Savor the Flavor at Taverna Toscana

The fare at Taverna Toscana in downtown Bradenton would best be described as Italian comfort food elevated to top-tier fine dining. This year’s Savor Sarasota menu gives gourmands the opportunity to indulge in renowned Chef Fabio Viviani’s most decadent dishes while also providing lighter options for those prepping for beach season.

During Savor Sarasota, participating restaurants offer exclusively crafted prix fixe menus featuring a three-course dinner for just $45, and Taverna’s inspired menu is one of the very best Savor values I’ve experienced. I started with Fabio’s Wagyu meatballs, impossibly soft and tender, drenched in flavorful sauce with whipped ricotta, basil, and crispy crostini to soak up all that sugo.

My guest had the grilled octopus, which stands head and shoulders above the competition thanks to its tangy, charred-lemon sauce that not only enhances the octopus but is also downright heavenly when sopped up with the accompanying marble potatoes. A house Caesar and French onion soup round out the starter options.

When it came to the entrees, I was unable to resist sticking with my beloved Wagyu short rib bolognese, a hearty, slow-cooked ragu generously topped with fresh parmesan that delightfully reverses the standard pasta-to-bolognese ratio, making for a rich, deeply satisfying dish in every bite. 

My guest had the perfectly savory chicken marsala, which was similarly rich and robust and perfectly paired with fingerling potatoes. Faroe Island Salmon and Steak Frittes rounded out the entrée options.

Taverna Toscana’s impressive wine list makes it easy to add the perfect pairing, and I was delighted by the Duca Di Saragnano “Super Tuscan,” which paired perfectly with both my appetizer and entrée.

Dessert is a downright decadent trio of authentic cannoli, stuffed with whipped mascarpone and ricotta, with both chocolate and vanilla mini chips on the edges. It was the perfect ending to a meal that was definitely worth the extra run it necessitated.

I should note that the ambiance at Taverna Toscana is every bit as enchanting as the menu. Indeed, it rivals Michael’s on East for having the most gorgeous, upscale aesthetic in the Manasota region, rounding out a perfect gastro experience and providing the ideal location for special-occasion dining. If you have not yet tried Taverna Toscana, Savor Sarasota, which runs through June 14, is the perfect excuse to make a reservation. If you have, it also makes for a good reason to return.

Mitch Maley is the editor of the Bradenton Times. In addition to his weekly political column, he does occasional features on local theater, food & wine, travel, and music. Click here for his bio. Mitch's latest novel, Fish Kill, was recently released and is available here.