Where to Find the Best Seafood in Sarasota

Sarasota, Florida is known for its white-sand beaches, culture, entertainment, and dining. Whether you want an upscale experience or a laid-back atmosphere to enhance a relaxing vacation, Sarasota offers a wealth of dining options to choose from. But for the best of the best, come hungry to one of the renowned seafood restaurants in Sarasota.

Walt’s Fish Market

For over 100 years, the Wallin family has been selling their fresh catches from the bayous and bays of Sarasota to loyal fans. The restaurant also has a riveting history. Founder Claus Wallin immigrated from Sweden and after a brief farm life in Indiana hopped on the Ringling Circus train heading south. After eventually landing in Sarasota, he fell in love with the area and fishing and started serving up his own catches to the community. Order fresh fish and crabs that were caught the same day you buy it. Choose from a menu selection of a variety of locally caught fish, conch fritters, mussels, ahi tuna, shrimp, New England clam chowder, and non-fish options like burgers and steak. Walt’s is a must for your list of favorite seafood restaurants in Sarasota.

Big Water Fish Market

Located near the south bridge and The Village in Siesta Key, Big Water Fish Market offers dining and a take-away market. Pick-up your own fish from the retail market and create tantalizing fresh seafood dishes from your Florida vacation rental. You can also browse the tantalizing sauces and spices to enhance your meal. Guests also enjoy casual dining for fresh, wild seafood. Browse the menu of pineapple snapper wrappers, fish or shrimp tacos, grouper Reuben, fish fry sandwich, and more. Don’t forget to add a cold beer with dinner for a satisfying meal in a casual setting.

Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood

Duval’s motto is “seafood so fresh you ought to wear your swimsuit!” Come see for yourself with fresh, local fish at this award-winning seafood restaurant in downtown Sarasota. The varied menu includes grilled Scottish salmon, lobster mac n’ cheese, ocean cobb salad, a fresh catch of the day, and other satisfying dishes. Plan to take a taxi or Uber, Duval’s also offers a Happy Hour and late night downtown Sarasota fun. 

Casey Key Fish House

Located minutes from Venice and Sarasota in Osprey, Florida, Casey Key Fish House offers waterfront dining in a casual and relaxed environment. Embodying “Old Florida” charm, guests flock to their sunset dinners where every seat offers waterfront views. For live music, come on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to the on-site Tiki Bar for a beachy vibe and cold beer, wine, and cocktails.

There are plenty of seafood restaurants in Sarasota to choose from, but the best offer the freshest fish and an attentive staff. Discover all of your new favorites and keep coming back for more to dine in style on your next trip to Sarasota, Florida. 

Explore more dining options in Sarasota!

Where to find the best seafood in Sarasota, Florida. Must Do Visitor Guides

DineSarasota

Expand your search with dineSarasota.com for a comprehensive guide to restaurants and dining. Refine your results by cuisine to find seafood options as well as top 50 Sarasota dining spots. The team also publishes an annual, printed dining book called The Little Sarasota DINING Book as an informative guide to reference again and again. 

Written by: Susan Finch | Author Website

Susan Finch is a travel writer and content marketer for the tourism industry who spends her time obsessing over the latest travel trends, wrangling her small kids, and planning her family's next big adventure.