Where to Find Café Gabbiano
Nestled in Siesta Key Village, Café Gabbiano is a local favorite for dinner in the heart of Sarasota, Florida’s vibrant Siesta Key. It’s just a short walk from the beach, which makes it a perfect dinner spot after a long, sun-soaked day. Café Gabbiano is open daily for dinner.
Café Gabbiano is one of those special finds you’ll want to save for every Sarasota or Siesta Key trip. Picture classic Italian charm, fresh ingredients, and just the right amount of elegant warmth—that’s exactly the vibe they bring every evening.
What to Expect: Café Gabbiano Menu & Atmosphere
Walking in, you’ll have your pick: dine in the main dining room, sit on the climate-controlled patio/barrel room, or ask for a spot in their wine room if you’re looking for an intimate dining experience. The space has about 4,000 square feet, so they can handle everything from cozy dinners to larger gatherings (up to 150 guests).
The menu is a delicious blend of handmade pastas, local seafood, organic free-range chicken, veal, and chef-driven specials. Favorites include truffle ravioli, ossobuco ravioli, branzino, and a hearty bone-in veal chop with porcini and brandy cream. They also source local produce, and everything feels fresh and intentional.
For appetizers, try their Formaggi & Salumi plate, bruschetta, calamari, or mussels. Don’t skip dessert—cannoli, gelato, and tiramisu help round out the Italian experience.
Wine, Happy Hour & Extras
One thing that really stands out is the wine selection. Café Gabbiano boasts over 200 wines and has earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Their sommelier is on hand to help with pairings, making it easy to match your meal with the perfect glass.
They host daily wine tastings and have a “Siesta Hour” from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., with drink specials and tapas.
If want to take the experience to the beach or dine under the stars, look into their “Sunset Basket” — a to go package of food and wine that lets you picnic by the waves. Café Gabbiano also offers food, beer, and wine for take-out, order in and recreate the ambiance at home.
Tips for Visiting Café Gabbiano
- Make reservations, especially during high season or weekend evenings.
- Arrive early if you want to enjoy a few courses or linger over wine.
- Ask staff for wine pairing suggestions — they really know their stuff!
- Be on the lookout for special wine pairing dinners offered throughout the year.
- If you can’t dine there, get a takeout “Sunset Basket” and enjoy on Siesta Key Beach.