We have been going to this restaurant for 3 years to celebrate birthdays. The food is delicious, the restaurant unique and without a liquor license, we can bring our own premium wines without a corkage fee. Thus year's birthday celebration was with some disappointment. I booked 1-month in advance and 2-weeks prior changed the number of guests by 2. I was assured again of the main dining area to watch the chef would be the same. Upon arriving, we were told we had to sit in the back of the restaurant. An apology was given and appetizers were comped. My guests were disappointed and our meal took 2+ hours from start to finish. We were in the back and somewhat forgotten. The food was good but the enthusiasm diminished as the wait increased. Sadly, we've decided to go elsewhere next year. read more

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I would give this restaurant ZERO stars if I could. I highly recommend you DO NOT go there. Maybe if they get enough poor reviews they will go out of business. The final straw was when the waitress dropped the "F" bomb because we asked her for a basket of bread. "You have bruschetta! You don't need any F---ing bread!" At first I thought she had a speech impediment, as she slurred her words. Turned out SHE WAS DRUNK!! We gathered our things and left... read more

WE WILL NEVER RETURN TO THIS RESTAURANT! The service was horrible and the waitress was drunk and swearing at some customers that got up and left without eating. I have never seen this kind of behavior in any establishment. Allowing your only waitress to be working drunk and using foul swear words at customers is UNACCEPTABLE! read more

Oh my goodness, what a hidden gem this restaurant was/is!! It's a small family owned business and the food and service is amazing! While visiting a friend of mine, we called for a Sat night reservation ... it was booked for our requested a time (note: make your reservation a few days early). So we decided to go on Fri instead, w/a early reservation at 6pm (when the door opens). I would recommend an early dinner here, we were seated near Chef Eric's cooking station, it was so interesting to watch him prepare the meals (but I would imagine by later in the evening it might be a little warm as the stove/oven is just behind the work station). We began with a light salad, and shared the Mussel appetizer (amazing! I'll share a picture.). We both had a fish entree, with lobster ravioli and asparagus and a lemon caper sauce (to die for!) the presentation was nice, food hot and the taste incredible! Portion sizes are good too (we only ate half so that we could sample the dessert menu (we will have the leftovers later today). My friend had the pecan pie and I had a crepe with berries, we were in heaven . The staff were friendly, attentive and informative with regard to the menu. A few interesting things to note: BYOB, bring your own vino or mixed drinks (people brought little cooler bags w/their drinks). CASH or Check only. It is a little pricey but well worth it! Take a look at the menu so you bring enough $$$ read more

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Julie and Eric provided a great dinning experience on Friday February 16, 2024 for our Birthday Party Celebration. Great apps, food, service and ambience for our group ! Definitely recommend Puccini's for your group dining experience! read more

I was so excited to try this restaurant. I had a friend in town and was talking up how great I heard it is. I love the concept of this small hidden restaurant that it is completely family run. There was definitely nothing inviting by our waitress, the mom. She was very matter of fact and didn't give it the "you are part of our family tonight" dining experience that I would expect. I felt like we were a burden. The chef, her son, was friendly and stopped by all of the tables. He also single handedly prepares and cooks the meals for all of the tables. That alone was impressive. Everyone gets a complimentary appetizer of mozzarella and tomatoes and a delicious pasta salad (the best part). We order mussels for an appetizer and that's when things got interesting. We opted for the wine and garlic mussels. The serving size was great, but the sauce was bland and there was so much pepper in the sauce that you couldn't taste anything else. We joked that our fish would probably be doused in pepper, too. And it was. It was a nice portion of grouper topped with crab meat, but there was so much pepper that I couldn't taste anything else. The sauce was supposed to be lemon caper, but I tasted no lemon and it was thick like a gravy. It came with three lobster ravioli that were very good. The salmon was tasteless at best and coated with what could only be described as a gelatinous type sauce. So much pepper that's all you could taste. If they had a lemon wedge served with it on the side that may have helped and salt readily available to add some flavor. Hate to bash a small family owned restaurant, but also hope to save some others from our expensive disappointment. read more

The half duck was amazing (seemed like 2 thirds). Love the BYO set up. I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu here. read more

