Fantastic service! Fantastic food! Reading previous reviews of "not so happy" customers ALMOST made us miss this amazing Italian cuisine. All I can say is these previous customers must come from a different "species"of people. Soft, courteous and attentive service make Tesorio the ideal spot for a nice evening in Sanibel.
(5)
Michelle C.
Food was fresh and could tell it was homemade. Service was good! Loved the Mista salad and the bread was excellent. I really enjoyed the selection of pasta, although some were to much for me. I do not like truffle and those were many of the choices. The restaurant itself if in a very strange and unnoticeable location behind the speedway. The prices were reasonable, with the groupon! Without the groupon, I don't think I would pay $70 for 2 people to eat here. Also, the water choices are ridiculous. Basically pay for bottled water, sparkling, or you get tap water. And you can taste the difference.
We eaten here three times and without exception it has been excellent each time. We have had a variety of appetizers but the antipasto and Arancini di Riso (fried rice cheese balls) stand out. The bread is delicious served with the olive oil. The service has always been exceptional and the food arrived in a timely manner. We've enjoyed the sea bass and a wonderful gnocchi with braised pork. Our last visit our party of six were all pleased. We cannot speak to the desserts as we have always been to full to partake. It is a quaint and cozy place we always look forward to visiting while on the island.
(5)
V B.
We were greeted at the door by a nice gentleman that showed us to our seat. It's a small place but comfortable. I would make reservations. It filled up quickly on a Friday night. Our server was Tony, very nice and knowledgeable. Our water was kept filled and table cleared quickly. We really enjoyed our meal. Started with arrancini and antipasti, both were delicious. Their bread was authentic crusty with lots of holes. Our table had a mix of entrees. The short rib and gnocchi was amazing and great for someone that doesn't want pasta and sauce. The pappardelle was fresh and the sauce was rich. My son wanted just meatballs and penne they made it for him. My husband and other son had the fettuccine dish with sausage, peas, shrimp, and I think truffle cream sauce. They loved it. We topped it all off with a cannoli and lemon cello cake, all made on site. We will be back!
(5)
Pupetta C.
I'm only giving it 2 because of the ambiance. The food was lacking flavor. It was very expensive and I don't mind spending money on a good dinner but this flavorless meal rang up at $240 with tip for 4 and we didn't have much. My kids ordered lasagna and it was a flat round plate of mush (where was the lasagna?) it was a drowning plate of sauce, cheese and some ground meat. I ordered a chicken dish and it was so tough and lacking flavor and again, slathered in cheese. My husband had the oso bucco and to be fair, he thought it was good. The cheapest, best thing was the wine. Sorry, I'm a good cook and know good food and this wasn't it and a shame because it's really cute inside.
(2)
Rhona G.
Great food. Everything made in house except the cheese. Highly recommend the anti pasta to start with. Service great. What more could you ask for. I would defiantly come back
(5)
Alana M.
Came here at the suggestion of a couple of locals. Best meal on the island! Adorable and quaint with friendly service. Four of us shared a bottle of wine, the lobster ravioli, a caprese salad and a misto salad for starters. Loved the veal piccata. Others enjoyed sea bass, spaghetti and meatballs and the Bolognese paparadelli. The cannoli dessert was a perfect finish. Can't wait to return to this delicious gem.
(5)
Ann E.
We chose this restaurant because it got great reviews and it was portrayed as "cozy". I was very surprised when i walked in and the first thing you are hit with is a weird, funky sour smell. We were seated at a corner table by a wall that was FILTHY!!. Looked like people were throwing drinks and oil that dripped down the wall. It was disgusting. The kitchen doors looked like they hadnt been painted in 100 years. The place did not feel "cozy", it felt dirty. With the prices they charge you would think they would splurge for some cans of paint. That would make a big difference. Our server was very knowledgable though and the food was only ok. We would never go back there again.
(1)
Lou P.
This is the worst Italian restaurant ever. The place is dingy, the food is average at best and the service is lame. After reading the reviews before I went there I was expecting a great meal. I don't know where the other reviewers go for Italian food but I can't imagine they thought this place was worthy of such good reviews. Not even authentic Italian but below Olive Garden standards. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place all together. There are way too many better choices on the island.
(1)
Cathy R.
I'm still in shock about this place. Restrooms are outside. Was served warm water with no ice. Ordered the antipasto for 2 and received one small piece of salami and one small piece of supressatta. ..not what I grew up with. Portions are small and not worthy of an 'Ala carte menu'. I'm 100% Italian and was embarrassed to take my boyfriend there. I had the linguine with clams and mussels and I could still taste the sand. The manager comped the antipasto but it still tarnished my experience. Not cool to be Italian tonight.
(1)
Justin U.
Simply wonderful. Simple. And wonderful. The place is quaint and perfect. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. The food is fresh and delicious. The kitchen is open to the dining area, creating an intimate experience. Highly recommended for a nice evening out if you're looking for great Italian fare.
(5)
alli h.
Absolutely love this place. Everything is made fresh to order. The chef went above and beyond to accommodate my celiac and made me an off-menu gluten free seafood risotto that was absolutely out of the world! Wait staff is very personable and we always enjoy any wines we order there. Great date night spot. Can't say enough good things about it! We will definitely be back (and have been several times already!)
(5)
Rosanne P.
First time at this restaurant. There was good and bad. Let's start with the good....very cute interior and loved the fact they give you a pillow to put behind your back. Our waiter was excellent and the wines by the glass were very good. My pasta was excellent and cooked to perfection. Now the not so good....my husbands lobster that sat atop his extremely spicy pasta was tough as shoe leather. For the price of this dish it should have melted in your mouth. Lastly the veal piccata is way too salty. I don't know if the chef doesn't taste the food? Basically one out of three was good. We will try this again some day as I think it is hit and miss.
(3)
Tim S.
Tucked away off the main path, you won't be disappointed in finding your way here. Visiting the island between seasons is a quiet time. My wife and I had a night out and wanted a nice meal and Il Tesoro hit the spot. The service was prompt and efficient with great recommendations. My beef short rib was melt in your mouth perfect and my wife's cannelloni was perfect as well. The portions are just right leaving tool for dessert (which we skipped). The decor was decent and the room a bit cramped which is typical for the islands as they try to maximize their spaces. Overall 4-stars and a high recommendation.
(4)
Trevor F.
This establishment deserves a better overall rating than what you may see on your search menu. If you like big, loud and cheaper experiences; Sanibel has plenty else to offer. If you would like to be served something unique and have a fine experience; please go here. It's a wonderful place. It's a small place, so be sure to make a reservation. Marvel at the open kitchen when you walk in and enjoy the quaint atmosphere - a little slice of Italy (including table wine)! The waiters are young but adequately knowledgeable. They were kindly servers but more useful keeping my glass full rather than answering tough questions. But it's the food that matters here folks and it was fantastic. Excellent, hand crafted fare that is made to order. We had the antipasto plate - fresh vegetables and cheeses. Several of my companions had a pasta dish with sweet sausage and a truffle cream sauce. I chose the salmon with spicy tomato sauce. I wish I could have tried everything on the menu. You're going to love it!
(5)
Destiny S.
This restaurant was great! We ate the lobster ravioli and both had the specials. The atmosphere is quiet and homey. Excellent service. We will definitely go back next time we are in florida.
(4)
Kathy K.
Came this evening for a birthday dinner. Waiter was inattentive. No cheese added to pasta dishes. Merlot was bad we sent it back. 2nd wine option was better. Asked about bd dessert there wasn't one. We were told there was a dessert menu. But we never were given it! Very disappointing. We will not be back
(3)
John S.
I went there for a very romantic evening and all was going well until we waited 30 minutes for our antipasto and when the main course arrived before the appetizers, I refused the entree only to learn our waitress "forgot" to place that order. We had discussed the antipasto at length and the place isn't that large to excuse such a gross oversight of the first thing ordered. I was upset and instead of treating me like I was right, the waitress copped an attitude and didn't even offer a dessert or something to make up for the fact that she was wrong. I even apologized to her for being a bit angry and said I needed more time on the island to relax to which she responded "obviously". Wow. I think she should have apologized more and tried to change my anger into a pleasurable experience. She was tipped accordingly and probably blames me for her lack of PROFESSIONALISM.
(1)
Denise C.
We took my daughter to Il Tesoro for her 25th birthday while vacationing on Sanibel Island. She ordered gnocchi with duck confit which she loved. I tasted it and it was very good. I had tagliatelle bolognese which would have been good if it had salt. My husband ordered linguine with red clam sauce and he thought it was bland as well. Overall the service was great but I expected better food for how expensive the meal was. Wouldn't rush back.
(2)
Stephanie K.
I don't know what's gone wrong with this restaurant. I've been a total of three times and had excellent meals the first two visits. In fact, I felt it was some of the very best food available on Sanibel or Captiva. But last week I came again with my family, and I don't know if they just had a bad night or what, but it wasn't up to par. My parents and I ordered the pasta bolognese (which we'd had on a previous visit and agreed was amazing). When it arrived, it was burnt. It tasted acrid and bitter and smelled like a kitchen mistake. The owner apologized and said they'd been getting their meat from a new vendor and that some of the meat was smoked, but I can tell the difference between smoked and burnt and this had nothing to do with the meat. It was obvious that garlic or another ingredient had been burned in the pan. We all sent it back and I ordered mushroom ravioli. They were delicious but undercooked (maybe because they were trying to rush the order out?). In addition, my friend's squid was also a bit undercooked. Service-wise, it was ok. Our table was rickety and shook every time one of us cut something. We asked the waiter if he could help us steady it, but he wasn't much help. Also, I was a bit surprised that no one offered us a round of coffee or complimentary dessert to compensate for our burnt bolognese. In any case, I really used to love this restaurant and hope they can come around!
(3)
Shep D.
I was very disappointed. This is my second time visiting this restaurant on my vacation. My first time experience, last year, was very enjoyable, which made me come back. This time the service and the meal were very unenjoyable. My husband and I ordered the same meal, pasta with shrimp in a light cream sauce. My husbands pasta sauce was quite runny and soup like, mine was ladden with heavy thick gloppy cream. After we recieved our meals the server did not bother to come by and enquire how the meals were (as we would expect from any restaurant). After we appeared to finish our meal the waiter came to clear the table. Although I hardly ate my meal, he asked if there was a problem with the meal, l told him of the thick inedible sauce, and that the meal was unsatisfactory. He shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to clear the table and present us with the bill. My husband and I made a point of driving from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island specifically to enjoy a great Italian Meal and was extremely disappointed in the inconsistency of the meal and poor, nonchalant performance of the server. There are too many great Italian restaurants with great food and wonderful service especially at this price point. Unfortunately, I will never come back to this restaraunt and cannot recommend it.
(2)
George C.
