First Look: New downtown Sarasota Italian restaurant Bella Gente
July 10th, 2009 by Brian Ries in Food and Drink, News, Sarasota-Manatee
Owned by the people behind Bologna Cafe, Bella Gente quietly slid into a spot in the Rivolta Building complex, on Osprey Avenue between Ringling and Main. Think of it as a typical Italian restaurant, and you might be confused when you enter the place. Spiritually, Bella Gente is more a café, with the kind of food that’s meant for a casual nosh at lunch or dinner.
That means sandwiches dominate much of the menu, although they’re uniquely Italian versions that feature the minimalist construction and high-quality ingredients — most imported direct from the motherland — that epitomizes that nation’s snacks. There’s also a selection of salads and simple pasta dishes, with more of the heartier fare available at dinner. Prices are extremely reasonable, and portions scale well depending on appetite.
Belle Gente looks great, with enough modern Italian design touches to set it apart from most of local joints, all in keeping with the casual vibe. And if you like the food, some of the ingredients — including a couple fantastic, difficult-to-find cheeses — are sold retail out of a case in the front of the restaurant.
Look for a full review in a few weeks, but on first taste Bella Gente seems well worth a visit. Let us know if you’ve eaten there, and what you thought of the place.
Bella Gente
32 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 312-5111
July 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Visited twice for lunch — excellent food, warm & competetent service. Agree 100% with Brian’s quick overview; a genuine Italian cafe vibe. I think of it as an Epicure for the east end of Main St. (it’s less than 100 ft. off Main.)
July 10th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Agree with both Nancy and Brian. The restaurant was a pleasant surprise.
They also fill the void for “after dinner” coffee that Jolly left when it turned into a Cougar bar.
July 14th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
[...] — Restaurant first look: Bella Gente. [...]
July 19th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
An AMAZINGLY delicious Italian Cafe.
I am thrilled that Barbara and Claudio have traveled up (and into) Downtown Sarasota.
Thank you and welcome Bella Gente–