Ama La Vita

This place was recommended so we thought we’d check it out with some friends. In summary, the food was OK. The noise level was a little high in the dining room. Wait staff very good. Ambiance fair. For appetizers, we ordered And shared the Rice ball, Bruschetta and the PEI muscles. The cheese ball was interesting but for the life of me I could not find any of the meat that said it had. The PEI mussels were undersized, and the white sauce had almost no flavor. Bruschetta pretty average. For main courses, we ordered the Amatriciana, the flounder, the Carbonara, and the grilled veal chop. Portions on all these were good and the presentation OK but not inspiring. The veal chop was a little raw around the bone. Flavors on all were OK. The tables in the main dining room are small and a little bit close as a result of noise level was a little high when the restaurant got crowded. There is a good wine selection, but no spirits. The highlight of the meal for me was the coconut cake for dessert. It was excellent with great flavor. Our server did a good job. She was cordial and attentive, but not overbearing. The food came out after a reasonable amount of time and was warm. With several glasses of wine our bill came out to $258 before tip which I felt was a bit on the pricey side.

Small and cozy place. Variety of dishes with excellent quality. The rice ball and artichoke for appetizers are great . Excellent pastas and stuffed pork. Good quality of wines. The service is good.

I have dined several times at Ama La Vita and this is an outstanding Italian restaurant in downtown Sarasota. Owners, Tricia and Danny, are incredibly affable and great to interact with! The pastas are excellent and the wide selection of wines (especially Italian) by the glass are well preserved utilizing a Coravin system. Servers Michael and Susan are very helpful and attentive. Will return often!

Authentic Italian food in Sarasota Florida. The pasta at Ama La Vita rivals what I've had in Rome. The Cacio e Pepe is incredible. While traditional recipes call for using pasta water, cheese, and black pepper, here they use stock with cheese and pepper. The extra richness from the stock is a fantastic addition. Pasta was cooked perfectly and was a great way to start the meal. Another stand out was the broiled flounder on spinach. Perfectly cooked and expertly seasoned. Save room for dessert! The homemade coconut cake is rich and fresh and sweet. I'm not even a coconut lover and I could devour a piece of that any day. Service is very attentive without being overbearing. It's a tiny place and fills up, but that is because it is so worth a try.

Amazing! Enjoyed a fantastic meal with friends. The rice ball and calamari appetizers were a hit. The special filet mignon was cooked perfectly. The owner helped us pair with a really nice wine and then we finished with the coconut cake. The hospitality and food were spot on. Will be back!

Just wow. This was an incredible dining experience in downtown Sarasota. Small family ran restaurant, that really transports you back to Italy. Incredible flavors, and impeccable service. At the end, you have to try the coconut cake.

I am here to say that the hype is real. The coconut cake is a don't miss experience. It is unbelievably amazing! Seriously. I am still drooling thinking about it. Trish is a fantastic host and baker/chef! The food is also authentic and the place is quaint. We all tried the argula salad, the eggplant and sauce, bolognese, fish, scallops (so good!) and finished off with the super hyped coconut cake. Absolutely outstanding! So happy this little gem is in our backyard here in sweet Sarasota. Go check them out!

We are here to visit friends. We got a recommendation for Ama La Vita and met friends there - our suggestion. Big disappointment, HUGE. The acoustics are terrible, we had a hard time understanding our waiter and conversing across the table. The service was extremely slow. When we got appetizers, they were delivered to the wrong people. Asked for ice tea unsweet, we all got sweet. When the food arrived it was marginally ok. One dinner was not eaten because the fish tasted “off”. The best thing all night (besides the company) was the Coconut Cake-it’s fabulous. Way too expensive for the experience we had.

We were lucky to dine on Tuesday so we could try the three course menu at a great price. Tricia is a wonderful hostess/owner who made us feel right at home. Michelle, our waitress was very knowledgeable about the different specials. I ordered the caprese salad and flounder with garlic spinach. Both were done to perfection with one of the best sauces I have ever tried. My husband was very pleased with his spaghetti and meatballs and the home baked bread served with our meal. We ordered a wine from the Barolo region making the perfect meal for both of us. A mini cannoli and a piece of coconut cake baked by Tricia made us ooh and ah. Also the best cake ever! We found street parking with not much difficulty. Go!

