An authentic Italian trattoria with sidewalk seating in the heart of bustling downtown Sarasota, Cafe Epicure has been producing thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizzas from its handsome wood-fired oven for more than two decades. The elegant simplicity of the Margherita is hard to resist but there are numerous options – I’m counting 21 off the dinner menu – worth exploring. These include the pizza topped with their melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto and another with the equally alluring mix of burrata, arugula and oven-roasted tomatoes.

An authentic Italian trattoria with sidewalk seating just off lower Main Street in downtown Sarasota near the beautiful Bayfront, Cafe Epicure has been producing thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizzas from its handsome wood-fired oven for more than two decades. The elegant simplicity of the margherita is hard to resist, but there are numerous options — I’m counting over 20 off the dinner menu — worth exploring, including their exceptional rendition of pizza capricciosa.

I’ve actually lived in Italy, and this place – honestly – is the closest I’ve ever come to truly authentic Italian cuisine. Most if not all of the servers, as well as the chef and pizza chef, are Italian, and owner Giovanni Migliorini (originally from Genoa in Italy) imports lots of his ingredients, including cheeses, meats and tomatoes, from Italy. You can taste that the ingredients are really high quality (a bonus is that the prices are really reasonable).

The European bakery-cafe tradition also thrives just blocks down Main Street from C'est La Vie at Cafe Epicure, where Italian cuisine reigns supreme. Naturally, espresso, which originated in Italy, plays a prominent role in the Cafe Epicure experience. Baristas at Cafe Epicure take pride in the attention to detail and quality that defines an irresistible pull of espresso topped with just the right amount of smooth crema, or a cappuccino foamed to perfection.

Sidewalk picture windows opposite a brightly lit wall of spirits make this a prime spot for car- and people-watching at the lively intersection of Main Street and Palm Avenue. The cocktail menu emphasizes fresh fruits and fun flavors, like the “Valentino,” a blend of strawberries, passionfruit purée, lemon juice, vodka and Prosecco. And the bar’s sleek Italian style attracts a sophisticated crowd.

The corner outside of this cafe at Main Street and Palm Avenue is bustling on weekend nights. Cafe Epicure offers everything from al dente pastas and thin-crust pizzas to delicious Negronis and a killer Montepulciano to incredible espresso and sweets. This authentic Italian trattoria in historic downtown Sarasota was founded in 2000.

Cafe Epicure is the first place to go and it’s in the heart of downtown. An authentic Italian trattoria sitting on the corner of Main Street and Palm Avenue in Sarasota, FL. It’s one of the most authentic and detail oriented outside of Italy and the prices are extremely reasonable for such a high standard of quality.

When exploring downtown, Café Epicure, which is open for lunch and supper, is a great way to satisfy your appetite. Pick a seat outside to enjoy the cold air, or curl up with an espresso martini at the modern, backlit bar. You are going to be in for a treat regardless of your choice.

Cafe Epicure is an Italian trattoria with a great cocktail menu in downtown Sarasota. They have a full-service restaurant and a beautiful bar that is the perfect place to enjoy an early evening drink or two.

We would argue it’s among the most thin crust pizza in Sarasota other than IL Panificio Pizzeria. Here’s how they’re different…. Cafe Epicure focuses on top quality ingredients and toppings.

At Cafe Epicure, the atmosphere is casual but the quality of cuisine is outstanding. Their Head chef, Stefano Sasso, is a native of Ischia, an island off the Naples coast.

Stop by Café Epicure and catch a bite in a European inspired, outdoor café setting. Dessert or a “later” night cup of coffee?. The Pastry Art Bakery can scratch that itch.

This authentic Italian trattoria is conveniently located in historic downtown Sarasota. Enjoy their casual atmosphere while dining on top quality cuisine.