We believe in the simple pleasures of life.
Good food, fresh ingredients, and awesome friends. Our Handmade Dishes are from Authentic Recipes!
Rustic, Northern Italian food, like you are there...
Benvenuto!
Intimate and designed to provide a rustic Italian experience, La Violetta is owned and operated by Emilio and Rosaria, who are originally from Parma, Italy.
La Violetta sets the pace for casual, country kitchen Italian dining in an intimate atmosphere.
You may be in Sarasota, but our flavors will take you back to the rustic countrysides of Northern Italy.
Please ask to see our extensive wine list. We are sure we can please even the most discriminating palette.
We invite you to practice "la scarpetta"...
Gather around the table
with our family bundle
La Violetta offers you an intimate dining experince which is perfect for a casual night or for celebrating a special occasion.
Many of our friends and customers love to practice “fare la scarpetta,” which is an Italian expression meaning to bend your bread into a little shoe and using it to mop up the last of the sauce in a dish. This implies that everything on the menu is good to the last drop.
We invite you to join us so you can experience delicious, authentic northern Italian food, here in Sarasota.
La Violetta Gallery
WARNING! You're about to become very hungry!
La Violetta Guest Reviews
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Emilio is a very good chef!
Greater Italian restaurant in Sarasota. Food very authentic wine list very good and well balanced from all the Italian regions and reasonable prices on them service is top we all had great food , service Emilio is a very good chef!
Guillermo Gonzalez • October 2025 • Open Table
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Authentic Northern Italian
A Hidden Gem Transformed – La Violetta is Northern Italian Perfection! I hadn’t visited La Violetta in a couple of years, and my last experience was in its earlier days as a charming Italian market/deli with a few tables—authentic, but not quite the ambiance
I usually crave. Fast forward to today, and WOW… what a transformation! We were told the restaurant had gone through a major revamp, so we gave it another try—and I’m so glad we did! From the moment we stepped in, we were impressed. The atmosphere is now warm and romantic, with elegant white linen tablecloths, soft lighting, and an intimate vibe that transports you straight to Northern Italy.
We chose to sit at the bar, which was fully stocked with top-shelf spirits and curated wines. The shining star of the evening was Carolyn, the bartender, who was not only knowledgeable but also an absolute delight—attentive, friendly, and full of personality. She gets an A++ in my book!
The complimentary appetizers and house-made lime-cello were such thoughtful touches and truly elevated the experience. As for the food—bellissimo! Every dish, especially the specials, was explained in detail, and the passion behind the preparation was evident in each bite. Everything was cooked to perfection and beautifully presented.
If you’re looking for delicious Northern Italian cuisine with top-tier service and a touch of romance, I highly recommend La Violetta. It’s more than a meal—it’s an experience.
Michelle B. • August, 2025 • Trip Advisor
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Best Northern Italian food, atmosphere, service. A Sarasota gem!
My absolute favorite Sarasota Italian restaurant. From the warm greeting upon entry, the service, the food, everything is 5+ stars, excellent! My pics don't do the dishes justice. So authentic, so good...everything!
Mary S. • August 2025 • Trip Advisor
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The Owners Are the Best!
Absolutely one of my favorite places in Sarasota and beyond. Everything is made with love and tastes amazing.
Plus it’s so cute inside and cozy. The owners are the best. And you can find unique things you never knew you would love and now can’t live without..
Caroline • December 2024 • Open Table
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Having never been, and I’m a real food dude...
Came out rare (perfect ) but cold, waiter fixed immediatly Ordered whole branzino, waiters top pick, 20 mins later, we were told “ we’re out of bronzino” Ordered ravioli( slightly too Al dente) but sauce and presentation was perfect! They have a fridge to age their own beef ( don’t see that often ) was full of fab meats! I asked on arrival and departing the mgr to explain what’s in there ( I was very curious) he said TWICE, I’m too busy! ( not user friendly) I got chefs attn by just looking, EMELIO, could have not been more gracious, took out a 70 day while aged rib eye& cut it! I was IMPRESSED, he carved a few thin slices to try ,how nice! He was very informative! I want to go back and try ! Oh the desserts were great ( too much) was stuffed! Nice spot! I’ll try again. Larry j REAL FOOD DUDE!
Larry J. • November 2024 • Trip Advisor
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Our First Visit
When you walk in you know this is something different. Behind a window, two men are making pasta by hand. An oddly shaped space that was stuffed with happy diners, this strip mall restaurant offers authentic Italian food you won't find in most hackneyed faux Italian spots. The staff is professional yet warm. Reservations are hard to get but worth the effort.
DanaC • December 28, 2023 • Open Table
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This Was Our Third Time...
When you walk in you know this is something different. Behind a window, two men are making pasta by hand. An oddly shaped space that was stuffed with happy diners, this strip mall restaurant offers authentic Italian food you won't find in most hackneyed faux Italian spots. The staff is professional yet warm. Reservations are hard to get but worth the effort.
Chris • December 16, 2023 • Open Table
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Strip Mall Surprise
When you walk in you know this is something different. Behind a window, two men are making pasta by hand. An oddly shaped space that was stuffed with happy diners, this strip mall restaurant offers authentic Italian food you won't find in most hackneyed faux Italian spots. The staff is professional yet warm. Reservations are hard to get but worth the effort.
NewYorkWendy • March 2023 • Trip Advisor
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Northern Italy Authentic!
Authentic Italian in a comfortably casual environment. Our server was from Northern Italy, was completely familiar with the menu, including the specials. Along with his team mate, we were very well cared for. Looking forward to our next visit and have already recommended to friends.
Antonio • February 17, 2023 • Open Table
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Happy Birthday Hubby!
I choose a different restaurant each year for my husband’s Birthday ( one he has never eaten at before) as a surprise He was delighted with the food
Satnitediner • February 8, 2023 • Open Table
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Amazing!
This is an amazing Italian Restaurant, food is excellent and service is great. Owners are amazing friendly people. My husband and I just enjoy going there every time. Nice, cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
Donna • February 4, 2023 • Open Table
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In A Word... SUPERB!
In a word...superb! So unassuming on the outside....so quaint on the inside. Excellent wine list, excellent service and totally yummy everything! Portions are abudanza...plenty! Great selection on menu and wonderful specials. We all left smiling!!! Thank you for a simply lovely evening!!!
Vivie M. • January 13, 2023 • Yelp
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Best Italian in Sarasota!
The food keeps getting better and better. Magnifico Emilio and Rosaria.
Lee-Ann F. • January 29, 2023 • Yelp
We would love to have you join us! Located in the Prima Plaza 4837 Swift Rd., Sarasota 34231