Yes, I met Rocco the host/owner/chef too. He is as others have stated a very nice and inviting individual. The servers are so very nice, friendly, and know the menu. We went mid-week, early after work, and were surprised to already find tables reserved and groups dining. The meals here are delicious, creative flavors, healthy, and you will definitely have a least one or two more meals. Salads are included with the entree and that was appreciated. Wine selections are good and the homemade cannolis were finger-licking good. Making a reservation sounds like a very good idea, because we went before season and tables were few. Can't imagine how busy they are going to be with the snowbirds in town. Glad to have Rocco and his super nice staff in town. read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Catering available - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Cute place in a strip mall. I want to give this place a higher star bc I live in Lakewood ranch & any good Italian restaurant is hard to find. I was on fruitville & wanted to try somewhere decent. It was really good. BUT the sauce .. way too tangy. Didn't seem homemade (from someone who's been making their own for 50 years ) BUT as someone mentioned maybe just too much sugar ?? The pasta was DELICIOUS. I'd say homemade. Go with the vodka sauce which isn't the traditional creamy but very good & better than the marinara. Amazing chicken parm & Huge! Lots of leftovers. I ordered a square pie with ricotta& pepperoni. We received a pepperoni pie. No ricotta (they forgot ) & a round pie cut into squares-? Didn't look like the pic of a square (Sicilian ) pie which I was craving but it was good. They have peroni & drinks. The meatball martini was good but in the tangy sauce (only ok) Really liked the salad they served. She didn't even say what it was lol (I think ceasar ) In a big bowl. Over all. A good food night. I'll come here again read more

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The GOOD: Friendly service. Quantity of food. Small cozy atmosphere (actually felt more like a diner). The NOT-SO-GOOD: Prices are exorbitant. Yes, you get a lot of food but for the amount they charge price vs quality doesn't match up. I would've preferred half of the amount of food with a lower price point. We debated on whether to go here or not due to the prices we saw online, but we decided to give it a shot. We won't be returning. Our bill for 3 of us, and nothing from the bar, plus tip was almost $150 $15+ for a glass of wine is ridiculous. The chicken à la vodka hardly had any chicken in the dish- mostly just pasta, a LOT of pasta! The ringing noise from the kitchen when a dish was ready for their servers to pick up was somewhat annoying. Why are drinking glasses turned upside down on the bare tabletop with nothing underneath them? A cheap paper coaster would've been nicer to see. You might think I'm being overly critical but for the prices they charge you have to get your money's worth for the entire dining experience. I didn't feel that was achieved. This was more like a diner with fine dining prices. If you want a good Italian meal in a much nicer setting with REASONABLE pricing I'd suggest checking out Percocos in Lakewood Ranch. read more

This would be a 10 star review if I could give it. The staff is amazing. Zack was our server but all of the staff helped us during our visit. The owner, Rocco, also came by twice to check on us. The food is delicious and the portions are enough for two meals plus. The sauce is light but full of flavor. I had the chicken parmigiana, which came with a side of spaghetti. The size of the chicken was unbelievable and the amount of spaghetti could have feed 3 people. My wife had the eggplant roll a teeny and a side of spaghetti. We both eat all we wanted and still took two large containers home. The homemade cannolis were awesome. Only had room for a taste but they were the real deal. The place has a very nice vibe and feeling of very friendly atmosphere. The prices are a little steep but the quality and amount of the food is second to none. read more

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Excellent meals & service last night! I booked our group of 14 for a pre-theatre meal and it was amazing! The food was all very tasty and the portion sizes were humongous. The owner came to our table afterwards to say hi and check on our experience. He said they would be introducing a "small portion" option in the future as most people simply can't finish the meal - but the leftovers are quickly packed up for enjoyment at home. He also made us complementary cannoli dessert which was awesome! We love authentic Italian restaurants where family ownership drives the passion. Well done Bella Vita! read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - This is the "meatball bowl." There's enough food here for 4 people! - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Delicious!! Generous portions and Warm cozy atmosphere with great service makes you feel like home. Highly recommend. read more

Awesome place. Come extra hungry! Such a warm, welcoming and friendly restaurant. Everyone is smiling with great food and service. Hostess Joy was very welcoming and knowledgeable on the menu. Daniel was a superb waiter. The owner came over to us (every table) to ensure we were enjoying his delicious food. A must is getting the cannolis! read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Special: Lobster ravioli (in back special meatball rigatoni) - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

33 bucks is alot for this small pizza for thirty three dollars, I could have went to domino's and got six ninety nine deal three times isn't here.Three pizzas, wings and a drink for thirty three bucks.This is insane read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - 32 dallors for this small pie that insane tastes ok not worth thirty two dollars.The pizza is smaller than the box - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We had the most fabulous waiter, Dean. He was friendly, knew the menu top to bottom. Helped us decide what to get. Very rarely am I thoroughly impressed with a waiter, but Dean was GREAT! We tried the Meatball Martini and it was delicious. My husband ordered the filet with Marsala sauce and I ordered the chicken Franchese. Both of our dinners were large enough to feed 4 people. I took the rest of mine home and it filled the box. Thoroughly amazed with this spot. We will definitely be back. read more