Found this spot on Yelp and stopped by while in Sarasota for work. They have outdoor and indoor seating. I sat inside at a high top. It had a romantic/mysterious vibe inside vs outside which is on the sidewalk. Michael quickly greeted me and took my drink order. They only have beer and wine no liquor. They have a large wine selection. The owner (I think Tricia) greeted me and brought the bread and an eggplant fritter from her husband, the chef. Said mostly everything is made in house. The marinara was fantastic. Started with the Cesar salad, this wasn't my favorite. Kind of soggy. It's roasted in the oven. For my main I got the special, the scallops. They were delicious! came with Parmesan risotto and the scallops were very fresh. Probably need to make a reservation during the season as it's not a very large restaurant.

Had a terrific meal with friends celebrating a special occasion. It is small inside but they made us feel at home. Good food made to order and ample wine list for anyone. Will be back.

Had the Savor Sarasota dinner last night for my birthday. The staff and owner stopped by to congratulate me. Michelle gave us great recommendations. The appetizers of artichoke oreganata and the eggplant rollatini were delicious and huge portions. The veal chop and the penne bolognese entrees were good. We took the deserts home. Fantastic place with outstanding service. We plan to be back.

Charming - YES! Friendly and welcoming - YES! Overall ambiance - Beautiful--- plus the outdoor seating is ample and lit beautifully. Ama La Vita was such a wonderful experience across the board that I had to write about it. YOU, READING THIS - you should go. The food was delicious. It was mouth watering. From the tasty appetizer, to the entree, to the gelato and espresso. Just wonderful. I dined with 3 people and each of us had a lovely meal. Eggplant Parmesan, fish of the day (grouper for us), and chicken . Delicious. The espresso was especially good - great flavor, nice creama and perfect temperature. The desserts are made by the owner and are a perfect finish to the meal. We had the pleasure of visiting with her and what a delightful treat it was. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a visit!

Second visit to Ama La Vita and another home run! First time was for dinner, this time for brunch. Beautiful restaurant off Main, staff is always super friendly and attentive, and food is too notch! I tried the Avocado Toast and my fiancé had the Risotto. Plus, 3 for $15 mimosa flights with your choice of juices!

Where do I begin This restaurant was recommended by a bartender at another restaurant and we never tried it until last night We arrived to find out that the owners Tricia and Danny were owners at another restaurant in NJ that we used to frequent and have missed for a few years now since they closed their doors It was like a reunion but much better The food was amazing and Michael our waiter was fabulous with Tricia there to offer suggestions and kind words They brought out an eggplant fritter in a red sauce that was such a beautiful bite to open our palate Then we had Bucatini puttanesca for the table Beet salad Burrata salad Rigatoni arugula with the lightest white sauce Veal chop And a scallop special We were stuffed but could t turn our heads on her coconut cake and tiramisu Everything was a dance on our tongue paired with amazing wines feom their wine list We will definitely be back Thank you to the entire team who made us feel like family eating at someone's home Alex and Beth

Walking up I almost thought it was closed but it's a quaint cosy restaurant. The food was phenomenal and the service excellent. Husband and wife owned restaurant (they moved from Jersey City where they owned a restaurant to FL and opened this place in March 2020 from what I could gather). My server was Jay who also made the move with them from their prior business - Owners who build and keep great loyal employees speaks volumes to me! On to the food: amuse-bouche, fresh bread with delicious olive oil and Parmesan, arugula salad, Cacio e Pepe with shrimp, and finished with the Coconut Cake. Every bite was delicious! I would absolutely recommend this place and hope it's still here the next time I visit the area.

Son went with his friends and had an amazing dinner. He said one of the best Italian restaurants he has been to. Yumm!!

Food was delicious! They started us with a little eggplant parm bite and bread. We had roasted Caesar salad, arugula salad, sacchetti, and fettuccini carbonara. I have to say it was a little loud, but the place is small and quaint.

This is my first visit to this sweet little restaurant. I chose to eat inside, but there is a nice large area available outside. The tenderloin is tender and nicely seasoned. The fettuccini has a flavorful garlic taste, not too overpowering. I definitely recommend this restaurant. I will be back.

