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Casami Italian Bistro: Bringing the Spirit of Italy to Downtown Sarasota

Our downtown is packed with restaurants, but many have a commercial vibe that leaves no lasting impression. Finding a place with a unique atmosphere where you feel a personal connection and genuine warmth is rare.


As a writer for Bohemian Sarasota, I’m always looking for unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary. I was happy to discover Casami Italian Bistro on Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota (www.casamibistro.com). From the moment I stepped inside, it felt like I was at home. Luigi Di Iorio, the bistro's owner, greeted me like an old friend; every detail in the space reflected care and authenticity. Visiting Casami Bistro feels like dining in a small Italian village, where hospitality comes naturally and you’re more than just a guest. 



Luigi’s journey to creating Casami Bistro is as inspiring as the dishes he serves. Originally from Casamicciola, a small town on the island of Ischia near Naples, Luigi came to Sarasota in 2017 after an earthquake forced him to close his restaurant. A friend invited him to help open a Neapolitan restaurant here, but Luigi found that the large-scale operation lacked the personal connection he craved. He knew he had to create something different. This realization led to the birth of "Casami," a name inspired by his hometown and rooted in the Italian phrase for "my house." The chef envisioned an intimate, warm space, like dining in his home. 


At Casami, guests are welcomed with five to six types of freshly baked bread paired with high-quality olive oils, setting the tone for a meal steeped in authenticity and tradition. The menu, which changes weekly, showcases the diversity of Italian regional cuisines, with dishes that highlight fresh, natural flavors and premium ingredients like Parmigiano-Reggiano aged 24–36 months from Parma. Luigi’s cooking blends his respect for tradition with a touch of innovation, and his desserts reflect this balance perfectly. While he serves classics like tiramisu, he adds twists, such as a limoncello cream variation. 


Beyond the food, Luigi’s dedication to hospitality is evident. He visits tables to share stories and traditions behind the dishes, ensuring each guest feels connected to the meal meaningfully. Luigi’s wife, Shatara, plays a vital role in creating this welcoming atmosphere, greeting each guest with a radiant smile and ensuring everyone feels personally cared for, adding to the charm and warmth that defines Casami.



The bistro operates with a thoughtful schedule: 

Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Dinner is available Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Casami offers an exceptional Aperitivo experience on Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. For just $25, guests can enjoy unlimited small plates, a glass of wine, or an Aperol Spritz accompanied by live music. This Italian tradition creates a lively, communal atmosphere. It reflects Luigi’s commitment to freshness, allowing him to creatively repurpose the week’s ingredients before crafting a new menu on Monday. For more info and photos, please click here.


Looking ahead, Luigi dreams of expanding while preserving the charm and intimacy that define Casami. His vision includes a larger, more luxurious restaurant and possibly working alongside his 12-year-old son in the future, who grew up cooking with him. Though life has presented challenges, Luigi’s passion for his craft and dedication to his guests shine through in every detail of Casami.


Casami Italian Bistro is more than just a restaurant—it reflects Luigi and Shatara’s shared love for authentic Italian cuisine and genuine hospitality. Every meal tells a story, and every visit feels like returning to a familiar and welcoming space.


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