`Casa Mia Italian Steakhouse-Marco Island`

This place sits within the Lakeside Inn, which is a quaint, out of the way place on Marco Island. It's the site of the old Sushi Blues and Steak that I really liked, but closed more than a year ago. It's off the beaten track away from Collier Blvd., San Marco and Bald Eagle, where most of the notorious restaurants sit. In order to draw customers it needs to be special. So far, it's not. Let me preface my further comments by saying they've only been open for a week or so. We went on a Sunday night. We were two of maybe a dozen people in the place. No specials tonight. The main reason I went is I was looking for an alternative to Tara's, the only other restaurant on the island billed as a steak house. I don't mind paying for a good steak, but the price at Tara's just irks me. It's OK, but not the top shelf I'm used to for that price and I'm tired of their half cooked fries. But back to Casa Mia. A steak house with two steak choices. A filet and something else. The porterhouse I was hoping for was nowhere in site. So we ordered a $39 bottle of Pinot Grigio. Warm. No ice bucket offered either. The wife had a shrimp cocktail. Warm. Don't know about you, but I like my white wine cold, as well as my shrimp cocktail. Of course the butter served with the couple of rolls in the bread basket was cold enough to need a chain saw to cut through it. So on to dinner. Well, first we had to ask for napkins. The wife ordered a salad which included rare tuna. After ordering the server came back to ask if she wanted chicken with it. ???? She asked for dressing on the side. After being served, a few minutes later I had to ask for the dressing. I had the Osso Bucco. It was good, but not as tender as I've had elsewhere in the past. But really, not bad. The tomato (chopped tomatoes) sauce was heavily laden with orange zest. I can't stand that. i know it's a matter of taste, but I can't stand Swiss chocolates either with the citrus flavors. Just not for me. Interestingly, they had something that I think was called a five sauce pasta plate, which included a bolognese sauce, among four other sauces within a single meal. Yet the bolognese wasn't offered on any other pasta dishes. ???? I was rooting for these new folks to do well, but I'm sure you can tell I have my doubts. When I was working I had the benefit of travelling the country (and a good part of the world), and dining at places the locals thought were the best. I have a sense of what it takes to make a restaurant work and last. I can appreciate something as a good burger and fries, or something much more upscale such as seafood at Le Bernardin. But this experience was a disappointment. I usually give a place a second chance. We'll see.

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Casa Mia Italian Steakhouse

155 First Avenue
off of Marco Lake Drive inside Marco Lakeside Inn
Marco Island, Fl 34145

owners: Marie and Tony Brock

Phone: 239-642-5253
Fax: 239 642 0872

Contact Us

"By far the Best restaurant on Marco Island. Great food and lots of it. Prices are more than reasonable. I had the Osso Buco and it was filled with flavor and lots of sauce. Waiter was very attentive and polite. Didn't have to wait for him to show up when we needed something. He was already there. The desserts were delicious, (we had 4) and made by the owner. Fresh"

1stmakearoux Feb 16, 2009 05:26AM
That is too bad! I agree about Tara although we always go when we're on the island. I don't understand how one starts a restaurant and doesn't cover the basics. Very frustrating to say the least.

Linda VH Feb 16, 2009 06:19AM
My family and I had the pleasure of dining at Casa Mia steakhouse last night and we loved it. After reading the above "review", I will say I had my doubts, but we decided to try them anyway since the reviewer points out they had only been open a few weeks when he tried them and I believe that places sometimes need a few weeks to "work the kinks out". Well, we were pleasantly suprised at both the quality of the food and the professionalism of thre service. My mother and I both ordered the five pasta plate and it was delicious and very unique. A huge dish with five different pastas and sauces, all were piping hot and flavorful. My father had veal and said it was tender and my husband had a steak (not sure which kind) which he said was cooked perfectly. The owner/hostess was so lovely and sweet and she even saved a piece of lemon merengue pie when she discovered it was my father's absolute favorite. I wish the owners of casa mia much luck and will be back soon as it is a fresh and nice addition to the Marco Island dining "circuit".

snwbrds Mar 29, 2009 09:17AM
re: snwbrds

I, too, don't understand the "review" appearing first above. I don't understand how anyone could presume to review a restaurant open for only one week, unless he/she had an axe to grind. My visit, after Casa Mia was open for 2 1/2 months, was completely delightful. We visited on a Tues. night and found the dining room very busy. I thoroughly enjoyed their signature five pasta dish while my companion loved his perfectly grilled steak! While we found the portions too generous to leave room for dessert, we did observe departing diners lusting over the spectacular dessert cart. Servers were attentive and efficient, and the hostess/owner was a delight!

hoot Apr 24, 2009 06:44PM

Editor: What a great article---made my mouth water (at 8 a.m. when I am not normally hungry). As a result, I intend to try out this new restaurant. There have been several restaurants at this location over the years, which as described, is beautiful so I wish our new entreprenuers all the best. All of us need to support our local businesses, especially during the off-season. So, year-rounders, I pose a challenge to you to take advantage of the slower time (only a few hours for making a reservation as compared to a week, no parking problems, etc.) and keep our local entreprenuers in business. Chuck Kiester, City Councilor. May 10, 2009 after reading an article by the food critic of the Naples Daily News.