My friend and I came here after spending the day on Lido Key Beach South and watching the sunset. We found a parking spot close by and we wanted Italian food near by and where we could sit outside. Perfect! I've been wanting to try this place because of all the positive reviews. My friend is from Orlando so we like to try new places when we're able to visit each other. Suzanne was our waitress and she was wonderful! We started with a glass of wine and brought out an Amuse Bouche which was a little eggplant meatball in a small amount of sauce and some fresh bread made in house. This was so good and appreciated! We shared the clams sautéed in garlic and white wine and they were delicious and it came with the fresh bread but toasted with some olive oil on it. This also was delicious! For our main we shared a special dish which consisted of clams, muscles, shrimp, bay scallops, diver scallop and some fish over fresh made linguine in a white wine sauce. This dish was so delicious that we savored ever bite. The pasta was perfect and light, you won't find their pasta in any box or package in the fresh food section of a grocery or specialty store! We were so fabulously full we did not get desert. I can't wait to go back with my husband to try it again! I met the owner, Tricia, who was very sweet and wanted to make sure we enjoyed our meal! Turns out the waitress, Suzanne's husband is the chef. What a great chef! The food is really delicious and I can't wait to return! Give it a try you'll love it , I'm sure!

The service and friendliness of this place were top notch. All courses of dinner were great. Would go for any of the pasta dishes for sure. Beer and wine only. Wish we had room for dessert. The list sounded amazing. Very small place. Quaint and intimate.

Man, I really don't know where to start. Everything about our meal and overall experience at Ama La Vita was incredible. The wine list is very impressive and the menu has complete show stoppers all over it. We decided to focus on small plates and pasta b/c we wanted to try a lot of different things: Small Plates: Artichoke Oreganata (total banger), Burrata, and the Arugula salad. All 3 of these were amazing and the Chef Danny sent out some eggplant fritters ahead of time. His marinara was was incredible and all of the aforementioned dishes were outstanding. The rice ball (arancini) was the clear crusher of the bunch. The Bolognese he makes was simply the best we've ever had. Pasta time: We came in later in the night as a party of 4, and 2 our people were vegetarians, so we kindly asked if they could easily accommodate their needs. Chef Danny came to the table, asked our guests what they were into, and he made them 2 custom dishes to order. Super classy move on his part and not what we expected. We were thinking more like X dish with no meat...he went beyond the normal level of service. My wife and I ordered the Cacio E Pepe (critical...do not miss this), Amatriciana (another show stopper and Chef Danny uses guanciale. If you know, you know), and the Penne Vodka. Man...I just can't say enough about that vodka sauce. We paired an amazing Amarone with all of this...got 2 bottles and it was 100% worth it. Dessert: Tricia is one of the owners and also the pastry Chef. Just believe the hype. Her coconut cake is everything you've read about and more. She's also super charming and the front of the house touchpoint with guests. If you get a chance, make sure Matthew is your server as well. He's an OG server that's been in the biz for a long time. He knows the food and the wine. Great service, charming and not in the way. He was great. Chefs Danny and Tricia have something truly amazing going on here. Sarasota is chock full of Italian restaurants, and many of them have a NY red sauce vibe (not all, but many). These lovely folks bring a solid Sicilian vibe to the city. The space is super sexy, the food is incredible and all of this in the heart of downtown. Hats off to y'all for taking the risk on Sarasota. We look forward to seeing you in May.

One word is all this place needs......decadent! I am a huge connoisseur of Italian food, this place is hands down one of the best ever! From the amuse-bouche to my last bite this restaurant has it all. I will be back extremely soon. Thank you Suzanne for answering all of our questions and being such a good server.