Puccini's - Chef's table. - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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We've been there several times in the past, but not for a couple of years. This time the food was a real disappointment. I had veal which was buried in a gloppy tomato sauce and topped with a lot of mozzarella. Friend had ravioli stuffed with lobster with a crab sauce on top. The taste was mediocre (she let me try it) and it looked disgusting. She didn't bother taking her substantial leftovers home. My husband had halibut which he said was very good. My veal and his halibut were served on fresh vegetables (small amount of green beans which were very good) and watery orzo. On the plus side, the atmosphere is nice and it is BYOB. The food under this new management needs work. read more

I've been to Puccini's three or four times now and the food never seems to stop impressing me. I'm always in love with my entree (and my appetizer when I order one). I love Puccini's so much, I celebrated my last birthday here. One more amazing thing about this place: BYOB Wine and Beer. That's right. Although my table grabbed a couple bottles, the table next to me brought 6 -- obviously not their first time! The menu changes frequently to ensure that you're having the freshest food possible. Back in March I had the lobster crepe appetizer which was to die for! This time around I tried the NY strip steak -- holy cow. The steak is perfectly charcoaled on the outside for that crunchy texture and medium rare on the inside for the warm red center. In. Love. Dessert: you MUST get the pecan pie. It's out of this world. The pecan pie is sacred in my family. Every cousin or aunt swears they bake it best. Puccini's pie hands down competes -- it the perfect combination of doughy filling and crunchy pecan topping. Make room for dessert or get a piece to go!! read more

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We had heard about Puccini's for many years but never got around to trying it. We had an opportunity last week and it sure didn't disappoint. Everything we had ever heard was right on the mark. Friendly, accommodating, great service, paced just right in between courses. Hugh portions enough for all four of us to share. The food was superb, from the mussels, to the roasted artichokes to the salad appetizers. Then the main courses...two of us the grilled lamb chops and the other two had pasta dishes. Everyone raved! We were so happy with our evening my husband told our neighbors, 14 of us are going together in a few weeks. read more

I've been to Puccini's three times this year and have really enjoyed each time. I typically will call far in advance and ask to sit in the chef's area. It's always fun to watch Chef Eric cook while you enjoy a glass of wine or whatever you bring as it is a BYOB. The food is fresh and the quality is great. My personal favorite are the scallops and shrimp over the ravioli. I have had several appetizers including the sausage and peppers, a garlic shrimp, a crepe, and portobello mushroom in red sauce and cheese. Go check this place out and be sure to bring something nice to drink. This is a family owned placed and everyone works hard to ensure you are having a great evening. Cash or check only and must have a reservation - The food is priced fairly for the quality that you get. Enjoy! read more

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I use to frequent the restaurant prior to Covid had the pleasure of dining with a friend just 2 weeks ago loved the lighter decor and ambience. My meal was delicious and cooked to perfection had a rack of Lamb. The service was spot on friendly and I did not feel rush to eat and relinquish my table you are still able to bring your own bottle of wine should you choose to. Glad they are still in service. read more

If you are coming to Puccini's remember, must make a reservation, they serve water so bring your own drinks, there is no corking fee and they have wine openers for you, be on time. This was our first time returning to Puccini's since Chef Richard left. We were very happy with Chef Eric and the food was on par with Chef Richard. As always, we arrived on time and were greeted warmly By Chef Eric's Mom. We each the Tortellini Appetizer, and she had the Veal Puccini, and I have the Veal Medallions with Prosciutto and Spinach and cheese Ravioli. Both were wonderful. For Desert she had the Bananas as she always does, and I had the lemon cake. There was nothing at all to complain about. read more

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I normally only review Happy Hours - and only in Sarasota. So, how does a restaurant earn 5 stars that doesn't have a Happy Hour menu or even serve drinks? Simple, delicious food and BYOB. Bring the best wine you have and save a bundle - they don't even charge a corkage fee. Sure, dinner can easily exceed $100+ for two, but you can save an almost equal amount on the wine bill. There are already a lot of reviews on the food, atmosphere and intensity of the Chef. I'll just summarize that the scallop appetizer (humongous scallops could have been a meal), muscles, shrimp, Chilean Sea Bass, Pompano were all super fresh and cooked to perfection. The deserts we sampled were good too The only thing this restaurant doesn't have or need is heat lamps. Your food literally is served within seconds after coming out of the pan. Great food, attentive service - all in a unique atmosphere where you watch the Chef prepare your dish. Just remember- cash only. read more