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Food was delicious and plenty of it! Jessica are server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The owner Rocco checked on how our food was. We appreciate that at a restaurant. Given cannoli after dinner. read more

We were a walk-in group of 14 with soccer kids, and they were so accommodating and treated us all like family. The food was fantastic (everything made in-house) and we all felt so welcome. I highly recommend!!! read more

Another terrific Italian restaurant added to the Sarasota area. We stopped here and ordered their Veal Parm and Linguine and clams in a white sauce. Both of these were delicious with a large portion . A lot of tables were having pizza which looked delicious. Service was great for a new restaurant. Tucked away in a strip plaza , clean and small plain interior. Will definitely be back to try other menu items plus get a pizza. read more

Pros: -The staff are very friendly, from the helpful waitress to the owner stopping by to say hello. -The portion sizes are HUGE. We took home so many leftovers; we must have made six meals out of one dinner! -The Caesar salad is delicious! Cons: -The restaurant is in a strip mall, so that leaves something to be desired. It is also a small restaurant, so be sure to make a reservation on a busy night. -They clearly put sugar in the pasta sauce. It was SO sweet! Why do they do that?! When we took it home, we added our own sauce to it to doctor it up. read more

Amazing food! Amazing laid back atmosphere. Nicole our waitress was attentive and friendly. Portions are HUGE! Definitely enough to split between 2 people. Rocco the owner comes out and talks to everyone at the tables which really says a lot. Best of all, he could make everything on the menu gluten free!! Which is incredibly appreciative when you are limited at most restaurants when you have dietary restrictions. Thank you Rocco and staff! We will definitely be back! read more

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The service is great. The dinner portions were grand so you can easily share some entres. The Italian eggrolls and house salads were delicious. The red pasta sauce is delicious but the dishes we ordered lacked the classic Italian seasonings you'd expect. Also, if the portions were smaller, the dinner plate price could be lowered. The chicken siciliano with linguini lacked classic Italian herb and spice flavors and the spaghetti water was not salted. The cheese ravioli also lacked overall classic italian flavorings but the again the red sauce was good. read more

I'm almost embarrassed how much we're going to this place- at least once a week for the past month. Rocco makes some of the best Italian in the area, period. He and the staff are always friendly and welcoming as can be. My wife and I usually go alone but have taken family and they love it too. The Rigatoni Formaggio is the best I've ever had and is a wonderful way to sample many of their best favors. This pic is of their new Italian Pupu Bowl- out of this world. Absolutely incredible. We had it on its first night as a special. Family members rave about the chicken parm. Our 2 year old granddaughter crushed the spaghetti. Priced right for what you get - expect ample leftovers! Big fans! read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Italian Pupu Bowl - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We came here because the menu specifically said any items could be made Gluten free. That is not the case. I ordered a salad with no croutons and gluten free chicken Alfredo. I definitely had a massive gluten response, despite the chef saying all precautions had been taken to ensure it was GF. The meal was delicious with very large portions. It was quite expensive. I wasn't able to take my leftovers home because I had such a bad reaction, which made the cost even worse because I had to throw almost a whole entree away. Just be cautious if you have celiac. Very nice staff and chef. If you can eat without worry, it would be a very good meal! read more

Was here for my birthday and a dinner date with friends. Delish and Rocco is so accommodating all the staff is great

This place is in a small space next to Publix but its Italian dishes surpass my Italian nonna's classic recipes. The portions are large, enough for a meal for take home. Their sauce is spiced exactly like the best Italian chefs create. Choose a pasta and a sauce, and you will not be disappointed. The eggplant lasagna was lightly breaded and the meat and cheese sauce raised it to perfection. Wonderful niche among the plethora of Sarasota cuisines!!! read more

We have come to Bella Vita 4 times now and it never disappoints. Excellent service and food. When you come in, you always feel a part of a big Italian family. Portions are HUGE. The sauce is smooth, sweet and delicious! Just the way we like it. The chicken parm is a must-have. The owner is always checking in and making sure you're having a great experience. Always end the evening with outstanding cannolis. Highly recommend! read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Chicken Parmesan - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Great food and lots of it. Everything is so delicious! If you don't have a big appetite, buy one entree and share. The portions are enormous! read more

Our newest obsession, Bella Vita, is a true standout, treating every guest with the warmth and care of family. Located in Town & Country Plaza, this beautiful restaurant, led my Rocco, consistently delivers the most authentic and delicious Italian dishes. The portions are huge! We always have to take some home. You really need to stop by and discover what we're raving about. Everything is on the mark, a true gem! Experience the heart of Italy right here in Sarasota. read more

