Mediterraneo Italiano - Sarasota

This place has been a local favorite for years. Unfortunately it is starting to tarnish its reputation. The dinner started with a delightful presentation of focaccia bread as well as a bread basket with zucchini bread, Italian bread and bread sticks accompanied with olive oil and olives. Then came the menu which was interesting but surprisingly small and limited. There was no Chicken entree, only meat or fish or Pasta. Wait staff was pleasant but hard to get to. It took about 25 minutes to get them to take our order and about 30 more minutes to get our order during which the noise level was insane. You had to raise your voice to be heard. Not exactly pleasant dining. The food was good and plentiful but it was difficult to talk. Once we finished eating it took another 15-20 minutes to get someone to clear our table at which time they dropped a dessert menu on the table and disappeared for another 20 minutes. When they reappeared we asked for our checks and had to wait another 20 minutes. This was crazy! The food prices are fairly high. Parking on the street is difficult . Not exactly a nice place for a relaxing dinner.

We've been meaning to go for a couple years but seemed like a lunch place and we weren't ever nearby. Yesterday we dropped in and placed a to-go order. We also purchased canned goods they sell. Inexpensive! The food was delicious. We'll be back.

Food is always excellent with very professional staff. However, this time it appeared that many more tables were placed very close together. We could not hear each other! Very noisy! Probably will not go back unless it is cool enough to eat outside. It’s a shame really. It’s expensive and it should be enjoyable and that your chair doesn’t hit the person behind you when you leave.

Wonderful experience. Food is excellent. Authentic Italian Cuisine. Made in house pasta. Everything tasted great.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal here. We shared a number of dishes and all were excellent. Good service and a nice atmosphere complemented the delicious food.