Bella Vita Italian Kitchen - Sarasota (FL)

5 /5 Jennifer Hemingway: Have you ever walked into an Italian familys kitchen for dinner on a Sunday, early evening, in Jersey? I have, and it feels like this. Do you remember when the food critic, Ego, found his childhood in a bowl of ratatouille? I do, and it tasted like this. The atmosphere was idealistic, the ambience was like an Italian familys dining room, Castinas service was superior, and the food was better than Nonnas, sorry not sorry. To the incredibly hospitable service, to never feeling left abandoned or waiting for service, to the best complimentary bread and garlic oil dip, to the phenomenal meatball martini. Rocco is your favorite Italian Papa, who invited you over for dinner, enjoyed your visit and sent you to bed with a cannoli and a hug. I will never make an Italian dish in my home kitchen again, Ill go to Bella Vita and ask for Rocco. I wish I took more photos of the food. Bravo, Brava!

5 /5 Mike Caldarella: My wife and I had dinner with friends last night at Bella Vita. It was our 1st time at the restaurant. Let me tell you. We are from New Jersey where the Italian food is in most of NJ amazing. Last night it was like we were eating back in NJ. The food was Great! The service was superb and Rocco the owner made us feel like family. The food portions were so big and delicious that we have leftovers for a couple of days. Me being full blooded Italian, I recommend this restaurant highly. It will be one of your favorites. 5+ Stars. One more thing. The movie “A Bronx Tail” is playing at all times. Forgetaboutit.

5 /5 robert Raimondi: This new restaurant is a must try. Their food is delicious from the appetizers to desserts. The service was great. Pastina, our server, was very helpful and attentive. Rocco, who is the owner, was amazing. So friendly and he really enjoyed telling us about his food. And we loved hearing about everything. The portions are more than generous and welcomed the leftovers. We can’t wait to be going back next week.

5 /5 Reem Hass: If you’re looking for actual authentic Italian food, this is your place! Everyone is super nice and make you feel like family. The owner, Rocco greets everyone and makes sure everyone is happy! It was my husband and I’s first time, and now we’ve finally found a legit Italian spot. We will be back again and again! We ordered the small margarita pizza, lobster ravioli, and pink chicken parm. Everything was phenomenal! The salad and bread is so good and fresh too!

5 /5 David Marshall: 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.