8 Sarasota Restaurants With a View

By: Susan Finch

The thriving restaurant scene in Sarasota, Florida offers unparalleled dining from casual beachfront fare to fine dining. But a varied, satisfying menu just scratches the surface of what the area has to offer. Sample the views at the best Sarasota restaurants’ for an evening of live music and delicious local fare.

Old Salty Dog – City Island Sarasota

Situated directly on the waterfront at Midnight Pass on City Island, Old Salty Dog prides itself on hospitality with a spirited menu. Enjoy the view and soak up the early morning and afternoon sun, or come before sunset for Happy Hour and dinner. Scoop up homemade crab dip, a raw bar with eat and peel shrimp and oysters, hot dogs, burgers, and more.

Evie’s Spanish Point

Capture the waterfront magic at Evie’s at Spanish Point waterfront tiki bar just south of Siesta Key. Arrive by car or bring your boat and pull up for a full bar selection and varied menu. On weekends, visitors soak up the views nibbling on tacos, fish and chips, burgers, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken sandwiches while listening to live music. 

Marina Jack

The sparkling views and cool Gulf breeze are the main attraction at Marina Jack for al fresco dining in a family-friendly environment. Choose from a selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and specialty entrees like Thai chicken tacos and chipotle BBQ Danish baby back ribs. Dine indoors in the lounge and piano bar or upstairs for a casual fine dining experience overlooking the water. For a meal litterally right on the water, book one of their lunch or sunset dinner cruises.

O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill

Relax and unwind at O’leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill downtown Sarasota with tropical drinks, wine, beer, and casual food. O’Leary’s menu includes creative offerings like fried alligator bites, shrimp, and Mahi Mahi Reuben. Come for live music throughout the week from reggae to top hits and Caribbean for a laid-back vibe with gorgeous views.

Daiquiri Deck – So. Siesta Key and St. Armands Circle

There’s nothing quite like a frozen daiquiri on a hot day and Daiquiri Deck is THE spot to get one. This local-favorite restaurant and bar has a number of locations in the Sarasota, Florida area, but the views from their two-story So. Siesta location just over the south bridge onto Siesta Key and the St. Armands Circle location offers peek-a-boo views of the Gulf of Mexico. The menu features oysters, clams, shrimp, grouper, burgers, sandwiches and more. Look for weekly specials like Taco Tuesday and discount margaritas, along with kids eat half price offerings.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

For casual Longboat Key waterfront dining on Sarasota Bay, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill features an array of seafood including Maine lobster tails, grouper sandwich, steaks, and other satisfying entrees. Dine indoors or ask for a seat on the patio with front and center water views, and watch the sun dip into the evening light.  And if you’re arriving by boat, Dry Dock offers three wet slips along Zwick’s channel on Marker 6.

Ophelia’s on the Bay 

For an upscale dining experience, head to award-winning Ophelia’s on the Bay in Siesta Key for a rotating selection of seasonally inspired cuisine. Come for a romantic evening or special celebration for unfettered views of Little Sarasota Bay. Choose from Gulf Grouper, Tataki of Yellowfin Tuna, steaks, and Caribbean inspired dishes. Top it all off with a signature Key Lime pie or other decadent dessert.

Explore more places to dine and fun bars in Sarasota, Venice, Siesta Key, Lido and Longboat Key, Florida.