Amore Restaurant

Nestled in a cozy strip center at 180 N Lime Ave, Sarasota, Amore Restaurant is an Italian gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Praised for its intimate ambiance and owner-operated charm, this eatery is a delightful destination for authentic flavors. The menu features standout dishes such as the Beef Woodpecker, which leaves diners raving about its tender cubed beef in a creamy mustard sauce, and the octopus lagareiro, known for its perfect seasoning and cooking. Reviewers consistently highlight the seamless blend of classic Italian and unique Portuguese influences, reflected in items like the Alheira Sausage and the Bolognese served with fresh pasta. The appetizers, like the Bell Peppers with Burrata, are described as sublime, setting an exceptional tone for the meal. Desserts, especially the Pistachio Ricotta cake, round off the dining experience with sweet perfection. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is enriched by live music and attentive service, exemplified by staff members like Laura, who enhances the experience with her warm suggestions. Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual dinner, Amore Restaurant promises a heartfelt dining experience that invites patrons to return again and again. It's safe to say that this small but mighty restaurant truly lives up to its name, filling hearts with love for food and community.

Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- Has outdoor seating
- Has no-contact delivery
- Offers delivery
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
Highlights
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Has great wine list
- Has live music
Popular for
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
Offerings
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves coffee
- Serves food
- Has private dining room
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves wine
Dining options
- Serves dinner
- Has catering
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
Amenities
- Has toilet
- Has Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cosy
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Good for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Popular with tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Plenty of parking

Lee Blakley

May 20,2025

This small “hole in the wall” restaurant in a strip center is AMAZING!! OMGosh... We started with the Beef Woodpecker appetizer (enough for two) with a couple glasses of a very nice Chianti. Delicious. Hubby had Pappardelle Bolognese, and Chef substituted a side of pasta with my salmon piccata. The Vino Verde was perfect wine with the salmon. Finished with Pistachio Ricotta cake. Heavenly. Please, visit this lovely place. They will NOT disappoint. I love to support this talent! We’ll be back, real soon!! Thank you. Chef Lee

Robert Vavra

May 18,2025

We had a great time for our new year dinner. The food was amazing from start to finish! Definitely going again!!! Amazing chef!

Alexandra Maus

May 9,2025

If I could give more than five stars, I would! Dinner was phenomenal. The flavors were out of this world! Everything was served to perfection! From the bread, to the appetizers to the main courses, to the desserts! Flavor faction! Thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and honestly, the shopping plaza does nothing for this restaurant when you walk in the doors you feel, engulfed in their amazing atmosphere! Family owned with a beautiful wife, running the restaurant and the chef in the kitchen, fully visible by clear plexiglass! Our server, Laura was phenomenal, friendly, and full of suggestions! She thoroughly added to the environment. The live music was beyond exceptional! We enjoyed every moment. We enjoyed every bit of this amazing restaurant and look forward to another phenomenal meal with delicious flavors!

FL Coast

Apr 17,2025

Mom loves this place so we had her 75th birthday dinner here. The food, service and atmosphere were all fabulous. Told them ahead of time and they also did some special decorations for us. BIG birthday balloon and some table top party favors!! We had a party of 7 and sat at the large round table in the back corner which was perfect for us and could still hear the music entertainer up front, but not too much. Had several bottles of the Bin 302 wine and it was a solid choice for a fair price. Started with apps, seafood soup of the day, mussels tarantina and beef woodpecker . The mussels were great, and the beef woodpecker was the favorite. Note, I am not a big bread eater, but the bread was Fabulous! Dinners were a variety with only one duplicate, the octopus lagareiro, and it is a spectacular dish! We also had the chicken livornese, the lobster only pasta, beef short ribs and a seafood rice. While hard to pick a winner, I lean towards the seafood rice, with the lobster pasta, octopus bacalhau and grouper oreganato all close second right behind it. Of course we love to support local so that’s an added bonus for dining with this small local place run by a husband and wife very friendly duo!

Rui Borges

Mar 21,2025

Took my mom there yesterday for mother's Day. She loved it! If you're looking for authentic Portuguese food look no further five star is not enough. Owners are top notch people you will not be disappointed I guarantee it!!!

Bea

Feb 20,2025

Hidden Gem...look no further for Portuguese food this is the place to go .The Cataplana Alantejana and Polvo were absolutely scrumptious.Presentation and service was outstanding. Italian menu is also available.We will definitely be returning and I would highly recommend it to family and friends.

Dima Gar

Feb 13,2025

It's almost like being in Italy. I rarely call a place a "Hidden gem", but this one was a total surprise. It's a Portuguese Italian restaurant and the food and decor is very authentic. Nice selection of wines and excellent dishes. I never would have thought of going there due to their location, but what a pleasant surprise! Live music too! I felt underdressed without a dress shirt. A little on the high end , but they definitely delivered!

Kent Gonnerman

Feb 5,2025

Had an amazing birthday dinner with authentic Portuguese cuisine and wine. The evening was topped off by great music and the owners are fully engaged for the best possible authentic dining experience from true restauranteurs who happened to be immigrant. Will go back as frequently as possible. Neighborhood location in an unassuming shopping center easy to dismiss, until you taste the food and enjoy the experience. Kent

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