Cafe Gabbiano is the best Italian fine dining experience on Siesta Key! We invite you to enjoy our carefully prepared authentic Italian cuisine and a world class selection of wine.
"This restaurant has been a favorite of mine for years. The setting is great. It brings me back to a vacation in Tuscany. Both the food and wine are delicious. Service is always friendly and attentive. Never a disappointment."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Much from the old ownership has been retained with a few new touches from the new. But something has been lost that is hard to define. The old stand-by dishes are just good while they used to be v. good to excellent. The wine list is now populated largely by expensive selections. Very few choices below $50-60. We were once frequent diners here; probably will be only occasional going forward."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"Very nice restaurant for special occasions or just getting together with friends and conversation. Food is very well prepared but should have more steak options."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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"We've been here many times but this was our first,visit since a new owner took over. The staff was very friendly and efficient. The food was very good, I would have given it an excellent rating except my husband's food was just warm not piping hot but both our meals were delicious. The restaurant has a very interesting wine list. We ate on the patio and it looked very charming and elegant. I think the new owner is doing a nice job and the atmosphere is much nicer than in the past. One of the previous owners had at times a less than pleasant attitude so,this was a much nicer experience.
I would definitely recommend this restaurant to friends and visitors."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Have been there several times before....will not return. The prices are on the higher side as one would expect for a restaurant of quality. The house Chianti was the highlight.
The pasta shrimp Diablo was a stuck together mess....I believe it was $31.95 for that special with no vegetable. My wife's spinach salad, before the main course, was miniscule with little on it other than spinach ($9.95). One cup of coffee was the order of the day with no offer of a refill.
Our guests did not comment on their meal. The left over’s were put in the standard take home box in a tied bag. We discovered the meals were given to the wrong people and thus discarded when we reached home."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"While vacationing in Sarasota, we sent to Gabbiano's for dinner. It was a party of eight, with each of us ordering a different meal, allowing each of us to sample several items. I had the Gnocchi, and sampled the Veal Parmigiana, Pollo Francese and Scaloppine Mamma Lucia, to name a few. The food was EXCELLENT!!!!!!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"Wine list is extensive, expensive, hard to read, but not disappointing. Estimate that 80% of wines were over $55 but we enjoyed a good Chianti at that price. Tables are crowded together in the large dining space we were in, but the salad and entre's we had were very good."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2012
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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"Have been here many times and always enjoy the entire dining experience. Their wine menu continues to expand both with Italian and non Italian wines. If you want a fine Italian dining experience, there is no place better in the Sarasota area than Cafe Gabbiano."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"This was my fourth visit to Cafe Gabbiano, in three weeks. We have been entertaining friends, this Cafe has been a wonderful restaurant for people who enjoy great food. The Menu is wonderful, our server, Vincent, was outstanding. He was our guide through a very enjoyable evening of dining.t"
Dined on 04/16/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Food very satisfying w/large portions. Order the carbonara w/o the creme. Really excellent interpretation, close to Italian originals I have had. Good wine list, esp. for the knowledgeable, many selections from all over Italy, wide sampling of different grapes (we had the house Nebbiolo). Can get a bit noisy, seats are in close quarters. Stroll into the Village after a typically beautiful Siesta sunset to find a fine, relaxed meal at Cafe Gabbiano entirely in keeping with the island vibe."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"We ate here during spring break, so the restaurant was very busy and understaffed. Out of our 3 entrees (tortellini, red fish and sole), the tortellini was the best. Very creamy and great flavors. The wine list is impressive. We were able to enjoy the outside dining area because it was "tented"."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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"This has been a favorite of ours for years, but something has happened. We tried to order a bottle of wine that he said they no longer carried. He then offered a different bottle which was $96. I said no and asked for a bottle that was $40. I pointed to the bottle on the menu. After dinner my parents asked for a glass each of the house chianti. When the bill came the house chianti had been switched to an $18 glass of wine times two. The $40 bottle I ordered was switched to an $80 bottle. I was furious, but my dad didn't want to cause a scene so we left and will never go back. I don't mind paying for expensive wine if I order it, but I don't want to be scammed."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2011
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"Our food was very good. However we were back in a room by ourselves and found ourselves waiting for drink, wine refills, etc. Had to get up and go find our own check when waiting to leave."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"The food and our server were both excellent, though the service was a bit slow and our table (on the patio) was a bit chilly. The weather was certainly not the restaurants fault, but the service could have been faster. Still, the food and our server managed to overcome these faults."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2006
