The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar — Restaurant in Sarasota

When the first words out of a waitress’s mouth are, “Are you going to order something other than water?”, it sets a negative tone and reflects poorly on both the management and ownership. Hospitality should begin with a welcoming attitude, not passive-aggressive questioning.

Later, after the food was served, she returned with the generic, “How’s everything going over here?” — a question so vague it feels obligatory rather than attentive. A more service-oriented approach would have been to ask, “Is everything tasting good?” or “Can I get you anything else?” — something that acknowledges the dining experience, not just our physical presence.

The food itself was average — nothing memorable, but passable. The bruschetta and meatball sub were just okay, and the Montipulciano tasted like it came from a boxed blend — far from impressive. The Greek salad was the standout dish and probably the most solid offering.

An especially frustrating moment came when we expressed interest in ordering two pizzas to-go during a late lunch. Instead of accommodating the request, the waitress discouraged it and suggested we return at 5 PM to place the order. That’s a baffling approach to business — money offered now is money secured. A missed opportunity.

The layout of the restaurant didn’t help either. The waitstaff pickup window is awkwardly located right next to the seating area, forcing diners to share space with the flow of kitchen traffic — not ideal for ambiance. While the bar area had a nice vibe, it was very small, and though the fountain outside holds promise, it’s only appealing in the right weather.

Overall, this was a mediocre experience. Unless Doordash begins offering reliable pizza delivery from here, I’ll be looking elsewhere. There are plenty of places in town with better food, better service, and a more thoughtful...

The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar in Sarasota’s charming Burns Court is a hidden gem that delivers a memorable culinary experience. Their pizzas, crafted with thin, crispy crusts and fresh ingredients, are a standout. The Classic Margherita impresses with its simplicity, while the Truffle Shuffle adds an indulgent touch of gourmet flair.

The wine selection is equally remarkable, featuring carefully curated options that cater to both casual wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Whether you prefer a bold red or a crisp white, there’s something to perfectly complement your meal.

Dessert here is not an afterthought—it’s a highlight. The Key Lime Pie is nothing short of sublime, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet, and a buttery crust that melts in your mouth.

With its inviting ambiance and attention to detail, The Fountain Kitchen & Wine Bar is a must-visit for anyone exploring Sarasota’s...

This is probably the hardest restaurant to review. The service was great. The pizza was amazing. I couldn’t believe it was a cauliflower crust. I hate cauliflower but it tasted nothing like it. Yum! My pasta with meatballs, not so good. The meatballs tasted like they were made with a cleaning agent. Not the best at all. They said they were microwaved and not a lot of ppl like it. I appreciated the honesty, but it wasn’t the microwave that made them taste unpleasant. Also, the music was super loud and it was far from dining music lol.. like Megadeath stuff. The older couple by us were laughing too, but they changed after my Mom said something. I like this place for some reason, but not a perfect experience. The waitstaff made this review a 4. If not for them, it...