About Us
How We Became Popular Among Others ?

A Tradition In Authentic Italian Cooking!
We are the Zappaterreno Family and for more than 20 years we’ve owned, operated and crafted fresh comfort food our restaurant, Agriturismo La Mucca Ballerina in Rome, Italy. Chef Mario Zappaterreno and family’s latest outpost.
At an early age, Chef Mario learned from his grandmother that the true Italian dining experience is more than just the food, it’s the combination of a welcoming environment where fresh homemade pasta and mozzarella, hand-picked vegetables and the right seasoning ingredients welcomes friends with open arms. Our Italian farmhouse style in downtown Sarasota is a true taste of Rome! Transport yourself to a agriturismo villa in Rome for the evening and enjoy the warm atmosphere and welcoming service + truly authentic cuisine.
For this simple formula of creating the fresh and flavorful food we loved growing up, our restaurant in Rome is successful… and to which I know bring to our new home in Sarasota.
“La Mucca Ballerina” translates to “The Dancing Cow”, wich is also the name of our first restaurant & farm in Italy.
We decided on the name as a family…each of us suggested name on a sheet of paper, & one was drawn at random. Pur daughter Silvia (5 at the time) drew a cow in barn for her suggestion. When asked what the cow does when she leaves the barn, Silvia replied ” She dances!” With that, our name was born.
We are the Zappaterreno family. We moved from Parco del Veio, Italy, wich is located just a few miles from the center of Rome. We own the Agriturismo La Mucca Ballerina, where we serve delicious food in our restaurant, crafted with ingredient produced on our certified organic farm.
We look forward to bringing you some of the most traditional Italian dishes straight from our homeland.
- 100% ITALIAN FOOD
27
YEARS
EXPERIENCE
LA MUCCA BALLERINA
Your Italian Journey Starts Here:

Begin your gastronomic adventure with us. Reserve your table today and get ready to savor the flavors of Italy in the heart of America.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Our Customer's Reviews

ECCELLENTE In base a 751 recensioni Jaime Restrepo2025-02-02Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. Best italian pizza I’ve tried in this area Ann Marie Catania2025-02-01Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. My hairdresser was running behind, so I ventured out to get a quick to go bite around lunchtime. I came upon this restraunt, and was delighted with my choice. I ordered a Peroni while my Le Focacce was being prepared. I have traveled multiple times in Italy and was reminded of that feel while I waited. I saw other people enjoying pizzas, and overheard them raving about it. My sandwich was absolutely delicious! It's very large, by my standards, and I enjoyed half for lunch and the other half for dinner. I can't wait to go back and try more from their menu. Steve Jones2025-01-21Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. Since we were traveling I am going to post this, but if we lived in Sarasota, I would not because we simply don't want anyone else to know:) This is a rare gem of a restaurant with WONDERFUL authentic homemade Italian GREAT the likes of which you only get in Italy. A delicious and joyous family affair! Its a blessing Sarasotin's...mungia! Dylan L2025-01-15Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. Very local and authentic food, service and quality. We love going here. Tony Deliot2025-01-05Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. Très bonne cuisine italienne avec de très bon produits fait mains par un vrai cuisinier italien. Mariah S2025-01-04Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. Amazing pasta and Bruschetta! Market Masters LLC2025-01-01Trustindex verifica che la fonte originale della recensione sia Google. The host made the experience extremely comfortable, the place was crowded by their success. Waiters attentive to us all the time. Owner, reserve my comments. Food was fresh, home made and well-craft, maybe a little sour-less, but not something that can be a big deal, we were expecting explosion of flavors, not just plain experience.