Marcello Ristorante
A cozy, family-run Italian gem offering classic dishes, housemade pastas, and seafood with an intimate ambiance and an exceptional wine selection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Marcello Ristorante
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy, family-run Italian gem offering classic dishes, housemade pastas, and seafood with an intimate ambiance and an exceptional wine selection.
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential due to high demand and limited seating. Book well in advance.
Consider Slower Nights
Visiting on less busy nights might reduce wait times and enhance your dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Italian Ambiance
Experience intimate, family-run Italian charm, perfect for romantic dinners or leisurely meals. Feels like a Tuscan bistro.
Signature Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad, prepared tableside, is a must-try, lauded for its garlicky, cheesy, buttery flavor.
Exceptional Wine Selection
A vast and incredible wine selection complements the Italian cuisine, offering pairings for every palate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential due to high demand and limited seating. Book well in advance.
Consider Slower Nights
Visiting on less busy nights might reduce wait times and enhance your dining experience.
Steak Value
Skip the wagyu for better value; opt for recommended dishes like fried pork cutlet or sea bass.
Must-Try Dishes
Highly recommended are the table-side Caesar salad and the veal Milanese.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential due to high demand and limited seating. Book well in advance.
Consider Slower Nights
Visiting on less busy nights might reduce wait times and enhance your dining experience.
Steak Value
Skip the wagyu for better value; opt for recommended dishes like fried pork cutlet or sea bass.
Must-Try Dishes
Highly recommended are the table-side Caesar salad and the veal Milanese.
Corkage Policy
Corkage fees are not permitted, but they offer an outstanding selection of wines.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marcello Ristorante is a beloved Italian spot praised for its intimate ambiance, top-notch quality food, and extensive wine list. Diners rave about signature dishes like the tableside Caesar salad and veal Milanese, and the attentive, friendly service. While reservations are challenging to secure, the dining experience is consistently described as exceptional and well worth the wait. Some reviews mention inconsistent seasoning and issues with bill splitting, but these are minor points against the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
"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."
Allison Leonardich
"Go ahead and give this spot a Micheline Star. Think family restaurant with a refined air. Incredible wine selection and definitely upscale. Reservations are hard to come by, but the wait is well worth it. Meal options are farm to table and rotate based on availability. Italian menu with seafood options. The scallops with gnochi were a hit at our table. Very authentic and chef owned. Nothing but high praise from me. The wine room doubles as a private room for parties and meetings. Great friendly and personable staff that were on their game with efficiency and speed. Put it on your list for top 5 options in Sarasota for sure."
Dale Thompson
"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!"
Diana Espinoza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended and often necessary due to the restaurant's popularity and limited seating. Book well in advance.
Reviewers frequently praise the tableside Caesar salad, veal Milanese, and housemade pastas. The menu also features fresh seafood.
No, corkage fees are not permitted at Marcello Ristorante. However, they boast a phenomenal and extensive wine selection.
The menu changes frequently based on fresh ingredients. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about gluten-free accommodations.
Absolutely. The intimate, family-run Italian ambiance makes it a favorite for romantic evenings.
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest an upscale atmosphere, so smart casual attire would be appropriate.
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For a romantic interlude, make reservations and tell the babysitter you’ll be home late. The vibe: Cozy, comfortable, passionately food-centric, a place to watch chef Marcello Aquino cook and to linger over old and new dishes prepared simply but in abundance. What to order: Dishes on the changing menu that maximizes fresh fish and produce; Veal Milanese; cioppino with clams, mussels, shrimp, squid, octopus, grouper.
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4157 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231Phone: 941-921-6794 Visit Website. A post shared by Marcello Ristorante (@marcello.ristorante). Now, for some Italian flair, we arrive at Marcello Ristorante.
The best Salad in Sarasota
I've spent a lot of time in Milan and that's what Marcello's reminds me of: the dishes are great across all categories, one of those small limited...
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Pappardelle cooked from scratch at Marcello Ristorante Italiano. Make sure to book early, as there has always been a long waiting line.
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