Dolce Italia is an award-winning Italian restaurant in Sarasota, FL, bringing authentic flavors from Ischia to your table. Situated in Gulf Gate near Siesta Key, we specialize in handcrafted pasta, fresh seafood, and classic Italian dishes made with the finest ingredients. Our menu features everything from antipasti to decadent desserts, paired with a curated selection of red, white, and sparkling wines. Since 2010, we’ve been dedicated to warm hospitality, making every guest feel at home. With a passionate team and recipes passed down through generations, Dolce Italia offers an unforgettable dining experience rooted in tradition. Join us and savor the true taste of Italy!
Casual restaurant with a menu of Italian staples served in a warm, relaxed environment.
CR Walters
Little treasure of a restaurant. Definitely recommend a reservation.
Our entrees, the Pappardelle with Fried Shrimp special and the Fettuccine Al Pesto Crema (with sausage and pine nuts) were amazing! The service was excellent and the staff was very accommodating. Our waiter gave a recommendation for the perfect wine pairing. Plenty of delicious dessert options.
… moreMike Preisman (Mike)
Our group of 13 had a fantastic dinner at this wonderful restaurant. The sevice was friendly and professional. The food was all served hot, which can be a challenge with a large group. They do d just an outstanding job for us. I had the Angel Hair with shrimp and pancetta and my wife had the Red Snapper Puttanesca. Both were so delicious. If we didn’t live 3.5 hours away, we would eat here regularly.
… moreAlicia Carr
My husband and
I visited recently and we had the best time. We were greeted by the owner Matt personally which was a great first impression. We got a great table in the back. We had the caprese salad as an appetizer and I had the snapper fish entree. Both were fantastic. The ambience is perfect. The location is central To everything. We loved everything about our experience! 10/10!
… moreChuck Taylor
My wife and I had our 1st experience at Dolce after seeing many great reviews.
This visit happened to be during Savor Sarasota which had great options and value.
We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door, the owner Matthew and his staff were all friendly, professional, and attentive.
This is a small restaurant of 12 tables which gives it an old school intimate feel. The noise level is not a problem even with the smaller setting.
All of our food was brought out without much of a wait and it was all delicious.
I had the Pappardelle with Lamb Meatballs that were stuffed with mozzarella, I’ve never had this and it was delicious and different. My wife had their signature dish Trenne Dolce which she loved.
My dessert, the Pistachio Gelato was the perfect way to end the meal. The gelato had a chocolate covering with crushed graham cracker on top.
We recommend Dolce all around. Chef kiss!
… moreKelly
We hosted our engagement party here and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The food was absolutely delicious, the service was outstanding, and the staff went above and beyond to cater to our needs. The owner, Matthew, is very personable and made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Our guests are still talking about how wonderful it was. Highly recommend for any special occasion or even a great dinner out!
… moreBarry Seitles
Great restaurants start with great owners. From the moment I called the restaurant to find out if they serve alcohol (beer and Wine), you can feel and hear the passion from the owner Matt. This small boutique restaurant is a fantastic choice for all pasta lovers. We started our meal for 4 sharing a cold antipasto with burrata, roasted red peppers, prosciutto, tomato and arugula. All super fresh and high quality. We paired that with their eggplant appetizer. I would describe it as sorta if a deconstructed Eggplant Parm. That was different but equally fresh and tasted wonderful. All four of had pasta . Two of us had their Trenne Pasta with homemade sausage. One had the homemade Parpadeele special with a meat Ragu and last a gnocchi that Matt was glad to customize with Spinach and mushrooms. Everything was prepared to perfection. Definitely will be back and thank you Matt for your hospitality!!!
… moreJoe Walters
I rarely review a restaurant and do not want an establishment to lose business but I would like to express my thoughts. We had dinner with friends on a Friday night. They were raving about this favorite Italian restaurant and asked us to join them. First, I don’t think that the Gulf Gate area is particularly charming. When entering the restaurant we were hit with the odor of sewer gas. My wife mentioned this after we were seated but the waiter seemed to not agree that there was an odor. I ordered a special that was ok and my wife got the chicken scaloppini. The service was fine, no complaints there. The single unisex restroom was in the back through a narrow hallway that was lined with chairs making it more narrow. There were two very young children with parents seated next to us and it got loud at times. Dessert was a pistachio covered gelato that just wasn’t good. The gelato had a sandy texture and not much taste. Overall, there are too many good Italian restaurants in our area that offer less expensive pasta and a better atmosphere. I wish them well but I don’t think I will be returning.
… moreRob Archangel
Excellent meal here, everything was fresh, flavorful and presentation was exceptional.
Matthew recognized us by name as we arrived, made easy conversation and had a great wine pairing recommendation.
Enjoyed the burrata, fettuccine al pesto crema and the chicken scalloping puttanesca, along with the chocolate Vesuvio for desert. Highly recommend all of the above.
Thanks Dolce Italia!
… moreMegan Gifford
My family absolutely LOVED this place. We are traveling for vacation and came two nights in a row because we loved it so much. I have gluten and egg allergies and they accommodated everything which is very rare for me to be able to have at a restaurant. It felt like we were welcomed into an Italian home. Don’t be shocked by the “hole in the wall” feel from the outside, it is hands down the best Italian food I’ve had in a long time. My daughter enjoyed the lasagna and I got the penne pesto dish. No complaints and wonderful service. The owner was incredibly kind and very helpful in giving guidance if you’re unsure on what to get. I forgot to take photos because it looked too good and I ate it quick!
… moreReannon Frost
WOW! Let me just say, I’ve been to Italy, and this place might be better. I’ve been here once before but my second time has solidified my opinion. Amazing food, the Trenne pasta was the highlight of my night. You can tell they cook with the finest ingredients, this place is the real deal. Please go to Dolce Italia, I promise you will not be disappointed.
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