourselves. Dinner was fabulous. It’s Old World cooking and atmosphere and top notch service. Treat yourself and go there for dinner. Suggestion drive over when they are open and make a reservation in person. The easiest way to get a table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tableside Caesar Salad, Beef Short Ribs with Pappardelle Pasta
Charles Hendrix
First visit and very disappointing. Despite hearing great things, the service was rude and unprofessional. Our waiter never spoke to us, left in the middle of making our Caesar salad to seat and greet another table, then came back to finish it. The staff gave off a bad vibe the whole time. Overall, not a welcoming experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Pauly Paul
This place is hands down the biggest dump in Sarasota. And that’s coming from me, a cast member of MTV’s Siesta Key who has eaten at every nice restaurant in this town. The so-called “service” here was a complete joke. Our waiter was the most unprofessional clown I’ve ever dealt with. He started making the tableside Caesar salad, then literally walked away mid-mix to seat another guest, came back, and—get this—while still mixing the salad, shook hands with someone who had just walked in. Disgusting.
When he asked if I wanted pepper, I simply gave a thumbs up and said I was fine. Apparently that hurt his fragile ego, because he stormed off to the back to whine about me to the owner (who also cooks here) and the two of them stood there laughing at us like children. At that point, we got up and walked out on the spot.
Take my advice: avoid this place like the plague. It’s unprofessional, filthy, and run by people who clearly don’t care about their customers. Worst dining experience I’ve ever had in Sarasota—period.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Spangle Taylor
What can I say?! I've actually been waiting years to dine here! Absolutely amazing! The entire experience exceeded my expectations! The owner, chef, is in there by himself making every dish! The ambiance is nothing short of perfect, the wait staff knows their stuff, amazing wine selection, homemade pasta! Everything was plated so beautifully and tasted top notch! No wonder there's a 2-week wait to get into this place! I can't wait to go back again and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marty Atherton
Absolutely next level. Everything about the meal was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scalops, Tableside Caesar Salad
Over priced. No actual menu, just board that they move around. Escargo was absolutely terrible, unesthetical and not at all tasty. Will not go back and do not recommend.
Kevin Johnson
Fabulous ambiance, unbelievable food and wine selections, plus impeccable and attentive service in a small venue that transports you to a relaxed and special total dining experience. Highly, highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shauniece Lee
I loved date night here! The food was delicious, service was incredible, and our night was made! Not to mention the huge wine selection I can’t wait to visit again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diana Espinoza
Everything we had was absolutely delicious The food was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Chef Marcello truly knows what he’s doing! The desserts were also amazing, and our server John made the experience even better with his friendly and attentive service. We had a great time and can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Miguel Salcedo
This place feels like the most authentic Italian restaurant in New York but even better. The food, the wine, and the service all go above and beyond. Our evening was made extra special thanks to John, who guided us through the menu and helped us make the tough decision between all the delicious appetizers and entrées. Marcello’s is definitely an experience worth repeating. Well done, Chef!
Wow! Just Wow! My husband surprised me with reservations at Marcello's & it was phenomenal!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marcello’s Restaurant – Sarasota
This was, without question, the best meal I’ve had in Sarasota — possibly anywhere. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and intimate, like being welcomed into someone’s home in Italy. Every detail was thoughtful and elegant without being pretentious.
The food was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish tasted as if it was made with love and passion — fresh ingredients, layered flavors, and perfect presentation. The homemade pasta was beyond perfection, the sauces rich and balanced, and the desserts absolutely heavenly.
And the tomahawk steak?! Stop it! Beyond the best I’ve ever had — in my life. Perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and bursting with flavor. Truly unforgettable.
A special mention to Jeff, our waiter, whose service was exceptional. He was attentive without ever being intrusive — knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely passionate about the food and wine. His recommendations were spot-on and elevated our entire evening.
Marcello’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience. The kind that fills your heart as much as your plate. For me, it was an Italian girl’s dream (Incorvaia is my maiden name :) ) - authentic, romantic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Making reservations for our next trip to Marcello's. Can't wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The open kitchen turned dinner into theater-you see the fire, hear the knives and view showstopper specialty cuts.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Marcello Restaurant – Sarasota
Absolutely excellent! The food was incredible — every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully done. We sat in the wine room, surrounded by an amazing selection of bottles, including some really hard-to-find wines — such a cool atmosphere!
