Cafe Gabbiano

We came to this restaurant for its good reviews and its proximity to our stay at Siesta Key for 4th of July weekend. It was fantastic! All the food was delicious, crafted to perfection, fresh, and made to order. Our server Csaba was incredibly kind, knowledgeable about the menu, and gave us really great suggestions that elevated our dining experience. We had the Chicken Parm with rigatoni allá vodka, the Salmon with risotto, and the meatballs for a starter. Even the basics were on top: they never let our waters get too low and the bread came with a yummy whipped herb butter and olive oil seasoned dipping plate. I highly recommend coming here and will be returning the next time I visit Siesta Key.

Cafe Gabbiano absolutely blew me away. This was honestly one of the greatest restaurants I have ever eaten at, and it’s easily one of my new favorite restaurants. Every single dish we ordered was outstanding, from the calamari and fresh seafood to the incredible chicken and veal parmesan. Nothing missed. The highlight of the entire meal was the escargot with truffle. If you come here, you have to order it. It was rich, flavorful, perfectly prepared, and unlike anything I’ve had before. The desserts were just as impressive, especially the chocolate lava cake and cannoli. Every course kept getting better. A huge shout-out to our server, Ricco H. He is the definition of hospitality. He knew exactly how to serve a table, had perfect timing, made excellent recommendations, and made us feel genuinely welcome from start to finish. He told us he’s 60 years old, but honestly, he looks younger than 40! What a fantastic guy and an even better server. Everyone we encountered was friendly, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and you could tell the staff truly cared about giving guests a memorable experience. This place is a hidden gem in Sarasota and an outstanding dinner destination. We enjoyed every bite, left completely impressed, and will absolutely be back. If you’re looking for authentic Italian food, incredible service, and a meal you’ll remember long after you leave, Cafe Gabbiano is a must-visit. Highly recommended! 🍝🍷🇮🇹

Cafe Gabbiano is a gem in Siesta Key! My family and I absolutely loved our meals. We ordered the fried mozzarella as an appetizer and it was truly the best I’ve ever had - you could taste the freshness of the cheese and it was even a bit “milky”. I ordered the truffle ravioli for dinner - I substituted the butter sage sauce for a traditional marinara and it was out of this world! I ate every last bit. It came beautifully prepared, as well. I look forward to coming back next year on vacation!