Want to feel like a well valued customer and eat some AMAzing food at the same time? Ama La Vita is the top choice for feeling like a rock star VIP! Attention to detail, at this lovely and well-appointed restaurant, is taken at every level. From the moment I stepped into this charming establishment, I could tell the quality in service and in food was superb. I was welcomed like a friend, at my very first visit to Ama Vita, and throughout the meal, I was treated spectacularly. The ambiance of restaurant is romantic and charming. I have dietary restrictions and contacted the restaurant in advance through social media to ensure the ingredients were accurate on the website and menu. Having an allergy to cow's milk makes it a challenge to eat Italian food and the owner, Danny, made me feel confident that I wouldn't get sick. He even shopped in advance to ensure the chosen cheese was safe. The owners, Danny and Tricia, stopped by my table to answer any questions and let me know that precautions were taken in the kitchen. I normally don't like to make a big production out of my issues, but I really wanted to the Carbonara pasta and appreciated their seriousness to my concern. The Carbonara was bursting with flavor and an explosion of creaminess. The noodles glistened and were velvet smooth. I can't wait to go back and try to Cacio e Pepe My spouse selected the Pork Loin Giambotta which was perfectly spiced. He loves spice and this didn't disappoint. The tender pork had excellent flavor that was complimented by the roasted peppers and mushrooms. Our friend had the Artichoke Oreganata which one doesn't see on menus very often; and it was a real treat for her. The Chicken Cacciatore, which she said tasted like what she recently ate in Italy, was beautifully presented and wonderfully flavorful. The bread was made earlier in the day by Tricia and were pillowy soft and flavorful. My husband is a "bread snob" and he was impressed. The wine was recommended by the waiter and was well priced and had excellent flavor. Please book a table and discover this treasure to Sarasota. It won't cost you a fortune, but you'll feel rich in satisfaction and contentment. What a gem!

This little Italian restaurant is a true gem! The owner is amazing, welcoming and gracious. She accommodated our little group's request to not sit inside at a high top (our group had some mobility issues) and sat us outside at a lovely table where we heard some good music from the place across the street. Our waiter was amazing! He gave us great advice on ordering our wine and our dinners, and his personality is down to earth and great. The food was amazing! The fresh baked bread was perfect! Scallops over risotto melted in our mouths and the flavors were heaven! Then came the finale, the coconut cake... It was really fresh and not too sweet! Delicious! I told the owner that I wished we could buy a whole cake from her, her cake is that good! - She said you can if you call her in advance! We'd return here in a heartbeat!

I really wanted to go here, and I really wanted to like it. The owners wife was friendly and welcoming. The waitress unfortunately didn't really take care of our table. Did not refill the water and left the table for long periods of time. The only way we got our wine was to tag the owner when she checked in on us But this is not really about the service it's about a horribly prepared fish. Our friends both have the branzino and it was overcooked and mushy. We had the mahi mahi (also bland and mushy) and penne Bolognese. Nothing was remarkable or very tasty There are some good restaurants in this town, and I think these owners either will have to up their game or may end up with a tough time.

The most confusing part of this dinner event here is how the wife/ owner(?) kept telling everyone how they had a restaurant in New Jersey and gave it all up to start a new here. Oh yes, we were told the artichoke app is made from fresh artichokes. 3 canned artichokes in a pool of tasteless water on a white plate is what was presented and just as quickly sent back. The fish entrees were inedible as was the tomato sauce served on pasta. Even in the world of tourist centric Sarasota, this place hit an all time low.

We were greeted with a warm welcoming attitude from the hostess, chef and wait staff ( our waiter was Leonardo and he was very nice to use). In addition to the excellent service the food was delicious, appetizers, entree and wine!!! The owners Tricia and Chef Danny are very hands on and very friendly. Unfortunately we didn't take any pictures of the food because we were too busy eating it. Definitely recommend this restaurant!!!!

A must. This is a local Italian restaurant run by a husband and wife duo. It's authentic, inviting, and well worth your visit. We ordered the rice ball and the burrata, which were both outstanding. My wife had the linguini in a spicy sauce with shrimp which she loved. I had the penne Bolonese, which was delicious. The pasta here is al dente, always the hallmark of a great Italian restaurant. The service was warm and attentive. The wine list features a nice selection of Italian wines. For dessert, we couldn't make up our mind between the chocolate espresso cake, or the chocolate mousse. We chose the mousse, but the owner overheard us trying to decide, and brought us out a piece of cake on the house. That's the special type of place this is.

