Pizza in this city inspires all kinds of fierce loyalty… from Naples-style purists to thin-crust fans who swear by their go-to corner slice. Whether you’re after traditional wood-fired pies, adventurous flavor combos, or a late-night crowd-pleaser, Sarasota delivers a slice for every craving.
Let’s get to it.
Trattoria Bella Napoli
In downtown Sarasota, Trattoria Bella Napoli opened in summer 2024 as a family-run restaurant from Chef Cesare Di Iorio and Maria Filomena Perrini. They present classic Neapolitan pizzas straight from a wood-fired oven.
The crust is made with Italian 00 flour. It has a chewy texture and lightly charred edges. There are over twenty toppings combinations. A Margherita features fresh mozzarella and basil. The Polpettina hides ricotta in the crust and meatballs inside. The Mortazza blends pistachio cream and mortadella.
Inside, an open kitchen sits behind a cozy dining room. Bread baskets arrive at tables, followed by tiramisu for dessert. Outside, sidewalk seating uses heaters when evenings cool down. You can watch Main Street pass by while you dine.
Beyond pizza, the menu offers veal scaloppina and swordfish alla pizzaiola. Prices reflect a downtown setting without being extreme. If you want traditional Italian flavor updated with Sarasota style, this spot delivers.
Atmosphere
Atmosphere Neapolitan Pizzeria makes dough the star of the show. A certified artisan wood-fired oven heats to roughly 900 degrees. This high heat gives each Neapolitan pie a puffy, blistered crust with the right amount of chew.
The menu features Mortazza with mortadella and pistachio pesto, Capricciosa topped with ham, artichoke, olives, and mushrooms, and a white pizza section highlighted by a six-cheese blend. A ricotta-stuffed crust adds another layer of indulgence.
Inside, 35 seats surround a chef’s counter where diners can watch the pizza-making process. Italian music plays softly in the background. The setting is casual and family-friendly, with dine-in, takeout, and late-night slices available until 1:45 am.
Opened in 2021 by Jay and Antonio Mancini, Atmosphere uses imported flours, cheeses, and olive oil. Prices range from eighteen to thirty dollars per pizza. House-made tiramisu finishes the meal.
Shaner’s Pizza – Gulf Gate Sarasota
Since 1991, Shaner’s Pizza in Gulf Gate Village has served neighborhood pizza and sports bar fare. Its thin-crust pies are hand-stretched daily, covered in a layer of house-made sauce, and baked to order.
The dining room is lined with TVs and baseball memorabilia, honoring owner Shane Rawley’s former MLB career. Specialty pies run from the simple Margherita to “Shane’s Favorite,” which combines several meats with mushrooms and onions. You can also build your own with any standard toppings.
Bar snacks like wings arrive with a dozen sauces and rubs. A thoughtful craft beer and wine list complements the menu. You will also find salads and sandwiches for a lighter meal.
Casual counter service and communal tables create a lively atmosphere. Whether you come for a family dinner, game-day gathering, or a quick slice at lunch, Shaner’s delivers consistent quality at mid-range prices.
Capo Pazzo Pizzeria + Kitchen
At Capo Pazzo Pizzeria + Kitchen in Sarasota, two crust styles take center stage. A thin but sturdy New York-style pie arrives with a light char, while Sicilian squares offer a deep-dish experience. A gluten-free option rounds out the selection.
Toppings range from classic Margherita to creative combos like the “Brad” with fried chicken and bacon, or prosciutto with fresh arugula. The Capricciosa stacks artichoke hearts, ham, mushrooms, and olives. Scratch-made dough and imported ingredients anchor each recipe.
Located in a strip mall south of Gulf Gate, the restaurant offers a cozy dining room and a shady outdoor patio. Since 2023, the owners have blended Italian heritage with New York know-how. Beyond pizza, the menu adds pasta, antipasti, Italian imports, and local beers.
Prices start around eighteen dollars for a calzone and rise to thirty-five for larger Sicilian pies. With a relaxed vibe and quality ingredients, this kitchen hits all the right notes.
Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe
Inside Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe you’ll find both classic round thin-crust pies and chewy Sicilian squares, plus cauliflower or gluten-free crusts for special diets. Creative specialty options include the Mediterranean pie topped with falafel and hummus, the Super Sami loaded with beef gyro and tzatziki, and the Camino crowned with black beans and sour cream. Spicy honey often makes a guest appearance, drizzled on top for a sweet heat finish.
Lunch crowds and late-night diners keep the energy lively, blending sports-bar buzz with neighborhood comfort. At The Landings location kids can burn off energy on arcade games. Select spots feature a full bar stocked with local craft brews and cocktails, and the UTC venue occasionally hosts live music on weekends.
All dough and sauces are made from scratch, wings are baked rather than fried, and packaging leans toward eco-friendly choices. With pizzas ranging from about eleven to twenty dollars, this café offers stromboli, artichoke dip, and plenty of room to relax without feeling rushed—even when the booths fill up.
Eleni’s Pizza Works
Tucked into a neighborhood strip plaza in Sarasota, Eleni’s Pizza Works offers a casual, family-run setting where you order at the counter and settle in. If the patio is open you can dine outside, and the indoor seating for about forty keeps the vibe friendly without feeling crowded. It’s the kind of spot where dogs on leashes, a lively group of friends, or kids proclaiming mutiny about dinner all fit right in.
The menu highlights New England Greek–style pizza with scratch-made dough, a slightly sweet tomato sauce, and a fluffy crust pressed into a rectangular pan. You’ll find pies piled high with toppings like the Happy Greek or Meaty Meat and bolder options such as shrimp scampi pizza. Prices are wallet-friendly—a large cheese pizza runs about eleven dollars—and there are family combinations for bigger appetites. Beyond pizza, the menu takes a lap around Greek-American comfort dishes from spanakopita to burgers. Service is fast and friendly, focusing on turning out your go-to order with a smile. Before long you might notice you’ve become a regular without even trying.
Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza offers a fast-casual approach to custom pizzas. Guests choose a dough (including gluten-free or Detroit-style) and assemble toppings along an assembly line. A few minutes in an open-flame oven yields a Neapolitan-inspired pie with a crisp edge and soft center.
If you prefer set combinations, options include the White Top with garlic cream, ricotta, and arugula, or the Red Vine for a classic tangy flavor. Brownies and s’more pies provide a sweet finish.
The interior embraces industrial chic with concrete floors and communal tables. Orders are placed at the counter, and most personal pizzas cost under twelve dollars. Unlimited toppings let you add extra cheese, vegetables, and proteins.
Since 2011, Blaze Pizza has joined the fast-casual scene alongside brands like Fatburger. A drink menu features lemonades, bottled sodas, and draft beer. Lunch and dinner rushes fill the space, especially on weekends.
