Bella Vita Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Sarasota

I dined here over the weekend after seeing everyone rant and rave about this place and left incredibly underwhelmed. Admittedly, I am from NJ and my expectations on Italian are high but I left here feeling like Henry Hill at the end of Goodfellas when he tried to get Italian food while living in witness protection.

For appetizers we had the bacon-wrapped scallops and caprese salad. The bacon was undercooked and incredibly chewy rather than a crispy compliment to the scallop. The mozzarella in the caprese salad did not taste fresh. The cheese wasn't that nice soft texture you're looking for and instead of using full basil leaves, I instead got what looked like chopped dried basil spread throughout the salad.

For dinner, I ordered the chicken parm. I don't love that they go against the grain and put the cheese on top of the chicken instead of the sauce, nor was I happy with the super sweet sauce that tasted and looked canned rather than fresh.

Atmosphere wise the place was a sauna, I don't know if the air conditioning was broken or what, but everyone at my table left sweating and uncomfortable. Tables are built close to each other, making it hard to leave and even getting to the restroom can be a task as you need to get through a server station to get there. Decor was kind of all over the place, there's a poster for A Bronx Tale on the wall and the two TVs at the bar played that movie on repeat while we were there, but the dishes seem like something more from an Asian restaurant rather than Italian. Additionally the plates were metal, which means heat transfers quickly and easily making this not an ideal restaurant for those who have kiddos that like to grab and reach for everything.

Our server was the bright spot, she accommodated us when we were unsatisfied with our appetizers and the orders came out correctly, though our food took a long time to come out.

I don't necessarily like leaving bad reviews for small businesses publicly, but I am passionate about finding good Italian food in Sarasota and feel this is the best way for the owner to see and hopefully improve. Until then, I will continue to search for something...

After reading so many wonderful reviews about Bella Vita Italian Kitchen, my husband Rick and I just had to try it…and we’re so very glad we did! The staff…and atmosphere were very warm and welcoming. Once seated, we were greeted by Nicole, who took great care of us! She was very attentive and personable…without being overbearing. Several of the staff, on their way past our table, stopped to greet/welcome us…which was very much appreciated. Both Rick and I opted for the chicken française and pasta…with extra sauce. It came with a salad…and was served family style. After finishing the salad, the chef’s wife came by and offered us more salad, which we further enjoyed. While waiting for our entrees, we were entertained by great music…oldies but goodies…and we found ourselves practically dancing in our seats! It was hard to keep still…and we commented on it several times to the staff. Our dinners arrived on a cart, pushed by Rocco…the owner…and we couldn’t believe the amount of food that was presented. The servings are HUGE! Rocco said if we need anything to just let him know…and I immediately spoke up and asked for more sauce. (There was plenty of sauce…but I just love tons of sauce). Soon thereafter, Rocco came out with a LARGE soup bowl type of cup filled with extra sauce!! I couldn’t believe it…and both Rick and I were duly impressed! Our dinners were absolutely delicious…and, needless to say, there were plenty of leftovers. We saved a little room for dessert and opted for their tiramisu, which was scrumptious…so moist and delicious. (I had also ordered a side of meatballs ‘to go’…with a lot of sauce!). Nicole boxed everything up for us…and so much appreciated our visit. Before leaving, we just couldn’t resist the music…so we got up and danced to a couple slow songs. The staff was thrilled…and it was just a perfect ending to a very enjoyable evening! THANK YOU! We will...

A special, secret place. This is Rocco’s place, and he takes pride in every dish and customer.

I’m afraid when the word gets out, I’m gonna lose my place at the bar! And need to make reservations! Which I will gladly do.

I have eaten at Michelin Starred places, and hole-in-the-wall-dives. All I search of the perfect bite. When it comes to Italian food in Sarasota, Bella Vita can’t be beat.

This was my second time here. The first trip, we split a pizza and had some COLD beers. The pizza was incredible and as a NYer this pie was beyond comparison. The crust is puffed, and blistered along the edge, and importantly, cooked through, and not greasy in the least. The toppings were completely covering the pizza, and the sauce is perfect with just a hint of oregano. Smothered in cheese it’s sublime.

Last night I went in and this time ordered the Cicken Parmesan and tried a small plate of the Chicken French. Both were incredible. The Parm was juicy and thick and lightly breaded and fried. The sauce, was perfect, not too sweet, not at all acidic. Finished off in the oven the dish came out in hot, cheesy, bubbly goodness. I chose the linguini as a side, and it was cooked to perfect al dente.

I don’t know what to say about the portions, but they are beyond large, and I now have lunch AND dinner leftovers for today!

The wine selection was great, and well, thought out and I had a refreshing Italian white.

The service was great, very attentive, and with a sense of the servers really enjoying themselves, and caring about the happiness of the customers.

Cheers! I’ll be going back regularly, I just hope I can keep my secret, a bit longer.

But I’m afraid the word is out, Bella Vita,...