
Vacation never tasted so good.
Take culinary arts to new heights
Our award-winning restaurants overlook beaches, skylines and downtowns
The Gulf Coast's natural beauty and active arts scene could easily overshadow Sarasota's culinary wonders, unless you are a foodie that is. A foodie could easily justify a culinary vacation with all the food and wine events here. To name a few, there's the Stone Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival and Taste of Sarasota in November, Forks and Corks Wine and Food Festival in January, the Taste of the Suncoast in March, the Florida Winefest & Auction in April, and Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week in June. Sarasota also has a thriving dining scene year-round that belies it's size, ranging from dockside fish shacks to award-winning fine dining, from exacting French cuisine to vibrant Peruvian fare, from soup to, well, nuts.
With the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico right at hand, seafood is a focus for many Sarasota restaurants. Some take advantage of the setting by building restaurants over the water on docks and jetties, which makes it easy to unload the freshest seafood from day boat fishermen directly into the kitchen. That means that Gulf grouper or snapper can go from deep water to your waiting plate in hours, almost faster than if you caught it yourself. From October to May is Florida's stone crab season, a uniquely sustainable seafood harvest that takes only a single claw from each crab before setting it free to grow another claw for the next year. Smash the tough shell, dip in mustard sauce and enjoy before the season ends.
Head inland and you'll find that Sarasota also has a large Amish and Mennonite community, with many restaurants that cater to their hearty fare. These spots serve classic American comfort food like crisp fried chicken and gravy or fresh smoked ham with scalloped potatoes, but the biggest draw is the pie. Yoder's -- a 35-year old Sarasota Amish restaurant icon -- sells over 4,000 of their award-winning pies the day before Thanksgiving every year.
But man cannot live on pie alone. Those looking for something a little more elegant will find that Sarasota's fine dining scene is one of the best in Florida. Along with one of the highest concentrations of Zagat-rated restaurants in Florida, two local chefs -- Derek Barnes of Derek's Culinary Casual and Jose Martinez of Masion Blanche -- have been nominated for prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards in recent years. Sarasota is also home to two AAA Four-Diamond Awarded restaurants: Michael's On East and Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Beyond the awards, you'll find Sarasota's dining districts provide satisfy a wide variety of tastes. Downtown Sarasota restaurants are a melting pot of the world's cuisines, from Vietnamese pho to Moroccan tagine. Relaxed Gulf Gate is a breeding ground for independent restaurants, including incredible sushi and inexpensive late-night munchies. Out on the islands, you can cool down with an ice cream cone in Venice's historic downtown, nosh on barbecue while listening to Jimmy Buffet on Siesta Key Beach, eat classic French cuisine while people-watching on St. Armands Circle, and sample Asian-Jewish fusion on Longboat Key while enjoying a breathtaking view of the lights of downtown across Sarasota Bay.
The annual Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week offers an incredible opportunity to sample many of the area's higher-end local eateries on a budget. Dozens of local restaurants participate by offering multi-course menus for just $15 at lunch and $25 at dinner. Despite the name, the restaurant week actually runs for two weeks at the beginning of June, although some participants extend their deals throughout the month.
From laid-back grouper sandwiches to world-class tasting menus, Sarasota restaurants can fill any craving.
ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE - THE PREMIER SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION ON THE SOUTHWEST COAST OF FLORIDA St. Armands Circle continues to be one of Sarasota's most popular tourist destinations. Renowned as a continental marketplace, the Circle is a charming and graceful...
Grabbing a blanket and packing some PB&Js and soda cans makes for a simple beach picnic, but what if you want to get a little more creative?Your dream picnic can be just as magical as the ones you see on TV. Sarasota's scenery makes it simple. Enjoy a long picnic lunch...
The greater Sarasota area attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the white beaches, cultural amenities, and great restaurants. Within the city limits of Sarasota is Pinecraft, a small working neighborhood that draws some of the area's most unique...
According to Thomas Jefferson, "Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness." We agree with the profound thinking of Mr. Jefferson and invite both guests and visitors alike to tour Sarasota...
What to see, what to do
A waterfront location offering superior food and service along with an excellent view. Featuring...
