Wondering where to eat on your Sarasota getaway? In this post, I’ll share my favorite restaurants in Sarasota, Florida—"where fresh Gulf seafood, vibrant flavors, and breezy waterfront dining make every meal feel like a mini vacation."
Highlights:
Unique Restaurants
1. Big Water Fish Market
Rating: ★★★★★
Big Water Fish Market is a hidden gem on Siesta Key, located in the Crescent Beach Shopping Center. Specializing in fresh, Florida-caught seafood, the market also offers a casual dining menu and delicious takeout options.
Recommended For: Seafood lovers, casual diners, families, and anyone who enjoys fresh, local flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.
What I Love: ♥ Fresh, local seafood, BYOB policy, delicious takeout options, and the casual vibe.
- Grab fresh fish, seafood, and produce for home cooking, or enjoy a casual meal in-store.
- Enjoy a simple but tasty menu that highlights the market's best seafood.
- Relax at one of the picnic tables with family and friends for a seafood steam pot dinner.
- Support a local business committed to fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood and local community involvement.
- Bring your favorite drinks, as Big Water Fish Market has a BYOB policy!
Big Water Fish Market, 6641 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Phone: 941-554-8101
2. Antoine's Restaurant
Antoine's Restaurant offers an elegant continental menu in a cozy, stylish setting. The artisanal menu features a variety of seafood, including PEI mussels served in seven different ways and lobster croquettes paired with a fresh salad.
Recommended For: Seafood lovers, food enthusiasts, and those seeking an elegant dining experience in Sarasota.
What I Love: ♥ Artisanal seafood dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and the delightful variety of preparations.
- Indulge in homemade creamed bisque and light waffles with blue cheese and arugula.
- Enjoy seared salmon, pan-fried scallops, and black grouper with a pesto crust.
- Relax in a cozy ambiance with a menu full of exquisite options for every palate.
- Pair your meal with a selection of beers, wine, or soft drinks to complement the cuisine.
- Experience attentive, friendly service in a charming, welcoming environment.
Antoine's Restaurant, 1100 N Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, Florida 34237
Phone: 941-331-1400
3. Yoder's
Yoder's Amish Restaurant has been a staple in Sarasota since 1975, offering hearty homemade comfort food in a warm, unpretentious setting. Known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and award-winning homemade pies, Yoder's is the perfect place for a family meal or a satisfying breakfast to start your day.
Recommended For: Families, comfort food lovers, and anyone seeking hearty Amish and American favorites in a cozy atmosphere.
What I Love: ♥ Hearty portions, homemade pies, and a classic, old-fashioned ambiance that brings people together.
- Enjoy delicious homemade comfort food like fried chicken, meatloaf, and country fried steak.
- Indulge in their famous, award-winning pies—perfect for dessert or a take-home treat.
- Shop at the Amish Village for a variety of specialty groceries, deli meats, cheeses, and baking supplies.
- Relax in a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere that welcomes everyone with a home-cooked meal.
- Experience the charm of this local favorite and the surrounding Amish Village, which includes a gift shop and produce market.
Yoder's, Amish Village, 3434 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 941-955-7771
4. Selva Grill
Selva Grill combines the exotic flavors of Latin American and North American fare to create mouthwatering Nuevo Latino cuisine, with an emphasis on Peruvian dishes. Offering a vibrant, casual atmosphere, Selva Grill takes diners on a culinary journey through Latin America, showcasing authentic dishes with innovative presentations.
Recommended For: Food adventurers, lovers of Latin American cuisine, and anyone seeking creative, flavorful dishes in a lively setting.
What I Love: ♥ The unique fusion of flavors, artistic dish presentations, and the fresh, inventive approach to Latin American cuisine.
- Savor the ceviches de la Casa, a uniquely flavored appetizer that captures the essence of Latin American cuisine.
- Indulge in signature entrées like fresh seafood and grilled meats with exotic salsas, herbs, and vegetables.
- Enjoy meticulously crafted dishes that are presented as works of art by the friendly and attentive staff.
- Relax in a vibrant and casual atmosphere while sipping on a refreshing Mojito or selecting from an extensive wine list.
- Pair your meal with wines from around the world, including rare vintages and signature cocktails.
Selva Grill, 1345 Main Street, Sarasota FL 34236
Phone: 941-362-4427
5. Duval's
Duval's is an elegant seafood restaurant known for serving some of the freshest seafood and fish in Sarasota. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Duval's supports local fishermen and farmers, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest catch of the day and produce.
Recommended For: Seafood enthusiasts, those who appreciate local, sustainable dining, and anyone seeking a refined dining experience with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
What I Love: ♥ The emphasis on local sourcing, the diverse seafood menu, and the elegant atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
- Indulge in signature dishes like blackened shrimp with carrot ribbons, Duval’s Seafood Sampler, and black pepper-encrusted salmon over spring greens.
- Experience the daily, fresh catch delivered straight from local waters and filleted in-house for the highest quality.
- Pair your meal with a selection from Duval’s extensive, constantly updated wine list, or enjoy cocktails and spirits to complement your seafood feast.
- Relax at lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch in an elegant setting, with friendly service and a menu that highlights the best of the ocean.
- Support sustainable practices by dining at a restaurant that values local sourcing and freshness.
Duval's, 1435 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-312-4001
6. Cafe L'Europe
Cafe L'Europe has been serving authentic continental cuisine since 1973, offering diners in Sarasota an elegant European-inspired ambiance. Founded by European-born Titus Letschert, this fine dining restaurant combines superb cuisine, award-winning wines, handcrafted cocktails, and impeccable service for an unforgettable experience.
Recommended For: Fine dining enthusiasts, lovers of European cuisine, and those seeking an elegant, memorable dining experience on St. Armand’s Circle.
What I Love: ♥ The classic European ambiance, the exceptional menu, and the table-side preparation of signature dishes.
- Indulge in signature dishes like Lobster Bisque, Dover Sole Meunière, Brandied Duckling, and Chateaubriand, flame-grilled at the table.
- Enjoy an extensive selection of award-winning wines to perfectly complement your meal.
- Relax in a refined atmosphere that transports you to the elegance of a European dining experience.
- Experience flawless service and culinary artistry that elevates every meal into a special occasion.
- Savor the tradition of European hospitality with every dish, expertly prepared and presented.
Cafe L'Europe, 431 St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-388-4415
7. Columbia Restaurant Sarasota
Columbia Restaurant Sarasota is part of the renowned Columbia Restaurant Group, founded by Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. in 1905. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, this historic restaurant serves an authentic menu of Spanish cuisine, offering a truly delectable dining experience in the heart of St. Armand’s Circle.
Recommended For: Fans of Spanish cuisine, those looking for a historic dining experience, and anyone craving fresh seafood or tender meats in a vibrant atmosphere.
What I Love: ♥ The rich history, the vibrant Spanish flavors, and the exceptional service that makes each meal memorable.
- Savor starters like Cuban Black Bean Soup, Gazpacho Andalucia, and tapas of Sliced Chorizo, tender baby pork ribs, and jumbo shrimp sautéed in extra-virgin Spanish olive oil.
- Indulge in fresh seafood options like red snapper, ahi tuna, and octopus, or enjoy meat dishes like steaks, ribs, chops, and chicken.
- Pair your meal with a selection from an extensive wine list, featuring exceptional wines from South America and Spain.
- Relax in a lively atmosphere, with service that reflects the restaurant’s longstanding family traditions.
- Experience the rich flavors of authentic Spanish cuisine, passed down through generations of the Hernandez family.
Columbia Restaurant Sarasota, 411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-388-3987
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