Dolce Italia

Name: Dolce Italia
Address: 6551 Gateway Ave, Sarasota, FL, United States, 34231-5803
Telephone: (941) 921-7007
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

450 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top tags:

Dolce Italia was established in 2010 by Tiziana Di Costanzo who came from Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples. Using a combination of classic Italian dishes, family recipes passed down for generations, and warm hospitality, Dolce Italia has built a reputation in Sarasota as a destination for anyone seeking great food and ambiance. In 2015 Matthew joined as manager of the front of house and is now a managing partner of Dolce Italia. The kitchen staff trained by Tiziana from the beginning are still with the restaurant with Maria being the capocuoco.
Some of the specialities Dolce Italia has become famous for are the Napoletan Eggplant- a tender sautee eggplant with fresh tomatoes crowned with ricotte, the Trenne Dolce Italia- the signature pasta dish with creamy tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and mushroom.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(941) 921-7007
Website
https://dolceitaliarestaurant.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress

Location
6551 Gateway Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231-5803
Neighbourhood
Sarasota
Cross Street
Gulf Gate Dr
Parking Details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 450 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.5Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tampa / Central Florida West
Italian
Sarasota / Bradenton
Best Value
Sarasota / Bradenton
Neighbourhood gem
Sarasota / Bradenton
Italian