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"This was my fifth time to dine at this restaurant, but the first visit there since under the helm of a new owner. I'm very happy to say that the tradition of excellence is being carried on and our dining experience was as outstanding as ever.This is a charming and cozy place with a calm,romantic feel to it, yet there is a section of the menu for the "bambini", and they are warmly welcomed."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Our first visit since the original owners sold the business. Server Nora was knowledgeable and very sweet but far too busy to be very attentive. The cozze appetizer was really good. The florentine preparation of the veal was very flavorful but a bit heavy on the salt. All of my companions felt that the food was good but salty. Side pasta with marinara was included. One guest asked for an Alfredo sauce instead. It was delivered without any sauce. Our server rectified this by stating that the chef will have to prepare the Alfredo sauce. After several minutes the sauce arrived. I believe the server simply forgot. It is pricey for Italian food, but typical of the elevated prices paid to dine in Siesta Key Village. All in all, we will return."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Very disappointing. After reading reviews, we were looking forward to it. On arrival was put on a tiny table, and we asked to be moved to a larger table when we noticed that every other couple was sat at a large table. They were not impressed at our request, saying that the other couples had made a reservation, so I also said so did I! From then, waiter was very unfriendly and rude, food was mediocre for the high price, house charddoney was bad for the price. OVERALL WILL NOT RETURN."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2008
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"It could have been great if our dinner had arrived in a timely fashion. It was the longest I have ever had to wait anywhere which led us all to believe there were problems in the kitchen or our order got lost. Once it came, one of the dishes was incorrect. They may have been short handed on a Wed night but..."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"Fabulous food - staff and overall experience. Can't wait until I come back."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"We were promptly seated with a reservation. Cozy atmosphere, easy to have a conversation. One person had the veal scaloppine, said it was delicious, one had the tortellini with Alfredo which also had peas and ham in it, very good, another ordered gluten free pasta with Alfredo sauce, very very good, and I ordered salmon with green beans that I highly recommend. The portions are large and the bread is also delicious. Without any drinks our bill for the four of us was $93."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"In an area known for its seafood and beach bars, Cafe Gabbiano offers something different: Italian dining many levels above the slice-of-pizza spots nearby. We sat in a pleasant, though a bit cramped, outdoor area that I'd love to see opened up a bit. We'd definitely go back to try the inside, which has a neighborhood feel but could be in New York or Chicago or any other large city. The food was very good and the wine list extensive. The service was great."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"Diners can depend on Gabbiano's serving of excellent Italian cuisine at reasonable prices. The service is gracious, friendly and professional. I would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We have eaten at Gabbiano's several times and have never been disappointed. The food is excellent...the service unobtrusive and prompt. Love the atmosphere! We are year rounders, and this is our favorite spot."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The food was very good. The portions were very generous (I had to take home a "doggie bag). The service was also very good.The only negative is that the wine (especially individual glasses of wine) and the different courses on the menu were on the high end of the price scale.In conclusion,even though the food was very good , the high prices are enough for us not to return."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"Food and waiter was great....we had a long wait as there was a problem with a large party but the waiter kept us informed and also gave is a free bottle of wine for being so patient. We have been to this restaurant abot 4 times. Always a good dining experience. During the Florida "season" it is difficult to eat anywhere.....we live here year round so its best to dine anywhere from May-October!!!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Dinner was ok..We were seated by a "stressed" out hostess that seemed as if she was second guessing reservations.Our waiter took over 15 minutes to bring us our cocktail, I really hate that...I think he had one side of the room.He was overwhelmed, too. Service attendants that reach over other dining guests is not appropriate...When we did receive our meals it was as if he was dealing a deck of cards passing them around.The serving of chicken was adequate initially. Upon reviewing it one realized it was probably a 4 oz serving that was pounded out to look like more.The evening out was great, the restaurant not so memorable."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
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"What a GEM...Right in the heart of Siesta Key Beach Village where you would never expect to get this fantastic food...we entertained some world travelers who said this is great."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I came to the Restaurant with my Wife and cousin. It was my cousins birthday. I felt that the restaurant was very pricy. I was supposed to get a Managers credit but after I added up my bill it was never taken off, but it showed on the bill for $7.95. I asked for a drink on the rocks and it came in a very small glass. When I asked if could have a second drink in a larger glass I was charged $1.00 more for the same amount of liquor. I am sorry I can not give you a good respond."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
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"Sadly, this has taken a turn for the worse under new ownership. Last year, we were delighted to eat there and gave the restaurant a five star rating. This year, the food barely rates two and a half stars. The calamari fritti arrived a dark brown in color, with hints of charcoal on the tentacles! We voiced our concerns to the manager, but no adjustment was made to the bill, and the majority of the calamari went uneaten. When paying $24.00 for a pasta dish, one expects it to match the price. Again, no satisfaction. The dish had 2 shrimp, 2 gritty clams, and a handful of the smallest mussels I've ever seen in a restaurant. My brother's pasta was a mish-mosh of too many onions and tomatoes, and the pancetta was nowhere to be seen. Beware!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2005
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic
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