Award-winning, 1985-established restaurant in the heart of the downtown theater district. Great food...
SKOB is a true "Landmark" on the world famous Siesta Key Beach. The First place to consider when...
Great food, spirits & fun-This neighborhood grill & sports connection is locally owned/operated...
Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Mattison's City Grille is a local favorite and is perfect...
Wine and music lovers, romantics and epicures will discover fine dining at this charming hideaway on...
Visit Florida's Sweetest Attraction. Voted Florida's #1 grove destination, Mixon Fruit Farms has...
Michael's On EastFounded on April 27, 1987, Michaels On East is currently celebrating its 25th...
For17 years on Longboat Key & now on St Armands sisters Ethna and Chris Lynch showcase Irish...
A taste for every palette
Discover something different! Choose from two full menus featuring Traditional Mexican and Organic...
Duval’s New World Caf in Sarasota, voted the finestseafood restaurant in Sarasotaserves...
Since 1947 Kilwins has been a celebrated part of Americana having earned a reputation for providing...
Offering the award-winning New Pass Burger, cold sandwiches, soft drinks, beer and wine, ice cream...
Nationally Acclaimed, Zagat-Rated. Specializing in thick-cut charbroiled steaks, chops, fresh...
Salute! Restaurant, located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, offers "al fresco"Tuscan-themed...
62 bistrot a piece of Paris in HillviewAuthentic French cuisine has arrived in Sarasota in a...
Exquisite food with fresh ingredients, Quality and Service that will Exceed your Expectations. Chic...
Broken Egg's newest location is Clark & Sawyer Roads at the Expo Center. A favorite experience for...
MoZaic restaurant on Main Street Featuring the exquisite Western Mediterranean cuisine of chef/owner...
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant is a unique restaurant concept where atmosphere, music and food blend...
We are located in the village on Siesta Key. The Blu Que Island Grill offers everything you need for...
Enjoy Darwin-style cuisine. Experience the result of a fascinating evolution of foods and cultures....
Enjoy Darwin-style cuisine. Experience the result of a fascinating evolution of foods and cultures....
Caf Baci, voted Best Italian Restaurant in Sarasota since 1995 by Sarasota Herald Tribune and...
A Sarasota fine dining restaurant experience... Treviso Restaurant, located in Sarasota, FL,...
Back in 2001, a group of local businessmen got together with an idea to open a restaurant in the...
As Sarasota's original Amish restaurant, Yoder's prides itself in Amish home cooking made from...
Since 1995, theVillage Cafeon Siesta Key has been a breakfast and lunch favorite for both tourists...
Sarasotas most buzzed about NEW seafood restaurant, lounge and marketplace features Coastal Cuisine...
An old tradition in a new setting since 1969. Troyer's Dutch Heritage serves traditional Amish...
Eclectic with a tropical twist, Tommy Bahamas Restaurant & Bar offers a relaxed, elegant island...
Located at the Lido Beach Resort eight stories above Lido Key, Christopher's embraces a comfortable...
Restaurant features dining Al Fresco under the blue skies of the solarium with remarkable cuisine...
SKOB is a true "Landmark" on the world famous Siesta Key Beach. The First place to consider when...
Sarasota Magazine's "Best of the Best," Herald Tribune's "Best Steak House" and finalists in Florida...
Roesslers classic continental cuisine offers the best steaks in town and the freshest seafood...
Located in the heart of Lakewood Ranch's Main Street, the Polo Grill and Bar pairs imaginative food...
Located in a tropical waterfront setting, this family restaurant features multiple seafood choices...
An intimate, casual dining experience serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Where guests can...
Waterfront dining, overlooking Sarasota bay, PG's offers an international menu of American favorites...
Award-winning, 1985-established restaurant in the heart of the downtown theater district. Great food...
Elegant waterfront dining on the southern tip of Siesta Key at Ophelia's on the Bay. Nestled along...
Sarasota's only waterfront Tiki bar featuring appetizers, salads, and sandwiches
The Florida Keys with a British twist. Fun for family or friends. Enjoy the waterfront view or...
