The Best Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida (and nearby)!
An hour south of Tampa, Florida, you’ll find Sarasota, the home to many unbelievable white sand beaches and several terrific restaurants, especially when it comes to seafood! After living in Sarasota for a little while during Logan’s residency rotations and then moving back in 2021, we always enjoy finding new favorite places to eat, so we decided to compile a list of the best restaurants in Sarasota, Bradenton, and other surrounding areas. So stop and enjoy all the delicious local dining options this amazing area has to offer!
The Best Fast Food Restaurants in Sarasota
PDQ
Alright, before you ask, PDQ stands for “People Dedicated to Quality.” Kind of cheesy, sure, but their food is great! PDQ blurs the lines between fast food and fast casual and has many locations all over Florida, including a few in the Sarasota area.
The owners wanted to create a fast-food restaurant that had quality ingredients you can feel good about feeding to your family. All sauces are made from scratch, and every chicken tender is hand-breaded. No freezing and cooking later, and you can taste the difference. You can even find a list of their partners on their website, so you know where they are getting their items from.
I think my favorite thing to order at PDQ is the Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich, which comes with waffle fries and a drink, or the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, which I think tastes better than the spicy chicken sandwich from another well-known chicken chain. You can also upgrade your drink to a milkshake if you wish! Logan and I like to share a peanut butter shake from time to time. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, their salads are great too!
Location: 5164 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota // MAP
Hot Chikn Kitchn
Looking for Nashville-style hot chicken in Sarasota? Then visit Hot Chikn Kitchn! Hot Chikn Kitchn has delicious fried chicken items like chicken sandwiches, tenders, chicken and waffles, wings, and chicken salads, to name a few. You can get any of their chicken smothered in one of the housemade sauces, from their mild base sauce to their medic extra hot sauce.
I love the chicken sandwich in the afterburner sauce, which is perfectly sweet and spicy. All of their chicken sandwiches come with a nice amount of coleslaw and pickles on a brioche bun, and if you get a meal you can enjoy some of their seasoned fries with the house “good sauce!”
Location: 2045 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota // MAP
Fire Tacos
Everywhere I live or travel to, I’m always on the lookout for good food trucks, and I was excited to find one of my favorites relatively close to where we live! Fire Tacos has several yummy dishes, including burritos, chimichangas, and of course, a variety of tacos. We always enjoy the chicken, shrimp, carne asada, and al pastor, and their birria tacos when we can manage to get some before they sell out. In addition to tacos, we occasionally order esquites, “corn in a cup”. It is perfect for sharing!
Location: 886 S Packinghouse Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Poppo’s Taqueria
Poppo’s Taqueria is a fast-casual restaurant that has tacos inspired by Mexican cuisine and street food from San Francisco’s Mission District. Everything is made to order (kind of like Chipotle) with fresh ingredients like ancho chicken, carnitas, Morita steak, tempeh, and a variety of vegetables. Even the tortillas are hand-pressed! If you like soda be sure to try one of their craft sodas or get a kombucha.
Location: 8471 Cooper Creek Blvd, Bradenton // MAP
Tijuana Flats
Another fast-casual restaurant we like in Sarasota is Tijuana Flats, which has Tex-Mex-type dishes and a wall of hot sauce perfect for those who want to add a little spice to their meal. We typically order the Tijuana Trio to share, which has chips, salsa, queso, and guacamole, aka the best of the best. Every time we eat here, I always kick myself that we don’t split an entree because I eat my weight in chips, and the entree portions are pretty massive. My favorites are the Taquitos, which are perfect for sharing, and the Burrito Bowl. I’ve ordered the burrito bowl with grilled shrimp, chicken, and vegetarian (just beans) before, and it’s great each way!
Location: 3404 Clark Rd, Sarasota // MAP (Multiple locations in Sarasota)
Publix Deli
Alright, so Floridians might either roll their eyes or be completely psyched about this addition, but I couldn’t NOT include getting a Publix sub sandwich aka “pub-sub” in this Sarasota restaurant guide because it’s a Florida staple! Of course, you can get a veggie, turkey, ham, or whatever your choice of lunch meat is for your pub sub but you can also get a fried chicken tender sandwich with buffalo sauce which always hits the spot. I love getting a pub sub and a Publix lemonade and taking it with me to the beach!
Morton’s Gourmet Market
Another grocery store deli option is Morton’s Gourmet Market which has been a Sarasota staple since 1969. While they are primarily a gourmet grocery store, it has great grab-and-go options for lunch like sandwiches, salads, and other sides but also a case with deli options like pasta salad, chicken salad, paninis, pizza, and more. Morton’s is another place that I enjoy going to for lunch items to take to the beach.
Location: 1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota // MAP
Spice Asian Market
Okay, ONE MORE grocery store recommendation that’s great for grabbing a quick lunch is Spice Asian Market. This is my go-to spot to grab homemade kimchi and other ingredients Logan and I use for cooking, but on Saturdays, they serve delicious Korean comfort foods like japchae, bulgogi bowls, bibimbop, and mandu in either vegan or pork options.
Location: 2212 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota // MAP
Looking for the best breakfast spots or brunch in Sarasota? We’ve got you covered here!
The Best Florida Casual Restaurants in Sarasota
When visiting Florida, you can’t skip out on dining at a Floridian seafood restaurant! Here are a few of our favorite casual Floridian restaurants in Sarasota.
Daiquiri Deck
Daiquiri Deck has an amazing happy hour and a large variety of seafood, but there are also many menu items for those who aren’t a fan of seafood. There are many locations around Sarasota, which also makes this hotspot convenient. If you want to visit a novelty restaurant, Daiquiri Deck is worth it!
Get one of their fish sandwiches, the blackened grouper is my personal favorite, and a variety of appetizers like coconut shrimp, nachos, and fried grouper fingers. As for drinks, you say? Our favorite daiquiris have been the banana slider, mango-lada, and voodoo love shake and if you go any day from 3-7pm you can get daiquiris half price!
Location: 1250 Stickney Point Rd, Siesta Key // MAP (A few other locations available)
Starfish Company
Located a little north of Sarasota, Starfish Company started as a wholesale fish market. Then it opened as a small, dockside restaurant serving the locally fresh-caught fish that is still sold in their market daily. The entree items are prepared simply – fried, grilled, blackened, or sautéed. I love the blackened Red Snapper or Grouper (Florida favorites) with a side of cheese grits or fries. Make sure you save room for a slice of their perfectly tart Key Lime Pie!
Note that Starfish Company is cash only, but there is an ATM at the restaurant if you need to get some cash.