Our waitress Lilly was absolutely wonderful — friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. You can tell everyone here really cares about what they do.
Easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in Sarasota. Can’t wait to go back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It couldn't be better
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love the garlicy, cheesy, butter (I'd buy a jar of that) . It's so delicious! The best caesar salad ever!
My friends meals had lots of sauce with their meal and I was disappointed because mine barely had any. The parmesan pepper sauce with the scallops and gnocchi was tasty, but I would've liked more sauce.
I went with a party of 5 friends and we got one check. Two couples and me. We asked for them to split our mealsr separately and was told that 'we dont split the checks'. Basically we were all supposed to split the bill evenly. My friends both ordered two meals, (two of the meals was a $50 meal) another one also got an appetizer and I got a $35 meal. So the check rule made absolutely no sense for me to pay so much extra money. 🤷♀️Thankfully Another waiter came and split our checks instead. Because I wasn't paying $50-$90 for one $35 meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Tableside Caesar Salad, Beef Short Ribs with Pappardelle Pasta, Homemade Pappardelle with Black Truffles
We got real lucky because my friend and I walked in without a reservation but Marcello must have been in a great mood because he allowed us and wives to enjoy ourselves. Dinner was fabulous. It’s Old World cooking and atmosphere and top notch service. Treat yourself and go there for dinner. Suggestion drive over when they are open and make a reservation in person. The easiest way to get a table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tableside Caesar Salad, Beef Short Ribs with Pappardelle Pasta
First visit and very disappointing. Despite hearing great things, the service was rude and unprofessional. Our waiter never spoke to us, left in the middle of making our Caesar salad to seat and greet another table, then came back to finish it. The staff gave off a bad vibe the whole time. Overall, not a welcoming experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This place is hands down the biggest dump in Sarasota. And that’s coming from me, a cast member of MTV’s Siesta Key who has eaten at every nice restaurant in this town. The so-called “service” here was a complete joke. Our waiter was the most unprofessional clown I’ve ever dealt with. He started making the tableside Caesar salad, then literally walked away mid-mix to seat another guest, came back, and—get this—while still mixing the salad, shook hands with someone who had just walked in. Disgusting.
When he asked if I wanted pepper, I simply gave a thumbs up and said I was fine. Apparently that hurt his fragile ego, because he stormed off to the back to whine about me to the owner (who also cooks here) and the two of them stood there laughing at us like children. At that point, we got up and walked out on the spot.
Take my advice: avoid this place like the plague. It’s unprofessional, filthy, and run by people who clearly don’t care about their customers. Worst dining experience I’ve ever had in Sarasota—period.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
What can I say?! I've actually been waiting years to dine here! Absolutely amazing! The entire experience exceeded my expectations! The owner, chef, is in there by himself making every dish! The ambiance is nothing short of perfect, the wait staff knows their stuff, amazing wine selection, homemade pasta! Everything was plated so beautifully and tasted top notch! No wonder there's a 2-week wait to get into this place! I can't wait to go back again and again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely next level. Everything about the meal was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Scalops, Tableside Caesar Salad
Restaurantji Recommends
Over priced. No actual menu, just board that they move around. Escargo was absolutely terrible, unesthetical and not at all tasty. Will not go back and do not recommend.
Fabulous ambiance, unbelievable food and wine selections, plus impeccable and attentive service in a small venue that transports you to a relaxed and special total dining experience. Highly, highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I loved date night here! The food was delicious, service was incredible, and our night was made! Not to mention the huge wine selection I can’t wait to visit again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything we had was absolutely delicious
The food was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Chef Marcello truly knows what he’s doing! The desserts were also amazing, and our server John made the experience even better with his friendly and attentive service. We had a great time and can’t wait to come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place feels like the most authentic Italian restaurant in New York but even better. The food, the wine, and the service all go above and beyond. Our evening was made extra special thanks to John, who guided us through the menu and helped us make the tough decision between all the delicious appetizers and entrées. Marcello’s is definitely an experience worth repeating. Well done, Chef!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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