Ok. So we tried this place out. It's in a dump of a shopping center but there's gems like Moulin Blanc in there. The good - The food is very good. My Ravioli di Mare was delicious with excellent sauce - shrimp were decent - doubt if they're local. My partner's Strozzapreti Chianti was also an excellent choice. Very nice noodles. Salads were very good. Drinks were good. Restaurant was nice. The not so good - I made a reservation for two. So when we got there only two tables in the restaurant were occupied. We were placed right next to a couple whom I believe thought we were uncomfortably close. No reason for that as the place wasn't busy and we could've sat elsewhere. The place is expensive. More than it should've been. But that doesn't detract from the food which was very good so the price isn't a show-stopper. All except for the limoncello desert. Tasted like it was store bought - expect better for nearly $11 a slice. But the topper for us was - With just two tables occupied - the other couple had left - a Medical professional (who most likely just got off her shift) came in by herself looking for a table. She was told they couldn't accommodate her - they were closing early and she was turned away. The place was no where near closing time - no closed sign on the door. We both found that off-putting. Hence the 3 stars which otherwise would've been 4. Whether we will return there. Si' o No? I'll leave it at that... Buona sera. Buona sera. read more

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Today we visited La Botte Italian Bistro, located in a strip mall on the 41 Bypass. The dining area is cozy and reminds me of an intimate restaurant in a big city. This place is the opposite of a chain restaurant. It's clearly a family business that takes pride in preparing every dish. The service was outstanding; the staff was attentive and on top of everything. My wife and I split an appetizer: meatballs with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. The dish was perfectly executed. I found it hearty, satisfying, and full of authentic Italian flavor. The menu features many daily specials, and today the veal parmesan caught my eye. The cutlets were beautifully prepared. Pounded thin, they were tender, and topped with a rich, fresh marinara sauce. The cheese was bubbly and golden. All the elements came together in a dish finished to perfection. The pasta was homemade spaghetti, cooked tender yet firm, and generously coated in marinara sauce. I would order this meal again, but there are so many other items on the daily specials list to try. I can't wait to come back. read more

A wonderful, quiet and intimate little place - I loved it for those reasons. With a small menu and regularly rotating specials, you pretty much know it's gonna be good. And it really was. I ordered the pistachio crusted salmon special that came with a side of greens and yellow squash. I'm going to be picky here and give it four stars for a couple reasons. 1-The salmon was a tad over-cooked in my opinion and how I prefer to eat it. And I didn't think the pistachio crust was anything special. 2-I feel like it could have used a starch or additional side, even if small. And 3-I just didn't love having two dishes to deal with instead of it all being served on one. I will say however, the sauce was incredibly delicious! At a friendly $30.95 for the dish (cheaper than many other places I've been to), overall I think it was worth the money and experience! Our server was wonderful and welcoming and helped me navigate my gluten free situation. And my friends absolutely loved their dishes as well (sea bass special and pork shank). I stick to water usually so I sadly can't comment on their wine menu. I will certainly be back and look forward to trying something else. I didn't ask if they have gluten free pasta...hoping so! read more

La Botte - Pistachio crusted salmon and side of veggies. - Italian Near Me - Venice, Florida

My friend and I stumbled upon this place because a customer in a neighboring restaurant highly recommended it. We were pleasantly surprised. The food was excellent, and the service was very good. read more

Stopped in for the first time tonight for dinner, and we were not disappointed! The lobster ravioli was amazing, as was the ossobuco and lamb pappardelle (both specials). Service was superb, and the ambiance was fantastic. We're definitely going to return, as we want to try more of this wonderful menu. read more

La Botte - Lamb pappardelle (background), and lobster ravioli. - Italian Near Me - Venice, Florida

Had the salmon special and enjoyed the salmon but the veggies were cold and significantly missing a starch on the plate. I politely asked our server to pass my compliments to the chef for the salmon but informed her that the veggies were cold and tasteless and suggested they add a starch to the entree. I got yelled at! She was so rude! Our table of six were all shocked! Don't need to spend money and get yelled at. We won't be going back. read more