Location: 12306 46th Ave W, Cortez // MAP
Walt’s Fish Market
Another favorite seafood restaurant of ours in Sarasota is Walt’s Fish Market. Walt’s is a longstanding restaurant and fish market that opened in 1918 with an interesting history! You’ll definitely want to read the full story. They live by the motto “the fish we sell today, slept in the Gulf last night,” so you’ll be getting some of the freshest fish in Sarasota at Walt’s!
Some of our favorites from their house specialties are the “Southern Comfort,” which is grouper and scallops with a chardonnay herb sauce, accompanied by a bacon potato hash and southern-style cornbread and the “Off the Hook Oscar” which is the freshest catch of the day paired with lump crab meat and a lemon buerre blanc sauce served with grilled asparagus and roasted red potatoes.
Location: 4144 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota // MAP
Owen’s Fish Camp
If you’ve ever been to Sarasota, you’ve probably heard of Owen’s Fish Camp. It is a well-established and well-known seafood restaurant near the downtown Sarasota area that features many Southern classics, fresh seafood, and a fabulous craft beer and wine collection. It’s usually our go-to when people come to visit!
They don’t take reservations, so no matter when you go, it’s going to be busy, so be prepared to wait – but it will be worth it! But if you want to try to beat the crowds, I suggest going right before they open at 4pm on a weekday and eating an early dinner.
For starters, get the Boiled Peanuts, Oysters Rockefeller, Hot Crab Dip, Maryland Spiced Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp, and/or the Mini Lobster Rolls – all of which are delicious!
For mains, the pan-fried lump crab cakes are some of the best we’ve ever had, the spicy jambalaya with shrimp, sausage, and chicken is terrific, and they always have such a nice selection of fresh-caught fish including scamp grouper and red snapper which comes with two of their specialty sides like cheesy grits, succotash, and spicy collard greens.
Location: 516 Burns Ct #7030, Sarasota // MAP
The Sandbar Restaurant
The Sandbar Restaurant is a bit of a drive from Sarasota, but it has one-of-a-kind beachfront dining with a gorgeous view of Anna Maria Island. This is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch spot while on the beach. One of my favorite menu items, the Silver Queen Salad, has sadly been removed, but they do have other menu items I love that remain, like the Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Blackened Fish Tacos, and Sautéed Crab Cakes. I also recommend ordering the Blackberry Lemonade from their drink menu. It’s super refreshing!
Location: 100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria // MAP
READ MORE: Fun Things to Do on Anna Maria Island
Gilligan’s Island Grill
Conveniently located near Siesta Key Beach, Gilligan’s is a fun Floridian-style restaurant and bar with live music and great food! It’s honestly the restaurant ambiance you probably think of when picturing a place to dine near the beaches of Florida.
Don’t miss the World-Famous Fries, which are everything you dreamed of. They have a variety of curly, crinkle, and regular fries. To be honest, I’ve considered just ordering the fries to-go because sometimes you just want it all. But I also really liked their fish tacos with mango salsa and coconut shrimp.
Location: 5253 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota // MAP
Captain Curt’s
You might be wondering why we’re adding yet another Florida-style bar restaurant to this list of the best restaurants in Sarasota and I’ll tell you, it’s because of the clam chowder. Captain Curt’s is well-known for its world-famous clam chowder and live music. Like Gilligan’s Island Grill, it is also located near Siesta Key Beach making it a great place to grab lunch or dinner after a day at the beach. In addition to their clam chowder, I recommend getting the Gulf Grouper Filets or Mahi Mahi fish tacos.
Location: 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Tommy Bahama Restaurant
Another restaurant conveniently located at St. Armands Circle is Tommy Bahama. While Tommy Bahama has a few locations, it still offers excellent dining and sweeping sunset views. We’ve gone for drinks, apps, and honestly, for their bread (no shame!). I enjoy their Happy Hour, which is daily from 3pm-6pm, and recommend the Coconut Shrimp, Seared Scallop Sliders, and any of their well-crafted cocktails. After dinner, stroll over to Lido Key Beach, which is within walking distance from the restaurant, and enjoy a cotton candy sunset.
Location: 465 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota // MAP
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
Holy buckets of seafood! Phillippi Creekis a casual oyster bar and seafood restaurant, but also boasts a great waterfront view (perfect for sunset!). Phillippi Creek is also one of the best Sarasota restaurants to accommodate larger parties and has you covered when it comes to their large menu. I like their crab cakes but don’t forget to ask about their specials, like the Seafood Boat, which is big enough for 2-3 people and comes with crab, lobster, shrimp, mussels, and a variety of other sides.
Location: 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota // MAP
Cha Cha Coconuts
Also down at St. Armands is Cha Cha Coconuts with dishes influenced by Floridian and Caribbean cuisines. Wind down on island time with one of their tropical cocktails while listening to nightly live music. While you relax, order some of their infamous coconut shrimp, fried grouper bites, conch fritters, Caribbean shrimp tostadas, or jerk chicken tacos with fried sweet plantains.
Location: 417 St Armands Cir, Sarasota // MAP
Kacey’s Seafood
Kacey’s Seafood may seem unassuming due to its strip mall location, but don’t let that stop you from stopping by for lunch or dinner! They have some of the best lobster bisque in Sarasota, and the shrimp tri,o which has a sampling of the three signature shrimp preparations. These include battered wasabi, fried coconut shrimp, and classic fried shrimp each paired with a dipping sauce. It can be hard to find crab cakes that are more crab and breading but Kacey’s pan-seared crab cakes are full of large crab pieces making it easy to add these to my recommendations list too!
Location: 4904 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota // MAP
READ MORE: Travel Guide: Sarasota Attractions
The Best Restaurants in Sarasota
J.R.’s Old Packinghouse Cafe
Another hole-in-the-wall favorite, J.R.’s Old Packinghouse has live music 6 days a week that will make you tap your feet. This fun, informal restaurant offers a blend of southern-style and Cuban-style food. Looking for something more basic? They’ve been named “best burger in Sarasota” before so that’s something to talk about too! Fan favorites include the Cuban or Basa Sandwiches, fillets, or any selection of appetizers.
Location: 987 S Packinghouse Rd, Sarasota // MAP
PigFish
PigFish has been a restaurant that we heard rumors about long before we dined there, and we were extremely excited to eat there once it opened. PigFish is a sustainable gastropub experience that is located in Calusa, which happens to be our favorite brewery in Sarasota. Grab a few beers and enjoy some bar fare like the white cheddar hushpuppies, Calusa beer cheese with soft pretzels, or the sausage platter for sharing.
For entrees, we have enjoyed a few of the handheld options like The Chicken with a cornflake breaded chicken breast with house buffalo, bacon, blue cheese dressing, lettuce, and house pickles on a homemade brioche bun. I also really enjoyed the black bean burger, which is a homemade black bean poblano patty with crispy Monterey jack cheese, avocado, arugula, jalapeno relish, and ranch on a potato bun.
