Photo courtesy of Cassariano Italian Eatery

You don’t have to fly 5,000+ miles overseas to get a real deal Italian-cooked meal. Members of The Sarasota-Manatee Originals—also known as 941 Originals—represent a sleu of locally-owned eateries boasting authentic international cuisine, character, culture and charm. But nothing reaps more responses to the all-enduring question from our loved ones of “What are you in the mood for to eat?” than the tried and true “Italian” response.

And thankfully, The Originals’ Italian restaurant Members reign supreme—a long-running list of established touchstones and heartfelt mom-and-pops—but all with one thing in common: delicious food. These menus range in Italian cooking styles, dishes and provinces, but they each hit the mark in their own unique way when it comes to Italy’s beloved carb-centric, savory sauce, sweet cheese and fresh herb flavors. 

From Bevardi's Salute! Restaurant offering “al fresco” Tuscan-themed dining and The Amore reinventing traditional Italian dishes with a Portuguese twist to Café Baci’s hand-rolled pasta with original family recipes and Café Gabbiano's intimate wine rooms of Italy vineyard varietals, there is no shortage of hearty dishes from these “bel paese” chefs and their atmospheric dining settings or endless vino. Furthermore, Cassariano Italian Eatery is the perfect expression of passion and culinary art in the form of "Contemporary Italian Cuisine" while Clasico Italian Chophouse’s modern menu does comfort food with a healthy twist. Flavio’s on Main has been a staple for homemade pasta, fresh seafood and pizza while Ortygia remains a hidden gem delivering true Sicilian fare. Meanwhile, Primo! Ristorante’s romantic setting, gourmet entrees and wood-burning pizzas delight the masses. Between these nine Italian-themed restaurants to choose from, you may catch yourself responding “Italian” to the inevitable query every night this week.

The Sarasota-Manatee Originals network promotes and sustains independent area restaurants and provides diners with a comprehensive resource of some of the finest locally-owned keepsakes from the tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern beaches of Venice.  The Originals consist of over 60 locally-owned restaurants throughout Florida’s Suncoast. Remember to “Eat Like A Local” and check out eatlikealocal.com or @941originals socials for restaurant updates, promotional deals and upcoming events. 

Photo courtesy of Cassariano Italian Eatery