Pietro’s Ristorante Italiano and Wine Bar
Pietro’s Ristorante Italiano and Wine Bar is fine dining establishment that boasts delicate tastes from Southern Italy. Pietro Migliaccio, former owner of Cafe Gabbiano and CasAntica Italian Restaurant was born and raised on the Island of Ischia. His love for the restaurant business and his love for serving his friends continues to draw him back into business. Pietro’s restaurant is located in the heart of Sarasota close to the south bridge of Siesta Key. The restaurant decor includes hundreds of pictures of loyal patrons whom over the years have become friends. Both the menu and wine list are extensive, accommodating most diet choices. The Italian/Mediterranean diet has long been held up as a fantastic example of healthy eating. Italian recipes are rich in olive oils instead of other fats. They are made from scratch without artificial ingredients or processed foods. Pietro’s motto is “You are but a stranger just once.” Eat, Drink & Become a friend!”
Previously after immigrating to America at the age of 18, Pietro worked at a number of fine restaurants in New York where he gained his philosophy of viewing restaurant service as a distinguished career marked by highly professional standards. Pietro opened his first restaurant in 1969 with his brother Giorgio. Mama Lucia’s in Brooklyn, which has been in operation for greater than 50 years, played host to celebrities like Luciano Pavarotti and Isabella Rossellini. Mama Lucia’s was Pietro’s first foray into restaurant ownership.
When he and his family moved to Florida, he discovered Siesta Key whose white sands and tropical climate were so like his native island, Ischia, he decided to relocate here. Pietro calls Ischia his home and perhaps will one day return.
His philosophy served him well with his previous Sarasota businesses. Café Gabbiano, located on Siesta Key, was originated by the Migliaccio family in 2003 where his four sons grew in and out of the restaurant business. The second venture in downtown Sarasota was opened and designed by Pietro in 2012 named CasAntica Italian Restaurant – a small old house converted into a quaint, homey restaurant. Both restaurants are still in existence and under new ownership serving the patrons of Sarasota well.
“Now, I need to design a small intimate place where I can have fun serving and meeting new friends,” states Pietro. And he created Pietro’s Ristorante Italiano and Wine Bar, where he continues the tradition.
“In this industry, if you want to have a great restaurant where you touch people, you must show your passion to them. You feel the love and care and attention to detail. I feel strongly that it’s the people who make the difference between just a restaurant and/or a place you really enjoy dining. I wanted to create a place where you only feel like the customer wants. Not just for you but for me also. We have been to births, life events and deaths of many, many friends we have made over the last 15 years in Sarasota. All left lasting impressions on our hearts.
A restaurant is NOT just a business, and it is very competitive, and you have to try your very best each and every hour you are open. You can’t invent the passion. You must have it and must maintain it all the time to provide overall quality. When the business gets too big, you lose touch, friends become just customers and you begin to spiral.
I created Pietro’s Ristorante Italiano and Wine Bar so I could feel alive again. I love this business and I love to share my life with my customers and friends and make a lasting impression on those who I serve.
The dining room is small, intimate and lined with pictures of customers who have become family. My goal in creating this place was for me to be able to meet people, serve my old friends again, and make new friends. This restaurant is an extension of my home.”
Welcome to Pietro’s where you are but a customer only once.
Customer Reviews:
“Amazing authentic food, excellent service and ambiance. The owner and his wife are such a delight and take pride in their restaurant- they make you feel like family. I highly recommend this restaurant to not only locals to bring their out-of-town guest to, but also vacationers to have a great meal and experience.” – Sandi Dietrich
“Best experience hands down in a while…since we moved from Germany two years ago, we haven’t had such an experience where Chef and staff take their time and chat with the tables. Johanna and Alejandro made us feel like home and had great attention and attitude toward us and the other customers. Prieto made us laugh and shared some stories with their friends, and this is what separate a great restaurant from the rest…THANK YOU ALL, you made our anniversary memorable as it should…will be back for sure…doesn’t matter what plate you choose, your palate will be satisfied.” – Jose Fonseca
“Welcome Back!! The best Italian in Sarasota and surrounding areas. The food, service and atmosphere are second to none. Pietro and Susan along with their wait staff are so friendly and make you feel completely at home while treating you like VIP’s. Bravo!” – Donna Ryan
“We are from Queens and Brooklyn New York and were Blown Away by the Amazing Italian Food!! Don’t go anywhere else! Chef Peters heart and soul are In everything here, the veal chop melts in your mouth, eggplant rolantini, Grouper, Frutti de Mare outstanding, service, ambiance, warms your soul! Not to be missed!” – Susan Casse
“Our family had an unforgettable meal at Pietro’s this week. It’s a cozy, not cramped, space. Unpretentious but upscale. Casual as you want, but you’d better get dressed for this food and service. It is the best meal we’d had in recent memory, and we’d recommend it for anyone seeking a change from what’s on offer around here. Don’t miss it!” – SixandTwenty Distillery
Address:
3809 South Tuttle Ave,
Sarasota, FL
941-554-8395
Website:
Pietro’s Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar Facebook Page
Pietros_ristorante Instagram