Location: 5377 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie
Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie is one of my favorite places to eat in Sarasota for lunch. They have great lunch specials and a wonderful happy hour that lasts all day on Mondays & Tuesdays and from 2pm-6pm on Wednesdays-Fridays. One of my favorites to order for lunch is a half sandwich and soup or salad. I also recently had the Sante Fe Salad when I stopped by for lunch, and it was terrific! Although it’s a place I usually go for lunch, it’s also a great dinner spot with more filling options steak, ribs, fish, and chicken.
Location: 1917 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota // MAP (Another location in Lakewood Ranch)
Boca
Boca is not only one of my favorite places for brunch in Sarasota, but it’s also a great place to get lunch in downtown Sarasota! I love that it has a neighborhood brasserie vibe where you can enjoy the outdoor patio while enjoying lunch. A few menu items I recommend are the brie and apple flatbread, the Boca Cubano sandwich, or the Kaybee chicken sandwich, which both come with their delicious parmesan truffle fries!
Location: 19 S Lemon Ave, Sarasota // MAP
Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery
Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery has become one of my favorite lunch spots in Sarasota! They make all of their focaccia in-house with clean ingredients. You can purchase one of the delicious focaccia flavors like jalapeno, Pomodoro, or my favorite, whatever they have for the loaf of the month.
But you can also get one of the signature sandwiches, which are made with their classic focaccia, and you can order a half or whole sandwich. Some of our favorite sandwiches have been the prime rib, Formaggio, artichoke, and the Italian. I also love to see what they have for their sandwich of the month.
To accompany your sandwich, we’ve also enjoyed their tomato bisque soup and once they had a monthly special, beer cheese soup that was delicious. The salads are great too! Last, grab some of their homemade basil lemonade from the cooler.
Location: 2300 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34239 // MAP
Yoder’s Restaurant
Like Der Dutchman, we have enjoyed visiting Yoder’s Restaurant a few times for dinner, but especially for their famous Peanut Butter Pie. Logan’s grandma loved this pie so much over the years that she coaxed the ingredients out of them and perfected it herself. HAHA! At this best restaurant in Sarasota, you’ll find a terrific casual spot with Amish comfort food like their famous fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, and of course, don’t leave without getting a slab of the peanut butter pie.
Location: 3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota // MAP
Tikka Indian Cuisine
Tikka Indian Cuisine is located just south of Sarasota in Venice, but don’t let a short drive away stop you from dining here. It’s worth the short trek! Tikka Indian Cuisine features a wide variety of authentic Indian cuisine full of delicious flavors and spices. When you first arrive, you’ll be served complimentary papadam with various chutneys, including mint, tamarind, and onion.
For entrees, we love the Tandoori Chicken which is chicken marinated in yogurt, spices, and herbs then cooked in a tandoor oven and served on a bed of onions and peppers with Tikka sauce on the side. The chicken is so tender and tasty! We also usually order a curry dish to share and the Chicken Korma is one of our favorites. It is a mild, creamy almond and cashew curry with nutmeg, coriander, and cumin and served with basmati rice. If you want more heat, they’re always happy to make it spicier if you ask when ordering (I do this a lot!). Of course, we also have to order some naan on the side to enjoy with our curry. My favorites are the traditional and garlic naan.
If you have room for dessert, try the gulab jamun pie which is a combination of two different desserts. Gulab jamun is a mild-based solid dessert dipped in rose water and sugar that originated in Iran but has since become a widely popular dessert in India. The second part of the dessert is made with pie crust and filled with custard.
Location: 525A U.S. 41 Bypass N, Venice // MAP (original Venice location) or 5445 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota // MAP (Sarasota location)
Turmeric
If you are looking for a fantastic Indian restaurant in Sarasota Turmeric is our favorite! They have a diverse menu of Northern and Southern Indian dishes with a large variety of traditional street food snacks and small plates as well as traditional curry dishes and biryani.
For starters, I always recommend getting pani puri, assorted pakora (vegetable fritters), and kurkuri bhindi (okra fries with salt and chaat masala). If you want to try something unique order the idli and medu vada both of which are considered to be a breakfast snack but still great for lunch or dinner. For meat-based starters, chili chicken, chicken momos (dumplings), or chicken lollipops are great options!
For entrees to share, I recommend stuffed dosa which is a crepe-like bread stuffed with potato, vegetables, and other fillings as well as a biryani or curry. If you want something spicy, try the vindaloo which you can get with your choice of protein such as lamb, goat, chicken, or shrimp. I also love the paneer makhani which is a tomato-based curry. I could go on and on so if you’re like me and want to order one of everything, consider visiting Turmeric for their daily lunch buffet!
Location: 1001 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota // MAP
Namo Izakaya
When we found out that Sarasota had a Japanese izakaya we immediately had to visit! Namo Izakaya only opened recently but I can already tell it’s a hit! If you aren’t familiar with Japanese izakayas they are informal bars that serve drinks alongside small plates and Namo gives such a similar feel with its decor, menu, and vibe.
Grab yourself a draft of Asahi or some sake and order some of the Namo Chicken Wings which are so crunchy and delicious! Then make sure you try the salmon donburi (rice bowl), unagi donburi (eel rice bowl), or any of their ramen dishes. My personal favorite is the curry ramen. In the evenings after 5pm the chef fires up the charcoal grill and starts making kushiyaki which are skewers of meat that are slowly grilled over charcoal, this is truly a rarity to find outside of Japan.
After just our first visit we could immediately tell how much consideration the owner and chef put into each of these traditional Japanese dishes and we are thrilled to make this a staple restaurant for us!
Location: 1439 Main St, Sarasota // MAP
Star Thai & Sushi
Star Thai & Sushi is another restaurant we love in Sarasota because it is always delicious and has a large menu of Thai and Japanese dishes, as well as a large sushi menu. I personally like the Japanese Tempura, Tuna Tataki, or anything off the Thai curry menu. The restaurant is huge by Sarasota standards, but be sure to call ahead to make your wait time shorter. They’re especially busy on nights they have live music.
Location: 240 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key // MAP
Bangkok Restaurant
After eating at numerous Thai restaurants in Sarasota, I can confidently say that Bangkok Restaurant is my favorite! It’s great for take-out, which is something we do often, but if you have the chance, I’d recommend dining in at least once to admire the stunning decor with crystal chandeliers and carved sculptures.
Of course, we love their Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, Pad Krapow, and other classic favorites. However, I also recommend their specialty dishes, such as the Thai Whole Fried Fish or Red Curry Duckling!