Charming little Italian restaurant with delectable pastas and sauces. Excellent service. I think this is owned by a woman with family members helping out. Too many strip malls in this part of Florida but great to experience this excellent cafe with friends who live in Nokomis and Venice and knew to make a reservation for 6 well ahead of the evening. We went with the house red which was very good. Started with rice ball special appetizer. We all had their classic Caesar salads and loved their Italian bread slices with garlic-filled olive oil. My lobster ravioli with shrimp and vodka sauce was such a treat. Hubby's mushroom ravioli was out of this world. Others loved the Strozzapreti and Bucatini. Three women and one guy all had some leftovers to go for lunch next day. Tasty and fun group dinner for us. Every table taken and a few patrons waiting outside for their turn. A most proper use of garlic and seafood here! Cheers! read more

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We had to wait a week to get reservations. Worth the wait! Food was outstanding,service timely and very pleasant. We'll be back for sure read more

Delizioso!! Una vera bomba! This place is off the charts, legit italian. If you're looking for a meal that feels like your Nonna spent all Sunday with floured hands in the kitchen--rolling out the dough, simmering the sauces and seasoning all of it with love, you found it. Even though this review is primarily about food, I have to start with the people. We were welcomed by a lovely woman who seated us at our table, and even though our server was fantastic, the woman floated over periodically from table to table, making sure everyone had what they needed. Our server, Laura, could honestly be one of the best servers we've had in a really long time. She made the experience that extra special part that makes you feel like going out to dinner was an experience and not just a meal. She had excellent, descriptive recommendations for food and wine selections. And she was just the nicest person. As for food, my husband had preplanned to order the lobster ravioli (which he had preemptively previewed online), and he did give a couple of the specials and the regular menu a chance, but homemade ravioli is his favorite. It did not disappoint! The sauce was truly a scratch sauce, and the delicate puffs of ravioli--pockets of sweet lobster, will leave you feeling satisfied with just a little bit of room for dessert. Don't let me forget that fluffy focaccia bread. The fresh olive oil with just a little bit of chopped garlic and some crushed salt was a great start with our wine before dinner. And I know I'm going a little backward here, but the wine we ordered was absolutely lovely. We normally like a super Tuscan, which is what we almost got. But when we saw that there was an organic Chianti on the menu, we decided to go that route. It was velvety and had the perfect oak barrel tasting finish, if you like an oak flavor to your Chianti, this is it. And--ORGANIC (bonus)! For me, I ordered one of the specials. The pistachio crusted salmon on a citrus, avocado purée. It was served with some thinly sliced golden potatoes, carrots, green pepper slices and carrots. I had it cooked medium, and it came out with the perfect outside crisp and softness inside. Vegetables were a great side to the fish. In order to not over-stuff myself (and because I just didn't want the great flavors to end), I left a little bit to take home and have it with a piece of the focaccia for lunch the next day. Now I have to tell you, I am a little bit of a tiramisu snob. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, with lots of friends, whose families were first generation from the old country. (And they did not leave the recipes behind.) I've had tiramisu made 100 different ways... And many of them were very good. I can honestly tell you that I had my number one favorite tiramisu at La Botte. It is a little different than a traditional tiramisu in the fact that they use amaretto instead of coffee liqueur. This dessert had the beautiful balance of the ladyfingers, the liqueur, a light spicing, and a fantastic (but subtle) top crunch. The mascarpone was light and whipped... Not too creamy and definitely not dense. And it wasn't overwhelming marscapon-y either. Dare I say... Perfetto!!! (I kiss my fingers!) I'll close the review by saying, obviously, we're going back again...probably this week. But I will also tell you that I overheard one couple at another table, say - - we can't wait to come back and make our way through the whole menu! And there was an adorable older Italian couple sitting at the table near us who ordered the House salad and the meatball dish, and are obviously regulars at this place. So you basically just got three reviews in one. (You're welcome!) Enjoy the photos. It's more delicious than it is beautiful. In a day and age, when good service, fresh food, and a lovely environment, rarely come together anymore... This place is a stand out exception! Go enjoy! Tell your Nonna that it was very good but number two only to her... And it'll be our little secret. read more

Amazing food and service. A true find in Venice. This is like your mother home cooking, no bland spaghetti and meatballs. This was our 2nd time there and it was just as good as the first time. We will be back!! read more

Food is amazing! Possibly the best meal I've ever had. The lobster ravioli was amazing. The meatballs melt in your mouth. I had the pork marsala with potatoes (it was one of the specials) - INCREDIBLE!! We had the bruschetta-so good! Service was great. Just the best meal ever! read more

We've been a regular repeat customer for years. The dining experience has always been exceptional and the owners and family staff are wonderful people . The food menu and presentation is fantastic and can honestly say we've tried everything on the menu selections and we do have our favorites ! Recent experience was a large group for my special birthday .party We came with 27 guests and everyone commented how wonderful the food is ! . A Great small quaint quiet Resturant a true Venice Gem Located in the Bird bay plaza read more

very small family business with wonderful food and service Everything from the bread to the salad to the pasta entrees was delicious and reasonably priced. Will definitely return read more

This was a small establishment in a large strip mall with 10 or so tables. The menu was limited with a few specials on the night I attended. The staff was very friendly, and the food came out quickly. They started the meal off with bread and a garlic olive oil. It was very garlicky, but I enjoyed it. The bread was okay, not much to it. The olive oil made up for it. For appetizers, the parmigiana di melanzane and cozze piccanti were ordered. The melanzane was layers of eggplant with mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce and basil served on a parmesan cheese nest. This was very good. There was a nice ratio of the eggplant, cheese, and sauce. The sauce was light and thin. The other dish were mussels with white wine, red pepper flakes, garlic, and marinara sauce. It was also served with some bread, which soaked up the sauce. It was deemed as spicy, but I did not think it was as there were not too many red pepper flakes present. There were about 15 mussels, and all appeared to be fresh. Again, the marinara worked well with the main part of the dish, in which this case, the mussels. For dinner, I went with the veal special that night. It was a lightly breaded veal cutlet with melted provolone cheese and Parma prosciutto in their marinara sauce with homemade pasta. This was very solid except for the prosciutto. It tasted a little funny to me. Besides that, it was a well put together dish. The veal was thin and tender while again, that marinara sauce enhanced the entire dish. The pasta was light, and I thought it was the perfect serving amount. I also tried the strozzapreti dish that came with shrimp, mushrooms, bacon, and pistachio granola. It was in a white wine sauce, but it was much creamier than I would have thought from reading white wine sauce on the menu. Regardless, another satisfying dish. The pasta was cooked appropriately while the bacon and pistachio provided a slight crunch that went well with the sauce and shrimp. Will I go back? Definitely. read more

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It is a nice place, small but comfortable. Staff were friendly. Meatballs were ok, sauce was good. Bread was a little oily. Gnocchi was very good, sauce and flavor! Strozzapretti was good. read more

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Honestly , I've taken my entire family here numerous times . I recently had friends from Germany here and they loved it. Now it's every time anyone visits which is frequently they say , Hey make sure you make reservations at La Botte Always a great meal & wonderful friendly service and without any doubt fantastic food experience . Never disappointed ! read more

reservations recommended for this simple, small yet comfortable bistro with politely served delicious food

An authentic Italian cuisine experience. This family takes great pride in their restaurant and works hard for your enjoyment. It's more than just a meal. The restaurant is quaint and the food is delicious. Fantastic service. Family owned and works here. Enjoy! Our server was wonderful read more

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Wonderfully hot food fixed and served immediately! Great service. She was busy Small place noisy Though Make reservations read more

We went here for our friends 54th anniversary. We shared the beef carpaccio, caesar salad and finished with the strozzapreti. Everything was awesome but 4 small shrimp on the meal was a little light. We will be back for sure. read more

Amazing experience! The service, the FOOD and the pricing all excellent. We'd go back again and again! Eccellenza! read more

Excellent food and service. We enjoyed the ricotta appetizer, lobster ravioli and mushroom ravioli. The vodka sauce was incredible! Their bread with olive oil and garlic is an excellent starter. read more