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A great new find for some really good authentic Italian food! Rocco & his staff work very well in there environment, lots of teamwork! Portions are very large, meatballs are excellent, pasta dishes can feed a table of 4. Never seen so much pasta going home at tables lol! I suggest this place with a strong rubber stamp of recommendation Thanks Rocco for great first time on 5/31 Sat with Joy read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Buff muzz with roasted peppers & prosut - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Here's the math .... Awesome Italian food + Chef/owner Rocco's great personality + hospitality like my extended Italian family = Bella Vita. This was our first of many meals we will enjoy at Bella Vita. Food: As an appetizer, don't miss Rocco's meatballs baked in a skillet with pizza crust, cheese and red gravy. As an entree, I got the chicken parmesan and it was fantastic. The food and red gravy are as good as any South Philly restaurant where I've been spoiled over the years. Quality food, large portions, and authentic Italian! Rocco's personality: He's like your new best friend who's really good at stand up comedy. His smile and enthusiasm are another special ingredient in his cooking. You know he loves what he's doing and you can taste it in the food -authentic Italian with Rocco love. Italian hospitality: We were mistakenly kept waiting well past our reservation. Other customers were not leaving their tables. I was hungry, impatient and getting "hangry." Rocco was gracious, understanding, and apologetic. He took the time to sit with us and made us feel like family. Don't miss this gem - we're already looking forward to our next dinner ! read more

This was our first visit to Bella vita. The food was outstanding. I think we took about 70% of our food home. The portions are not only delicious but humongous. The waitstaff and owner made us feel right at home. The pizza was amazing as well. My advice run don't walk to Bella vita. read more

Interesting new restaurant - the food is a step above the area. The red sauce is quite good and they have some innovative menu choices. We felt like the prices were too high given the ambiance and competition. read more

The food and service is alright, pretty much average. However the menu prices are absolutely ridiculous. Tried once but the food dose NOT justify the outrageous prices. read more

YUM ! The food is wonderful had a chicken and veal lunch dish . Sides of pasta provide for yet another meal . Salad with homemade dressing wonderful. Meatballs to die for (brought to go) . Service friendly , the owner was great to talk to and has a true passion for his food . read more

Rocco was an incredibly considerate host. The food was delicious and the portions generous. His personality made us feel at home as did his staff. The restaurant was clean and had a nostalgic feel. We have already recommended it to many of our friends. read more

Stopped in for a to go order. Everyone was so friendly and helpful! Ordered linguine with clam sauce. Food was delicious and there was enough food for me to have 3 meals. Loved that it also stayed hot all the way home. read more

Place was very hot and the food too sweet. They Serve big pasta portions to hide the fact that they are overpriced read more

What a great cozy Italian restaurant! We had the Chicken Saltimbocca and the meatball bowl, OH Fuhgeddaboudit!, so good and great music playing! read more

Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Meatball bowl - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Stopped in for a pizza. Pretty good. Looks like their other dishes are yummy as well although did not try them. Cute place in a local strip mall. read more

From walking in the front door to exiting the restaurant was perfect! Service was excellent! Food was fantastic! Took home enough food for 2 more meals. And we have brought our friends with us on subsequent visits...you need to go there! read more

Authentic Rhode Island Italian experience straight from The Hill. Can't wait to return many times and try Rocco's specials. . . . and maybe a few more home made cannolis !! read more

This is a relatively small, local Italian restaurant. The staff were extremely pleasant and service was very good. The entrees come with Caesar salad, which is good and plentiful. The menu has a lot of choices. The dishes come with a choice of either linguini or rigatoni. We ordered the Eggplant Parmesan and Chicken in Vodka Sauce Parmesan. The portions are huge; easily enough for 2 people. We did think the Eggplant was slightly overcooked such that it was mushy. The chicken was thin, tender and crisp, but it and the linguini were drenched in a very thick vodka sauce. We would probably go again and try one of the many other choices. read more

Wow! The food was authentic Italian and tasted amazing! The portions are big and the staff and owner was so friendly! Our new favorite place read more

Me and my dad tried their pizza for the first time today and boy. Is it delicious as soon as you bite into their pizza you can taste their sauce and cheese. Very very delicious especially where I come from which is Staten Island in New York. I rate this pizza A+ rating. They got themselves a new customer. I will be going back absolutely read more

Food tasted frozen. Bad service. Over priced. Don't waste your time or money. Publix is right next store. Do yourself a favor and go elsewhere instead. read more

We are an Italian family and very selective on where we dine for Italian food. Tried it for the forst time tonight and this place is family style legit. Portion sizes on even child meals are bigger than you could ever imagine. Food was delicious and authentic. The staff is outstanding. We had a blast. Definitely recommend and will be back. Outstanding A++++. read more