Location: 4791 Swift Rd, Sarasota // MAP
FushiPoke
If you like sushi, allow me to introduce you to poke, that is if you haven’t had poke yet! Poke is a Hawaiian dish that now is typically raw fish with a variety of toppings on a bowl of rice. FushiPoke is a great place to get a fresh, delicious poke bowl in Sarasota. If you haven’t had poke before, FushiPoke makes it easy! Their menu has a build-your-own bowl option where you can pick your base, protein, and other toppings or you can get one of their favorite combinations if you don’t want to make as many decisions.
I personally like doing the build-your-own with half rice and half soba noodle salad, fresh Hawaiian tuna, and some spicy mayo and their traditional sauce with as many toppings as my bowl can handle. Gimme allllllll the furikake, cucumber kimchi, pickled daikon, seaweed salad, and tempura flakes.
If you don’t want tuna or salmon for your poke bowl you can also get kalua pork, grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, or sesame tofu (vegan). But they also have ramen, steam buns, and other menu items to choose from.
Location: 128 N Orange Ave, Sarasota // MAP
Pho Cali
If you’re looking for delicious Vietnamese food Pho Cali is the place to go. The expansive menu caters to many dietary or food restrictions and it’s a great place to try something new. This restaurant is ALWAYS bumping, and it’s for a good reason, but we’ve never found it hard to get a table or had to wait too long. I have several favorites here, but my top choices so far are the Tom Yum Soup (which is traditionally a Thai dish), Coconut Lemongrass Chicken, and ordering a Vietnamese iced coffee to-go.
Location: 1578 Main St, Sarasota // MAP
Kore Steakhouse
Kore Steakhouse is a terrific place to enjoy Korean BBQ in Sarasota! When you first walk in, you’ll be seated at a table with a built-in BBQ grill and enjoy samples of yummy banchan, Korean side dishes like traditional kimchi, marinated onion, and bean sprouts. Don’t worry if you run out, you can always order larger portions of your favorites!
Although they have an a la carte menu, I recommend trying one of their tasting menus for your first time so you can enjoy a little of everything. When we first went we enjoyed one of the set menus that came with green onion salad, cheese corn, and Korean fried chicken for starters followed by pork collar, chicken breast, galbi, NY strip, and bulgogi. If you like seafood I also recommend the marinated shrimp. Now that we’ve been to Kore a few times we typically order off the al la carte menu to pick our favorites!
Location: 1561 Lakefront Dr #111, Sarasota // MAP
Bohemios Tapas Bar
One of our most recent favorite places to eat in Sarasota is Bohemios Tapas Bar. The meaning of the name Bohemios is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people with few permanent ties often involving musical, artistic, literary, or spiritual pursuits. So once you enter the doors you are sure to lose your worries and enjoy the hospitality of this tapas bar.
Although Bohemios specializes in tapas, a variety of small plates in Spanish cuisine, they serve several entrees perfect for sharing after some tapas as well as a wide selection of beer and wine. I highly recommend getting the house sangria (ordering the pitcher is the best bargain!) or allowing Ronaldo, the owner, to recommend a wine pairing. On our first visit, we couldn’t decide what to order because we wanted to try a little of everything.
Lucky for us, we found out that they have a few tapas platters that come with an array of different tapas. We ordered the Bohemios Tapas Mix which is perfect for two people to share as a meal or as an appetizer for a larger party. It comes with tequeños, empanadas, fried calamari, Mediterranean bruschetta, smoked salmon bruschetta, a variety of meats, and cheeses with two sauces for dipping.
On weekends, depending on the season, you can also enjoy live music and dancing which typically starts after 8pm so be sure to get there early to secure a seat!
Location: 3246 Clark Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Reyna’s Taqueria
Reyna’s Taqueria is a family-owned Mexican restaurant with traditional recipes passed down three generations to bring some of the most outstanding tacos in Sarasota and other delicious dishes. Since I’ve already mentioned the tacos, I have to encourage you to order at least a few on your visit. I recommend trying the birria, al pastor, carnitas, grouper, or tinga! Be sure to add some of their delicious queso to your order alongside a variety of their homemade salsas!
Location: 935 N Beneva Rd Suite 701, Sarasota // MAP
Mr. Tequila
Mr. Tequila is one of our favorite places to get a margarita and some delicious Mexican food. The restaurant was founded in 2003 but its history goes back even further. The founder, Rafael Romo, grew up on a ranch in Guanajuato, Mexico with 19 siblings. At 17 he moved to Chico, California, and began working on almond orchards and a kiwi farm to help raise money for his family back in Mexico. Ten years later he married Maria and started a small food truck called California Tacos in 1998.
After its success and later learning more about the restaurant business at a job in Chicago, Rafael and Maria moved to Bradenton, Florida in 2003 with their two daughters (now five daughters) and started Mr. Tequila. Together, this family works to grow their business and strives to give every patron an authentic dining experience! My recommendations are the street tacos, pollo Azteca, or the fajitas of course!
Location: 3969 Cattlemen Rd #140, Sarasota // MAP (Another location in Bradenton)
Atmosphere
Atmosphere is a small, authentic Italian restaurant with fabulous pizza, daily specials, and delicious Italian desserts. Let me start by saying, I loved Atmosphere so much that after my first visit, I told everyone I knew about it. On this visit, we arrived about 10 minutes before opening and saw a short line had already formed which is when Logan and I promptly decided to join the queue because we weren’t about to miss out on whatever was in store for us.
Once they opened, we were warmly greeted by the owners, Jay and Antonio, who are truly the kindest people. Since it was our first time, Jay took extra care to explain the menu and even asked us more about ourselves. We went back and forth on what we wanted to order because everything looked wonderful and ultimately settled on the Four Cheese and Calabria Spicy pizzas.
Although both use seemingly simple ingredients, it is the quality of the ingredients that makes a difference. Not to mention, you can tell that Antonio puts his heart and soul into everything he makes. With all of this together, they’ve created some of the best pizza in Sarasota.
Location: 935 N Beneva Rd unit 409, Sarasota // MAP
Capo Pazzo
One of Sarasota’s newest Italian restaurants is Capo Pazzo which has delicious pasta and pizza! I was first introduced to Capo Pazzo by my parents who were housesitting for me while on a trip. When I came home they were raving about a new restaurant they found that had only recently opened so I had to check it out. They were right to rave about it because it’s become one of our favorite pizza places!
For pizza, I recommend ordering the Sicilian style if you like a thicker crust. Our two favorites have been the Pazzo Pepperoni which is drizzled with hot honey or the MVP which has a trio of sauces – marinara, vodka, and pesto with fresh mozzarella. If you like hand-tossed or thin crust they have that too! My favorite New York-style pizzas have been the traditional Margherita and the Frank White, a white pizza with caramelized onion, mozzarella, ricotta, and a sesame seed crust.