La Botte - Ricotta with prosciutto - Italian Near Me - Venice, Florida

Authentic Italian food served in a small, friendly,and warm environment. Homemade pasta and a choice of three terrific salads.The best in the area. read more

Fantastic! Fine dining Italian at its best! Don't let the strip mall location detour you. Cute place, delicious food, friendly service. I had the gnocchi and my husband had the lasagna. Both were the highest of quality. Served piping hot and just the right proportion. We will be returning. read more

I've went twice, and it's the real deal ..... salads, entrees and desert all top notch, Call for Reservations, you need one.

Magnificent authentic Italian food, intimate setting and delightful service. The best lasagna I have ever eaten!

Rome in Venice, Fl. Not your red gravy Italian in no way, shape, or form. Our third time dining here was just as delicious as its predecessors. Fruta salad starter was shared. Nicely done with just the right amount of dressing. Then we both had the special pasta. Outrageously good. Sauce was butter, cheese, pancetta, butter, cheese, sausage, you get the idea. The bread and garlic in oil presented upon server's arrival was beguiling. No garlic bitterness while seemingly uncooked. Finely diced garlic. Service is stellar. Attitudes are uncommonly upbeat. I put this place in the Holy Trinity of Venice dining spots. La Botte, Finn's, Chaz 51. Like arguing was Willie better than Mickey. read more

My entire family loved their meals. Our four-year-old loved the gluten-free gnocchi with marinara, my wife really enjoyed the 'POLPETTE DELLA NONNA,' and I got the Gorgonzola Gnocchi. All of it was absolutely delicious. I've been dreaming of good Gorgonzola Gnocchi since our vacation to Italy a few years ago and La Botte did not disappoint. Our waitress was fantastic as well. She was very patient and sweet with our four-year-old. We will absolutely be back! read more

Service was excellent, as was our wine and dinners, noted with photos. I forgot what our Dessert was called, but it was light and tasty and the perfect ending to our entrees. (Not tiramisu.) We will be back to try other items on their menu! Maybe a lunch next time? read more

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Delicious food and great service. La Botte is now one of my favorite restaurants in Venice!

A very nice family serving up delicious Italian meals. Recommend for a cozy fun night. Service is excellent of course as mama has an eye on everyone! I will come back again even though the family roots for Roma and not Lazio! read more

BEST most AUTHENTIC Italian food around. We've been here at least 4-5 times and each time it was exceptional.

We thought the prices were rather high and the lobster special we both had really had minimal lobster pieces. I must say the service was wonderful and the waitress was delightful. The restaurant itself has a small cozy atmosphere. Unfortunately, doubt we'd give it another try. read more

Amazing food and service. Quiet atmosphere and we did not feel rushed at all because it's reservations only. I order beef carpaccio whenever I see it, and this was the BEST beef carpaccio I've ever had! Definitely planning to go back! read more

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Everything was perfect! Good, service and atmosphere were all fantastic. We love this place!

Comfortable, welcoming place. Friendly servers, excellent service. Extensive menu plus nightly specials. Food, from apps to desert as good as any Italian we have had anywhere. No alcohol but a solid list of Italian wines. Highly recommend LaBotte, we will definitely return. read more

The food was fabulous. The pasta is homemade. The wine was delicious. The service was excellent. We go back multiple times and always enjoyed it. read more

Best Italian food in Venice‼No question‼. Wonderful owners and impeccable service. Def call to make a reservation

Excellent on all phases. A nice quant restaurant. Excellent service. The owners work the tables and are so nice and very accommodating. The food mad fresh every day is fantastic. Would highly recommend this restaurant. It is in a strip mall but don't let that discourage you in making a reservation. A reservation is a must. But we'll worth it. read more

It's a great neighborhood restaurant serving the best Italian food..owners are from Rome! There isn't anything on the entire menu that is not recommended. EVERY ITEM, PLATE, DESSERT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Guy Fieti would say this place is Fantastico. We got to get him out here. Come all, you won't regret it. The service is superior and friendly they care about their customers! read more