Sardinia
Sardinia is one-of-a kind Traditional Italian Cuisine from the heart of Sardinia right here in Sarasota. Come and embark in an unimaginable experience from the authentic environment of fine dining to the traditional Italian culinary arts of the Islands of Sardinia.
Meet the Chef/Owner Dino Carta
Dino Carta began his love affair with food and its preparation in the Sardinian kitchen of his mother and father. To this day food is a passion and evokes happy memories of family. He attended culinary school in Sassari, Sardinia. His apprenticeship took him to Tuscany in Northern Italy and work in the kitchen on the famous Emerald Cost. He still adheres to the Italian philosophy of cooking where regional food is of great importance. Simple, healthy, fresh and pure of taste are how he likes food prepared.
Dino has always been driven to grow as a chef. He moved to Paris where he was the Commis at Il Cortile for one year. It was then his great fortune to work as Commis for Alberigo Penati at the world famous Harri’s Bar, in London. Dino considers Alberigo Penati “his chef.” It was this experience that cemented his respect for people and food.
Chef Carta has brought the authentic simple elegance of the Sardinian dining tradition to your table. Sardinian Cuisine is known for the purity of food and its flavors.
Sardinia restaurant uses only the freshest of seasonal ingredients; in creating their traditional Italian fare, including locally caught seafood, homemade pastas, organic produce, and wild mushrooms. The menu is focused on farm fresh and locally grown food. Char-grilled meats and local fish will be cooked in the oven as it is in Sardinia.
To ensure the authenticity of the dining experience, Chef has imported an authentic wood-burning oven for the kitchen. It has been made the focal point of the kitchen. Chef Dino Carta bakes traditional Sardinian bread daily, as well as truly braising aged meats, and even fish.
Taste the Sardinia bread, known as Pane Carasau, baked fresh daily which welcomes you at your table. The pasta dough is also made fresh daily. Revel in the authentic Sardinian paella made with fregola and enjoy the unique flavor of bottarga.
Private Room
Enjoy their private room for any occasion. Must call in advance and it must be a party of 10 or 12 due to popular demand.
HOURS:
Monday – Saturday 5-10pm
Sunday – closed.
Dinner reservations are highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
“Hidden gem. The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was warm and cozy. Excellent selection of wines. Food was excellent. We had a wild mushroom appetizer, an octopus appetizer, prosciutto and antipasto. We also had as an entree veal chop, lasagna, veal ravioli and Sardinian gnocchi. Delicious. Will definitely come back.” – Orlando R.
“Last night we celebrated my husband’s birthday at Sardinia. it was a perfect evening. The food was well prepared, fresh and delicious! Our server, Ariadna, went out of her way to make sure everything was A plus. Such a memorable night. I highly recommend this restaurant; you will love it.” – Linda C.
“Excellent! Don’t overlook this one. A true gem. Quality food and exceptional service!” – Jenny H.
“If I had to pick my last supper in all the world, it would be the Veal Chop by the incredible Chef Dino with his special side of mushroom and asparagus. His special oven and staple of home cooking with quality ingredients is second to none. His front of the house team provides a consistent, calm, and excellent level of care in equal ambiance with class and subtle sophistication that has grown rare in all of the world. The wine room, private room and not to mention every “bread basket” are outstanding. Selfishly, I have kept this all a secret for more than a dozen years. Enjoy!” – Raf Villella
“Your taste for Italian food has most likely been shaped by northern Italian cuisine. Don’t compare this food to your typical Italian restaurant. This is Sardinia, and Sardinia is a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, situated just over 100 miles off the coast of mainland Italy.
That being said, Sardinia Sarasota has much more of a Mediterranean flavor than you would expect. Some of their authenticity comes from their imported wood-burning oven. The other key ingredient to their amazing food and flavors is the fact that they source farm fresh and locally grown food. If the meat or fish isn’t up to their high standards, it definitely won’t be on your dinner menu.
Antipasto, my appetizer, was made up of salami, marinated Italian olives and artichokes served with a portion of fresh mozzarella cheese. The main course was one of their signature dishes, the ember roasted veal chop served over a bed of roasted potatoes. The veal was flavorful and cooked to perfection. No sauces were necessary. You just take in the wonderful flavor of the meat and its juices. I had a chance to taste of my daughter’s homemade linguine in tomato sauce. It was phenomenal, one of the best I’ve ever had.
Not only will your experience be overlaid with Sardinian charm, but you’ll also definitely appreciate this dose of high-quality food prepared in an authentic Sardinian kitchen.
Buon appetito!” – Howard M.
Address:
5770 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-702-8582
Website: