We recently dined at The Italian Grill submerged into an inviting environment conducive to family gatherings and couples. Our server Daniel was upbeat and attentive to any menu questions we had, and ensured our experience was awesome — from start to finish. I had Potato Gnocchi in a light and delicious blend of ingredients to deliver a scrumptious Tomato Cream Sauce. My other half savored the classic bolognese pasta dish. The menu delivers a perfect array of traditional fares that are characteristic of authentic Italian cuisine — simplicity while embracing the flavors of the ingredients. Diners are personally welcomed by the establishment’s co-owner (former New Yorker as are we) … it’s like being back in Little Italy NY or Boston in a upbeat and welcoming environment.
This is a locals spot, in season. My problem with this place is that some higher priced entrees do not come with a salad. Pizza is good, but the rest of the menu is average.
Decided to visit Sarasota for the weekend and needed to find some dinner late in the evening. Thank God The Italian Grill was still open. We got there 15 minutes before they were supposed to close and they seated us with smiles! This place was wonderful! the food was delicious and the ambiance was delightful. The owners were very kind and accommodating especially Rob. Tracey our server was a gem and made our visit very special. We enjoyed ourselves so much we already committed to have dinner with them again tomorrow! Do your selves a favor and check this place out be sure to ask for Tracey and Tip her good because she’s worth it!! Non Appetite!
They have the best white pizza and lemon shot I’ve ever tasted! Per the recommendation of our server we also ordered the Pasta Puttanesca which was fantastic; love the spice. The place was quite/peaceful and well kept. I personally feel our sever Frank T (according to our receipt) made the dinning experience exceptional. Great conversation. Overall the dinning experience was above average. Definitely recommend.
When we first discovered the Italian Grill, we were excited. Authentic Italian cooking like back in NY...savory sauces, home style cooking....wonderful service. Went there last week, things were "off"...pasta overcooked, dry, everything smothered in garlic to the point of discomfort. Thought it was just that one event, so we went back last night to give it another try. Absolutely horrible. Grouper wasn't cooked all the way through, pasta was dry, and the garlic (and now salt) was prevailing in the courses. Let add the fact that the waitress did not refill water glasses unless asked, and she did not have the command of the English language, therefore screwing up drink orders and forgetting items. I'm sorry to say that our once "go to" will not be on our list anymore.
This restaurant is our favorite Italian restaurant in the Siesta Key area. We stopped by twice last year while on vacation, once this week, and plan to go back again this weekend before vacation ends. Everything we've had has been excellent! Great staff and owners every time we've there.
By far one of the best Italian Restaurants in Sarasota. Thank you Tim (the owner) for coming over to meet us and allowing us to tell you what a first class place you have. From our fried calamari appetizer, pizza Margarita, mom had eggplant parmigiana, Ron had linguine with clam sauce and I had the Salmon Piccata. The brick oven pizza was comparable to my family “Villa Virella’s” family brick oven pizza we served at home to our family. We over did ourselves so dessert wasn’t possible. But there is always and will be a next time for us.
3rd visit here over almost 2 years. (we are not locals) 1st was months after new owners took over. I take my family and adult kids and friends so we are usually a party of 7+. Food, employees and owners are great. Atmosphere is cozy. Staff and guests are friendly, talkative and make you feel like family. Food is fresh Italian home style cooked with a modern flare. Restaurant is an end cap in a strip mall and very unassuming, but food, staff, cleanliness and atmosphere is well worth the visit.
This was our first visit to The Italian Grill, but it will NOT be our last! Tracy P. provided attentive service regarding our to go food order as well as during our wait. We prefer to order our takeout in person and the Italian Grill provided us with fresh, warm, delicious food in a timely manner. The food was prepared with love and care! Although the exterior is unassuming the ambiance is warm and inviting. We highly recommend this restaurant for take out or dine in!
The food and service were both amazing! Everyone who worked there was very friendly and our waiter was very funny! My 12 year old cousin even said if she could only eat at one place this would be it because how amazing the food and environment both were!!