Restaurants near Myakka State Forest

We have eaten at the Venice location dozens of times and enjoy the prompt service and good advice on choices of food and wine pairings by our excellent server, George (whom we did ask for seating in his section tonight) on the occasion of birthday of my sweetheart, Cyndi. There was a special wine offer that night, a 2014 Barolo, that I decided to take advantage of the close-out price. What a complex and delightful heavier wine paired with a pasta dish based on a mild white sauce, supporting the flavors of the earthy mushrooms and flavorful but mild sausage as main attractions. We split an arugula salad that was limited in the number of ingredients but the greens were very remarkably fresh and the dressing light, tangy, with a hint of citrus. This salad by itself would make for a great light mid-day meal. Cyndi was persuaded to wander from her normal salmon order tonight and try ravioli with a light white wine cheese sauce and pears. The suggested choice of a small-vineyard white wine from France was well-paired with the mild flavors of the dish. All-in-all, despite coming to Cassariano for many years, this particular combination of food and wines was the best we could remember enjoying in Florida and certainly represents preparation and service that deserves a "Bravo!" Maybe two "Bravos." Venice is lucky to have Cassariano, and everyone who calls Venice home is especially thankful this time of year that the restaurant was spared significant hurricane damage. Many thanks to George, Ivan, and the kitchen staff for the memorable birthday celebration and evening that you made for us. P. S. Make sure to order some of their limoncello to finish--

It was very busy, so it was a little loud for the older people in our group to be able to hear. However, very nice atmosphere and surroundings. Our overall experience was "good" based on the wait staff was good, but not exceptional. IE: the waitress spilled our over-filled drink on the table when she delivered it and didn't brink beverage napkin, we waited a too long for empty glasses or dishes to be cleared, etc. Not enough to deter us from coming back! The food was exceptional.

First time there and won’t be the last! Beautiful restaurant!! Really enjoyed my lunch!!

Wine & pasta dishes were a big hit. Waitress spilled entire glass of white wine accidentally onto our table & all over me. While she moved us to another table & offered to get me paper towels, she never expressed any remorse. A simple “oops, I’m sorry! Or… whoa, sorry, didn’t mean to do that!” would have gone a long way. Wedding soup had lot of carrots & celery, like a vegetable soup, but no spinach. Only 4 small meatballs. Grilled octopus was excellent.

Great burger and fresh seafood. Excellent sides and alcohol selections.