We just finished our 3rd visit to IL Tesoro and it was every bit as great as the first 2 times. We were on Sanibel 2 years ago and enjoyed our first meal here so much that we cancelled our reservations at another place and went back 2 nights later. The service is very attentive and friendly, the portions are healthy and the price is reasonable. The food is superb. I had sea bass with artichokes, capers and polenta in a very light cream sauce. My wife had chicken piccata. Both were excellent as was the antipasto platter. Desert was a coconut tiramisu.....wow! We just got here today and I already feel like the highlight of the trip has happened! Great place and I highly recommend it. An easy 5 star rating.
(5)
Lisa B.
My friends who live in Cape Coral made a reservation for my last night visiting them and was extremely impressed. They were able to accommodate additional guests with very little wait time. The manager was exceptional and very friendly to our party of 5. She checked on us along the whole dinner experience and made sure we were having the best time. The food portions are huge and I shared my entree of the braised short ribs with my friend and it was plenty of food for two. The wine list is quite up to par with my wine tastes and since I live in San Francisco. The only negative was our waiter was a bit slow and seemed to be in a distant land... but the manager and other staff made up for that and could see he was off... way to act as a team to wait on us. Make sure you get reservations as it was a packed house on a sunday night! It is a quaint little place and does feel very intimate which I loved.
Excellent food . Service is kind of " New Yorky" . A bit brusque and the noise level was high. Beer and wine only. We were kind of OK with the experience but the food was good. Go with the right mindset and you might like it.
(4)
Shane W.
Everything was so fresh and absolutely Amazing from start to finish!!! The service was good, The food was delicious .. We had bread, Mista salad, Lasagna (cooked to order) and Lobster Fra Diavlo (a little spicy.. So good). This is a must try if you love great fresh italian food.. This is the place! Coming from and italian :) I will DEFINITELY be back next year when i am here! Just one tip... They can get very busy during season and not so make a reservation if you want to be sure and eat here!
(5)
Mirch X.
Booked and mentioned about the Groupon. No problem there.We had the Lobster Fra Diavola and Fettucine Mari e Monte as the main dishes. Sounded promising...but ended in disappointment. The dishes were of small quantities ( now I wonder if this were the 'Groupon' effect; but I guess we were fine with the limited quantity as we really didn't like what we had) and lackluster. Nothing tasted freshly made . I could have made the same dishes in 10 minutes and better.. It was like the warmed up food from the ready frozen sections.,or canned sauce added to pasta with sausage pieces sprinkled to it. The waiter did check on us a few times and we tipped him generously for it ( we were on vacation mood). However the food was a joke and definitely not worth the money.. Groupon on not. I am totally surprised by the good reviews, which was the reason we got the Groupon in the first place. I would not recommend the place if love good food!
(2)
Ryan P.
We were excited to try this restaurant and purchased our very first Groupon (It is probably what made us try the place) - Driving by for years! The 3 of us ventured into what seems to be a really cute little place with open kitchen where you could see the action and the fresh grilled veggies as you walk in! I think the food was generally good....I think the lack of stars was more we weren't into italian on our island time away - The fried lobster tails (apps) and lamb shank were tasty and recommended - Fried calamari (a favorite normally) was tender but not tasty and sister ordered zuppa de pesce which came without the lobster tail (they did correct) - She blames the use of the Groupon (who knows) Worth a try....if you want Italian on your island vacation!
(3)
Amy-Rose M.
Just great. Authentic and fresh Italian food, with knowledgeable and friendly staff. After coming to sanibel for years, it was only this trip that we found this gem of a restaurant. It's quite hidden away, in a converted cottage. It has a good menu with a good selection of dishes, with a good mix of meat, fish, vegetables and pasta. Definitely would recommend a visit!
(4)
Noelle C.
Great place! The best place of our week. The arancini were as good as the ones we got in Italy. The lobster ravioli were amazing!!! The short ribs were falling off the bone. And my mushroom risotto made my mouth water... Great gem in Sanibel...or anywhere! You have to try it!
(5)
Jeremy M.
Atmosphere was decent, and the food was acceptable. When we asked for an appetizer we were told that we couldn't order on in advance of our dinner because the kitchen was backed up. Service was is fact quite slow, however the restaurant didn't seem that busy. Overall decent, and perhaps it was mostly just our server that made it a less than memorable experience.
Excellent choice! My wife had a groupon otherwise might not have found it. Food was good, wine was good and service was the best. It was not crowded at all and our waiter as well as the manager went out of their way to make sure we had a good time. Even customized the music! What more can you ask for!
(5)
O.M. R.
Lets start from the top: First: the hostess welcomed us with a "what do u want" look, although we had a reservation at 6:00pm Second: she placed us next to the kitchen door although there were only two other tables occupied. Third: good bread and selection of oils Fourth: the egg drop soup was ok. I had better tho... Fifth: i had the duck (not good. No taste...) (2nd Fifth): my husband had the lobster ravioli... Which was 2 pieces for $18. :-| Sixth: tiramisu was dry. Strawberry was not ripe. SEVENTH: they didn't have the pork marsala(from the chefs specials menu), any beer left (only one corona left), the coconut tiramisu wasn't ready (i mean they opened at noon... What the heck?!?!) Eight: we had two servers. Which were very nice and knowledgeable ab the menu. Charge: $92. 110 w tip. Rip-off!!! Not worth it. Not going back.
(2)
Brian H.
Expensive and good, I am a fan. Tucked back behind a cool art gallery, this place is about on it's 4th owner/operator in the past 15 years. But no place has been this good since the original Twilight Cafe was the tenant. Service was prompt and professional, with all the needed assistance and courtesy one could imagine. For apps, the salmon carpaccio with arugula, dressed with just olive oil, lemon and capers was tasty and elegant in presentation. My friend had a tender, marinated grilled octopus served over baby greens with gramolata. Two 4star starters. For an entree I had the pappardelle bolognese. Everyone makes their own bolognese differently; some are more meaty than tomato-y, some the opposite. This was more of the tomato taste over-taking the dish. Not much of the meat in the rich sauce either, and no where near as good as mine (mine is 5 star of course). The other entree ordered at the table was the special seared Chilean sea bass. This was fabulous, fresh, perfectly cooked, tender, served over risotto, which also had full flavors, perfect al dente. 5 stars all the way. Pricey, but no big deal, it's vacation, it's food, it's very good...it's worth it.
(4)
L C.
This place is an excellent hidden gem that I am happy to have discovered. Everything we ate was delicious especialy the short ribs. The staff was also extremely accomodating and friendly. We arrived with 2 small children (not really a kids place) and the staff was very understanding and helpful. The kids behaved really well too :) the atmosphere was cozy and the lighting low, and there was an open kitchen,they were also playing really great music. I will definitely return.
(5)
Carlos V.
This restaurant was highly recommended to me by a friend who lives on the island and is a real foody person. I would give this restaurant 4 stars maybe even 5, but the hostess and the wait staff were not very friendly. The food was very good, but the whole dinner was Ok because the "not so very friendly staff". The wine by the glass is very expensive, so if you are going to each get two glasses of wine, consider a reasonable bottle.
(3)
Kait W.
Excellent food with impeccable service. In the 20 years we have been coming to the island, I can't believe it took us so long to find it! The pasta, lobster appetizer, Caprese salad, and cannolis were the best. We all those the cannoli was better than anything we have eaten in our travels to Italy! A definite must visit while on Sanibel- a hidden treasure!
(5)
Mark B.
I read the Yelp reviews and decided to try it since there was a Groupon deal for $49 for $100 worth of food and I was staying in Sanibel for spring break with my wife and daughter. Upon arriving I first thought it was going to be a quaint quiet place to have dinner but was surprised that not too many cars were in the parking lot with it being the week after Easter. Upon entering the restaurant , it was not very busy and was very loud since it was so small with perhaps 10-15 tables in the whole place ! No one greeted us as we arrived and I had to ask for the hostess. We started out with some spinach egg drop soup which was very bland with no flavor and even adding Parmesan cheese to it didn't help. A tempura type lobster appetizer with tomatoes and balsamic glaze was next. The lobster was overcooked and rubbery. My wife and daughter ordered mushroom ravioli and chicken florentine and both said their meals were very bland. I tried both their sauces and had to agree. I had beef short ribs and potato gnocchi. Both were good but Again a very bland tomato sauce they put over it tasted like bland tomato paste. The cooks need to use some garlic and italian spices for sure ! We were so disappointed we didn't finish our meals and ordered a pizza to take home from to Sanibel grill a few doors down..
(1)
Debbie M.
Ehh! We live here and really loved this place. We have been here twice in 2015 and both times were mediocre. However, the worst is the waiter, Joe. Last trip he spilled the water down my back, this time it was just all around poor service. I wonder if the owners have changed? I saw bad results here and Trip Advisor all mentioning the same guy. He has no refinement and his skill level would be better at Burger King. I do not want to spend this kind of money, deal with the noise level and get poor service. Either train him or fire him.
(3)
Gail A.
Best food on the island. Always delicious never disappoints! Had the strachetelli tonight and I know I will be craving it till we get back next year. Pork chop Marsala was equally delious. We just love this restaurant !! If we could give moe than 5 stars we would
(5)
Damien A.
My wife and I went to this place using a Groupon for our anniversary. I ordered Lamb and she had the duck confit. The food was ok, what ruined it was the underlying flavor that the food had. It had this weird aftertaste. I thought it was me but my wife brought it up. I'm pretty sure that they use the tap water for cooking (I know it's hard not to), but the problem is that florida water tastes nasty. Sad. Also, in regards to the Groupon, we used our Groupon and were fine. We made the budget and were good to leave. At that point our waiter tells us that we have money left over on the groupon and that we had to use it. I ended up getting a dessert. Don't know how, but when we were done we left and went to our car only to have our waiter chase us down because we didn't pay. Are you kidding me!?!? How do I owe $20 dollars after I had money left over. Dishonest and not cool. Last time we go there.
(2)
Rachel M.
I must make Il Tesoro a 5 star without a doubt. We came back because we had compared our last dinner which we did not care for to Il Tesoro. This time we ordered two different menu items, Veal Marsala and Fettucine Alfredo with Italian sausage and instead of shrimp, it was chicken. They were really out of this world. I was not sure if I had veal before. It had been a long while. I was afraid if it would taste strong, gamey, or different. It was not like that at all whatsoever. We had a chicken marsala the night before somewhere else. It could not compare whatsoever to the amazing taste and quality at Il Tesoro. The fettucine alfredo was great too. Yes, you can get that anywhere but you can tell the taste difference here. It was definitely elevated for sure. We had a different waitress which we had met the night before, and had the same wonderful very nice owner/hostess. They were very happy that we stopped by again. It is really an honor I feel to find a place that treats you wonderfully, a place that is cute, quaint, and the food is out of this world. This is our new favorite place to eat in Sanibel. Make sure you come here, and see how amazing they are, and also have a cannoli at the end. We never order that, and tried it, and it was very wonderfully tasty.
(5)
Ron C.
