All roads lead to Corato. D’Corato, that is. An Italian/Mediterranean family owned and operated restaurant nestled off S. Washington Blvd. near downtown Sarasota.
The name of this gem eatery stems from D’Corato owner Vincenzo Lops’ roots in a town in the southeastern part of Italy, within the city of Bari. Many moons ago (13 years to be exact), Vincenzo’s mom and dad migrated from Corato, Italy to Sarasota and opened a restaurant in our flourishing gulfcoast city and called it Bellagio. Vincenzo grew up and worked side by side with his parents and renamed the restaurant to Corato in honor of his family’s roots. Vincenzo is the chef of Corato, with his midwestern wife “Mika” who is a server. He met Mika at a local Sarasota church and fell in love and tied the knot shortly thereafter.
Vincenzo prides himself in making homemade pasta and many more exquisite Italian delights featuring every region of Italy. Here you’ll find a menu that features many types of homemade pastas: porcini ravioli; vongola=e, spaghetti Diavolo linguini di mare, as well as at least fresh daily fish dishes and three chicken recipes. Vincenzo says he credits his mom and grandmother for many of the homemade pasta and sauces that together create classic Italian recipes with a twist of mom’s secrets.”
Me? I’m American-Italian, and grew up with Nona and my large (18+) family sitting around a table for Sunday dinner. In other words, I know amazing authentic rustic Italian cooking and recognize that good Italian eateries are a cornerstone of our culture growing up and also into the present day.
D’Corato dishes that emerge from the kitchen are the family’s pride….their craft…..their passion. They are warm and loving people (aren’t most Italians??) who cherish their clientele. They don’t advertise, and they don’t have to. Word of mouth is more powerful than print advertisement when it comes to great food experiences.
Wine selection here is fantastic. Entrees include Veal Parm, chicken/veal Marsala, another gnocchi dish linguini di mare, porcini ravioli, and a couple of other classics (including fresh, daily fish choices).
Cappuccino and and all deserts are a must try. Follow them up by a house made limoncello.
The restaurant is cozy and beautiful inside reminiscent of any number of La Cucina eateries off the coast of Amalfi. There is a nice bar with ample seating for those who want to grab a bite and a good glass of vino.
Best of all, Vincenzo and Mika are expecting their first child, a baby girl (any day now). Show your support of their good fortune and head to D’Corato. Tell them that Sarasota Events Calendar sent you!
Address: 322 S Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hours: Closed Mondays, opens 5:30 PM Tuesday – Sunday
Menu: dcoratoristorante.com
Phone: (941) 524-3832
Reservations suggested