***********************************

Take Bald Eagle Drive to Marco Lake Drive. Continue along the Lake and make a right onto 1st Avenue. We are in the lobby of the beautiful Lakeside Inn.

***************

Marco Lakeside Inn is a quaint, nicely furnished Inn with one or two bedrooms plus kitchenette and living room area with two baths. There is a beach, a pool and patios. A great place for you or your guests.

239 394-1161

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-

Casa Mia: A must if you are on Marco! | See on TripAdvisor 5 Star Apr 18, 2010 gracielouny, ny Our first visit to Casa Mia was excellent! The food is excellent - very creative dishes and excellent sauce,

Try the Calamari Fra Diavlo as an appettizer to share with the table - you will not be

disappointed! We sat outside overlooking the very cute and quiet Marco Lake. The staff is very

attentive and very friendly. Desserts are homemade by owner Marie. Do not dismiss this place

because of the location - it is one of the best on the island! This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Food and hospitality to match! | See on TripAdvisor Apr 27, 2010 Nixon83, Sunbury 5 Star After searching for a family friendly exprience on Marco Island and coming in contact with with

some unwelcoming local restuarants we came to TripAdvisor.com . We found Casa Mia and had to go!

We called ahead to make reservations and to check if kids were welcome and they had zero

problems with that. Boy did they deliver. From the moment we walked in it was welcoming. Our

kids were giving coloring books and treated as little adults. Our wait staff were overly polite and

the owner herself was at our table most of the night. We got the quick history of how they came to

Marco and how the restuarant had become what it is. Now to the food....It was AMAZING! Everyone

of course ordered the steaks that are aged to perfection and cooked to perfection by the owner

himself. Boy does he know what he's doing. The decor was simple and inviting, but the focus must

be on what this couple and family is doing right with the restuarant and that is food and

hospitality. The prices would be considered a little high BUT WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY! We had a

party of 6 adults and 3 kids (under the age of 5). Not one of us was disappointed or hungry when

we left. Neither could we stop raving about the food all night. The home made ice cream and

desserts by the owner herself were next to none. We appreciate the exprience we had there and

will more than likely return when we come back, or later this week :). This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Food decent but overpriced for this type... | See on TripAdvisor

Casa Mia: Good food in a nice setting with very at... | See on TripAdvisor Traveler rating: Feb 25, 2010 Chelsea23Nyc, NYC 4 Star I haven't yet found a Marco Island restaurant where the food has stood out as some thing special.

Casa Mia hasn't changed my view. But when I compare it to other places we have eaten on the

Island, it does rank towards the top. Unlike too many places in a tourist town, it has a very

welcoming staff that actually seems to be pleased that you have decided to eat at their restaurant. I

would recommend it. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Great Food and reasonably priced | See on TripAdvisor

Traveler rating: Apr 9, 2010 judy23CliftonParkNY, clifton Park NY 5 Stars This restaurant is located inside the Marco Lakeside Inn Hotel. It is an Italian steak house and the

food is great.I started out with the Pasta Fagioli and it was delicious. I had the strip steak and it

was done to perfection. The owner hand cuts his own steaks and it was nice and thick.My husband

had the prime rib and it to was excellent.We ordered the carrot cake for desert and it was the best

i ever had. The deserts are made by the owner fresh every day. Although it is not on the ocean,it is

a must to try when visiting Marco Island This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Great Restaurant. One of the Best in Ma... | See on TripAdvisor

Traveler rating: Apr 22, 2010 MERL-7, RI 5 Stars This is truely one of the best restaurants on the island in regard to cusine. A little difficult to find

on 1st Avenue in Marco but worth it. The decore could use some updating particularly the chairs

but still worth the trip. Food was excellent. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Great food and personable wait staff. | See on TripAdvisor

Apr 9, 2010 WisconsinLion, Wisconsin 5 Stars The steaks are outstanding as well as the appetizers and other entrees. The desserts are great. We

first visit there and the delicious steaks (and desserts) we made it a point to return 3 times during

the month. We are now back on Marco Island and plan to dine at Casa Mia tonight. My mouth is

already watering thinking about the Filet!! We look forward to eating there several times during

our 6 weeks on Marco Island this year. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Hidden Gem | See on TripAdvisor