During our visits to Capo Pazzo, we have enjoyed a few of their pasta dishes including the Baked Ziti and Penne alla Vodka. But my favorite so far has been the Fettucine Genovese which is fettuccine pasta with basil pesto, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts. I recommend adding some grilled chicken and red pepper flakes to add to the flavor!
Location: 2053 Reynolds St, Sarasota // MAP
Origin Craft Beer & Pizza
If you are looking for a late-night local pizza joint then try Origin Craft Beer & Pizza which has a few locations in Sarasota. We like their wings in the “trifecta” sauce and their stromboli is terrific! But of course, their pizzas are my favorite menu item and they have some truly unique ones. A favorite of mine is the Palmer Sting which is a vegetarian pizza with a garlic olive oil base, goat cheese, spinach, arugula, and sun-dried tomato on a cauliflower crust. Now I’m pretty picky about cauliflower crust and this one is the best of the best! You won’t even know it’s made from cauliflower.
Location: 1837 Hillview St, Sarasota // MAP
READ MORE: The Best Pizza in Sarasota
Clasico Italian Chophouse
Clasico is consistently one of our favorite Italian restaurants in downtown Sarasota! We always order some bruschetta and arancini to start and have enjoyed several different entrees. Some of our favorites are the fig and prosciutto pizza, bucatini and meatballs, shrimp fra diavolo, chicken and pesto rigatoni, and chef’s daily ravioli special. As you can probably tell, the list could go on and on! Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time and enjoy!
Location: 1341 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 // MAP
Francesco’s
One night we were craving pizza and decided to check out Francesco’s which is a local New York-style Pizzeria and Italian restaurant serving pizza and pasta entrees. But after we arrived we saw the pasta entrees that others had ordered so we decided to go that route instead and were not disappointed! At Francesco’s, they pride themselves on providing their patrons with fresh ingredients cooked to order never reheating dishes so be prepared that you might wait a little extra time to be served your food, but I have no doubt you’ll see it was worth it.
We enjoyed the Tortellini Pana Prosciutto which is cheese tortellini sauteed with prosciutto ham & peas in a creamy Alfredo sauce. We also liked the Bowtie Special which was bowtie pasta sauteed in a pink sauce with portobello mushrooms and onion. Since we didn’t get pizza, I guess this just means we’ll have to go back to try it next time at Francesco’s!
Location: 3662 Webber St, Sarasota // MAP
Venezia Italian Restaurant
Venezia offers homemade Italian fare like gnocchi, pizza, a large selection of wine, and other pasta dishes. I’ve ordered a number of different menu items from here but my favorites are probably the Homemade Gnocchi, Chicken Parmesan, or their pizzas. On a nice evening, ask to sit outside and watch as St. Armand’s Circle comes alive while enjoying a glass of wine.
Location: 373 St Armands Cir, Sarasota // MAP
Bavaro’s
Bavaro’s is a family-run Italian restaurant that has locations in Sarasota and Tampa. The Sarasota location is downtown but a bit away from other shops and restaurants in the area. A few of my favorite things about Bavaro’s are their excellent happy hour, live music featuring local artists, and great outdoor area perfect for a nice evening. But not only that, the food there is delicious too! Some of our favorites include the Burrata Caprese, the Rigatoni al Fungi, and any of their Napoletana pizzas. Make sure to check the weekly specials when you go too!
Location: 27 Fletcher Ave, Sarasota // MAP
Chayhana Vostok
Note: Chayhana Vostok is currently closed due to a landlord dispute. We hope that they will reopen soon!
Chayhana Vostok is a terrific restaurant that serves traditional Uzbek cuisine in a lively environment with weekend music and beautiful decor. The moment you step into Chayhana Vostok you’ll immediately feel the family atmosphere and it’s evident that a lot of love has been poured into each of their dishes. I recommend ordering everything family-style so you can try a number of different items like pierogis (potato dumplings), khachapuri (cheese bread), chicken tabaka (marinated grilled chicken), and borsch (vegetable soup).
Location: 4242 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota // MAP
CMX CinéBistro
One of the most unique places to eat in Sarasota is CMX CinéBistro! At CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key you can enjoy a full-service chef-crafted meal and handcrafted cocktail at your seat while watching a movie! Upon your arrival at CMX CinéBistro, you’ll purchase or show your pre-ordered tickets then be shown to your seat and given a menu to select drinks, dinner, and dessert. All of the menu items will come out during the previews of the movie so you can enjoy your meal while watching. After eating, you can move your tray and kick back on the comfy reclining seats.
Some menu options change seasonally or are even created to go with a movie theme but everything we’ve had at CMX CinéBistro has been delicious. Our favorite entree has been the Crispy Chicken Bowl which had fried chicken bites in a red chili caramel sauce, pickled daikon, sliced jalapenos, and coconut jasmine rice garnished with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
TIP: Make sure you arrive 30 minutes before showtime so you can order your food!
Location: 3501 S Tamiami Trail Suite 1100, Sarasota // MAP
Brick’s Smoked Meats
Since living in a few cities known for some of the best barbecue in the country we’ve had a hard time finding good barbecue in Florida. There’s even a running joke that the further north you head in Florida the more southern the barbecue gets. While Brick’s Smoked Meats doesn’t completely compare to BBQ from Kansas City, Memphis, or Texas, it is pretty tasty and the closest we’ve found so far in Sarasota!
For starters, I highly recommend the smoked wings which are absolutely delicious and covered perfectly in their house barbecue sauce. As for entrees, the prime brisket and pulled pork entrees are two of the most popular options but if you don’t want traditional barbecue then the bacon burnt-end tacos or the southern fried catfish are great alternatives!
Location: 1528 State St, Sarasota // MAP
Florence and the Spice Boys
We were so thrilled to find out that Florence and the Spice Boys, one of the best food trucks in Sarasota, opened a restaurant in the Landings in Sarasota! The moment you step inside this beautifully decorated, breezy restaurant you’ll feel right at home. Their creative menu encompasses a wide variety of cuisine with a heavy focus on regional Middle Eastern dishes.
I recommend trying the Turmeric Fried Chicken Sandwich which has tender, crispy fried chicken with Japanese tonkatsu sauce, and the Falafel Salad, which has some of their homemade hummus, mixed greens, falafel, beet tahini, smoked harissa, and pickle mango slaw coming together to form a perfect medley of flavors. Make sure to order one of their specialty cocktails or mocktails to enjoy with your meal!
Location: 4990 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota // MAP
Divan Turkish Cuisine
Divan Turkish Cuisine is an exceptional addition to the Sarasota food scene, offering authentic Turkish cuisine crafted with simple, flavorful ingredients.
