Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria

Tasty dinner with an awesome server - Doug - who truly went above and beyond to give us an enjoyable experience for my husband's birthday.

It would have been 5 stars except for the bizarre experience at check-in with hostile manager, Joe. We walked in right on time for a 7 o'clock reservation and Joe said, "You're checked in" and then didn't say anything else. About 6 other people were clustered in the waiting area, so we stepped back outside. After ten minutes, I poked my head in to ask if our table was ready. No one to be seen. I checked in again at 7:13. Finally at 7:15, sitting on a tiny bench outside under a noisy fan three feet from the reception desk, I called the phone number and Joe answered. I said, "I've been waiting 15 minutes for a table - what's going on?" He said, "I notified you." I don't know what the notification process was and why there was no follow-up but it obviously didn't work. He didn't even look outside to see where I was calling from - just stood limply behind the desk - and acted accusatory like this was our fault. We almost turned around and left, but Doug was so warm and friendly and really turned the night around. I just wanted to share a caution so people don't wait 15 minutes before checking if Joe abandons you and then skulks around passive-aggressively.

TLDR: I've been here numerous times and it definitely deserves a review: one of the most consistently solid Italian spots in Sarasota. MUST HAVES: In-house fresh made pastas - spaghetti or bolognese

For those who want more: Good portions with high quality ingredients - pizzas, freshly made in-house pastas, and some meat/seafood dishes. The spotlight though is on the pizzas and pastas. They take a simple dish like spaghetti and elevate it with great ingredients such as the vibrant sauce and basil oil (see picture)

MUST HAVES: Calabrian Wings, Spaghetti, Rigatoni Fungi, Bolognese & Garlic Bread (add cheese). Also make sure to ask about seasonal dishes, they have some great stuff in the fall

Shoutout to Joe and staff - great job!

The view, the plants, the service, the food! Everything was beautiful even the recommended drinks found my new favorite spot in Sarasota !

I come to the area regularly for business and saw Bavaro's as a popular option to try. Being vegetarian, I was looking forward to the Rigatoni Mushroom pasta and trust, it didn't disappoint! I was thankful they allowed me to switch the rigatoni for tagliatelle pasta in this phenomenal dish. I also had the lavender daiquiri and was pleased with how interesting its flavor profile was. Our cordial server Steven was the highlight on top of the highlights that my entree and cocktail were - definitely an asset to this location.

Bavaro's in Sarasota is our weekly go-to place for deliciously authentic, wood-fired Pizza Napolitano and equally delicious expertly prepared appetizers and pasta dishes. Having relocated from New York State where pizza is king, Bavaro's is right up there. We are fortunate also to regularly have an amazing server, Steven, who we request and who could not provide more friendly, pleasant, dedicated service to customers. While the entire staff is super fantastic, from the manager, to the hostesses, and kitchen staff, we consider Steven to be a shining star. The 40 minute drive is well worth it every week and we highly recommend Bavaro's Sarasota for a truly exceptional wood-fired pizza and dining experience.

Highly recommend! Food was great and service was exceptional. Ask for Steven - he was personable and went above and beyond. He thought of everything before we even asked - extra napkins, drinks always topped off and the food came out quick + hot. This is why I like to go out and eat! Better believe I'll be back again.

Perfect pasta, attentive service

I had a very positive experience at an event at Bavaro's a year or so ago so when my wife mentioned them, I was all in. I was thinking pizza. We arrived for dinner without reservations and although the place was busy, we still got right in. Good thing it is off-season. They have a nice patio area where most of the diners were eating on a beautiful evening. That's also where we ate.

It was just a wonderful relaxing experience from start to finish. As I looked over the menu, I spotted Penne alla Vodka with Bavaro's famous vodka sauce. I love trying dishes where a restaurant names a dish after themselves or uses descriptions like famous or award winning, and I also love Penne alla Vodka. So much for my pizza plan.

We started with their Heirloom Bruschetta. These did not include any meat but did have plenty of whipped ricotta. The one red and two green tomatoes on top was visually nice and provided flavor and texture, the green being cruncher. Careful, they easily roll off.

For my entrée I did get the Penne alla Vodka and included the ground sausage. Get the sausage. This was a wonderful dish, full of flavor, so much food. I can understand why their sauce is famous, and there was a generous amount of that sauce.

I should mention my wife had their Calabrian Mussels, and told me the sausage in that dish overwhelmed the other flavors. To me that would be a plus, not so much for her.

Service was just the best. We were working on our entrees about 20 minutes from when we ordered. Our server was pleasant, helpful, and checked on us often, in a good way. And when we made a request, and we had a couple, no problem she was there for us.

Bavaro's also had live entertainment that we very much liked. We liked the choice of songs and the performance so much we lingered after we finished eating just to listen more. I think other diners did the same.

All I can say is that the food is outstanding the entertainment is wonderful and Steven one of their servers is awesome.
You really need to ask for him, you won't be disappointed!!!!

Another pleasant and delicious dinner here.

Reservations a must particularly for inside as the upstairs space is limited.

Friday at 7pm seemed to be peak dining with quite a families inside and sitting on the hot patio .

This time we opted for inside and were promptly seated upstairs on the banquette side in between 2 large groups.

There was an empty 2 top table by the railing but we were informed that it was reserved. Huh? We had reservations...guess those diners knew the trick!

Next time, note to self, request a table and not the noiser banquette space.

Waited for 10 minutes or so for our server to appear. The staff has to carry everything from the 1st floor via the stairs. No bussers to assist the staff only 1 food runner so be prepared to wait for everything.

Everyone is pleasant despite these internal issues. Our meal was well paced and by the time we finished, it was quieter. Next time 7.30 or 8pm will be our arrival time to bypass most of the family dining congestion.

The zucchini noodles with 6 shrimp were yummy, plenty to share or even order as an entree. Red sauce is tasty and well balanced seasonings.

My mushroom pizza sans cheese, new favorite and hubby enjoyed his margherita pizza.

Wine by the glass pricing on the menu is for 6oz . Of course the 9oz option is higher. Two of those larger sizes ( $18 each) and you might as well buy a bottle.

The $2/ side of bread not a concern but only 3 pieces is a concern...

Free parking in adjacent lot after typical office hours .

For us, the food quality is still a winner! Thanks team!

Tonight was our first time at bavaros! What a great time! Steven made our anniversary so special! Great food and perfect service! We will definitely return with our friends!