Maximo's 1296 1st Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: 941-366-7744

7.8	Food Presentation Decor Service Value 7.5 8 8.5 7.5 7.5

Maximo's has recently closed.
Everything old is new again … such is the case with Maximo.

Originally located on Siesta Key, Maximo was a local favorite which closed a number of years ago.  Now, reopened in a charming old building, next door to the Sarasota Opera House, at 1296 1st St.  Maximo is serving fresh, flavorful fusion cuisine combining South African and Italian influences in a casually elegant setting.

South African cuisine tends to be bold in flavor and seasoning, often combining the freshest European and African elements in meat, seafood, and rice dishes.  The Italian influence is evident in the veal preparation and pasta options.  The menu works great for the adventuresome and even the more conservative eater.  In other words, there is a wide enough selection to please most.  The menu is broad, offering a range of appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, meat and seafood dishes.  Some items use traditional South African spices and flavors, while others offer Italian accents.

For our meals we chose the following: 

Ceuta:  Bread crumb-encrusted goat cheese rounds topped with roasted pepper and Dijon honey dressing.  $7.00
Very tasty, mustard-coated goat cheese rounds served over fresh, colorful salad greens.
Kudu Bresaola:  Thinly sliced kudu bresaola—one of South Africa’s antelope—dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, wrapped in goat cheese and served with arugula.  $13.00
A very colorful presentation, rich, flavorful, and tender … delightful.
Grilled Giant Prawns:  Marinated in aged balsamic olive oil, grilled and served with arugula and tomato.  $24.00
We have ordered this dish on 2 different occassions.  One time it was six large-sized prawns, moist and flavorful, served with polenta squares over fresh salad greens and tomatoes. Fabulous.  The other time it was six shrimp and a bit too salty. 
From the Potjie (traditional South African stew pot) – Durban Lamb: South African curry lamb stew served over yellow rice topped with kiwi and bananas.  $17.00
A sensory experience, beautiful, colorful presentation, sweet curry smell, tender “melt in your mouth” lamb in a flavorful yet not-too-spicy curry sauce.
Grouper Special:  Blackened grouper with a berbere (Ethiopian spice) tomato cream sauce.  $28.00
A very nicely seasoned fish, spicy, served with polenta, very flavorful. 

Maximo offers a full bar service and an ample variety of beer and wine to accompany your meal.  We found the wait staff to be very knowledgeable, attentive, friendly and efficient.

Looking for a new place to try? Perhaps try something a bit different from your standard restaurant menu?  Why not consider Maximo?  I think you will agree, the experience is a good one.

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Categories: Eclectic, Italian, Seafood
Styles: Lunch, Zone - Downtown

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