I highly recommend starting with a selection of cold mezze to enjoy with your meal or with pita. The shakshuka, ezme, hummus, babaganoush, and tzatziki are several of my favorites. For warm mezze, try the Borrek, which is a spinach and cheese pastry that is lightly fried until crispy and golden.
Of course, Falafel is a must-order when at Divan Turkish Cuisine. It’s exceptionally flavorful and served over hummus with a garlic tahini sauce.
For entrees, the chicken skewers are grilled to perfection, tender and well-seasoned, served with rice and a small salad. Another recommendation I have is Doner Kebab, a delectable, rich dish of lamb and beef cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and Lamb Sac Tava, which is a dish of sautéed lamb with tomatoes, onion, and peppers served with rice.
Location: 6525 Superior Ave, Sarasota // MAP
The Best Restaurants in Sarasota for Fine Dining
Before I get started on the best restaurants in Sarasota for fine dining let me clarify that many of these you could also dine at casually for lunch (at some) or dinner too. But if you’re looking for a place that has a more romantic vibe, these fit the bill.
Baker & Wife
Baker & Wife is an American restaurant with globally-inspired cuisine with locally sourced meat and produce in a very charming atmosphere. Whatever you do, make sure you order some of their homemade garlic and herb focaccia bread. It is amazing! As far as other starters go, another favorite of mine is the crispy spicy shrimp with sriracha-yuzu mayo and furikake. Two of the entrees we’ve enjoyed recently are the Jumbo Black Tiger Shrimp & Peanut Noodles which are packed with flavor and any of their artisanal pizzas like the Quilted Shroom with white sauce, mushrooms, mozzarella, arugula, and topped with prosciutto.
Location: 2157 Siesta Dr, Sarasota // MAP
Speaks Clam Bar
I don’t venture down to St. Armands often but when I do, I usually go to Speaks Clam Bar for dinner! The atmosphere is fantastic. It’s perfect for a date night, a special occasion, or a meal with friends. They have a fantastic lobster roll, available hot (Connecticut-style with butter) or cold (Maine-style with lemon mayo, shallot, and celery). The baked stuffed shrimp is always terrific and the scallop and shrimp skewers are great too!
My favorite thing to order is one of their pasta dishes. Speaks Clam Bar makes all of their pasta daily and you can truly taste the quality. If you love it you can also buy fresh pasta to take home to cook! My favorite pasta dishes at Speaks are the Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Shrimp Scampi Linguini, and the Lobster Tail and Shrimp Pappardelle.
At the end of your meal save room for one of the perfectly portioned dessert shooters which are in a double shot glass. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve tried a few of them and can recommend them all but my favorite is the chocolate peanut butter!
Location: 29 N Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota // MAP
Sage
Sage had been on our list to visit for quite some time before we ever went and my only disappointment is that I didn’t go much sooner. When you first arrive you’ll notice that the restaurant is located in a historic building downtown. This building was the original location for the Sarasota Times and was designed in 1925 by Dwight James Baum, the same architect who designed the Ringling Mansion.
The inside is equally impressive and I can say with confidence that it is easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in Sarasota. Award-winning chef, Christopher Covelli, is the mastermind behind all of the dishes at Sage where the menu changes seasonally providing guests with the best quality ingredients paired in unique ways.
Of course, we had to try a variety of menu items on our first visit from starters to main dishes to desserts, and not one bite was left over. Since the menu does change seasonally you most likely won’t experience the same thing twice but every dish we’ve had at Sage has left us impressed. In addition, they have a fabulous wine selection for those who are interested.
During our first experience at Sage, we shared a few starters. The first was the Heirloom Tomato Napoleon which had layers of perfectly ripe heirloom tomato, puff pastry, basil pesto, goat cheese mousse, and balsamic. Then we ordered the lobster bisque with fresh seafood which was a mellow and creamy soup with delicious chunks of seafood. The last starter was my favorite from this menu, the zucchini blossoms which were stuffed with mirepoix (a mixture of aromatic chopped vegetables and spices) over a curry honey yogurt. It was bursting with flavor and absolutely delicious.
For the main dishes, we decided to try the Agnolotti Pasta which was stuffed with Parmigiano Reggiano, Emmentaler, wild mushrooms, and swiss chard topped with a sunflower seed gremolata. It had great flavor and texture! The second entree we ordered was the Steamed Hake which is a white, flaky fish. It was steamed in a banana leaf and served with cilantro chutney, roasted tomatoes, and turmeric rice.
After all that we still decided to order dessert because we couldn’t pass it up! The warm berry cobbler consisted of raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry compote with a cinnamon oat streusel and a seasonal sorbet. We also are big fans of crème brûlée so we ordered that too. The flavors change frequently but this is a menu staple. We happened to get lavender crème brûlée which happens to be one of our favorites!
After your meal be sure to take the elevator or stairs to the rooftop bar where you can have a nice view of downtown Sarasota and get a mocktail or cocktail for buy one get one by showing your meal receipt.
Location: 1216 1st St, Sarasota // MAP
Kojo
Kojo is new to our favorite Sarasota restaurants and also relatively new to Sarasota and we are definitely adding it to the date night rotation. We first went to Kojo to celebrate Logan’s birthday and they brought out some complimentary champagne as well as a birthday card which I thought was a nice touch. But the food and service at Kojo were outstanding. We first ordered two of their specialty cocktails, the Midori Sour and the award-winning Mezcalero. Both were refreshing and crafted well.
After, we ordered the Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) Bao and the Spicy Tuna Roll per the recommendation of our waitress – both were delicious! Then we decided to go a bit “off-menu: and order omakase. Omakase is a Japanese phrase that means “I’ll leave it up to you.”
Since Logan and I both love sushi (and since it was his birthday) we thought this would be a great way to let the sushi chef decide. As I said, omakase is not technically on the menu at Kojo, so if you try to order this way you may be presented with some confusion from your waitstaff member. But if you’re wanting to splurge a bit and try a little of everything off the sushi menu you can ask them to give you a variety of nigiri and sashimi.
In our order, we got Big Eye Tuna sashimi, Torched Salmon Nigiri, Bluefin Toro Nigiri, Madai Nigiri, and Hamachi Sashimi to finish. Each plate had two pieces of either sashimi or nigiri sushi which were perfect for both of us to have a tasting. Now I wouldn’t say that we are sushi connoisseurs but since we’ve spent a lot of time in Japan we know good, authentic Japanese sushi when we find it. As I said in my earlier review of Kiyoshi Sushi, it can be really hard to find in the United States because many sushi restaurants focus on “Americanized” sushi rolls and don’t have high-quality fish. But Kojo hit the mark in terms of flavor, freshness, and traditional presentation with the added tropical flair of Florida with the flowers.
