It's a shame to give a three-star rating to a four or maybe five-star quality Italian deli and Pizzeria. Petrosino's has done one thing right: their Italian-style cooking is very good- especially for Florida. Their meatballs are quite decent, the lasagna is quite impressive, and they serve Broccoli Rabe (which we north-eastern Italians love) and a big selection of olives and salads. The pizzas are very tasty, not greasy, and have ample body to them, unlike most pizzerias that will serve you oily cheese dripping from the wafer-thin cooked dough. That is not pizza. NOT HERE - the pizzas are developed, tasty, and hearty. The lasagna is also quite good - far better than that which is served even in upscale restaurants in Saint Armand's circle or downtown Sarasota. Trust me on this, I have been a caterer for nearly 20 years and have been cooking since I was 17 years old. The issue in question for Petrosino's is customer service. Apart from the (female) owner, who is wonderful, the service is not the best. Indifferent, impatient, and, unfortunately, it is often rude. I keep returning because, yes, the food - the Italian-style meals - are quite good for a Florida deli/Pizzeria. It reminds me of a New Jersey establishment (or anywhere else in the urban northeast). The prices are a bit high, perhaps too high for certain items, but it is difficult to get around this. However, the atmosphere of Petrosino's is impeccable; super clean, and comfortable. The music that genty plays throughout this establishment is often reminiscent of an old-style New York city restaurant; many cultural images of well-known Italian immortal characters are hung upon the entrance wall, adjacent to an impressive display of quality red and white wines that patrons can choose from whist sitting down on one of the several tables to enjoy their meal. There is no one to wait on tables, though your meals will be brought out to you. The tables are clean and located towards the end of the room beside the wine display. Were it not for the indifferent service by the workers, Petrosino's is a five-star deli/Pizzeria that, for Florida, would pass the sine qua non "New York" pizza test.
We went in thinking this was going to be a sit down and eat but it was more like a Cafe. Most of the food were in cases. It just didn't make me to excited. I'm sure the food was good, it's just me. I don't buy food at Publix and other grocery stores that are in glass cases. We did grab a piece of red velvet cake and it was really good. Will I go back? Maybe.
Great food but pricey. Meatballs are the best I’ve had in years, but again pricey. I ordered the Don Cici (Veal cutlet) sandwich, that was disappointing. Overcooked, low-quality veal. I expected better for the price. I'll come back, just not for the veal.
I have spent thousands of dollars in their deli & market but never again. If Brenda isn't there,employees are very rude & nasty. Almost ALWAYS out of cheese filled peppers in deli. Called this morning 8 minutes before they opened,said I was driving from Anna Maria Island & asked about ordering 14 pounds of sausage, half hot half sweet. When I arrived had no hot sausage. You have just lost a big dollar customer. Sorry Brenda, as you were always lovely. Will NEVER come back. I choose 2 spend my $$$ at a much more professional Italian market
Set up to be a nice place, but lost in translation. In fairness, there is no great Italian on the Sun coast. Coming from Chicago and many wonderful visits to New York, one cannot imitate good water and fertility of soils and feed for dairy cattle. Every local puts in their two cents for "this one is good", when I don't believe they've lived in Italian food saturated communities.Had a calzone which heavily loaded with 60% ricotta cheese, 20% provolone, and 10% ham....dough the remaining. Thin on bottom produced an instant ulcer of breading so I was forced to fork eat it. Noticed the main hitters working hard as I'm sure its hard to get a staff to do the little things in this area. As busy as it was, not a lot of happiness in the place. I'm sure on less busy times things are different.
Great find. Deli has cold cuts, including hard to find Italian meats, fresh made sandwiches. Offers sandwiches, pizza, lasagna, chicken Parm, eggplant etc . Picked up Spaghetti and meatballs daily specials for hubby at home. He said delicious, all home made. Brought home cannolis for dessert. Yum! Also has imported oils, pastas etc. I will go back. I was mad I had already had lunch, because walking in you get hungry just in the smell of good food. Very nice staff. Small eating area inside too. Will be back! Worth the drive.
Great italian deli. They have a ton of things to look at and aisles of Italian groceries to shop from. Cured meats and cheese selection was good. They have hot food and take out. They no longer use door dash but are still listed for delivery, so don't place an order if you were thinking about it.
This is a business that goes above and beyond with a smile! You are going to want to check it out.I was in the mood for eggplant rollatini. However, I was not in the mood to prep and fry the eggplant. After reading the glowing reviews of Petrosino’s I decided to call and see if they would prepare nine pieces of peeled and fried eggplant for me.Brenda, the owner, talked with Kirk, the chef and owner, and SURE, they could make that happen.They had never had this request. They loved the idea of having prepped eggplant for sale to go.I ordered the meatballs – soft and gorgeously seasoned and so very tasty.I also ordered garlic knots. Divine.The service with a smile. The willingness to try something new. The absolutely delicious food. I can’t wait to go back and try more.
This is a business that goes above and beyond with a smile! You are going to want to check it out. I was in the mood for eggplant rollatini. However, I was not in the mood to prep and fry the eggplant. After reading the glowing reviews of Petrosino’s I decided to call and see if they would prepare nine pieces of peeled and fried eggplant for me. Brenda, the owner, talked with Kirk, the chef and owner, and SURE, they could make that happen. They had never had this request. They loved the idea of having prepped eggplant for sale to go. I ordered the meatballs – soft and gorgeously seasoned and so very tasty. I also ordered garlic knots. Divine. The service with a smile. The willingness to try something new. The absolutely delicious food. I can’t wait to go back and try more.
We stopped at Petrosino's after golf. Ordered two pizzas and paid in full. Was told the pizzas would be ready in 30 minutes. Ran home and waited at home. Returned to Petrosino's to pick up our pizzas. We were told that the pizzas were never made. Would have waited further, but we were told there were too many orders ahead of us so we were given our money back. What kind of business does this! ?!?!?!