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A wonderful evening Last night we went with a group of friends and we all had a wonderful evening. The food was fantastic. I had their NY Strip Steak and found both the quality and quantity to be great. Others at the table had a variety of items and I didn't hear a single complaint. I finished my dinner with their Pecan Pie, more pecan than filling and almost rock hard to get a fork into, but well worth the effort. Service was fine, we weren't rushed at all. They had a very short menu but also several specials, which our server easily described...a couple of times for us. We sat in the back room where we could see the chef busily cooking away. Lighting was a bit subdued, hence my bad photo of my excellent steak, but gives the place a nice ambience. The table next to us was a bit loud, we may have been as well, but I can see Puccini's as a special place to bring your special friend. I should re-mention a few things explained in other reviews. It is cash only, BYOB and expensive. None of those things are good, even if it makes Puccini's interestingly unique. Obviously not accepting credit cards is inconvenient. Can a place be BYOB (which seems very popular) and still offer their own alcohol? I don't know, but it would have been nice to at least offer soft drinks and from reading other reviews, coffee. Still, with a little planning ahead and making a required reservation, these inconveniences are minor. We had a wonderful evening with food to rave about. read more

Puccini's - NY Strip Steak - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

The food was ok - we went anticipating an exceptional cooking experience. What we received was a welcome telling us they only accept cash or check. Ok - the chef cooked a wonderful salmon dish, an over cooked lamb dish, and a veal dish that was tasty but nothing over the top. We left feeling like it is a nice restaurant with good food. Worth a try and won't be disappointed, but don't expect all the hype you hear. The atmosphere is quaint - could use a little music or something. read more

My wife, Carole, & I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Puccini's last evening, and met Eric Batts, the chef/owner, for the first time. Julie, Eric's mother, was our server, and we were made to feel very welcome by both of them from the moment we arrived until the moment we departed. We started with the crab & tomato crepes and eggplant appetizers, and each enjoyed the Pompano Oscar as our entrees. All of these items were daily specials, and we enjoyed them immensely. A nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied our meals, and we finished by sharing the Lemon Mousse Cale for dessert, which was fresh and fabulous. We left Puccini's very content, and look forward to returning with close friends when we return to Florida in December. We wish Eric, Julie and their entire family continued success, and plan to become regular patrons for many years to come. In closing, we highly recommend Puccini's for a wonderful dining experience, and know that you will be glad that you went. read more

This is an overrated restaurant. The food is mediocre and over priced. Plus the staff ( the manager and chef) have the attitude that they are doing you a favor by being there. I've never ever encountered such rudeness. There are many great authentic Italian restaurants in Sarasota, where the food is great and you will enjoy your meal without the rudeness of the people at Puccini's. read more

Extremely small restaurant with only two seating times. New young chef with some serious talent. Small menu and byob wine mainly Highly recommend trying this place, menu changes daily. Fantastic for small groups or a date read more

We arranged our ladies night at Puccini. We got there early and was refused entrance until 6 pm when we were told to be there at 5:30. Imagine 37 women standing outside in the cold until after 6. They could have allowed us I. Since we reserved the entire restaurant.The tables were all set at 5:30. It's a BYOB policy... we could have sat and had our own wine. But no! We were scolded for knocking to see if they were ready for us. Told if we took up more of their time we wouldn't get in at 6! Then to top it off they informed us it was cash only!! Who comes with that kind of cash?? We all left! They claim We were kicked out!! Not true.They insulted the planners of our group over and over!! Not acceptable. We are the customers and don't deserve that kind of disrespect!!! The restaurant claims they allowed us in early. They lied. They claim they told us no credit cards. They lied. They claim they told us 6:00 reservations. They lied. I've been to this restaurant a few times before that why I signed up.... The way they treated us... I will never go again!!!! read more

Great family ambiance...can be very romantic as well. Everything is fresh and prepared as you ordered it. You will go back many times...I promise read more