Ordered a carryout for lunch. Gnocchi Formaggio and a rice ball. I'm not a beef eater and was a little concerned the rice ball had meat but I have to say that is one of the best things I've eaten in my life, it was superb. And again I am not a meat person but the sauce it came in was incredible. The cheese gnocchi was good it came with mushrooms which was a nice bonus. I would highly recommend

Ate there again last night and of course it did not disappoint!! The clams in white wine was incredible and Dan's Caico Pepe is divine - everything we ordered was stellar - this is and always will be our go to restaurant- Tricia and Dan have it right - from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave you are treated like family!

I've often walked by here and the other night decided to stop in for dinner. I was in the mood for good Italian. So glad I did... low key vibe, a great soundtrack, and a wonderful owner who makes you feel very welcome. Diverse menu with some very nice added specials. I started with the littleneck clams in a white wine sauce and a glass of Valpolicella. Beautiful! I opted for the special Chicken Francaise with a tomato risotto and again it was on point, delicately seasoned and delicious as well. Too full to have dessert I vowed to return next week!

What a fantastic surprise! We came downtown to escape the monotony of COVID and this new little gem destroyed expectations. They started out with giving us fresh eggplant meatballs compliment of the chef. I'm not normally an eggplant kinda guy..that changed today. We had a delicate artichoke appetizer with lemon zest that was different from any I've ever tried and that's always a good thing when is hits the smile button the way this did. We ordered lunch entree panini's which were filled with delicious healthy wild mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil. I decided to add some chicken, because I am a guy that likes meat, and they nailed it. Jay and Erin were serving us and we are lucky to have them as new members to the community! 5/5

They are a new restaurant. They have a half price special for food and wine . I had their pasta with Bolognese sauce and a beet salad . Since it was takeout, it took a little away from the experience. However I loved the sauce and the salad was delicious. Hopefully they'll make it and I will definitely try them again.

What a fabulous restaurant!! The food and service were outstanding! The marinara sauce is the best. We ate outside and the setting was perfect. I'll be back my next time in Sarasota!

Owner was welcoming. Waiter was egaged and competent. Unfortunately, our meals were mediocre. Barrel fish (special) was described as firm, flaky and mild with a taste similar to a cross between crab and lobster. The fish was served on an unispired bed of spinach. The fish texture was rubbery and far from flakey. (Lesson learned - stick to a restaurant like Duval's when ordering fish) My partner's Shrimp Fra Diavolo was dry and flavor was flat. The bill for the four of us was $300 with 2 bottles of wine, so our expectations were commensurate with the cost. We dine out frequently and I know reviews impact a business. I hope our experience was an anomaly.

What an AMAZING & Warm Welcoming Staff at AmaLa Vita Details and attention to customers & food is at it's top! Amazing quality food Buratta was at its best! Pasta Highly recommended

Adorable breakfast spot this morning. The owners are new and dropped off a sample of their homemade bread and a eggplant roll smothered in their homemade marinara. Both outstanding. I ordered the Sicilian Benedict for my brunch. Bed of asparagus topped with prosciutto and poached eggs and of course a bit of hollandaise. It was extremely refreshing to be served something with so much flavor that traditionally has a bread base. Based on the marinara and bread i was served as a sample, plus this fresh, fresh tasting benedict, will be back soon for the dinner offerings. The mimosas come with fresh squeezed mango (if that's your flavor). I get it on the side. Top notch all the way around!

Went here Friday to continue our anniversary celebration before seeing a show at FST. Staff and female owner were very nice and welcoming. Amuse bouche was excelllent as stated in previous reviews- sort of a small eggplant meatball in marinara sauce- I think they should make a bigger version as an app. Arancini was good but I've honestly had better versions elsewhere- I think it's so big that the inside didn't get as warm as it should have. I had the penne and shrimp in vodka sauce and it was very good. Husband had penne with sausage and spinach and he was very happy with it- it was a little pricey for the portion size. Bread was odd- not typical Italian bread but a dense sort of rye tasting bread. Not my favorite. Reisling was good. Dessert was stupendous - the best coconut cake we have ever had. Overall a very good experience.