Sweet, spicy, smoky...fine! Authentic Carolina style hickory smoke Bar-B-Q pulled pork and oak...
For over 50 yeas Morton's Market has maintained the trust and loyalty of generations of Sarasotans....
Michael's On EastFounded on April 27, 1987, Michaels On East is currently celebrating its 25th...
Elegant indoor dining with a breezy, tropical outdoor patio, Mattison's Forty-One offers...
Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Mattison's City Grille is a local favorite and is perfect...
A waterfront location offering superior food and service along with an excellent view. Featuring...
For17 years on Longboat Key & now on St Armands sisters Ethna and Chris Lynch showcase Irish...
Coffee and Tea retailer located inSiesta Key Village (Davidson Drugs Plaza), at Marie Selby...
Owned and operated by the Seidensticker family that hails from the renowned Gasparilla Inn in Boca...
Original 50s drive-in. Outside seating, hotdogs, hamburgers and daily specials. Celebrating 50...
"Worth the trip to Longboat Key." A local treasure for 30 years. Enjoy classically inspired cuisine...
Great food, spirits & fun-This neighborhood grill & sports connection is locally owned/operated...
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and wine. Enjoy...
Wine and music lovers, romantics and epicures will discover fine dining at this charming hideaway on...
A favorite of locals. Grouper is a house specialty. Also, crab cakes, center-cut steaks and shrimp....
Currents restaurant, the new upscale dining venue at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, is now open and...
Venice's waterfront landmark since 1976. Famous for fresh-caught seafood, choice steaks and chops,...
Cosimo’s offers a warm and upscale Italian trattoria atmosphere. The restaurant blends...
Family-owned for over 100 years, Columbia Restaurant has earned acclaim for its old-world charm,...
The Longboat Key Chart House is a favorite among residents, as well as vacationers. The restaurant...
The Caragiulo brothers graciously share their passion for traditional Italian cooking, wines, and...
Daily selections of Florida's freshest seafood have earned this local favorite Florida Trend's...
A small, intimate bistro-style restaurant, featuring an exquisite menu with a Continental to...
The "Grande Dame" of area restaurants, the award-winning cuisine of Cafe L'Europe strikes the...
More than a Buffalo-NY style wing joint, we offer a complete menu featuring sandwiches, burgers, &...
More than just a favorite forbreakfast & lunch, this restaurant and outdoor cafe in SiestaKey...
The Bijou Caf is a Sarasota Original that has set the standard for fine dining in the heart of the...
Find your home away from home
An urban boutique hotel in the heart of vibrant downtown Sarasota, within walking distance to shops,...
Introducing Hyatt Place, a new kind of hotel that puts style, innovation and The Hyatt Touch within...
Pristine Lagoon tropical island getaway 10 bungalows nestled by coconut palms. Our one-bedroom...
Inspired service, intriguing design, invigorating atmosphere: Hotel Indigo is a trendy refreshing...
Do you long for Vintage Florida Days, with New Coastal Style? Those crystal clear warm days that...
The Ringling Beach House - A Siesta Key Suites Property offersJUST UPDATEDaccommodations - Brand New...
Morning begins with a breakfast of fresh fruits, homemade muffins, and a gourmet entree served on...
Full-service hotel right on the Gulf of Mexico with 600-feet of private beach. Enjoy the pleasures...
Located directly on the powder white sands of Lido Beach, the Lido Beach Resort sits nestled just...
Luxury four-diamond beachfront resort. 218 luxury suite accommodations, six restaurants, 45-holes of...
A luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf coast offering championship golf, private beach-front...
This Island Resort offers true island living with the comfort and convenience of your contemporary...
Hyatt Regency Sarasota now boasts a casually sophisticated "Florida chic" feel inspired by the...
Located just south of Englewood, Palm Island Resort is a one of a kind property situatedon an island...
Siesta Key Banyan Tree Beach Resort and Vacation Rentals offer cozy accommodations 1, 2 or 3 bedroom...
Directly on the Beach!! Reminiscent of a bygone era, the Bungalow Beach Resort has much to offer...
The Baltimore Orioles are proud to call Sarasota County their Major League Baseball Spring Training...