MoZaic

Editor's pick

1377 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236

(941) 951-6272 Reserve now

http://mozaicsarasota.com/

Categories: Restaurant

Cuisine: Fine dining, Mediterranean, Seafood upscale

Features: Takeout

Cost range: 10.01-20.0

Payment options: Credit cards accepted

Alcohol: Beer and wine only

More in this neighborhood: Sarasota

MoZaic was on the horizon for ages, the promise of exciting French-Moroccan fare taunting locals for months before it actually opened. As with so many good things, it was worth the wait. Chef Dylan Elhajoui's vision is a stunning addition to the downtown scene. The restaurant itself houses a few tables downstairs and an intimate dining room above, all spare yet charming. Elhajoui and co-owner John Anderson have wisely decided to leave the lion's share of the drama to what arrives on the plates: Moist, flavorful duck leg confit on a puddle of risotto dotted with peas and ribbons of orange zest, or wide pappardelle crowded with fresh rock shrimp, fluffs of blue crab and perfectly seared scallops, all kissed with a bit of cream. It's an indulgent menu, surely, but one that lingers on exotic veggies (try the braised cardoons).