For starters, I am very stingy in giving out 5 stars to any restaurant. But IL Tesoro is definitely special. What appears to be a converted cottage makes for a real quaint ambiance. We were greeted by a lovely hostess and then provided with great service. This made for a wonderful experience when I had dinner here a couple of weeks ago. I had clams & mussels over linguine which was just outstanding. The pasta was cooked perfectly.....al dente and the seafood tasted real fresh and expertly prepared. Can't wait to return for a repeat performance!
(5)
Amy A.
It was difficult to enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Il Tesoro after discovering a piece of plastic the length of my hand at the bottom of my salad. From there what should have lead to a sincere apology was followed only by the question of whether I would like a second salad. The unprofessionalism of the entire wait staff truly put a damper on the evening. Although the salad was compensated at the end of the meal I couldn't help but feel that the situation was seriously mishandled. Even more, the wait staff acted like we were making a large deal out of a "run of the mill" occurrence. I would not suggest this restaurant on principle. The food is mediocre and the grossly sub par service does not merit a second visit. For diners interested in a nice meal I would suggest Mad Hatter or Sanibel Steakhouse.
(1)
miho L.
All in all a little disappointing but not that we wanted it to be. The place is tucked away on Tarpon Bay on Sanibel Island. Plenty of character to it inside. Staff was cordial and service was fine. I had a veal dish in a dark cream-based sauce that was pretty good. Wife had a shrimp and pasta dish that was just plain bland. I mean really just plain bland. Very strange. You can't have that for the prices on their menu. This is the kind of place you walk into and cheer for, you really want to enjoy it, it just didn't work out for us. Happy to see other great reviews.
(2)
John D.
BEST RESTAURANT ON SANIBEL - 4 1/2 stars That may not be saying a lot, because indeed, the island is not known for having good restaurants. Most of them are primed for the slick & quick tourist trade with people wandering in wearing shorts & t-shirts and with small children. This place is a bit more sophisticated, though, and the food is outstanding. They have VERY limited wines by the glass - i.e., one red and one white, so like most diners here we bought a bottle and took home what (small portion) we couldn't finish. We started with the Calamari Fritti - it was fresh and very tasty. For dinner, we had the Fettucine Norcina (a fettucine in a creamy parmigiano sauce with black truffles) and the Scaloppine Limone (a veal sauteed in white wine & lemon sauce with fresh vegetables). We shared and thought both were excellent. The fettucine was nicely al dente. It's a bit pricey here, so be prepared for that. When you've saved up some money plus an extra six bucks for the toll, this place is perfect for a special evening out. Food - 5 STARS Ambiance - 5 STARS Service - 4 STARS Value - 4 STARS
(5)
Alex M.
Was very enthused to try this restaurant after reviewing the menu. Was thinking due to price points, the decor would be better than the awful cheap paint by number art, worn wooden Cosco chairs, dirty tiled floor, paint chipping from walls and kitchen doors etc. Yes, in Sanibel, an island vibe can and should exist, but waiters reaching over you to serve, fingering your plates, serving on top of you instead of the side, giving you cans of ginger ale or soda at the table, dirty utensils, finger printed dirty glasses, I could go on and on. Disgraceful. Also we were seated at a three person table 5 inches away from the kitchen door that showed us a dirty kitchen to remind us that an $30 entree is being mishandled and eagerly awaits the Health Department to shut it down. Steve, the waiter, needs a bit more etiquette schooling, dont appreciate seeing you wiping your mouth with the same rag you carry around and hand us our plates. Joleen the manager, ungracious, clueless...and the hostess, well she sat us at a 3 person table when there were only 2 other tables filled. Shall I go on now about the food? Overcooked pasta, mealy butternut squash soup. SHame on you Il Tesoro, I tried to speak to the manager, and she just went mum. Good luck.
(1)
Sharon S.
What a charming restaurant. Funky, relaxed yet romantic atmosphere. Tiny space tucked behind a great local artist cooperative. We split a small simple salad while we waited for our delicious entrees. My husband had a seafood mixture of lobster, shrimp, grouper, maybe some bass and scallops over squid fettucine...black with ink. Totally delicious. I had lobster ravioli with a sage butter sauce. We had a lemon tart with pine nuts and a key lime tiramisu...probably would not order that again. Excellent bottle of Jermann pinot grigio. Liza, our server, was very good and had an engaging personality. Tiny place. Must reserve at this time of the year. They had an antipasto display as we walked in. We will definitely get that next time.
(5)
Marci D.
This was a seriously delicious authentic Italian meal. Our server Stephen couldn't have been nicer or more attentive and made excellent recommendations. Skip the crowded over-priced restaurants on Sanibel that offer up the same greasy fried food and stop at this hidden gem. We'll definitely be back next time we're on the island.
(5)
Everett S.
Great Italian food! i've eaten italian from all over the country and this holds up to the rest, although not the quality of the infamous North End of Boston, but you are not on Sanibel and Captiva for the food. We had the lobster ravioli as an appetizer which was served in this great brown butter cream sauce. For my main I had the bucatini with cherry tomatoes and bacon. The noodles were not overcooked and the sauce was flavorful and a tad bit spicy. The rest of my family ordered the lamb, gnocchi, and linguine with truffle sauce. They all enjoyed their food. In my opinion, this is the best food in the Captiva/Sanibel area. Prices are not too bad unless you order off the specials. (Nearly all of them were twice the price of the main menu items) Excellent staff too. I will definitely return if I am ever in the area.
(4)
Juan U.
Food like art speaks for itself. As you have requested I have removed my negative review. I did eat at your restaurant on 7/30/2010. I found my American Express receipt and emailed Yelp about it. If Yelp works at all, it is to give feedback to establishment so they can improve and excel. I hope you do on both counts. I wish you the best of luck.
(1)
David P.
The food is very good. The food is not worth the price though. Chef is not consistent. Several months ago the food was much better. Worth a visit. Just watch the cost. Much better than Mezzaluna down the street.
(3)
Leigh Anne B.
Great homemade desserts!
(5)
Ben T.
excellent ambiance, food and service. I doesn't get much better for a great meal with close friends, family, a date, etc.... the only reason I didn't give 5 stars was that the 3 people I was with were served a ridiculously small portion of food on the $18 "half" portion that they ordered. As the guy paying to take out my parents and girlfriend, I felt bad for them and they were all eye-ing my meal pretty quickly. Lucky for them, I had an ample amount and was happy to share.
(4)
Alexander C.
My wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Il Tesoro and we were very pleased with the entire experience. The hostess was very kind and welcoming and our waiter was both accommodating and helpful. We were able to have our dishes made to order, adjusting the ingredients to suit our dietary needs. This was a major plus! The wine selection was impressive, the home made bread was warm, soft and delicious and the dishes we ordered were impressive. I ordered the Carciofi alla Giudea Antipasto and we split that as an appetizer. Then we each customized a pasta to our liking. Everything was served quickly, but also freshly made by the chef as we waited. For the quality of the food and the presentation, we found the prices to be quite reasonable. All in all I think Il Tesoro deserves 5/5 stars and we plan to re-visit this establishment next time we're on Sanibel Island.
(5)
Christine L.
We came down to Sanibel for a short 4 night vacation. We planned on finding a nice restaurant to go to for at least one of the nights. We did some research, asked a few locals there opinions and decided on Il Tesoro's. We made a reservation and had a short wait, the aromas outside had us excited for the meal. We were seated about 10 minutes later and we got our first experience with our waiter. The short version of this story is, the food was very good but the our waiter was horrible! He was a tall skinny man with dark hair and seemed to be irritated with us for some reason. He was not pleasant at all and when we left the restaurant he about ran us over with his scooter in the parking lot! We certainly will not go back!
(2)
Peter S.
The food was outstanding and the service and atmosphere was impressive as well. The pasta portions could have been larger for the price. I would definetly recommend this to my friends! See you in NYC someday soon.
(4)
Tom B.
Great food great service great place!!! We had the filet tips and my wife had a chicken dish with tomatoes and mushrooms. Excellent we will come back!
(4)
David G.
The last place I would expect to have a five-star Italian experience would be Sanibel Island, but Il Tesoro delivers just that. Creative, classic and rustic yet each dish delivered with an interesting spin that lifts the eyebrow and brings a smile. Some of the choices are bright and engaging others just plain soul satisfying. Start with the Antipasto del Giorno, make sure to get a pasta or two for the table, then find a way to decide between lamb shank, the duck or any of the veal dishes. Expensive? You bet. Worth it? Unquestionably. High-end ingredients, lots of flair in the cooking and presentation, very polished and guiding service. This place delivers quite an experience.
(5)
Jeff B.
This restaurant is my favorite on the island. I suggest you start with letting your waiter put together an antipasti and go from there. Reservations are a must and even then you may have to wait, but there is always the Tower Gallery to browse in!
(5)
Ed S.
Everything was great. Food was top notch, service was wonderful. No idea why the ratings are not higher.
(5)
Robert B.
Excellent food! Very small restaurant, so reservations a must. 5 stars, highly highly recommended to all.
(5)
P S.
My wife and I made a last minute decision to visit El Tesoro for dinner. Service was quite poor. Salads were well chilled and fresh. My glass of wine was promptly replaced after I pointed out leftover food on the inside of the glass ... yuk! My wife had a dramatically over-cooked veal saltimbocca that just could not be eaten. My bolognese was fair but far from classic bolognese. The server offered to replace the uneatable veal with something else but my wife was well over this place. Won't be back and suggest you not make the same mistake we did.
(2)
Christina H.
Excellent service, awesome food, and nice atmosphere. Great for a cozy date night. The meatballs and the bacon/cheese chicken were both excellent. Can't wait for tomorrow night, so I can have my leftovers! :) Hope to visit again soon.
(5)
jim S.
Oh the stories. If you know someone who lives on Sanibel you've heard about Il Tesoro, the service, the prices, the food, actually the place usually received a, "the food is good but...". Finally, after two years of stories, my family went to visit my folks at their place on Sanibel. Just one catch, they didn't show. Something about surgery and the doctor said flying was out of the question. Good news is everyone is fine and we got the house, and the island, all to ourselves. First priority, eat at this place we've heard so much about. First we picked up a paper menu to check it out. The food looked fine, but it was what was written on the bottom, "shared plate charge", that caught my eye. I can't remember the amount but it was in line with the attitude that had been described to us over the years. Perfect, we thought, this is going to be one hell of a show. The show was a bit of a let down. The service was very good. Even the woman who sat us, who looked like she could've provided us with some Il Tesoro attitude, was very friendly. Bummer. "What about the food?", you ask. The food is fine. Yes, the food on Sanibel is lousy, but should we lay down Manhattan prices for red checkered table cloth Italian because you want to pretend that you're on vacation in Tuscany? No! Have another grouper b.l.t. and remember you didn't come to Sanibel for the food, you came to relax, get away from it all, drink one too many beers, and find a sand-dollar. The carpaccio was fair, nothing out of this world, The meatballs were good, the sauce was very good, as was the sauce for the fried calamari. The calamari itself was bland. The pastas were very good, although when I asked if they were made in house the waiter wasn't able to give me a straight answer. Our kids each had a different veal dish. They were acceptable but more akin to a basic Italian restaurant, not fine dining. The bread was laughable. Our waiter said, "I saw a fresh batch of bread coming out of the oven, I will be right back with some", no joke, that's what he said. He brought back a basket of prefab, institutional rolls. We all looked at each other and laughed, he tried to fool us. They do some things at this place that come across as tricks to make a buck. The specials start at $50. The menu items top out in the $30 range. The limited, one red one white, wines by the glass is out of date and forces diners to order a bottle. The charge for a shared plate is absurd. Split plates deserve a charge, but I have never run across a shared plate charge. Oh yeh, chipped plates, too cramped, and cheap chairs. Sorry, I wanted to like it, but I won't be back.
