Cafe Gabbiano Italian Restaurant and Wine Club on Siesta Key
Cafe Gabbiano Italian Restaurant has become one of my all time favorite restaurants. Located in the heart of the Siesta Key Village Shopping area on the famous barrier Island of Siesta Key in Sarasota. This fine Italian restaurant has the look and feel of being back in old Italy. My husband, Greg and I have been there three times in the past two months with friends of ours from out of town and every time we have been there we rave about the atomoshpere, the friendliness of the staff and the absolutely outstanding quality of the food and the fabulous selection of wines.
Cafe Gabbiano Italian Restaurant and Wine Club is owned by Pietro and Susan Migiliaccio.
Pietro is a classically trained chef with over 35 years of outstanding culinary excellence starting in Ischia, Italy where he cooked on the legendary Italian Line cruise ships. 
Pietro’s restaurant ownership experience dates back to 1981 when he opened the now famous Mamma Lucia’s, a Brooklyn neighborhood café. That same year that it opened the New York Times named Mamma Lucia’s “Restaurant of the Year”. Later, Mimi Sheridan gave it Four Stars, and the legendary Pavarotti praised it on national television, praising Pietro for,
“The best Fettucine Alfredo I have ever tasted”.
Pietro’s brother Giorgio still runs Mamma Lucia’s while Pietro and Susan and their two sons, Joe and Louis relocated to the great weather and year round sunshine of Siesta Key.
Cafe Gabbiano Italian Restaurant was opened on Siesta Key in October of 2003 with the same high quality standards as Mamma Lucia’s. When you arrive at Cafe Gabbiano you are warmly greeted by Pietro and Susan and you and your friends will be taken to your table that is nestled amongst the racks of fine Italian wines giving you the feel that you have now taken a step back in time to the old world of Italy.
The serving staff of Cafe Gabbiano will make you feel comfortable and pampered as they explain their fine Italian menu and the daily specials.
If you are not a wine connoisseur don’t let that stop you from this dining experience. Their explanations and recommendations for both food and wine have been fantastic.
A Message from Pietro;
“At Cafe Gabbiano each and every dish is prepared only upon your request with love and tender care. Please remember that no food is pre-cooked to ensure the highest quality tastes. All of the pasta is cooked al dente, veal is hand cut, and fresh mozzarella is made daily. Please be patient and allow the time needed for all of your food to be cooked to its natural goodness. We appreciate your friendship and patronage!”
Cafe Gabbiano
- Informal family-owned and operated Italian Ristorante and Cafe.
- New patio dining area
- Just a short walk to beautiful Gulf Beaches and Sunsets.
- Open seven days a week for dinner from 4 to 11 p.m.
- Major credit cards accepted.
- Seats approximately 150, inside and outside on the patio.
- The new dining room can accommodate private parties of up to 70.
- Reservations suggested on the weekend and during season.
- Catering also available.
The next time that you are on Siesta Key call ahead to (941) 349-1423 and treat yourself and your friends to a reservation at Cafe Gabbiano Italian Restaurant and Wine Club on Siesta Key and enjoy a slice of old Italy dining on the Island of Siesta Key.
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