Seems like Sarasota is fully stocked with an abundance of Italian restaurants. But, how do you sort out the truly memorable places from the ordinary pasta houses? #6 on our list isn’t any ordinary pasta house.

#6 – Solorzano’s Italian Restaurant

Solorzano’s has Sarasota bragging rights to Hoboken New Jersey style Italian cuisine. They feature homemade east coast Italian specialties. As you would expect, great pasta dishes are represented on the Solorzano’s menu. But, you can also find a nice selection of fish, meat and poultry.

Don’t forget to finish your meal off with a fantastic homemade dessert.

Solorzano’s Ristorante
2117 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941-906-9444

Previous Best of 2010 Restaurants
#20 - Oh Mamma Mia!
#19 - Broccolini’s Restaurant & Catering
#18 - Sangria Tapas Bar
#17 - Blu Smoke Island Grill
#16 - Kumo Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
#15 - Pegasus Greek Restaurant
#14 - Braza Brazilian Steakhouse
#13 - Voocaray
#12 - Shakespeare’s English Pub
#11 - Wild Hog Barbecue
#10 - Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant
#9 –   First Street Chop House
#8 –   Cafe Gabbiano
# 7     Morocco

It looks like it’s Gulf Gate 2, the rest of Sarasota 0. At least for the moment.

Our number 19 restaurant from 2010 was another Gulf Gate location and another Italian restaurant as well. Boy, that’s an eerie coincidence.

#19 – Broccolini’s Restaurant & Catering

Broccolini’s features fantastic homemade Italian fare. A nice cozy atmosphere and attentive service. It’s no wonder it’s one of our reader’s top twenty. Just look at this Mozzarella Caprese Salad.

Looks like Gulf Gate has some winning dining options.

Broccolini’s Restaurant & Catering
6525 Superior Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-926-8525

Previous Best of 2011 Restaurants
#20 – Oh Mamma Mia!

A longtime downtown favorite. Fantastic casual Italian cuisine served in an atmosphere that is so relaxing it feels like home.

No matter what you order from their menu it is sure to be a winner.

Click on the image below to view the full menu.

Caragiulos
69 S. Palm Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-951-0866

It’s been 20 years since the Caragiulo Brothers first opened their Sarasota restaurant. It’s amazing how quickly time files. In those twenty years, the Palm Avenue eatery has been feeding locals and visitors fantastic Italian fare that keeps them coming back for more. They’ve also managed to pick up a little hardware along the way, including a mention on this years Best Of The Best list from Sarasota Magazine. They took the award for the best Rustic Comfort Food in the city.

Now, as part of their ongoing 20th anniversary celebration, Caragiulo’s is offering a specially priced “$19.89″ prix fixe menu for the summer. The four course menu includes some classic Caragiulo’s dishes and can be paired with one of the ten great wines included on their 1989 wine list. The only restriction is that you must order before 6:30pm. Here’s what you can expect from the menu:

Primi (Select One)
Italian Wedding Soup or Zuppa del  Giorno

Bruschetta Trio – Classic Pomodori & Basil, Tuscan Pate, English Peas with Pancetta

Frittelle di Zucca – Crispy zucchini, egg & Parmesan puffs with sweet & spicy glaze

Insalati (Select One)
Caragiulius Caeser Salad or House Garden Salad, served with fresh baked Focaccia bread

Secondi (Select One)
Spaghetti with house-made meatballs or sausage or both

Four Cheese Ravioli with wilted spinach & salsa rustica

Lasagne with traditional bolognese sauce

Penne Pasolini – Chicken, Gorgonzola cream & sundried tomatoes

Braised Beef Tortelloni  ‘a la vodka’, stuffed pasta with tomato-cream & pancetta

Linguine & Clams  – Choose white or red clam sauce

Fra Diavlo – Shrimp, clams mussels & whitefish in a spicy tomato sauce with linguine

Chicken Marsala with mushroom marsala sauce & choice of pasta or roasted potatoes

Old School Chicken Parmigiana with mozzarella & pasta marinara

Dolci (Select One)
Honey-Ricotta Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cannoli or Panna Cotta & Berries

You can take advantage of this fantastic meal deal from June 22 through August 31, 2009. Reservations are not required, but, would be appreciated.

Caragiulo’s
69 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota, Florida 34236
941-951-0866

An out of the way Sarasota treat. Piccolo Italian Market and Deli has amazing (and GIANT) Italian specialty sandwiches. The restaurant is located in the Gulf Gate area. Piccolo’s has about 6 tables to eat in or do what a lot of people do and carry out their great Italian dishes.

Want to suggest a menu for our Menu Monday feature? Drop us an email or leave a comment.

CLICK ON THE MENU FOR A LARGER VIEW

Piccolo Italian Market & Deli
2128 Gulf Gate Drive
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-923-2202