450 Reviews

BM
BillMcG07
New Orleans
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another great meal at Dolce Italia. Delicious food. Superb service. Of course we’ll be back!
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SB
SB2022
Portland
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous service & food. Great flavors and execution of food. Matthew was super sweet and engaged whenever I’m in Sarasota I’ll be digit Dolce Italia!
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MS
MarilynnS
Pittsburgh
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service. This is my favorite restaurant in all of the Sarasota area.
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A
Allan
Toronto
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great place to go to. The staff and owner are friendly and do a terrific job Food was delicious
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S
Susan
Vancouver
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
When we are in Sarasota we absolutely love this restaurant. The people are so friendly and accommodating. We arrived late and fortunately were able able to fit us in. My sister was there for the first time and LOVED everything about it. Especially the food.
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TS
TomS
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Service was great and food was very good. Small family restaurant. A little noisy but we will return.
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SH
SusanH
Naples
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Dolce Italia. It’s a lovely little restaurant. We were welcomed and seated immediately. Be sure to have a reservation as the place is often completely booked. I had pasta with a simple sauce and scallops. It was satisfying and filling. My husband had a ragu made with pork shoulder. He loved it and cleaned his plate. I have some food allergies and it makes eating Italian dishes difficult. Our server was an owner and was very thoughtful and accommodating. Thank you!!! We enjoyed a bottle of wine and loved the house-made bread. We will be back.
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MG
MGG1
Chicago
59 reviews
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our Server was friendly and attentive, but not hovering. The food was delicious! Very small restaurant so you will need reservations. The ambiance could be improved if they toned the lighting down a bit…
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TA
ToniA
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience3
It was our first time atDolce Italia. Service was excellent, tables were crowded in and it was loud but that’s Italian 😀 the food was good but not exceptional. It’s a good experience but I am not sure I would return.
Dolce ItaliaResponded on November 12, 2023
While we are glad it was a good experience but are looking for an overall great experience. We will reach out to see how we can improve.
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FL
FrancineL
Tampa
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience2
We thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Dolce Italia! The dishes were not your typical 'little Italian restaurant' faire- the chef's creativity was appreciated and the food was delicious. The ambience was subpar. The place needs a fresh remodel and at the very least a good cleaning.
Dolce ItaliaResponded on November 11, 2023
Thank you so much for dining with us. We are very happy you enjoyed the food. We do take our cleanliness very seriously so I've reached out to learn more. We hope to see you again. Grazie
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M
Mary
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great food great service average decor learning environment
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JL
JohnLidoKey
Tampa
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great, service excellent and a very welcoming reception.
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BK
BrianK
Orlando
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We always have a wonderful meal with our friends at this restaurant. Yes reservations are a must because it’s small but we enjoy the personnel & the relaxed atmosphere
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VL
VinceL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We have lived in Sarasota for over 20 years, and it was our first time dining here we will definitely be back!
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MM
MariaM
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is outstanding here. As an Italian myself, the sauces are authentic and flavorful. Service is impeccable and the staff are very friendly. The trenette pasta with sausage is a special treat. The shrimp aragonese appetizer is new to the menu but is a keeper. Best tiramisu ever! I bring guests here frequently because I know they will not be disappointed!
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l
lfmom
Washington DC
90 reviews
vip
4.0
90 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
The pasta Puttanesca was some of the best we’ve had! Delicious! The pumpkin ravioli special was in a white sauce that was very rich. It was good, but we wouldn’t order it again. But overall Dolce Italia is a nice neighborhood restaurant, and we definitely will return.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Deliciously consistent with food and services. We are regulars!!!
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s
susicle
Greater Boston
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
food is always fabulous. Portions are sensible (a treat these days with super size in many places) and prices good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent as always!!! Food is delicious and service is helpful and courteous!
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IK
IkeK
Tampa
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always very good. Great service. Neighborhood gem
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B
Buckeyebob
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Quaint and authentic. Service was great hospitality even better as owner stopped by my table for personal conversation as if I was a 'regular'. I would highly recommend to anyone.
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JL
JohnLidoKey
Tampa
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful evening with great friends, good wine, and fabulous food.
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C
Charles
Exclusive
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We eat here often. Excellent food and service as always.
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G
Gator54
Philadelphia
65 reviews
vip
5.0
65 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
Food was exceptional hidden gem in Sarasota FL. Highly recommend
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
17 reviews
vip
1.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall1food4service1ambience4
Made a reservation for 3 people and when we arrived they had no table for us. Wanted to sit the 3 of us at a small round table set for 2 in the middle of the restaurant- one of us would be sitting on a chair from the back room in the middle of the walkway constantly being bumped by waiters. We refused the table as they had 2 four tops empty. They refused to give us the 4 top and preceded to tell us that during season they sit 4 people at the small table for 2. So beware - just because you have a reservation does not mean you will have a table. Love the food here but will not be back!
Dolce ItaliaResponded on October 2, 2023
We wish to offer no excuses, only accountability. Your reservation was mishandled and we are deeply sorry for your terrible experience. We hold a high standard of customer service and did not deliver on that for you. We will reflect as a team and try to learn from this. Once again, we apologize.
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MS
MagdaS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful time in Dolce Itália. The food and service were amazing . We will be back soon .
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SO
ScottO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and hot. Great ambience and friendly staff. Definitely will be back!
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BK
BrianK
Orlando
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always have a wonderful time at Dolce Italia. The staff is always friendly and welcoming We will be back soon.
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JM
JimM
Tampa
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite restaurant. We are treated like family and always enjoy the food and service. They go out of their way to insure you have the best experience. We always take visiting guests and friends when the visit and are never disappointed. We have never been disappointed with food, service, or value.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved the service from Patrick. He was friendly and attentive
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E
Edee
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated my 93rd birthday and it was perfect in every way. When the waiter brought the limoncello cake with a candle, the whole (small) restaurant sang Happy Birthday. It made my birthday very special. The food was delicious. It was extra nice to be in a quiet restaurant. The painting of the castle on the wall, painted by the owner's father, was a delight. We shall go back many times.
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CJ
CJ12345
Exclusive
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to Dolce Italia for my birthday. What a welcoming place! We were greeted and asked which table we would like. After being seated, the specials were explained to us, our drinks came out quickly. They served wonderful warm bread with two delicious spreads. The wine list was small but adequate. We had veal piccata and the pasta seafood special. Both were delicious. Desserts were excellent and they even put a candle in mine and the whole restaurant sang Happy Birthday to me! Will go back for sure. Nicest dinner we have had out In years.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent home style Italian cooking! Very quaint place w professional and food passionate waiters. Felt like I was back having dinner at my Italian grandmas house. One of the top 2-3 Italian spots in Sarasota. Highly recommend.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is the real deal! We drove an hour and it was well worth it. Authentic Southern Italian food at its best. It's a small quaint place with an at home feeling. We had the summer special and it was outstanding. Lots of choices and included an appetizer and dessert. I will definitely be back.
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G
Grammy
Tampa
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
I had their signature pasta and side of meatballs. Their pasta was delicious, the sauce was very good. I rate the meatballs everywhere I go. Theirs were large, taste was good. Guests had spaghetti and meatballs, signature pasta, and lasagna. Portions were adequate for seniors. Guest #1 said meatballs were okay, guest #2 loved the signature pasta, guest #3 rated lasagna as too saucy but good.
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HH
HarveyH
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
This is a true hole in the wall restaurant. Tables are very close together and the noise level is high. That being said, the meal we had here was wonderful. Service was really good but it was the food that carried the day. We shared an appetizer of Prosciutto Parma which was melt in your mouth good. I had Chicken Scaloppini prepared Pizzaiola style with a small side of Penne. My girlfriend had a Spinach Gnocchi dish. We both had expresso. Both of us agreed that this was one of the best Italian meals either of us had ever had. If you ever find your self in Sarasota, this is the one place you must try. I can't imagine not loving this place. (Reservations are a must )
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r
rebecca
Tampa
24 reviews
vip
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Delightful experience. Particularly appreciated waiter offering to split the cost of a bottle of wine between three diners. Overall service was exceptional and food wonderful.
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M
Major
Naples
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Loved all the different food we tried. Throughly enjoyed the the experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a fantastic dining experience! Staff and food were phenomenal! Highly recommend this restaurant.
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TD
TonyD
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The place was amazing! The food was excellent! Service was fantastic! Patrick took great care of us from the moment we arrived. Matthew kept walking over to our table and made us feel welcomed. He gave us a brief history of the restaurant. Food was amazing. The eggplant appetizer was the best we’ve had! My wife eats eggplant everywhere we go, this was the best, I second that. Entrees were great. Not sure what else to say…, oh, the entire restaurant sand happy birthday to my wife! Go you’ll love it!!!
1 person found this helpful

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

FAQs

Dolce Italia does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Dolce Italia also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (941) 921-7007.

Dolce Italia is rated 4.8 stars by 450 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Nov 29, 2023

7:00 p.m.

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

6551 Gateway Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231-5803

Additional information

Cross Street
Gulf Gate Dr
Neighbourhood
Sarasota
Hours of Operation
Dinner Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://dolceitaliarestaurant.com/
Phone number
(941) 921-7007

Dolce Italia

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Tiramisu al Caffe

Torte al Limoncello

Spaghetti with Meatballs

Menu

What 450 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

Does Dolce Italia offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Dolce Italia restaurant rated?

Is Dolce Italia currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information