A downtown Sarasota restaurant icon — one that I’ve happily frequented for decades, including another pleasant visit this week for pizza at the bar — will be closing soon and moving after 37 years in the same historic setting.
The family-owned Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant will shut the doors at its 69 S. Palm Ave. location, in the historic Mira Mar building and featuring vibrant décor that reflects its Roaring ’20s setting, after a final day of business Sunday, Oct. 26. Its long, rich history dates back to 1989 and includes praise from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and an appearance on his Cooking Channel television show.
Yes, it’s a sad day for many Sarasotans, myself included, who share cherished memories of eating, drinking, and socializing at the bar, dining area, or covered patio overlooking the city’s “gallery row” — known for its thriving arts scene but perhaps best recognized for Caragiulos and its popular Italian-American cuisine, including beloved pizzas, pastas, and signature salad.
Where is Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant moving in Sarasota?
Caragiulos is moving to 1833 Ringling Blvd., between Links and Osprey avenues and less than a mile from its current location. Construction has already begun at the Ringling site, which the Caragiulo brothers — John, Mark, Rob, Anthony, and Paul — anticipate will be ready to open in January 2026.
Why is Caragiulos leaving the Mira Mar building in downtown Sarasota?
Caragiulos opened in February 1989 at the Mira Mar, where it has remained ever since. Seward Development purchased the Mira Mar in May 2023, with its plans to redevelop the property recently approved.
“We are relieved and excited to be staying in downtown Sarasota,” owner Paul Caragiulo said in a previous statement. “Our family has established deep roots in this community. Downtown Sarasota is our home.”
Fellow Mira Mar tenant Jefferson Fit also recently vacated the historic building. The fitness center is moving to a larger downtown location near Sprouts.
What is Caragiulos doing with all the artwork and décor at its original location in downtown Sarasota?
Before Caragiulos closes its Palm Avenue location, the owners are offering everyone who dines at the restaurant a raffle ticket for their Caragiulos Collectible Raffle, featuring artwork, tabletops, gift baskets, opening-weekend dining tickets, and other goodies. The raffle drawing will be held during their final weekend, Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26.
I already have mine!
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Downtown Sarasota restaurant icon closing soon, moving after 37 years in historic building
Reporting by Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