(2)
Ang R.
Four and a half stars, solidly. Some of the best food I've eaten, period, and for Florida, I think it's pretty remarkable. I started with a salad, and the dressing was interesting--a creamy tomato. It really elevated a pretty simple salad. I had a special as my main, the Chilean Sea Bass ala Toscano, and it was excellent. I have never had such well-cooked and tasty artichoke hearts and mushrooms. The mushrooms were swoon-er-ific. Insane. (The mushrooms on my salad were also very tasty, so this place might just have a way with mushrooms.) I will say, the prices are a tad high, but I won't dock a place with 10 or so tables, massively delicious food and a location in what is essentially a tourist town and rich person's home island. It's worth it. You're paying for the location, too, so if you don't want to, leave Sanibel and go eat in Fort Myers. But I highly recommend Il Tesoro. Really, really good.
(4)
Janet A.
We had very pleasant experience at Il Tesoro. Four of us each ordered a different pasta, and all were vey good. The wine list was limited, but our bottle of Chianti was excellent.
(4)
Maida K.
The restaurant is small and gives you a warm feeling. The kitchen is open which I always love because it tells me they have nothing to hide. The service was prompt and attentive without being invasive. We started with the grilled calamari salad which was just okay, nothing special. But then we had lobster ravioli and sea bass Tesoro style. They were both outstanding. The ravioli were rich and filling. The sauce for the sea bass had artichokes and sun dried tomatoes with a lemon, wine sauce. It was superb. Definitely worth another trip.
(4)
Andrew M.
The pasta was quite good, the antipasto was good. But the specials were not that great and the price was unbelievable... nearly enough to make you sick ($60 for a fish dish with some steamed vegetables). The specials were too expensive and not worth it; stick to the regular menu if you go and get the pasta (it's really good... I enjoyed the pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta). Bill came to over $100/person.
(2)
Yvonne M.
Very small restaurant but wonderful cozy ambience. Don't even think about it without a reservation in peak season. We had the calamari, antipasti and caprese (delicious) followed by the Grouper Livornese, lobster ravioli, and bolognese....all wonderful. Canolis to die for. Great service too - very knowledgeable about the menu. Our kids are 14 and loved it. Younger kids would neither appreciate it nor add to the ambience!
(5)
Pamela H.
Wanted to like this place since the menu sounded delish and creative. Was greeted warmly by the hostess/owner. Service began with wonderfully warm bread and oil. The grilled calamari salad was tasty and a good start. The oven roasted Duck, as presented on the menu, was actually medallions of duck breast drenched in the port wine reduction and not specified on menu-laced with truffle oil..it was a muddled mess. My date ordered the entree special of black squid linguine and seafood and ended up with another order of plain pasta with tomato sauce and seafood. Server responded with "we're out of the squid ink pasta but it's basically the same thing" instead of allowing the customer to decide on another choice. Also finding out later that we were charged for the higher priced pasta dish that wasn't received secured the fact we won't be re-visiting or recommending. (Date was so angry at that point he just wanted to leave and not ruin the rest of the evening). Recommend tweaking the menu with more precise, detailed descriptions and explain to staff that patrons should choose dinner replacements.
(2)
marian g.
Came here for my husbands 60th birthday with my adult kids. This place did not disappoint. We had to wait a bit for our reservation but nothing too long (15 mins). We were a party of 5 this is a small place geared for parties no greater than 4 but they were able to accommodate us I started with the meatballs with spicy tomato sauce Just a slight kick. Other starters ordered was a caprese salad, the tomatoes were bright in color but in January you can't rave about the taste and the cheese was not plenitful, but the calamari was delicate and lightly fried yummy For entrees the Osso Busco was tender. I had the risotto with saffron and seafood it came with 2small lobster tails, lots of clams, mussels and calamari and pieces of grouper. Far more than I could finish (which made for a delicious lunch. The gnocchi with duck confit was a little heavy. I expected the pasta to be a little lighter and tender but the pasta with bacon seemed adequate. We ordered a delicious Barolo which was smooth but at a fine dining establishment you need to expect to pay a high mark up for a fine wine. We knew what we were ordering. Since it was a special occasion they threw in a wonderful piece of tiramisu which finished the meal with the right amount of sweet and so light it made the evenings meal perfect I am excited about trying this establishment in NYC to see how it compares with Sanibel When I come back here I'll be back
(5)
Mike B.
Awful. Just awful food and a big bad attitude. Never again. So many nice choices on Sanibel. Skip this dump. Mike
(1)
Donna B.
I fully appreciate made-to-order, authentic, delicious food...and that is what we received, but the amount we received and the price we paid was preposterous. I am from Chicago and have traveled the world and dined at some of the finest restaurants. I am all for paying for great food...but the cost should reflect the portion, the location, the ambiance and the service. I do understand the costs involved with some restaurants regarding location and ambiance--this cannot be the excuse in this flip flop, beach, vacation town. And there was no ambiance....I sat at a table by the kitchen and was brushed numerous times as waiters walked by. It was loud, too. But the clincher came when the waiter added on a 20% tip. I understand that sometimes foreigners do not realize that in the States we tip...and standard is 15% to 20%. I believe in tipping for great service...great food helps, but that is not usually the waiters fault. I often tip 50% at breakfast, because that waiter is running around like crazy and the bill is small....but when our (me and my husband) bill at il Tesoro was more than $150, and we were actually feeling rushed to leave so they could turn over the table (we were sitting for only about an hour), I am sorry, I don't give 20%. The waiter deserved 15% before tax and booze. Shame on this restaurant for taking advantage of its customers. Old Captiva House remains the best fine-dining experience on the two islands. Il Tesoro can learn a few things from Old Captiva House. They have it all.
(1)
Scott P.
Cute little place and certainly the quality of their food is much better than some of the other tourist traps we've been to on Sanibel. The bad: Our server really was not very friendly and the carpaccio appetizer was so covered in lemon juice that we could not taste the meat. This was a particular shame because the beef looked beautiful and the parmesan was very nice. Also, no liquor license so beer and wine is it. The good: The penne ala vodka my wife ordered was very good. I ordered one of the specials 'Grouper Livorgnese' (maybe I didnt mangle that name too bad). The grouper and the vegetables were both delicious (which was great since the dish was $40). I imagine we'll be back, but I hope there is more personable service next time.
(3)
Nanette D.
My husband and I discovered this charming little spot while on a birthday bike ride. We had been cruising up to restaurant doors, checking out the menus, when we came to Il Tesoro. I knew I had found our spot once I read the words "funghi" and "homemade pasta." Although we felt a little underdressed in our swimsuits and casual wear, we sat down to a truly memorable meal. (Most island spots are so casual that you can get away with this in a pinch.) And what we noticed quickly was that everyone at surrounding tables talked about how amazing their dishes were. Even simple dishes like caesar salad and bruschetta wowed us. Now this is the spot that we head for birthdays and anniversaries. Delicious, fantastic service, and situated on one of the most beautiful islands to boot.
(5)
Robert D.
If you only have one evening out in Sanibel or Captiva (sans kids), make sure that you make a reservation for a dinner at Il Tesoro. Without question, this is the best restaurant on either island - the Italian food is as good as any I have enjoyed anywhere. The chef is quite adept at making his dishes sing - the fresh pasta is treated with a ridiculous amount of respect. The polenta appetizer was good, but the pasta is clearly the reason to go to Il Tesoro. There is a good range to choose from - the fettucine alfredo with black truffles is amazing (I usually prefer a tomato or oil based sauce, but I am a sucker for real truffles) - not too overpowering with real Italian black truffles. We will absolutely make this the date spot when we return to Sanibel - do not miss this gem!
(5)
Kera R.
We agree with the criticism of this Il Tesoro. Wish we'd have checked the reviews more carefully before going. We were urged to order one of the specials of the evening. I didn't but my husband did. We assumed it would a hefty price like most of the entrees of about $30 - $35, but were absolutely shocked when the check arrived to find the special was $55. Ouch! (Yes, we should have asked, but who would have dreamed such an outrageous charge?) Service was pretentious, food was barely OK, but way too salty. Our check for two with 1 glass of wine each, tax, and tip was over $125. Not a good value for such mediocre food. The only sore spot in our whole wonderful vacation on Sanibel Island.
(1)
Maris p.
after making a reservation, we were greeted graciously at the door, delving into a charming immersion of italian cuisine. the atmosphere is close & cozy while retaining a charming, cultural sophistication. the service is hospitable, the waiters extremely knowledgable & the food simply melt in your mouth ASTOUNDING! the prices are high but it is extremely worth it. you will not regret a visit to this lovely ristorante.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Moises E.
Fantastic service! Fantastic food! Reading previous reviews of "not so happy" customers ALMOST made us miss this amazing Italian cuisine. All I can say is these previous customers must come from a different "species"of people. Soft, courteous and attentive service make Tesorio the ideal spot for a nice evening in Sanibel.
(5)Michelle C.
Food was fresh and could tell it was homemade. Service was good! Loved the Mista salad and the bread was excellent. I really enjoyed the selection of pasta, although some were to much for me. I do not like truffle and those were many of the choices. The restaurant itself if in a very strange and unnoticeable location behind the speedway. The prices were reasonable, with the groupon! Without the groupon, I don't think I would pay $70 for 2 people to eat here. Also, the water choices are ridiculous. Basically pay for bottled water, sparkling, or you get tap water. And you can taste the difference.
(3)Kate B.
Delicious!!!! Great cozy romantic atmosphere for dinner. Best ambiance in Captiva/Sanibel though no ocean view. Eggplant tower: $16 would have received 5 stars except for this app. Roasted veggies but not worth the price. Arrancini Fritti: $12 please order these delicious mozzarella stuffed risotto balls deep fried to perfection served over a small salad. So good! Fettuccine: $24 great sauce with shrimp and homemade sausage. A bit much truffle oil for me but very good entrée. Braised short ribs: $28 huge portion served with gnocchi. Delicious and big enough to share. Cannoli: $8 chocolate dipped. Chocolate cheese cake: $9 an awesomely rich dessert.