Lovely small gem. New owners and a new chef who seems to have found his calling in the kitchen. They have excellent dishes that are well-presented. We had lamb and grouper. Both were perfectly cooked and served with mild sauces that complemented the dishes. There are a number of nightly specials and they will prepare dishes to accommodate individual requirements. The only beverage they serve is water, not even coffee, so bring your own beverage of any type. Also bring cash or a check since they don't accept credit cards. Remember to make reservations. They're essential and don't go until your reservation is confirmed. You can choose between the lovely front dining room and the second room where you can watch the chef prepare the meals. Both are nice, just two different experiences. There are 2 seatings-6 and 8. Choose 8 if you want to linger over your meal and be aware that the doors open at 6, not before. read more

Puccini's - You can watch the chef prepare the meals if you choose to be seated in that room. - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

This place is like a comedy club where the comedian (manager) picks on and insults the guests (paying customers). Our neighborhood picked this place for a Ladies Night Out for 38 women in our community. They were met with rudeness, insults and foul language because they arrived a little early for their reservation and didn't bring cash. Several of the ladies told them no problem, their husbands could bring up the money for everyone or withdraw from a nearby ATM and divvy it up later. But no, the manager continued to harass them to the point where everyone left and he even followed up by calling the organizer a drunken old hag! Now, it's potentially a legal issue at this point. Avoid this filthy place at all costs. Based on the management, it's probably Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee microwaved on a plate. read more

Their model of cooking in front of you is exhausted, the choices are limited and the wait for food is over an hour. Ravioli can not be the only pasta of choice. Time for a overhaul. read more

Great ambience. Chef cooks at a chopping block table in front of patrons. The menu is simple and sweet and has remained unchanged for at least a year. The food is 4/5 but overpriced. Bring your own wine without a corkage charge easily makes up for the food premium. I'd give Puccini's a higher rating if I wasn't truly put off by the less than friendly service by both the chef and waitstaff. I consider myself very easy going and very flexible. That said, rude treatment on five out of five visits means I won't be back. There's plenty of fine restaurants in SRQ that actually want and appreciate my business. All said and done. Puccini's is worth a visit. I think a little friendliness and a few menu tweaks will go a long way to pleasing patrons. I believe this is a balanced and very fair review. read more

My wife, Carole & I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Puccini's this evening, and met Eric Batts, the chef/owner, for the first time. Julie, Eric's mother, was our server, and we were made to feel very welcome by both of them from the moment we arrived until the moment we departed. We started with the crab & tomato crepes and eggplant appetizers, and each enjoyed the Pompano Oscar as our entrees. All of these items were today's specials, and we enjoyed them immensely. A nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied our meals, and we finished by sharing the Lemon Mousse Cale for dessert, which was fresh and fabulous. We left Puccini's very content, and look forward to returning with close friends when we return to Florida in December. We wish Eric, Julie and their entire family continued success, and plan to become regular patrons for many years to come. In closing, we highly recommend Puccini's for a wonderful dining experience, and know that you will be glad that you went. read more

Italian eatery in seedy strip mall, cash only business, BYOB and BYO coffee if you desire it. Expensive. Classical Italian dishes, but lacking freshness and flavor, though robust quantity. My tortellini starter was swimming in heavy creamy sauce that was flavorless. My main dish, a concoction of pompano fish fillets in some sort of an unidentifiable sauce which lacked any kind of seasoning, was barely edible. No coffee!! Service was mediocre, decor poor, tables and chair rickety. Really not worthy of being called a restaurant. read more

No complaints! Food was very good, the service was provided by the owner, comfortable and not noisy. BYOB and cash works, I would try it again. read more

We enjoyed our meal from start to finish. Everyone was professional and friendly. The service was good. Water replenished etc. We enjoyed the salad from the everyday menu. A large portion, enough to share. Instead of bread, each person gets a delicious bruschetta. I could have eaten a plate. There are several appetizers and entrees on the everyday menu to select from. They also offer daily specials. Some fish and some meat. If you order a special you may want to ask the price to avoid a surprise when you get your check. the chef does stop and ask how you enjoyed your meal. It is very enjoyable to watch the kitchen prepare so many meals. We did not order dessert, but they looked tempting. We would return. They only take cash or check and it is BYOB, so come prepared. Reservations are a must. read more

We enjoyed this so much ! An amazingly run family business with atmosphere as well .. bring your own libation and settle in while the chef serves fresh made to order items!! Truly a place to visit - note to self make reservations for sure. read more