Nov 25, 2009 Westporttwo, Massachusetts Last evening we revisited Casa Mia with our family and were not disappointed. The location is a little

tricky to find for those not familiar with Marco Island, but is worth the effort. The seafood and

Italian dishes were excellent and the service impeccable. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Hidden gem on Marco | See on TripAdvisor

Apr 25, 2010 thepaintmaker, Cincinnati, OH 4 star I couldn't agree more with many of the recent reviews of Casa Mia in Marco Island. My wife and I

have been vactioning on the island for 20 years and have sampled the fare at nearly everey

restaiurant on the island. I must admit that if not for a tip at the bar sitting at Quinn's one night

and a check on Trip Advisor - we would have missed such a delightful dinner at Casa Mia. The food

was fantastic and the service was top notch. The location is a little out of the way and not in the

prettiest part of the island (I could definitely see this restaurant moving to a better location some

day). Ask your server if you can feed the turtles in Marco Lake - my wife did and thoroughly

enjoyed it as well! This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: casia mia - excelelnt | See on TripAdvisor

Sep 16, 2009 JOANIEA, NORTON, MA I went to Casa Mia in April 2009 - excellent food, service, etc. The owner Marie was very attentive

and gracious. Kept bringing out samples of food for us to try. Would highly recommend. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Reviewed by V. Antanasio on 04/30/2009 Rating:

Casa Mia Italian Steakhouse-Marco Island

4 Repl

re: snwbrds

hoot Apr 24, 2009 06:44PM

4 Repl

re: snwbrds

hoot Apr 24, 2009 06:44PM

See how everyone feels about Casa Mia Italian Steakhouse at

Closed until September 23rd.

Casa Mia Italian Steakhouse

`Take Bald Eagle Drive to Marco Lake Drive. Continue along the Lake and make a right onto 1st Avenue. We are in the lobby of the beautiful Lakeside Inn.`

`***************`

`Marco Lakeside Inn is a quaint, nicely furnished Inn with one or two bedrooms plus kitchenette and living room area with two baths. There is a beach, a pool and patios. A great place for you or your guests.`

`239 394-1161`

`http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-`

Casa Mia: A must if you are on Marco! | See on TripAdvisor 5 Star
Apr 18, 2010 gracielouny, ny
Our first visit to Casa Mia was excellent! The food is excellent - very creative dishes and excellent sauce,

because of the location - it is one of the best on the island!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Food and hospitality to match! | See on TripAdvisor

Apr 27, 2010 Nixon83, Sunbury 5 Star
`After searching for a family friendly exprience on Marco Island and coming in contact` with with

will more than likely return when we come back, or later this week :).
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Casa Mia: Good food in a nice setting with very at... | See on TripAdvisor
Traveler rating:
Feb 25, 2010 Chelsea23Nyc, NYC 4 Star
I haven't yet found a Marco Island restaurant where the food has stood out as some thing special.

would recommend it.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Traveler rating:
Apr 9, 2010 judy23CliftonParkNY, clifton Park NY 5 Stars
This restaurant is located inside the Marco Lakeside Inn Hotel. It is an Italian steak house and the

a must to try when visiting Marco Island
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Traveler rating:
Apr 22, 2010 MERL-7, RI 5 Stars
This is truely one of the best restaurants on the island in regard to cusine. A little difficult to find

but still worth the trip. Food was excellent.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Apr 9, 2010 WisconsinLion, Wisconsin 5 Stars
The steaks are outstanding as well as the appetizers and other entrees. The desserts are great. We

our 6 weeks on Marco Island this year.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Nov 25, 2009 Westporttwo, Massachusetts
Last evening we revisited Casa Mia with our family and were not disappointed. The location is a little

Italian dishes were excellent and the service impeccable.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Apr 25, 2010 thepaintmaker, Cincinnati, OH 4 star
I couldn't agree more with many of the recent reviews of Casa Mia in Marco Island. My wife and I

enjoyed it as well!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Sep 16, 2009 JOANIEA, NORTON, MA
I went to Casa Mia in April 2009 - excellent food, service, etc. The owner Marie was very attentive

and gracious. Kept bringing out samples of food for us to try. Would highly recommend.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

`Reviewed by V. Antanasio on 04/30/2009 Rating:`

`Casa Mia Italian Steakhouse-Marco Island`

`4 Repl`

`re:` `snwbrds`

`hoot` `Apr 24, 2009 06:44PM`

`4 Repl`

`re:` `snwbrds`

`hoot` `Apr 24, 2009 06:44PM`