(4)Scott P.
You Suck, Thanks for the call. Groupon useless! You cant even call back, Adam you should be fired.
(1)Mike P.
Outstanding dinner and experience! Wonderful staff and great food. I was seriously impressed!
(5)Samantha G.
We came here with a Groupon and made a reservation. I'm glad we did. This place was hoppin, even on a Monday night! The service definitely left something to be desired our waiter was very short with us and seemed annoyed that we were there. At these prices, I expect a smile and pleasant attitude. However, the food came out quickly and it was all delicious. I loved the fresh grated cheese, oil and bread in the table to start. I ate a ton of this. My fiancé had the sea bass, which was heavenly. The eggplant tower was so tender and delicious. Lobster in penne was extremely spicy, but tasty. Don't forget a chocolate chip cannoli for dessert! I only subtract a star because our waiter was so brisk that it made us want to get out of there. Great choice for a nice night out in sanibel (no kids!)
(4)Lee B.
We eaten here three times and without exception it has been excellent each time. We have had a variety of appetizers but the antipasto and Arancini di Riso (fried rice cheese balls) stand out. The bread is delicious served with the olive oil. The service has always been exceptional and the food arrived in a timely manner. We've enjoyed the sea bass and a wonderful gnocchi with braised pork. Our last visit our party of six were all pleased. We cannot speak to the desserts as we have always been to full to partake. It is a quaint and cozy place we always look forward to visiting while on the island.
(5)V B.
We were greeted at the door by a nice gentleman that showed us to our seat. It's a small place but comfortable. I would make reservations. It filled up quickly on a Friday night. Our server was Tony, very nice and knowledgeable. Our water was kept filled and table cleared quickly. We really enjoyed our meal. Started with arrancini and antipasti, both were delicious. Their bread was authentic crusty with lots of holes. Our table had a mix of entrees. The short rib and gnocchi was amazing and great for someone that doesn't want pasta and sauce. The pappardelle was fresh and the sauce was rich. My son wanted just meatballs and penne they made it for him. My husband and other son had the fettuccine dish with sausage, peas, shrimp, and I think truffle cream sauce. They loved it. We topped it all off with a cannoli and lemon cello cake, all made on site. We will be back!
(5)Pupetta C.
I'm only giving it 2 because of the ambiance. The food was lacking flavor. It was very expensive and I don't mind spending money on a good dinner but this flavorless meal rang up at $240 with tip for 4 and we didn't have much. My kids ordered lasagna and it was a flat round plate of mush (where was the lasagna?) it was a drowning plate of sauce, cheese and some ground meat. I ordered a chicken dish and it was so tough and lacking flavor and again, slathered in cheese. My husband had the oso bucco and to be fair, he thought it was good. The cheapest, best thing was the wine. Sorry, I'm a good cook and know good food and this wasn't it and a shame because it's really cute inside.
(2)Rhona G.
Great food. Everything made in house except the cheese. Highly recommend the anti pasta to start with. Service great. What more could you ask for. I would defiantly come back
(5)Alana M.
Came here at the suggestion of a couple of locals. Best meal on the island! Adorable and quaint with friendly service. Four of us shared a bottle of wine, the lobster ravioli, a caprese salad and a misto salad for starters. Loved the veal piccata. Others enjoyed sea bass, spaghetti and meatballs and the Bolognese paparadelli. The cannoli dessert was a perfect finish. Can't wait to return to this delicious gem.
(5)Ann E.
We chose this restaurant because it got great reviews and it was portrayed as "cozy". I was very surprised when i walked in and the first thing you are hit with is a weird, funky sour smell. We were seated at a corner table by a wall that was FILTHY!!. Looked like people were throwing drinks and oil that dripped down the wall. It was disgusting. The kitchen doors looked like they hadnt been painted in 100 years. The place did not feel "cozy", it felt dirty. With the prices they charge you would think they would splurge for some cans of paint. That would make a big difference. Our server was very knowledgable though and the food was only ok. We would never go back there again.
(1)Lou P.
This is the worst Italian restaurant ever. The place is dingy, the food is average at best and the service is lame. After reading the reviews before I went there I was expecting a great meal. I don't know where the other reviewers go for Italian food but I can't imagine they thought this place was worthy of such good reviews. Not even authentic Italian but below Olive Garden standards. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place all together. There are way too many better choices on the island.
(1)Cathy R.
I'm still in shock about this place. Restrooms are outside. Was served warm water with no ice. Ordered the antipasto for 2 and received one small piece of salami and one small piece of supressatta. ..not what I grew up with. Portions are small and not worthy of an 'Ala carte menu'. I'm 100% Italian and was embarrassed to take my boyfriend there. I had the linguine with clams and mussels and I could still taste the sand. The manager comped the antipasto but it still tarnished my experience. Not cool to be Italian tonight.
(1)Justin U.
Simply wonderful. Simple. And wonderful. The place is quaint and perfect. The staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. The food is fresh and delicious. The kitchen is open to the dining area, creating an intimate experience. Highly recommended for a nice evening out if you're looking for great Italian fare.
(5)alli h.
Absolutely love this place. Everything is made fresh to order. The chef went above and beyond to accommodate my celiac and made me an off-menu gluten free seafood risotto that was absolutely out of the world! Wait staff is very personable and we always enjoy any wines we order there. Great date night spot. Can't say enough good things about it! We will definitely be back (and have been several times already!)
(5)Rosanne P.
First time at this restaurant. There was good and bad. Let's start with the good....very cute interior and loved the fact they give you a pillow to put behind your back. Our waiter was excellent and the wines by the glass were very good. My pasta was excellent and cooked to perfection. Now the not so good....my husbands lobster that sat atop his extremely spicy pasta was tough as shoe leather. For the price of this dish it should have melted in your mouth. Lastly the veal piccata is way too salty. I don't know if the chef doesn't taste the food? Basically one out of three was good. We will try this again some day as I think it is hit and miss.
(3)Tim S.
Tucked away off the main path, you won't be disappointed in finding your way here. Visiting the island between seasons is a quiet time. My wife and I had a night out and wanted a nice meal and Il Tesoro hit the spot. The service was prompt and efficient with great recommendations. My beef short rib was melt in your mouth perfect and my wife's cannelloni was perfect as well. The portions are just right leaving tool for dessert (which we skipped). The decor was decent and the room a bit cramped which is typical for the islands as they try to maximize their spaces. Overall 4-stars and a high recommendation.
(4)Trevor F.
This establishment deserves a better overall rating than what you may see on your search menu. If you like big, loud and cheaper experiences; Sanibel has plenty else to offer. If you would like to be served something unique and have a fine experience; please go here. It's a wonderful place. It's a small place, so be sure to make a reservation. Marvel at the open kitchen when you walk in and enjoy the quaint atmosphere - a little slice of Italy (including table wine)! The waiters are young but adequately knowledgeable. They were kindly servers but more useful keeping my glass full rather than answering tough questions. But it's the food that matters here folks and it was fantastic. Excellent, hand crafted fare that is made to order. We had the antipasto plate - fresh vegetables and cheeses. Several of my companions had a pasta dish with sweet sausage and a truffle cream sauce. I chose the salmon with spicy tomato sauce. I wish I could have tried everything on the menu. You're going to love it!
(5)Destiny S.
This restaurant was great! We ate the lobster ravioli and both had the specials. The atmosphere is quiet and homey. Excellent service. We will definitely go back next time we are in florida.
(4)Kathy K.
Came this evening for a birthday dinner. Waiter was inattentive. No cheese added to pasta dishes. Merlot was bad we sent it back. 2nd wine option was better. Asked about bd dessert there wasn't one. We were told there was a dessert menu. But we never were given it! Very disappointing. We will not be back
(3)John S.
I went there for a very romantic evening and all was going well until we waited 30 minutes for our antipasto and when the main course arrived before the appetizers, I refused the entree only to learn our waitress "forgot" to place that order. We had discussed the antipasto at length and the place isn't that large to excuse such a gross oversight of the first thing ordered. I was upset and instead of treating me like I was right, the waitress copped an attitude and didn't even offer a dessert or something to make up for the fact that she was wrong. I even apologized to her for being a bit angry and said I needed more time on the island to relax to which she responded "obviously". Wow. I think she should have apologized more and tried to change my anger into a pleasurable experience. She was tipped accordingly and probably blames me for her lack of PROFESSIONALISM.
(1)Denise C.
We took my daughter to Il Tesoro for her 25th birthday while vacationing on Sanibel Island. She ordered gnocchi with duck confit which she loved. I tasted it and it was very good. I had tagliatelle bolognese which would have been good if it had salt. My husband ordered linguine with red clam sauce and he thought it was bland as well. Overall the service was great but I expected better food for how expensive the meal was. Wouldn't rush back.
(2)Stephanie K.
I don't know what's gone wrong with this restaurant. I've been a total of three times and had excellent meals the first two visits. In fact, I felt it was some of the very best food available on Sanibel or Captiva. But last week I came again with my family, and I don't know if they just had a bad night or what, but it wasn't up to par. My parents and I ordered the pasta bolognese (which we'd had on a previous visit and agreed was amazing). When it arrived, it was burnt. It tasted acrid and bitter and smelled like a kitchen mistake. The owner apologized and said they'd been getting their meat from a new vendor and that some of the meat was smoked, but I can tell the difference between smoked and burnt and this had nothing to do with the meat. It was obvious that garlic or another ingredient had been burned in the pan. We all sent it back and I ordered mushroom ravioli. They were delicious but undercooked (maybe because they were trying to rush the order out?). In addition, my friend's squid was also a bit undercooked. Service-wise, it was ok. Our table was rickety and shook every time one of us cut something. We asked the waiter if he could help us steady it, but he wasn't much help. Also, I was a bit surprised that no one offered us a round of coffee or complimentary dessert to compensate for our burnt bolognese. In any case, I really used to love this restaurant and hope they can come around!
(3)Shep D.
I was very disappointed. This is my second time visiting this restaurant on my vacation. My first time experience, last year, was very enjoyable, which made me come back. This time the service and the meal were very unenjoyable. My husband and I ordered the same meal, pasta with shrimp in a light cream sauce. My husbands pasta sauce was quite runny and soup like, mine was ladden with heavy thick gloppy cream. After we recieved our meals the server did not bother to come by and enquire how the meals were (as we would expect from any restaurant). After we appeared to finish our meal the waiter came to clear the table. Although I hardly ate my meal, he asked if there was a problem with the meal, l told him of the thick inedible sauce, and that the meal was unsatisfactory. He shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to clear the table and present us with the bill. My husband and I made a point of driving from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island specifically to enjoy a great Italian Meal and was extremely disappointed in the inconsistency of the meal and poor, nonchalant performance of the server. There are too many great Italian restaurants with great food and wonderful service especially at this price point. Unfortunately, I will never come back to this restaraunt and cannot recommend it.
(2)George C.
