Who wants to cook after a full day of sun and fun? Dining out is a big part of any vacation, and a great meal can be a highlight of your visit to Sarasota. Even if you don’t have a sophisticated palate, you will appreciate the wide range of cuisines Sarasota and the surrounding region has to offer. There are more than 840 restaurants in the area. In fact, within a 25-mile radius of Sarasota, you’ll find more Zagat Guide, Trend Dining Award and Distinguished Restaurants of North America than any other area in Florida!
Dining
Must Do Dining
Baker & Wife
This casual chef-driven European-style cafe located in the Southgate Village Plaza is close to downtown Sarasota and Siesta Key.
Chef Issac Correa's menu features fresh, and inventive globally inspired soups, salads, burgers, artisanal brick oven pizza, seafood, and meats.
You'll want to save room for one of their scrumptious desserts–housemade salted caramel cheesecake, house-made bacon ice cream, Baker's double chocolate brownie & salted popcorn... Read More
Ophelia's on the Bay
Award-Winning Restaurant on Little Sarasota Bay
Dine in one of two glass-walled, casually elegant dining rooms or outside on the dockside open-air patio at this South Siesta Key waterfront restaurant. Ophelia's on the Bay offers a blend of cuisines and influences fusing new world with old, American with Asian, and Italian with Floridian. The menu changes daily using the freshest local fish and produce available. Standout... Read More
O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill Waterfront Restaurant
Enjoy a meal, a cold beer, cocktail, or wine under an umbrella with your toes in the sand or under the open-air, waterfront Tiki Hut. This laid-back, tropical-themed, family-friendly downtown Sarasota restaurant and bar is located in Bayfront Park near Marina Jack and features live music daily. The restaurant is dog-friendly, plus you can arrive by car or boat!
O'Leary's serves breakfast, lunch, and... Read More
Café Gabbiano
Authentic Southern Italian Cuisine
Expect the very best with made-to-order seasonally inspired chef-prepared dishes. The moderately priced dinner menu features a wide selection of pasta, hand-cut veal, free-range chicken, freshly made mozzarella, locally sourced seafood and vegetables, and an extensive wine list. Certified sommelier, Marc Grimaud can assist you in pairing the perfect wine with your meal. A fantastic 4-course tasting and wine-pairing menu... Read More
The Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar
Seafood, Burgers, Salads, and More
Enjoy a delicious choice of seafood, fresh catch fish, burgers, wraps, salads, and pizza. Visit the Raw Bar in Siesta Key Village, south Siesta Key, St. Armands Circle, or Downtown Venice for oysters and shooters, or dig in at the Deck with classic American fare.
Well known for their vast selection of frozen daiquiris and drink specials. Daiquiri Deck features... Read More
Nancy's Bar-B-Q
Nancy smokes North Carolina-style pulled pork, beef brisket, St. Louis ribs and chicken "low and slow" at this family-friendly Sarasota barbecue restaurant. Enjoy casual dining on community tables inside, picnic tables on the porch. Also salmon, salad, many fresh vegetarian sides, and beer and wine available. Read the featured blog article about Nancy's Bar-B-Q - click here!
Nancy's Bar-B-Q was voted “Best... Read More
Evie's at Spanish Point
Located right on the water at Spanish Point, the live music and a tiki hut atmosphere make it the perfect spot for lunch, dinner or sunset drinks!
Enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks while watching the sunset at this casual open-air, waterfront Tiki Hut restaurant and bar on Little Sarasota Bay. Evie's at Spanish Point's menu features burgers, nachos, a variety of sandwiches, tacos,... Read More
Casey Key Fish House
Casual “Old Florida” Style Fish House
Casey Key Fish House and Tiki Bar offers waterside dining and live music in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Every seat has a view of the water! Enjoy fresh fish and seafood, with choices for landlubbers too.
Live music is featured in the Tiki Bar every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Casey Key Fish House also offers on-site rentals for... Read More
Marina Jack Restaurant
Marina Jack Offers Three Waterfront Dining Options
Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill Portside is a casual and family-friendly open-air restaurant. It’s a great spot to enjoy a tropical drink, lunch or dinner right on the water. The Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill is also dog-friendly! Marina Jack’s Blue Sunshine Patio menu features a variety of appetizers, salads, soups and sandwiches, as well as... Read More
