Selva Grill University Town Center — Restaurant in Florida

A Culinary Haven: Selva - The Epitome of Fine Dining on Florida's West Coast

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Review:

Step into Selva, and prepare to be transported into a world of culinary excellence. Nestled on Florida's captivating west coast, one near UTC mall and one on Main St downtown Sarasota.

Selva is a hidden gem that stands tall as the epitome of fine dining. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew I was in for an extraordinary experience.

The ambiance of Selva is an exquisite fusion of elegance and warmth. The stylish decor, with its contemporary yet inviting design, creates a captivating atmosphere that immediately sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Soft lighting, tasteful artwork, and plush seating all contribute to the restaurant's refined and sophisticated ambiance.

The service at Selva is impeccable, leaving no detail unattended. The staff exudes professionalism, offering warm and attentive hospitality throughout the evening. From the moment I was greeted at the entrance to the knowledgeable guidance provided by the waitstaff, every interaction was marked by genuine care and a commitment to ensuring an exceptional dining experience.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the food. Selva's menu is a testament to the artistry and creativity of its culinary team. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The menu showcases a symphony of global influences, weaving together ingredients from various cultures into a culinary tapestry that delights the palate.

During my visit, I indulged in a gastronomic journey like no other. The appetizers tantalized my taste buds, with delicate presentations that showcased the kitchen's attention to detail. The main course was a revelation, with perfectly cooked meats and seafood that left me yearning for more. And the desserts? They were pure bliss, with decadent creations that elevated sweetness to an art form.

The expertise in pairing wines with the courses was commendable. The extensive wine list showcased a well-curated selection, and the sommelier selected wine list and recommendations complemented the flavors of the dishes flawlessly, enhancing the overall dining experience. Not to mention the absolutely amazing craft cocktails before dinner!

Selva truly goes above and beyond, catering not only to the culinary desires of its guests but also to their desire for a complete sensory experience. The seamless integration of outstanding cuisine, impeccable service, and a captivating atmosphere is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, Selva is a shining star on Florida's west coast, embodying the pinnacle of fine dining. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable evening, Selva is the destination that will take you on a culinary journey you won't soon forget. Prepare to have your senses awakened and your taste buds amazed in this enchanting culinary haven.

Thank you again Selva team, you are masters of your trade and it is clear you all love what you do! We will see you again...

HOW TO RUIN A BIRTHDAY! We dine at Selva often. The service and food are excellent, and we go to celebrate special occasions. We had 6:15pm reservations (9/9) to celebrate my wife’s birthday at the UTC location. Arriving on time, we advised the hostess of our presence and were escorted past 6 empty booths (we were seated in a booth on ALL prior visits) and brought to a table in the back, about 6 feet away from 10 people who were audibly enjoying their evening. While those folks had every right to be reasonably loud and have fun, we desired a quiet evening (noted in our reservation) and asked to be seated elsewhere, perhaps in an empty booth. We returned to the hostess and were told that all remaining tables were saved for parties of 4 and we only could be seated at the table we were escorted to originally. I protested, asserting that there were MANY empty tables/booths, it was my wife’s birthday, and we were frequent diners at Selva. The hostess was steadfast, telling us that reservations for 4 always take priority over reservations for 2. I asked to speak with a manager. Mario D. appeared. He said he was the final authority that evening and was unapologetically arrogant. He overheard the conversation with the hostess and offered us 3 choices, we could be seated: (1) at the original table, (2) in the also noisy (and crowded) bar area, or (3) outside, in 90-degree heat along the loud ring road of a busy regional shopping center. He acknowledged that we had a reservation but didn’t care. We declined the offerings and Mr. D (Mario) said we had no other options despite many vacant tables. He said that parties of 4 would be seated at the empty tables…eventually. We left. Over many years, on rare occasion, we’ve encountered “issues” at a few restaurants. This, though, was unprecedented. No one was contrite. No one asked: “what can we do to make this right,” and no one was concerned that a repeat customer with a reservation was being treated poorly. Avoid...

Went for a 10 year anniversary but it was too close to New Years that no one asked what we were celebrating. I even put it on my reservation. Put a slight damper on the experience. Have had such nice service for previous anniversary celebrations at other establishments.

Our first time dining and we wanted to try the ceviches. Decided on the octopus - it’s a hard dish to get right. Overall taste was citrusy. The menu said it had olives but barely tasted that as the lime dominated the dish.

The texture of the octopus was okay to me. I’ve had more tender octopus before. Perhaps it was the lime that altered the texture a bit. The avocado balanced the zesty lime flavor. Did not care for the toast.

The entrees were good. My husband’s steak was more on the rare side than medium rare but he said he didn’t mind and that it was preferable than being overly done.

My rack of lamb was cooked nicely. I’m happy that there was not a lot of that brown sauce on the asparagus. The sauce to me did not go well with the lamb nor the risotto. It was overpowering the lamb. In my opinion, good meat deserves to stand on its own. The flavors in that dish actually clashed rather than complemented each other.

I wish they had suggestions on wine pairings with their entrees. I don’t think my server knew about what to pair lamb with when I asked. I just went with the Malbec which was a nice, dry wine.

I would compliment their operation as being run as a nice well oiled machine. Felt that our dishes came at a timely manner. They were well staffed and seemed prepared for Saturday night and a holiday weekend night to boot.

They did lose our leftover but they were able to...