We just finished our 3rd visit to IL Tesoro and it was every bit as great as the first 2 times. We were on Sanibel 2 years ago and enjoyed our first meal here so much that we cancelled our reservations at another place and went back 2 nights later. The service is very attentive and friendly, the portions are healthy and the price is reasonable. The food is superb. I had sea bass with artichokes, capers and polenta in a very light cream sauce. My wife had chicken piccata. Both were excellent as was the antipasto platter. Desert was a coconut tiramisu.....wow! We just got here today and I already feel like the highlight of the trip has happened! Great place and I highly recommend it. An easy 5 star rating.
(5)Lisa B.
My friends who live in Cape Coral made a reservation for my last night visiting them and was extremely impressed. They were able to accommodate additional guests with very little wait time. The manager was exceptional and very friendly to our party of 5. She checked on us along the whole dinner experience and made sure we were having the best time. The food portions are huge and I shared my entree of the braised short ribs with my friend and it was plenty of food for two. The wine list is quite up to par with my wine tastes and since I live in San Francisco. The only negative was our waiter was a bit slow and seemed to be in a distant land... but the manager and other staff made up for that and could see he was off... way to act as a team to wait on us. Make sure you get reservations as it was a packed house on a sunday night! It is a quaint little place and does feel very intimate which I loved.
(5)Teresa D.
This restaurant is THE go to for exquisite Italian food on Sanibel Island. Our server Tony was knowledgeable and friendly. We had Lobster Agrodolce tempura fried lobster tail with tomato and red onion salad, sweet and sour sauce for an appetizer. He had Toscana Tesoro fresh fish of the day(swordfish) chef cut filet sautéed with mushroom, artichoke hearts, sun dried tomato, white wine, lemon, cream over a bed of risotto. I had Spaghetti Fruitti di Mare calamari, clams, mussels, shrimp, sauteed with spicy tomato sauce. All of it was phenomenal in taste and the restaurant had a quaint atmosphere.
(5)R. M.
Excellent food . Service is kind of " New Yorky" . A bit brusque and the noise level was high. Beer and wine only. We were kind of OK with the experience but the food was good. Go with the right mindset and you might like it.
(4)Shane W.
Everything was so fresh and absolutely Amazing from start to finish!!! The service was good, The food was delicious .. We had bread, Mista salad, Lasagna (cooked to order) and Lobster Fra Diavlo (a little spicy.. So good). This is a must try if you love great fresh italian food.. This is the place! Coming from and italian :) I will DEFINITELY be back next year when i am here! Just one tip... They can get very busy during season and not so make a reservation if you want to be sure and eat here!
(5)Mirch X.
Booked and mentioned about the Groupon. No problem there.We had the Lobster Fra Diavola and Fettucine Mari e Monte as the main dishes. Sounded promising...but ended in disappointment. The dishes were of small quantities ( now I wonder if this were the 'Groupon' effect; but I guess we were fine with the limited quantity as we really didn't like what we had) and lackluster. Nothing tasted freshly made . I could have made the same dishes in 10 minutes and better.. It was like the warmed up food from the ready frozen sections.,or canned sauce added to pasta with sausage pieces sprinkled to it. The waiter did check on us a few times and we tipped him generously for it ( we were on vacation mood). However the food was a joke and definitely not worth the money.. Groupon on not. I am totally surprised by the good reviews, which was the reason we got the Groupon in the first place. I would not recommend the place if love good food!
(2)Ryan P.
We were excited to try this restaurant and purchased our very first Groupon (It is probably what made us try the place) - Driving by for years! The 3 of us ventured into what seems to be a really cute little place with open kitchen where you could see the action and the fresh grilled veggies as you walk in! I think the food was generally good....I think the lack of stars was more we weren't into italian on our island time away - The fried lobster tails (apps) and lamb shank were tasty and recommended - Fried calamari (a favorite normally) was tender but not tasty and sister ordered zuppa de pesce which came without the lobster tail (they did correct) - She blames the use of the Groupon (who knows) Worth a try....if you want Italian on your island vacation!
(3)Amy-Rose M.
Just great. Authentic and fresh Italian food, with knowledgeable and friendly staff. After coming to sanibel for years, it was only this trip that we found this gem of a restaurant. It's quite hidden away, in a converted cottage. It has a good menu with a good selection of dishes, with a good mix of meat, fish, vegetables and pasta. Definitely would recommend a visit!
(4)Noelle C.
Great place! The best place of our week. The arancini were as good as the ones we got in Italy. The lobster ravioli were amazing!!! The short ribs were falling off the bone. And my mushroom risotto made my mouth water... Great gem in Sanibel...or anywhere! You have to try it!
(5)Jeremy M.
Atmosphere was decent, and the food was acceptable. When we asked for an appetizer we were told that we couldn't order on in advance of our dinner because the kitchen was backed up. Service was is fact quite slow, however the restaurant didn't seem that busy. Overall decent, and perhaps it was mostly just our server that made it a less than memorable experience.
(2)Julie O.
Quaint, little restaurant with great decor and artwork on the walls. Our server Tony was on top of everything and very attentive. For appetizers we had Arancini and Caprese. The Arancini came out first, which was cooked to perfection and so delicious, then the Caprese - equally delicious and fresh! For my dinner, I had the Fettucine Mari e Monte (fettucine, light cream sauce, sweet Italian sausage and shrimp) was melt in your mouth good. And, with such a generous portion, I got to bring leftovers home! My date's dinner, Contadina di Pollo (chicken breast, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, mushroom served with sautéed summer vegetables) was amazing. We will definitely be back! Thank you to Il Tesoro and their staff for a great evening!
(5)Gary B.
Excellent choice! My wife had a groupon otherwise might not have found it. Food was good, wine was good and service was the best. It was not crowded at all and our waiter as well as the manager went out of their way to make sure we had a good time. Even customized the music! What more can you ask for!
(5)O.M. R.
Lets start from the top: First: the hostess welcomed us with a "what do u want" look, although we had a reservation at 6:00pm Second: she placed us next to the kitchen door although there were only two other tables occupied. Third: good bread and selection of oils Fourth: the egg drop soup was ok. I had better tho... Fifth: i had the duck (not good. No taste...) (2nd Fifth): my husband had the lobster ravioli... Which was 2 pieces for $18. :-| Sixth: tiramisu was dry. Strawberry was not ripe. SEVENTH: they didn't have the pork marsala(from the chefs specials menu), any beer left (only one corona left), the coconut tiramisu wasn't ready (i mean they opened at noon... What the heck?!?!) Eight: we had two servers. Which were very nice and knowledgeable ab the menu. Charge: $92. 110 w tip. Rip-off!!! Not worth it. Not going back.
(2)Brian H.
Expensive and good, I am a fan. Tucked back behind a cool art gallery, this place is about on it's 4th owner/operator in the past 15 years. But no place has been this good since the original Twilight Cafe was the tenant. Service was prompt and professional, with all the needed assistance and courtesy one could imagine. For apps, the salmon carpaccio with arugula, dressed with just olive oil, lemon and capers was tasty and elegant in presentation. My friend had a tender, marinated grilled octopus served over baby greens with gramolata. Two 4star starters. For an entree I had the pappardelle bolognese. Everyone makes their own bolognese differently; some are more meaty than tomato-y, some the opposite. This was more of the tomato taste over-taking the dish. Not much of the meat in the rich sauce either, and no where near as good as mine (mine is 5 star of course). The other entree ordered at the table was the special seared Chilean sea bass. This was fabulous, fresh, perfectly cooked, tender, served over risotto, which also had full flavors, perfect al dente. 5 stars all the way. Pricey, but no big deal, it's vacation, it's food, it's very good...it's worth it.
(4)L C.
This place is an excellent hidden gem that I am happy to have discovered. Everything we ate was delicious especialy the short ribs. The staff was also extremely accomodating and friendly. We arrived with 2 small children (not really a kids place) and the staff was very understanding and helpful. The kids behaved really well too :) the atmosphere was cozy and the lighting low, and there was an open kitchen,they were also playing really great music. I will definitely return.
(5)Carlos V.
This restaurant was highly recommended to me by a friend who lives on the island and is a real foody person. I would give this restaurant 4 stars maybe even 5, but the hostess and the wait staff were not very friendly. The food was very good, but the whole dinner was Ok because the "not so very friendly staff". The wine by the glass is very expensive, so if you are going to each get two glasses of wine, consider a reasonable bottle.
(3)Kait W.
Excellent food with impeccable service. In the 20 years we have been coming to the island, I can't believe it took us so long to find it! The pasta, lobster appetizer, Caprese salad, and cannolis were the best. We all those the cannoli was better than anything we have eaten in our travels to Italy! A definite must visit while on Sanibel- a hidden treasure!
(5)Mark B.
I read the Yelp reviews and decided to try it since there was a Groupon deal for $49 for $100 worth of food and I was staying in Sanibel for spring break with my wife and daughter. Upon arriving I first thought it was going to be a quaint quiet place to have dinner but was surprised that not too many cars were in the parking lot with it being the week after Easter. Upon entering the restaurant , it was not very busy and was very loud since it was so small with perhaps 10-15 tables in the whole place ! No one greeted us as we arrived and I had to ask for the hostess. We started out with some spinach egg drop soup which was very bland with no flavor and even adding Parmesan cheese to it didn't help. A tempura type lobster appetizer with tomatoes and balsamic glaze was next. The lobster was overcooked and rubbery. My wife and daughter ordered mushroom ravioli and chicken florentine and both said their meals were very bland. I tried both their sauces and had to agree. I had beef short ribs and potato gnocchi. Both were good but Again a very bland tomato sauce they put over it tasted like bland tomato paste. The cooks need to use some garlic and italian spices for sure ! We were so disappointed we didn't finish our meals and ordered a pizza to take home from to Sanibel grill a few doors down..
(1)Debbie M.
Ehh! We live here and really loved this place. We have been here twice in 2015 and both times were mediocre. However, the worst is the waiter, Joe. Last trip he spilled the water down my back, this time it was just all around poor service. I wonder if the owners have changed? I saw bad results here and Trip Advisor all mentioning the same guy. He has no refinement and his skill level would be better at Burger King. I do not want to spend this kind of money, deal with the noise level and get poor service. Either train him or fire him.
(3)Gail A.
Best food on the island. Always delicious never disappoints! Had the strachetelli tonight and I know I will be craving it till we get back next year. Pork chop Marsala was equally delious. We just love this restaurant !! If we could give moe than 5 stars we would
(5)Damien A.
My wife and I went to this place using a Groupon for our anniversary. I ordered Lamb and she had the duck confit. The food was ok, what ruined it was the underlying flavor that the food had. It had this weird aftertaste. I thought it was me but my wife brought it up. I'm pretty sure that they use the tap water for cooking (I know it's hard not to), but the problem is that florida water tastes nasty. Sad. Also, in regards to the Groupon, we used our Groupon and were fine. We made the budget and were good to leave. At that point our waiter tells us that we have money left over on the groupon and that we had to use it. I ended up getting a dessert. Don't know how, but when we were done we left and went to our car only to have our waiter chase us down because we didn't pay. Are you kidding me!?!? How do I owe $20 dollars after I had money left over. Dishonest and not cool. Last time we go there.