Nigiri is one of the traditional ways of eating sushi in Japan and it typically is made up of rice, a dash of wasabi, and a piece of thinly sliced fish or other seafood. Kojo took nigiri sushi and added a few extra elements for taste but they weren’t overpowering and you could still taste the delicate flavors of the fish. Although we enjoyed all of our sushi, our favorites were the torched salmon nigiri, madai nigiri (a special), and the bigeye tuna.
We were left feeling really full but decided to make the most out of this dining experience and order dessert too! While many of the dessert items were appealing, we decided to get kakigori (Japanese shave ice) which came with coconut milk, strawberry and yuzu puree, strawberry sorbet, and topped with crispy feuilletine (crepes).
In Japan, kakigori is enjoyed during the summer and is typically made with very finely shaved ice. While the shave ice at Kojo wasn’t as finely shaved as others we’ve had in Japan or in Hawaii, the texture was still terrific and the flavors of strawberry and coconut were decadent together. Next time we’re at Kojo we’re definitely trying the matcha donut holes!
Location: 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota // MAP
Crab & Fin
Crab & Fin is another favorite seafood restaurant in Sarasota. It’s an open-air lunch and dinner spot on St. Armand’s Circle (there’s also dining space inside if you’d prefer that too). They are well-known for their raw bar of carefully selected fresh oysters, clams, crab, and caviar so if you’re a fan of fresh seafood you’ll definitely want to add Crab & Fin to your list.
Make sure to get there early as it tends to get busy during prime lunchtime and dinner times. I always love ordering the Baked Brie Almondine as a starter to share and the Baby Gulf Shrimp Pasta which has a light lemony sauce but be sure to check out their menu because their dishes tend to rotate by season.
Location: 420 St. Armands Cir, Sarasota // MAP
Michael’s on East
We first went to Michael’s on East during Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week and were so impressed we’ve been back a few more times. Michael’s on East has been in Sarasota since 1987 and offers fine dining in a supper club atmosphere making it perfect for a romantic dinner or business meal.
Throughout the years, Michael’s on East has won a number of awards including 28 consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Awards, and was one of only ten restaurants in the nation to be inducted into the 2009 Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame (think the Oscars of the restaurant industry). It’s safe to say that your experience at Michael’s is sure to be one of the best.
Michael’s on East is also known for its exceptional service and hospitality, our waitress, who has been with Michael’s for many years, was incredibly knowledgeable about everything on the menu, the history of the restaurant, and is even a sommelier so she was able to recommend different wines to us. I personally loved the 2018 “Route 116” RouteStock Cellars Pinot Noir from Sonoma.
Since we first visited Michael’s on East during Savor Sarasota we had a pre-fixe menu with different items to choose from for starters, entrees, and desserts. But some of the items we had are also on their regular dinner menu so you can try them too! In addition to their regular dinner menu, they also offer a monthly pre-fixe menu year-round that features different dishes inspired by cuisine around the world. So if you’re wanting a similar experience to what we had at Savor Sarasota or if you want to try something new, ask about that when you visit!
Logan and I decided to order different menu items off of the Savor Sarasota menu so we could try a wider variety and we both agreed that everything was sublime. We first started with the blue crab, roasted tomato, and jalapeno bisque and the slow-roasted pork tacos al pastor.
For our entrees, we decided to get the New England baked cod with crispy cracker crumbs in a lemon caper butter sauce and the thyme and garlic confit leg of duck which had roasted pearl onions, cherry tomatoes, butternut squash, and rainbow swiss chard. Normally cod doesn’t have a lot of flavor but this was rich, buttery, and delicious and Logan and I both agreed the duck was exceptionally well prepared.
For desserts, we had the tres leches cake with strawberry sauce and dulce de leche drizzle and the flourless chocolate cake with fresh berries. All of their pastries are made fresh daily by their restaurant pastry chef which is something that is typically found in larger cities.
During your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to the house pianist perform different songs which is a nice touch to an already romantic ambiance. Although the piano is being played, the restaurant remains quiet enough to have a conversation, and all of the seating, whether table or booth, is very comfortable. If you prefer to eat outside, they have a fabulous patio area covered in twinkly lights and greenery still giving that romantic setting.
You’ll never feel rushed at Michael’s on East so prepare to stay and enjoy the full dining experience. I recommend making a reservation at least a few days in advance.
Location: 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota // MAP, Reservations required
Complimentary valet is available.
Indigenous
Indigenous opened its doors in 2011 and has been sweeping away the Sarasota food scene ever since. The innovative menu by Chef Steve Phillips changes weekly based on seasonal ingredients from many local farmers, artisans, and sustainable fishermen. Because of this, you’ll be able to try something new every time you visit. However, there are a few menu items that you can find almost weekly at Indigenous like the Wild Mushroom Bisque, Parmesan Beignets, and My Uncle’s Burger.
We first went to Indigenous to celebrate our anniversary and ordered Parmesan Beignets as a starter. They have been a staple on the menu since the restaurant first opened. These warm, savory beignets were light and fluffy and we loved how the pear, thyme, honey, and cheese paired together.
For the main dishes, Logan ordered the Iberico Pork Chop which came from Niman Ranch, a sustainable livestock farm out of California. The pork chop came topped with a dijon hollandaise sauce, bacon, and caramelized brown sugar alongside broccoli and potato hash. When this dish first came out we were both blown away by the size of the pork chop. It was absolutely massive and thick. So thick that we thought it would be dry because of how long it would take to cook but we were totally wrong. The pork chop was perfectly tender and the combination of other ingredients really highlighted the pork.
I decided to order the Hiramasa which is also known as Yellow Amberjack. I love fish but even if you aren’t a big fish person, you might change your mind with Hiramasa. This white fish is meaty, flakey, and has a mild flavor. During our visit, the Hiramassa was paired with okonomiyaki, a Japanese dish that I love which is often called a savory pancake. It usually consists of cabbage and other vegetables with seafood or pork. While this okonomiyaki wasn’t exactly traditional, the flavors absolutely were. The combination of the housemade okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, crunchy cucumber, and fish sauce had me raving about this dish and hoping it will make its appearance on the menu again soon!
Last we had to try one of the desserts at Indigenous which are more staple menu items as well. We settled on the Orange Blossom Honey Pie and it was the perfect dessert to round out the evening. The honey really shined in this dessert as did the lavender whipped cream. We also really enjoyed the combination of textures with the vanilla oatmeal crunch.
If you are looking for a unique place to eat in Sarasota or celebrate, Indigenous is definitely one of our top choices. Personally, we can hardly wait to visit again.
