Puccini's - Sarasota

This is a 5 start review of reviewing the review section. Can't say I have eaten here yet but seeing the owner very passionate about defending against rude customers makes me want to give it a try. Passionate about the business usually means the food is spot on.

Puccini's is known for pizza and pasta. Owners Don Main and Brooks Powers opened their first restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1991. Now they have nine locations in Indiana and Kentucky. In 2012, their Campfire pizza with smoked sausage, sweet onion marmalade, gorgonzola and fresh rosemary was judged the winner of the Best Classic Pizza of America prize at the World Pizza Championships in Parma, Italy. So why did my wife and I pass up the pizza when we visited the Puccini's location at 2881 Clark Road in Sarasota, Florida, east of Swift Road, in Merchant's Pointe? Maybe because we prefer Chicago's thin crust, cheese and sausage pizza. And maybe because I usually order traditional spaghetti and meatballs at Italian restaurants. Open from 6 to 10 Tuesday through Saturday and 6 to 9 on Sunday, Puccini's is a Italian restaurant with an emphasis on Italian. We started with bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, garlic and leeks on toasted bread with goat cheese and Caesar salad with sliced chicken breast, croutons, parmesan and Caesar dressing. I was delighted with the spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce. My wife chose chicken marsala with oven-roasted chicken breast in a marsala wine cream sauce with mushrooms and served over new potatoes. For dessert, we shared tiramisu imported from Italy and carrot cake with cream cheese.

We had an amazing evening and awesome dinners! Thank you Eric and Julie

I read some of the reviews giving one star, mostly coming from the same party from the same day. That was NOT my experience, in fact, I’m not a fan of Italian Restaurants, but this is not your typical “Italian” restaurant in America, this is the REAL DEAL.We sat across the Chef and saw him work his magic and every course from appetizer to dessert was quite the experience. Our party ordered 4 different main courses and there was a lot of sharing. My crispy duck was cooked to perfection, the appetizers (Shrimps and Mussels) were absolutely delicious and fresh and for dessert an decadent lemon pie with fruits that hit the spot, but after tasting my friend’s pecan pie, I have an agenda for the next time and it involves a big piece of pecan pie, and then I’ll give up sugar forever…There is plenty of room between the chairs and you can carry a conversation without issues. The ambiance is cozy, chef is in the middle of the restaurant and you can see the fresh ingredients he uses.We already decided we will definitely come back time after time again, as my friend’s lamb looked way too good to not return soon. Would strongly recommend.Reserve and bring in cash, and one more thing, bring your own bottle(s) of wine, they provide decanters and glassware, no uncorking fee, no glassware fees. Overall a wonderful experience to share with friends and family, you won’t be disappointed by the food or staff.

Wonderful family owned restaurant in South Sarasota. I would consider it fine dining; usually 2 special appetizers offered and 4 dinner specials. Everyone at our table had one of the sea food specials. Sea bass or Bronzino served with lemon sauce and capers over ravioli. Mussels appetizers was fantastic. This is a BYO restaurant with no corking charge and reservation are required. Also no credit cards accepted.