(2)Rachel M.
I must make Il Tesoro a 5 star without a doubt. We came back because we had compared our last dinner which we did not care for to Il Tesoro. This time we ordered two different menu items, Veal Marsala and Fettucine Alfredo with Italian sausage and instead of shrimp, it was chicken. They were really out of this world. I was not sure if I had veal before. It had been a long while. I was afraid if it would taste strong, gamey, or different. It was not like that at all whatsoever. We had a chicken marsala the night before somewhere else. It could not compare whatsoever to the amazing taste and quality at Il Tesoro. The fettucine alfredo was great too. Yes, you can get that anywhere but you can tell the taste difference here. It was definitely elevated for sure. We had a different waitress which we had met the night before, and had the same wonderful very nice owner/hostess. They were very happy that we stopped by again. It is really an honor I feel to find a place that treats you wonderfully, a place that is cute, quaint, and the food is out of this world. This is our new favorite place to eat in Sanibel. Make sure you come here, and see how amazing they are, and also have a cannoli at the end. We never order that, and tried it, and it was very wonderfully tasty.
(5)Ron C.
For starters, I am very stingy in giving out 5 stars to any restaurant. But IL Tesoro is definitely special. What appears to be a converted cottage makes for a real quaint ambiance. We were greeted by a lovely hostess and then provided with great service. This made for a wonderful experience when I had dinner here a couple of weeks ago. I had clams & mussels over linguine which was just outstanding. The pasta was cooked perfectly.....al dente and the seafood tasted real fresh and expertly prepared. Can't wait to return for a repeat performance!
(5)Amy A.
It was difficult to enjoy the quaint atmosphere of Il Tesoro after discovering a piece of plastic the length of my hand at the bottom of my salad. From there what should have lead to a sincere apology was followed only by the question of whether I would like a second salad. The unprofessionalism of the entire wait staff truly put a damper on the evening. Although the salad was compensated at the end of the meal I couldn't help but feel that the situation was seriously mishandled. Even more, the wait staff acted like we were making a large deal out of a "run of the mill" occurrence. I would not suggest this restaurant on principle. The food is mediocre and the grossly sub par service does not merit a second visit. For diners interested in a nice meal I would suggest Mad Hatter or Sanibel Steakhouse.
(1)miho L.
All in all a little disappointing but not that we wanted it to be. The place is tucked away on Tarpon Bay on Sanibel Island. Plenty of character to it inside. Staff was cordial and service was fine. I had a veal dish in a dark cream-based sauce that was pretty good. Wife had a shrimp and pasta dish that was just plain bland. I mean really just plain bland. Very strange. You can't have that for the prices on their menu. This is the kind of place you walk into and cheer for, you really want to enjoy it, it just didn't work out for us. Happy to see other great reviews.
(2)John D.
BEST RESTAURANT ON SANIBEL - 4 1/2 stars That may not be saying a lot, because indeed, the island is not known for having good restaurants. Most of them are primed for the slick & quick tourist trade with people wandering in wearing shorts & t-shirts and with small children. This place is a bit more sophisticated, though, and the food is outstanding. They have VERY limited wines by the glass - i.e., one red and one white, so like most diners here we bought a bottle and took home what (small portion) we couldn't finish. We started with the Calamari Fritti - it was fresh and very tasty. For dinner, we had the Fettucine Norcina (a fettucine in a creamy parmigiano sauce with black truffles) and the Scaloppine Limone (a veal sauteed in white wine & lemon sauce with fresh vegetables). We shared and thought both were excellent. The fettucine was nicely al dente. It's a bit pricey here, so be prepared for that. When you've saved up some money plus an extra six bucks for the toll, this place is perfect for a special evening out. Food - 5 STARS Ambiance - 5 STARS Service - 4 STARS Value - 4 STARS
(5)Alex M.
Was very enthused to try this restaurant after reviewing the menu. Was thinking due to price points, the decor would be better than the awful cheap paint by number art, worn wooden Cosco chairs, dirty tiled floor, paint chipping from walls and kitchen doors etc. Yes, in Sanibel, an island vibe can and should exist, but waiters reaching over you to serve, fingering your plates, serving on top of you instead of the side, giving you cans of ginger ale or soda at the table, dirty utensils, finger printed dirty glasses, I could go on and on. Disgraceful. Also we were seated at a three person table 5 inches away from the kitchen door that showed us a dirty kitchen to remind us that an $30 entree is being mishandled and eagerly awaits the Health Department to shut it down. Steve, the waiter, needs a bit more etiquette schooling, dont appreciate seeing you wiping your mouth with the same rag you carry around and hand us our plates. Joleen the manager, ungracious, clueless...and the hostess, well she sat us at a 3 person table when there were only 2 other tables filled. Shall I go on now about the food? Overcooked pasta, mealy butternut squash soup. SHame on you Il Tesoro, I tried to speak to the manager, and she just went mum. Good luck.
(1)Sharon S.
What a charming restaurant. Funky, relaxed yet romantic atmosphere. Tiny space tucked behind a great local artist cooperative. We split a small simple salad while we waited for our delicious entrees. My husband had a seafood mixture of lobster, shrimp, grouper, maybe some bass and scallops over squid fettucine...black with ink. Totally delicious. I had lobster ravioli with a sage butter sauce. We had a lemon tart with pine nuts and a key lime tiramisu...probably would not order that again. Excellent bottle of Jermann pinot grigio. Liza, our server, was very good and had an engaging personality. Tiny place. Must reserve at this time of the year. They had an antipasto display as we walked in. We will definitely get that next time.
(5)Marci D.
This was a seriously delicious authentic Italian meal. Our server Stephen couldn't have been nicer or more attentive and made excellent recommendations. Skip the crowded over-priced restaurants on Sanibel that offer up the same greasy fried food and stop at this hidden gem. We'll definitely be back next time we're on the island.
(5)Everett S.
Great Italian food! i've eaten italian from all over the country and this holds up to the rest, although not the quality of the infamous North End of Boston, but you are not on Sanibel and Captiva for the food. We had the lobster ravioli as an appetizer which was served in this great brown butter cream sauce. For my main I had the bucatini with cherry tomatoes and bacon. The noodles were not overcooked and the sauce was flavorful and a tad bit spicy. The rest of my family ordered the lamb, gnocchi, and linguine with truffle sauce. They all enjoyed their food. In my opinion, this is the best food in the Captiva/Sanibel area. Prices are not too bad unless you order off the specials. (Nearly all of them were twice the price of the main menu items) Excellent staff too. I will definitely return if I am ever in the area.
(4)Juan U.
Food like art speaks for itself. As you have requested I have removed my negative review. I did eat at your restaurant on 7/30/2010. I found my American Express receipt and emailed Yelp about it. If Yelp works at all, it is to give feedback to establishment so they can improve and excel. I hope you do on both counts. I wish you the best of luck.
(1)David P.
The food is very good. The food is not worth the price though. Chef is not consistent. Several months ago the food was much better. Worth a visit. Just watch the cost. Much better than Mezzaluna down the street.
(3)Leigh Anne B.
Great homemade desserts!
(5)Ben T.
excellent ambiance, food and service. I doesn't get much better for a great meal with close friends, family, a date, etc.... the only reason I didn't give 5 stars was that the 3 people I was with were served a ridiculously small portion of food on the $18 "half" portion that they ordered. As the guy paying to take out my parents and girlfriend, I felt bad for them and they were all eye-ing my meal pretty quickly. Lucky for them, I had an ample amount and was happy to share.
(4)Alexander C.
My wife and I had the pleasure of dining at Il Tesoro and we were very pleased with the entire experience. The hostess was very kind and welcoming and our waiter was both accommodating and helpful. We were able to have our dishes made to order, adjusting the ingredients to suit our dietary needs. This was a major plus! The wine selection was impressive, the home made bread was warm, soft and delicious and the dishes we ordered were impressive. I ordered the Carciofi alla Giudea Antipasto and we split that as an appetizer. Then we each customized a pasta to our liking. Everything was served quickly, but also freshly made by the chef as we waited. For the quality of the food and the presentation, we found the prices to be quite reasonable. All in all I think Il Tesoro deserves 5/5 stars and we plan to re-visit this establishment next time we're on Sanibel Island.
(5)Christine L.
We came down to Sanibel for a short 4 night vacation. We planned on finding a nice restaurant to go to for at least one of the nights. We did some research, asked a few locals there opinions and decided on Il Tesoro's. We made a reservation and had a short wait, the aromas outside had us excited for the meal. We were seated about 10 minutes later and we got our first experience with our waiter. The short version of this story is, the food was very good but the our waiter was horrible! He was a tall skinny man with dark hair and seemed to be irritated with us for some reason. He was not pleasant at all and when we left the restaurant he about ran us over with his scooter in the parking lot! We certainly will not go back!
(2)Peter S.
The food was outstanding and the service and atmosphere was impressive as well. The pasta portions could have been larger for the price. I would definetly recommend this to my friends! See you in NYC someday soon.
(4)Tom B.
Great food great service great place!!! We had the filet tips and my wife had a chicken dish with tomatoes and mushrooms. Excellent we will come back!
(4)David G.
The last place I would expect to have a five-star Italian experience would be Sanibel Island, but Il Tesoro delivers just that. Creative, classic and rustic yet each dish delivered with an interesting spin that lifts the eyebrow and brings a smile. Some of the choices are bright and engaging others just plain soul satisfying. Start with the Antipasto del Giorno, make sure to get a pasta or two for the table, then find a way to decide between lamb shank, the duck or any of the veal dishes. Expensive? You bet. Worth it? Unquestionably. High-end ingredients, lots of flair in the cooking and presentation, very polished and guiding service. This place delivers quite an experience.
(5)Jeff B.
This restaurant is my favorite on the island. I suggest you start with letting your waiter put together an antipasti and go from there. Reservations are a must and even then you may have to wait, but there is always the Tower Gallery to browse in!
(5)Ed S.
Everything was great. Food was top notch, service was wonderful. No idea why the ratings are not higher.
(5)Robert B.
Excellent food! Very small restaurant, so reservations a must. 5 stars, highly highly recommended to all.
(5)P S.
My wife and I made a last minute decision to visit El Tesoro for dinner. Service was quite poor. Salads were well chilled and fresh. My glass of wine was promptly replaced after I pointed out leftover food on the inside of the glass ... yuk! My wife had a dramatically over-cooked veal saltimbocca that just could not be eaten. My bolognese was fair but far from classic bolognese. The server offered to replace the uneatable veal with something else but my wife was well over this place. Won't be back and suggest you not make the same mistake we did.
(2)Christina H.
