Explore Sarasota Restaurants
Sarasota has been recognized nationally for its restaurant scene relative to its population size. The county supports hundreds of independent restaurants across Gulf-to-table seafood, international cuisine, casual waterfront dining, and fine dining tasting menu experiences.
Florida Classics
Owen's Fish Camp
Gulf-to-table cooking in a restored craftsman cottage on Burns Lane. James Beard-recognized, locally sourced, and consistently ranked among the best restaurants in Florida.
Casual Waterfront
The Old Salty Dog
Sarasota's most beloved institution. Cold beer, fish tacos, and outdoor seating at prices that haven't chased the tourist markup. The City Island location has the better view.
Fine Dining Waterfront
Ophelia's on the Bay
Siesta Key's most romantic dining room, set on the bay with tablecloths and Gulf seafood. The sunset timing from the dining room is reliably excellent.
Farm to Table
Indigenous Restaurant
Chef Steve Phelps' flagship downtown Sarasota restaurant, built around the farmers market sourcing philosophy. The seasonal menu changes with what is growing and swimming locally.
Longboat Key Classic
Euphemia Haye
Operating since 1980, Euphemia Haye is Longboat Key's dining institution. Gulf seafood, exceptional wine, and tableside preparations that have defined the island dining experience.
French Bistro
The Bijou Cafe
French-inspired bistro cooking in downtown Sarasota since 1986. The prix-fixe menu and the wine list have been recognized nationally. One of the few restaurants in the county that could hold its own in New York.
Downtown Sarasota
Main Street and the immediate surrounding blocks constitute the highest concentration of independent restaurant options in the county. Chef Rolf's steak and seafood, Owen's Fish Camp for Florida classics in a restored craftsman house, Indigenous for locally sourced Florida ingredients, and the Bijou Cafe for French-inspired bistro cooking represent the range of the downtown dining corridor.
Waterfront and Siesta Key
The Old Salty Dog on City Island and in Siesta Key Village is the most consistently recommended casual waterfront spot. The outdoor seating, cold beer, fish tacos, and fried seafood at prices below the typical tourist markup make it a reliable choice. Summer House Steak and Seafood on Siesta Key brings the white tablecloth experience to the island context.
Seafood-Specific
Gulf Coast seafood at its best in Sarasota means grouper, snapper, mullet, stone crab claws in season, and Gulf shrimp from local boats. The Fish House in Sarasota, Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant on the south end of town, and the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill on Longboat Key consistently receive recognition for quality local seafood.
St. Armands Circle
The circle on Lido Key supports a cluster of restaurants oriented toward the visiting population. Cafe L'Europe has been a St. Armands dining institution for decades. Tommy Bahama Margaritaville and Cha Cha Coconuts represent the more casual tourist-facing end of the circle dining options. The restaurants around the circle benefit from the walkability of the St. Armands retail area, which makes dinner an extension of a shopping afternoon.
Editor Picks
Editor's Pick
Stone Crab Season: October to May
Florida stone crab claws are the seasonal delicacy that locals plan around. When the season opens in October, the best seafood restaurants in Sarasota get the first hauls. Order immediately.
Local Favorite
Saturday Farmers Market Breakfast
The Sarasota Farmers Market on Lemon Avenue runs October through June. Empanadas, fresh juice, handmade pastries, and strong coffee from the local roasters are the best breakfast in the county at the lowest price.
Best Value
Siesta Key Village Happy Hour
The Beach Club and the Village Cafe both run significant happy hour programs. The rooftop at the Beach Club with Gulf views and a cold beer at 5 p.m. in January may be the best value moment in Sarasota.