Location: 239 S Links Ave, Sarasota // MAP (Reservations required)
Duval’s
At Duval’s, you’ll find some of the freshest local seafood that Sarasota has to offer! All of their fish, seafood, and other ingredients are sourced from local fishers and farmers. While Duval’s doesn’t have a large menu what they do have, they do very well. In fact, they have a number of accolades and awards to their name including Sarasota’s Best Seafood (6 years in a row), Best All-Around Restaurant (3 years in a row), and many more.
For starters, I recommend trying the Caribbean Crab & Shrimp Cakes which are filled with lump crab and tender shrimp and served with a spicy chipotle remoulade. Then for entrees, the seasonal fresh catch options are always a great choice. I personally love the fresh-caught grouper prepared blackened with pico de gallo. But if you want to splurge a bit more try the Duval’s Seafood Sampler which comes with a lobster tail, shrimp, and scallops grilled, over roasted potatoes, spinach, garlic, & onions.
Location: 1435 Main St, Sarasota // MAP
Selva
I mentioned Almazónica Cervecería & Peruvian Eatery earlier but another great Peruvian restaurant in Sarasota is Selva! Selva serves up delicious Latin American dishes with a special emphasis on the influences of Asian immigrants on Peruvian cuisine.
Of course, you have to start with some ceviche! If you are dining with a group I recommend getting a couple to share so you can try different ones to find your favorite. So far we’ve tried the Maya Shrimp Ceviche and Selva Wild Ceviche.
The Maya Shrimp Ceviche has shrimp marinated in orange juice, lime, and achiote then tossed with avocado, tomato, red onion & Cusco corn. I found it to be a bit too sweet for me but I did like the combination of sweet and sour with a bit of acid. The Selva Wild Ceviche is more traditional and has fresh seasonal white fish with lime, onion, cilantro, Cusco corn & roasted sweet potato garnish.
For entrees, we recommend the Malbec Braised Short Ribs which are slow-braised with a sweet demi-glace and served with curry couscous and roasted asparagus. Another dish I’ve enjoyed is the Salmon Chileno which has a jumbo lump crab and manchego topping and is served with jasmine rice and roasted bell pepper tamale then finished with mango beurre monte. The flavors are downright incredible! Although next time I am wanting to try the whole fried snapper!
Location: 1345 Main St, Sarasota // MAP
Connors Steak & Seafood
Connors Steak & Seafood specializes in aged steaks and fresh seafood in a beautiful setting with terrific service and is located just minutes from some of the best beaches in Sarasota. Although Connors is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner it has a fabulous, affordable lunch menu that is offered daily until 4pm.
The Lobster Crab Bisque is really creamy and has rich chunks of lobster and crab. For lunch entrees, I recommend the Spicy Fish Tacos with grilled mahi-mahi with pineapple chipotle salsa or the Prime Rib Sandwich with hand-carved slow-roasted prime rib and au jus. I also enjoyed the Grilled Rainbow Trout with couscous and Pineapple Chipotle Salsa.
Location: 3501 S Tamiami Trail #1165, Sarasota // MAP
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Ophelia’s on the Bay is perhaps one of the most romantic restaurants in Sarasota. When you walk into the restaurant the first thing you’ll notice is the fabulous view of Little Sarasota Bay. To make your dining experience extra special, I recommend booking a table outside so you can sit by the water and enjoy the sunset as you eat your meal. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see some dolphins or manatees while you eat!
But besides the stunning ambiance, Ophelia’s on the Bay has a globally inspired menu featuring the fresh ingredients found in Florida and flown in from other notable places. A few starters I’d recommend are Crispy Rock Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes, or the Baked Stuffed Bon Secour Oysters.
For an entree, I highly recommend the Yellowtail which is tun tataki seared extra rare with apricot, eel, and ginger-infused yuzu ponzu sauces, wakame salad, cucumber kimchi, and Maine lobster tail fried jasmine rice. The flavors of this are honestly a party!
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail before, during, or after your meal my personal favorites are the Caramelized Banana Old Fashion or the Smokey Monk (a mezcal cocktail). In addition, I recommend saving room for dessert because Ophelia’s on the Bay has their own dedicated pastry chef and their key lime pie is DIVINE.
Location: 9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota // MAP
Summer House
Summer House is by far one of the best restaurants on Siesta Key. They serve menu items using only the finest ingredients and sustainable beef and seafood. Although the price point is definitely on the higher side of these Sarasota restaurants, it really does have a wow factor.
For starters, I recommend the Lobscargot which is Maine lobster with oyster mushrooms in a Riesling garlic butter topped with Swiss and Fontina cheeses and lobster crostini. For bigger groups, the Seafood Platter is a terrific option. It has a variety of fresh seafood choices based on seasonality and sustainability often featuring oysters, crab and/or lobster, and shrimp.
As far as salads go you can’t go wrong with the Siesta Wedge which has crisp iceberg lettuce heirloom tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, and green goddess dressing. Another terrific salad is the B&A which has beets, arugula, crumbled goat cheese, candied pistachios, and a wild blueberry vinegarette.
Prefer soup instead? Don’t miss the Summer House Lobster Bisque which is a lobster-crab bisque topped with Maine lobster, Sherry, and served with a garlic-lobster crostini.
As for main dishes, Summer House is known for its steak and they do it well, really well. All of their beef is sustainably sourced from small Midwest farms and are 100% certified Angus beef. Steaks are then aged for 40 days to maximize flavor and tenderness. Obviously, steak cut and cooking styles are a personal preference but you can’t go wrong with any of them. If you would like some accompaniments we’d recommend the Boursin mashed potatoes, local wild mushrooms and onions, or any of their macaroni and cheese options.
If you would prefer something other than steak, Summer House offers a few other specialty dishes that they do incredibly well. If they didn’t they wouldn’t be on the menu. I’d recommend the Apple Balsamic Glazed Scottish Salmon which comes with sweet potato, leek, and organic currant risotto then garnished with maple sweet potato hollandaise and candied pecans, or the Pinot Noir Braised Short Rib accompanied with Boursin mashed potatoes, root vegetables, a savory cheese donut, and pomegranate molasses.
Location: 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key // MAP
READ MORE: The Best Sarasota Desserts
Which of these best restaurants in Sarasota would make the top of your list?
Comments & Reviews
Corina Chronicles says
Love this! Can’t wait to visit the donut shop when I’m in Florida.
kallsypage says
It’s AMAZING and well worth the wait in line! Nothing like a donut hot off the press. 😉
Anthony Minniti says
You have to try Phillippi Creek. The food is great, the price is reasonable and you have a nice view of the water. We go every year while on vacation. The oysters are to die for, so we make sure we eat there several times during the week. Yoders is another favorite!
Kallsy Page says
We’ve yet to try Phillippi Creek so we will most definitely add it to our list to try next time we’re in Sarasota. Yoders is a favorite of ours too – the pies there are amazing!