Excellent service, awesome food, and nice atmosphere. Great for a cozy date night. The meatballs and the bacon/cheese chicken were both excellent. Can't wait for tomorrow night, so I can have my leftovers! :) Hope to visit again soon.
(5)jim S.
Oh the stories. If you know someone who lives on Sanibel you've heard about Il Tesoro, the service, the prices, the food, actually the place usually received a, "the food is good but...". Finally, after two years of stories, my family went to visit my folks at their place on Sanibel. Just one catch, they didn't show. Something about surgery and the doctor said flying was out of the question. Good news is everyone is fine and we got the house, and the island, all to ourselves. First priority, eat at this place we've heard so much about. First we picked up a paper menu to check it out. The food looked fine, but it was what was written on the bottom, "shared plate charge", that caught my eye. I can't remember the amount but it was in line with the attitude that had been described to us over the years. Perfect, we thought, this is going to be one hell of a show. The show was a bit of a let down. The service was very good. Even the woman who sat us, who looked like she could've provided us with some Il Tesoro attitude, was very friendly. Bummer. "What about the food?", you ask. The food is fine. Yes, the food on Sanibel is lousy, but should we lay down Manhattan prices for red checkered table cloth Italian because you want to pretend that you're on vacation in Tuscany? No! Have another grouper b.l.t. and remember you didn't come to Sanibel for the food, you came to relax, get away from it all, drink one too many beers, and find a sand-dollar. The carpaccio was fair, nothing out of this world, The meatballs were good, the sauce was very good, as was the sauce for the fried calamari. The calamari itself was bland. The pastas were very good, although when I asked if they were made in house the waiter wasn't able to give me a straight answer. Our kids each had a different veal dish. They were acceptable but more akin to a basic Italian restaurant, not fine dining. The bread was laughable. Our waiter said, "I saw a fresh batch of bread coming out of the oven, I will be right back with some", no joke, that's what he said. He brought back a basket of prefab, institutional rolls. We all looked at each other and laughed, he tried to fool us. They do some things at this place that come across as tricks to make a buck. The specials start at $50. The menu items top out in the $30 range. The limited, one red one white, wines by the glass is out of date and forces diners to order a bottle. The charge for a shared plate is absurd. Split plates deserve a charge, but I have never run across a shared plate charge. Oh yeh, chipped plates, too cramped, and cheap chairs. Sorry, I wanted to like it, but I won't be back.
(2)Ang R.
Four and a half stars, solidly. Some of the best food I've eaten, period, and for Florida, I think it's pretty remarkable. I started with a salad, and the dressing was interesting--a creamy tomato. It really elevated a pretty simple salad. I had a special as my main, the Chilean Sea Bass ala Toscano, and it was excellent. I have never had such well-cooked and tasty artichoke hearts and mushrooms. The mushrooms were swoon-er-ific. Insane. (The mushrooms on my salad were also very tasty, so this place might just have a way with mushrooms.) I will say, the prices are a tad high, but I won't dock a place with 10 or so tables, massively delicious food and a location in what is essentially a tourist town and rich person's home island. It's worth it. You're paying for the location, too, so if you don't want to, leave Sanibel and go eat in Fort Myers. But I highly recommend Il Tesoro. Really, really good.
(4)Janet A.
We had very pleasant experience at Il Tesoro. Four of us each ordered a different pasta, and all were vey good. The wine list was limited, but our bottle of Chianti was excellent.
(4)Maida K.
The restaurant is small and gives you a warm feeling. The kitchen is open which I always love because it tells me they have nothing to hide. The service was prompt and attentive without being invasive. We started with the grilled calamari salad which was just okay, nothing special. But then we had lobster ravioli and sea bass Tesoro style. They were both outstanding. The ravioli were rich and filling. The sauce for the sea bass had artichokes and sun dried tomatoes with a lemon, wine sauce. It was superb. Definitely worth another trip.
(4)Andrew M.
The pasta was quite good, the antipasto was good. But the specials were not that great and the price was unbelievable... nearly enough to make you sick ($60 for a fish dish with some steamed vegetables). The specials were too expensive and not worth it; stick to the regular menu if you go and get the pasta (it's really good... I enjoyed the pasta with eggplant, tomato, and ricotta). Bill came to over $100/person.
(2)Yvonne M.
Very small restaurant but wonderful cozy ambience. Don't even think about it without a reservation in peak season. We had the calamari, antipasti and caprese (delicious) followed by the Grouper Livornese, lobster ravioli, and bolognese....all wonderful. Canolis to die for. Great service too - very knowledgeable about the menu. Our kids are 14 and loved it. Younger kids would neither appreciate it nor add to the ambience!
(5)Pamela H.
Wanted to like this place since the menu sounded delish and creative. Was greeted warmly by the hostess/owner. Service began with wonderfully warm bread and oil. The grilled calamari salad was tasty and a good start. The oven roasted Duck, as presented on the menu, was actually medallions of duck breast drenched in the port wine reduction and not specified on menu-laced with truffle oil..it was a muddled mess. My date ordered the entree special of black squid linguine and seafood and ended up with another order of plain pasta with tomato sauce and seafood. Server responded with "we're out of the squid ink pasta but it's basically the same thing" instead of allowing the customer to decide on another choice. Also finding out later that we were charged for the higher priced pasta dish that wasn't received secured the fact we won't be re-visiting or recommending. (Date was so angry at that point he just wanted to leave and not ruin the rest of the evening). Recommend tweaking the menu with more precise, detailed descriptions and explain to staff that patrons should choose dinner replacements.
(2)marian g.
Came here for my husbands 60th birthday with my adult kids. This place did not disappoint. We had to wait a bit for our reservation but nothing too long (15 mins). We were a party of 5 this is a small place geared for parties no greater than 4 but they were able to accommodate us I started with the meatballs with spicy tomato sauce Just a slight kick. Other starters ordered was a caprese salad, the tomatoes were bright in color but in January you can't rave about the taste and the cheese was not plenitful, but the calamari was delicate and lightly fried yummy For entrees the Osso Busco was tender. I had the risotto with saffron and seafood it came with 2small lobster tails, lots of clams, mussels and calamari and pieces of grouper. Far more than I could finish (which made for a delicious lunch. The gnocchi with duck confit was a little heavy. I expected the pasta to be a little lighter and tender but the pasta with bacon seemed adequate. We ordered a delicious Barolo which was smooth but at a fine dining establishment you need to expect to pay a high mark up for a fine wine. We knew what we were ordering. Since it was a special occasion they threw in a wonderful piece of tiramisu which finished the meal with the right amount of sweet and so light it made the evenings meal perfect I am excited about trying this establishment in NYC to see how it compares with Sanibel When I come back here I'll be back
(5)Mike B.
Awful. Just awful food and a big bad attitude. Never again. So many nice choices on Sanibel. Skip this dump. Mike
(1)Donna B.
I fully appreciate made-to-order, authentic, delicious food...and that is what we received, but the amount we received and the price we paid was preposterous. I am from Chicago and have traveled the world and dined at some of the finest restaurants. I am all for paying for great food...but the cost should reflect the portion, the location, the ambiance and the service. I do understand the costs involved with some restaurants regarding location and ambiance--this cannot be the excuse in this flip flop, beach, vacation town. And there was no ambiance....I sat at a table by the kitchen and was brushed numerous times as waiters walked by. It was loud, too. But the clincher came when the waiter added on a 20% tip. I understand that sometimes foreigners do not realize that in the States we tip...and standard is 15% to 20%. I believe in tipping for great service...great food helps, but that is not usually the waiters fault. I often tip 50% at breakfast, because that waiter is running around like crazy and the bill is small....but when our (me and my husband) bill at il Tesoro was more than $150, and we were actually feeling rushed to leave so they could turn over the table (we were sitting for only about an hour), I am sorry, I don't give 20%. The waiter deserved 15% before tax and booze. Shame on this restaurant for taking advantage of its customers. Old Captiva House remains the best fine-dining experience on the two islands. Il Tesoro can learn a few things from Old Captiva House. They have it all.
(1)Scott P.
Cute little place and certainly the quality of their food is much better than some of the other tourist traps we've been to on Sanibel. The bad: Our server really was not very friendly and the carpaccio appetizer was so covered in lemon juice that we could not taste the meat. This was a particular shame because the beef looked beautiful and the parmesan was very nice. Also, no liquor license so beer and wine is it. The good: The penne ala vodka my wife ordered was very good. I ordered one of the specials 'Grouper Livorgnese' (maybe I didnt mangle that name too bad). The grouper and the vegetables were both delicious (which was great since the dish was $40). I imagine we'll be back, but I hope there is more personable service next time.
(3)Nanette D.
My husband and I discovered this charming little spot while on a birthday bike ride. We had been cruising up to restaurant doors, checking out the menus, when we came to Il Tesoro. I knew I had found our spot once I read the words "funghi" and "homemade pasta." Although we felt a little underdressed in our swimsuits and casual wear, we sat down to a truly memorable meal. (Most island spots are so casual that you can get away with this in a pinch.) And what we noticed quickly was that everyone at surrounding tables talked about how amazing their dishes were. Even simple dishes like caesar salad and bruschetta wowed us. Now this is the spot that we head for birthdays and anniversaries. Delicious, fantastic service, and situated on one of the most beautiful islands to boot.
(5)Robert D.
If you only have one evening out in Sanibel or Captiva (sans kids), make sure that you make a reservation for a dinner at Il Tesoro. Without question, this is the best restaurant on either island - the Italian food is as good as any I have enjoyed anywhere. The chef is quite adept at making his dishes sing - the fresh pasta is treated with a ridiculous amount of respect. The polenta appetizer was good, but the pasta is clearly the reason to go to Il Tesoro. There is a good range to choose from - the fettucine alfredo with black truffles is amazing (I usually prefer a tomato or oil based sauce, but I am a sucker for real truffles) - not too overpowering with real Italian black truffles. We will absolutely make this the date spot when we return to Sanibel - do not miss this gem!
(5)Kera R.
We agree with the criticism of this Il Tesoro. Wish we'd have checked the reviews more carefully before going. We were urged to order one of the specials of the evening. I didn't but my husband did. We assumed it would a hefty price like most of the entrees of about $30 - $35, but were absolutely shocked when the check arrived to find the special was $55. Ouch! (Yes, we should have asked, but who would have dreamed such an outrageous charge?) Service was pretentious, food was barely OK, but way too salty. Our check for two with 1 glass of wine each, tax, and tip was over $125. Not a good value for such mediocre food. The only sore spot in our whole wonderful vacation on Sanibel Island.
(1)Maris p.
after making a reservation, we were greeted graciously at the door, delving into a charming immersion of italian cuisine. the atmosphere is close & cozy while retaining a charming, cultural sophistication. the service is hospitable, the waiters extremely knowledgable & the food simply melt in your mouth ASTOUNDING! the prices are high but it is extremely worth it. you will not regret a visit to this lovely ristorante.
(5)