Such a cute spot in downtown Sarasota. Cozy little spot with indoor and outdoor seating. The owners were super welcoming as was our server. We ordered all 3 specials . The rice ball appetizer was delicious. I would return for that alone. My husband had the veal chop and it was delicious as well. Everything is made in house even the desserts. Chocolate gelato was perfect ending to our meal. Can't wait to return. Highly recommend making reservations too!

Owners Danny (Chef) & Tricia have provided a terrific Italian option for Sarasota. Food was fantastic. wine list was wonderful/affordable, dessert (all made by Trish) was scrumptious! Attentive wait staff, and Trish is omnipresent, making the entire evening go well. Our guests, who are true foodies, are already making a return reservation!

A small authentic Italian cozy restaurant. It is family owned and operated and the food was of the highest quality. The husband is the executive chef and the wife is the hostess with a warm inviting personality. We had the Chilean sea bass which was the specialty of the day and was absolutely delicious. The pasta puttanesca was delicious and the only ingredient missing was red pepper flakes according to my genuine southern Italian partner. The wine selection was superb and I overdid the Napa Cabernet but couldn't resist. Everyone in the place was happy and smiling which added to the overall ambiance and great experience.

After missing the dining in Sarasota for a year, we have found a BOLD and TASTEFUL new ITALIAN restaurant down town. The owners boldly opened in March of 2020. Seasoned and talented in Italian cooking in New Jersey they have taken their skills to new highs. Although they have many other competitors, they are in a class by themselves. The menu is complete but not over whelming. Pastas, as one would expect, is spectacular. Add a chicken or veal main dish and the meal is excellent. Salads and appetizers and the main meal is COMPLETE and DELIGHTFUL. We must mention the desserts. As as a final delight it no to be missed. Try the LEMON PUDDING.... wow The dining rooms are inviting and artistic. The outside dining is pandemic seating. So Call for reservations ASAP.

Excellent food and service. Good atmosphere. Pleasant staff. Went on a Wednesday evening. Lighting is appealing. We were seated where I was able to watch people walking by. My friend had Chilean sea bass, and I just had chicken fettuccine. His was beautifully presented as was mine. We both loved our meal. I boxed half mine up. My house red wine was perfect. We will be back. Thank you.

This was a dining experience that I will not forget. We happened upon this place walking down this beautiful street and met the owner. We wanted a fine Italian night. We were fortunate that they had one available reservation and we snapped it up. And even better they had a date night special that included an appetizer, 2 entrees, and a bottle of wine. Only 8$ extra for the nightly special of a wonderful filet on risotto. This is a family business and we met the family. Trish was our hostess, her son was our waiter, and husband Danny was our chef and they were super charming. This is a new business to Sarasota and great for the city. After almost 20 years in New Jersey they moved here and what a fantastic place. We got a fantastic bottle it Italian red Tuscan wine. The fried rice ball, the filet special and the parmigiana encrusted grouper over spinach. They started us with a wonderful amuse bouche made with eggplant and homemade bread. Fantastic start. The very large rice ball was covered in cheese and sitting in the best marinara I've ever had. It was epic! Great hard outside with a soft delicious inside. The main courses were equally tasty with a perfectly cooked tenderloin that just melted in my mouth with enough risotto to eat with every fantastic bite. My wife had the grouper and what flavor. And such a large portion we were unable to finish. No room for desert but sure it would be homemade and delicious. We don't live here but when we come back we will be back. What a great restaurant experience, great food, and wonderful family. Thanks for a great memory!

Danny and Tricia provided the most amazing meal. Everything we ate was phenomenal. The food at Ama La Vita is all made from scratch and made in house, from the rice ball with bolognese to the hand cut 10oz fillet to the Chocolate Creme de Pot. There was not a detail missed. Bring your friends and family here!!