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I should have suspected something when they were the only restaurant with available seating last minute and in season. Four of us arrived and were seating in the chefs room. We were delighted until a very rude woman came over asking who we were. I told them and they acted like I didn't have reservations and snuck in??? Strange?? I showed the rude woman my text from her confirming our reservation. She then said "How do I know when that was written?" So I showed her the date and time (it was just a few hours earlier). She then said we can't sit in this room. We said okay, that's fine. But as she was making up a table for us, I said "you know you are kind of rude and we are actually thinking of leaving as this is not starting off as a good experience". She actually said "don't threaten me with that". Without another word all four of us headed to the door and left. What was that all about? Why was she being so mean? Anway, never going back! read more

Choose not to state, I know good places & not wet behind ears. I went to more than my share of dine disasters & just a place that blends nicely with the atmosphere... your attitude also affects servers! get what you pay... geezer early- bird special might be a hit and miss-for those coupon conscience people who have money, unwilling to spend: but if you're willing to dish out a little money...(not a $5 Ben meal), but nominal $100-$130 meal & give a good tip, you'll be better served and remembered! Saw this place years beforehand when my mom lived here! I've seen and had way more food savvy, then looking at the pictures they should be ashamed posting! They need to send the chef to a more redound culinary institution and not a tech school! I cook way better than this profound so called chef... and would rather eat my own meals: If I messed up it's my time and money... I'd just take the time to learn to perfect it. Still wondering if they have that baby grand piano, in an I'll fated setting? I'll stick to better places and continue doing research. Just glad I never bothered wasting $ here. Ophelia's,charter house, even the Italian restaurant east of that on Lockwood and Clark rd before it closed had ambiance and better space. read more

Great overall dining experience. The salad, grouper with lobster ravioli and cheese cake were all excellent. The atmosphere and friendly service added to the overall evening. Don't forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine! We will definitely be back. read more

Amazing food in an intimate setting-family owned and operated. Efficient and friendly service, the chef is preparing in an open kitchen-every course was delicious and perfectly prepared. BYOB-no corkage fee-and cash only. Loved it! read more

The dinning experience was GREAT! If you can make reservations in the area of the chef cooking it is amazing to watch him. It is a small quaint dining room with a staff of four that work great together. The food is amazing and it's a BYOB with no cork charge! Cheers from N.H. read more

Puccini's - Dining area - Italian Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I forgot to blab about the end of our dining experience! How dare I. We found (pleasantly) that our bill was not much over $75. Great! Still pricey, but with no liquor bill, you're just paying for great food. I had an excellently prepared Rib Eye and Aleah had grouper, or salmon, or cod. I can't quite remember because I don't do fish, but she raved about it....and cleaned her plate! If I had one bad thing to say about mine, it would be that there was a slight chemical taste to the meat; I assume from the gas flame he used to cook it. Not over powering but it was there, if only faintly. Also, there was no salt and pepper on the table. lol I'm a huge believer in tasting the food before further seasoning, but I want the option! Other than that it was wonderful. Enjoy. read more

New Ownership. Chef Richard moved to Key West....just not the same. Bigger portions, more expensive, no pizazz. Still no corkage, but that's just not enough.... We wanted to like it, but.... read more

OMG Amazing. What a great find of a restaurant. Bring cash or check and your own wine. Chef cooks in the restaurant and everything was scrumptious. Scallops in a sauce sweet sausage in a tomato sauce, veal medallions over fresh spinach ravioli, veal medallions in tomato sauce and the best pecan pie I have ever had. Don't tell too many people I want to be able to get back in. read more

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I made reservations for my wife's birthday which was yesterday 5 May 2022. I made the reservation several weeks ago and spoke to a man who I suppose is the owner on the phone and then confirmed my reservation a couple of days ago. Unfortunately, Puccini's didn't bother to show up to open last night. We showed up 10 minutes early for our reservation, but the place was closed and never responded to my repeated phone calls. There was no sign in the window explaining why they were closed. I don't know what their operational problems are but if you make reservations at Puccini's, it would be wise to have a backup plan in place. I would never dream of giving these folks a second chance. There are way too many other excellent restaurants nearby to waste my time again on this place. read more

We were celebrating a birthday. This was recommended to me by a few friends. This place was a little hidden gem! It's a BYOB situation which we all loved ! You must call to make a reservation only check or cash situation. The place was bustling for a Tuesday night and I can see why. Love love love I will definitely be back! read more

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