Pazzo Southside - Sarasota

As soon as we arrived, I knew we would enjoy the atmosphere; the open-air setting created a welcoming vibe. Our server, Sophia, greeted us right away and was fantastic. She was warm, genuine, and down-to-earth, and she quickly asked if we were visiting from out of town. When we said yes, she made us feel at home by offering some local recommendations. We began our meal with a Mesclun salad and calamari. One of my companions ordered the salad, which was topped with goat cheese, candied walnuts, and balsamic dressing. The calamari was a generous portion, served with lemon and a spicy tomato sauce. While I enjoyed it overall, I found the bread a bit bland and felt it could benefit from a touch of seasoning to enhance its flavor. For our main courses, we ordered the Johnny Mish pizza, spaghetti and meatballs, and the weekly special: fettuccine Alfredo. The pizza crust was exquisite—thin yet sturdy and perfectly foldable. The texture was chewy and crispy, and the toppings were light and satisfying. I might have added a bit more basil or olive oil to enhance the flavor, but the veggie and ricotta combination was unique and enjoyable. I also tried the spaghetti and Alfredo dishes. The spaghetti sauce was fresh and light, with just the right thickness to cling to the noodles. The Alfredo was the best I’ve had, even though I usually don’t order it often. It was creamy yet light, with a bright flavor that added depth without being heavy. Overall, we were very pleased with our experience at Pazzo and would highly recommend it!

Excellent pizza and a very tasty side of spinach. I got the Johnny Mish and my friend had the uncle Vic (without broccoli). Photos from all below.

I was on the hunt for authentic Italian cuisine, and I found exactly what I was looking for! The food did not disappoint at all! As a tough critic who lived in Italy and enjoyed some of the finest Italian dishes, I can confidently say that Pazzo Southside is the spot for delicious and flavorful Italian fare. If you're craving tasty and authentic Italian food, this is the place to be!

Wow, that was incredible!!!!!!!! A must-try! I've been in Florida since 2004 and have never had good pizza until now. I can't say I've had any bad experiences lately, but I just had the "90" and it was amazing, especially with the fresh basil! It was so delicious, and I absolutely loved the crust. As a true Sicilian, I can confidently say this is the real deal. Mangiare!

Absolutely astonishing food and great service! I had a pizza and it astronomically beat out any of the competition in the area! The owner was extremely sweet and welcoming, almost felt like family. This place is a must visit!!!