Photo courtesy of Cafe Barbosso.

Leave the gun, take the cannoli—or tiramisu—and replace it with a paintbrush. Upon entry into Café Barbosso, you’ll wonder whether you’ve stumbled into a restaurant or Leonardo da Vinci’s atelier. The self-proclaimed “humble little Peasant Italian place” surrounds you with a mirage of locally produced artwork, depicting an exuberant gradient of hues from every corner, from painted portrayals of rural landscapes and abstract modern shapes, to portraits of iconic rock stars like Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. Observe in awe as the artists execute the work that brings the very walls to life, with every stroke right before your eyes, as you indulge in fine Italian cuisine.

Café Barbosso’s bona fide menu will make you feel like you’re right at home in Nonna’s kitchen, especially with Grandma’s Meatballs. Prepared as an antipasto, a pairing with pasta or cradled in a hero with fresh mozzarella and basil, this heartyhouse favorite will appease the most ravenous of carnivores, cooked with ricotta cheese for ultimate richness. An equally scrumptious, highly recommended appetizer is the Arancini Rice Balls, a unique approach to the grain packed with Bolognese meat, peas and mozzarella, topped with San Marzano marinara sauce. The crunchy, pan-fried exterior cracks open like a shell, revealing a toasty, chock-full center for a comfort food that’ll make you say “Mamma Mia!” The menu also serves up traditional classics like calamari and penne ala vodka, as well as pizza concoctions as creative as the canvases, such as fig, gorgonzola & mozzarella with organic honey and orange, and lamb kofta with coconut curry, cardamom yogurt, mint oil and mozzarella.

Pay a visit to Café Barbosso and kick back with European soul food and a glass of vino for dinner and a gallery show, among the brightest of Sarasota’s chefs and artists.

Photo courtesy of Cafe Barbosso.

Cafe Barbosso, 5501 Palmer Crossing Cir., Sarasota, 941-922-7999.