I had recommendations from others and as I walked in to dine people coming out of the restaurant made a few not so great comments on some of their food. But that happens. So I continued in where the owner said oh I need to check if the kitchen is still open. 8:05 pm. Restaurant closed at 9 pm. She came out and said oh yes. I didn't realize how early it still was. We discussed menu items and Italy in general. She seemed nice . The restaurant is clean and the staff was attentive but I was the only other customer but one table there. Took her recommendations on which items to order. The drinks were fine. The salad came out. Could only try a few bites with the spinach not prepped correctly but only stalks together and tough to eat Gave up after 3 bites. Thought that is ok. Pasta entree will be great. Sent back salad I never ate. Pasta came out It was very surprising to be way over cooked. Mush. No flavor. Three shrimp added at $7.50. Totally cooked incorrectly Pushed it aside. No one came out to ask how it was. But waiter brought the bill and I paid $60 for nothing. Asked for the owner and was given her card. I thought we'll maybe there was a communication problem and after I left I called. The owner answered. I told her who I was and said she had a pleasant and clean restaurant with nice staff but the food was not great tonight. She became defensive and rude. Said her restaurant food wasn't for everyone and I didn't need to try it again. Wow. Was just trying to give her a couple ideas on what would correct it so we could come back Abd make this a regular sarasota eatery for our groups that eat out everyday. I again said I was very surprised how she didn't want to take care of a customer. Good to know which restaurants provide excellent service And food so we can support the ones that are trying hard. I was hoping to give this one another try. But off the list from the recommendation of the owner Trish

My wife and I had a wonderful diner at Ama La Vita. We have been dining in Sarasota for years and found this restaurant to be a hidden gem located on Main Street. It is a husband and wife owned Italian restaurant. Danny and Tricia greet you and make you feel like you are eating in their home. . The meal was exceptional; we had a personalized pasta with a tasty red sauce and one of the Penne Arugula which delicious. A beautifully balanced pasta dish with a light cream sauce. This was our first time at Ama La Vita but surly not our last.

very slow service, food not cooked and owner extremely rude and blamed us for their poor service and uncooked food. Never once did she offer to rectify the situation. Don't go unless you like salty, raw halibut priced at $45.00.

Great addition to Main St, Sarasota dining! Stepped-up big time during the COVID mess, serving to-go 7 days a week, with a smile. To-go food was wonderful, but the sit-down that I enjoyed this evening was incredible. Relaxed, friendly and able staff served some great wine and food. Pork was prepared to perfection and the chicken scarpariello was fresh and tasty! Cajun shrimp appetizer was a great start to the meal. Absolutely recommend this restaurant and hope they enjoy a long run in Sarasota!

Wow! Wooowwww!! The best Italian food in town. My boyfriend said it was the best gnocchi he has ever had. We ordered food from then a week ago, and he is still talking about it. The sauce was incredible, rich and creamy. I enjoyed two huge rice balls. They were out of this world! I could eat them everyday. I can't wait to get dinner here again soon.

Finally an Italian restaurant in Sarasota that serves food just like you get in New York New Jersey. You can tell the chef Knows how to make a traditional red sauce just like in Brooklyn. The Arancini was delicious as was the artichoke oreganata. My wife had the eggplant Parmigiana which is her test of a great Italian restaurant and it was made just like her Dad cooked it, thin, very lightly breaded and flash fried. It was fantastic. I had the chicken scarpariello which was perfectly spicy and tender that I was able to cut it with a butter knife. The chef owner Danny and his wife Tricia came over and introduced themselves to us and were great hosts. Highly recommended.

Wonderful sauce! Great service. Very clean. Husband and Wife team. Wish them well. Eggplant was fresh. Served homemade warm bread.

Excellent service. Small, cozy family run Italian restaurant with superb & flavorful selections. Beet salad & Artichoke Oreganata were amazing. Penne Arugula & Puttanesca were outstanding. The couple who were with us also had exceptional meals! The only sounds from us were moans of satisfaction & compliments to the chef, wife & server! We've dined there a few times on different nights & will continue to come back! Superb! Kudos to this well run - & much needed - Italian gem in Sarasota! If there were 6 stars available, I would definitely have given 6!

Such a sweet little Italian restaurant with incredible owners and staff. Our entire meal was delicious (the beet salad and lemon dessert were highlights) and we can't wait to go back! I highly recommend checking out this restaurant the next time you're in Downtown Sarasota.

Incredible food, amazing service and the owners were super nice with me and my boyfriend! The experience was for another world!! You must go!

Awesome new addition to downtown Sarasota. Great food, great service, and great people. Highly recommended.