Sarasota County is blessed with some fantastic dining options, from steakhouses to seafood and salads. Whether in Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, St Armand’s Circle, or Venice, Florida there are some wonderful places to eat. We’re sharing our favourite dining spots, including some of the best restaurants in Sarasota that you’re sure to enjoy.
The Best Restaurants in Sarasota County
Bijou Cafe
Since opening in 1986, Bijou Cafe has been wowing diners with its Continental-American food. Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs and his wife Shay have received many accolades including the Open Table Diner’s Choice Award 2017. The restaurant has an elegant feel with two courtyards for al fresco dining. Try the shrimp and crab bisque soup or the pepper steak with a secret spicy sauce.
1287 First Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
Boca Kitchen Bar & Market
A newcomer to the Sarasota dining scene, Boca is already proving popular with the locals. They focus on farm to table dining and you can buy some of the local produce to take home. Speaking of which, there are some great Sarasota farmers markets open weekly. All the ingredients at Boca are fresh and there are some great market specials like the Tecumseh Farms smoked cachaca chicken with brussels hash and crushed chimichurri. Much of the seating is communal in order to encourage a sense of community so it’s a fun place to come with friends.
19 S. Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Clasico Cafe Bar
A cool spot for drinks and contemporary American cuisine, Clasico Cafe Bar is an all day eatery with a lovely location on the corner of Main and Palm in Downtown Sarasota. Relax in the comfy outdoor seating and tuck into tasty dishes such as lobster Benedict or Chef Guillaume’s beef Bourguignon, a family recipe.
On several nights of the week there are musical events, such as a one man Cuban band on Wednesdays, a live DJ on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and an open mic night on Sundays. Diners can also try their hand at playing the piano decorated by artist Viktorija Bulava. It’s one of several placed around the city by Sarasota Keys, a project hosted by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. The piano became an internet sensation when a passerby filmed a homeless man, Donald Gould, playing it. Donald is a classically trained pianist and since starring in the YouTube video, he’s played the National Anthem for the San Francisco 49ers season opener and got a recording contract.
1341 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Fins at Sharky’s
Renowned as a “steakhouse with a serious seafood side”, Fins at Sharky’s has an incomparable location on the beach. With direct views of Venice Fishing Pier, it has a stylish coastal decor. There’s even a giant fin on the roof! Serving up seasonal ingredients from South Florida, they do delicious salads, sushi and oysters. The Surf and Turf Sushi Roll was a real treat, with asparagus, Maine lobster, tempura shrimp and avocado topped with sweet soy sauce, sriracha mayo and a hoisin glaze.
Island Organics
Not strictly a restaurant but more of a cafe, Island Organics is nonetheless one of our favourite places for juices, smoothies and healthy food in Venice, Florida. Owner Alexa Dippolito spotted a gap in the market for juices made from organic fruit and vegetables and since opening in 2013, Island Organics has been popular for its healthy breakfast and lunch menu. There are options for gluten free, vegan and vegetarian diets.
231 Miami Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
Jack Dusty
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is known for its chic decor and impeccable service and its new restaurant, Jack Dusty, is one of the best restaurants in Downtown Sarasota. With a relaxed atmosphere, superb bayside views and a large outdoor terrace, it’s popular with locals and visitors alike for its fresh coastal cuisine. If you’re wondering who Jack Dusty was, it’s an 18th century term for a naval store clerk. Try a Sandy Bottom cocktail for sharing with a group, or a craft microbrew. One of their signature dishes is Sarasota Cioppino with gulf shrimp, grouper, bay scallops, clams and mussels in a tomato and orange peel broth.
1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Le Colonne Restaurant
A family affair, Le Colonne Restaurant specializes in authentic Italian cooking. It’s located at St Armands Circle, a charming retail and dining destination.Their pizzas are prepared daily with a low-calorie dough and cooked in a wood-fired oven. The handmade pasta is also prepared fresh every day and is particularly tasty. Save some room for the traditional tiramisu, also homemade daily.
2 S Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236
Lido Key Tiki Bar
For sundowners on the beach, Lido Key Tiki Bar is the place to come. It’s part of The Ritz-Carlton Residences but open to all. The rustic, open-air beach bar is a great place to watch the sun set whilst sipping a Lido Key Mai Tai or Margarita. They also offer handhelds like burgers, wraps and tacos, with ice-cream sandwiches for dessert.
1234 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34242
Michael’s on East
The only AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant in Sarasota, Michael’s on East is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Michael Klauber and his business partner Phil Mancini are founding members of the Eat Like a Local movement which gathers together locally owned restaurants sharing a passion for food. Michael is also Co-Chair of Forks & Corks, a renowned Florida food and wine festival, held at The Ringling Museum in January each year. In addition to the award-winning restaurant, there’s also a contemporary wine cellar which can be rented for private events. For larger events, there’s the Michael’s on East Ballroom in Midtown Plaza. Back at Michael’s on East, diners can enjoy healthy dishes such as chimichurri tenderloin, Southwestern mahi-mahi and butter-roasted flounder. The signature Chocolate Blackout Cake has layer upon layer of chocolate custard cake covered with chocolate Jimmies.
1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Siesta Beach was voted Best Beach in North America 2017 in the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards and Best Beach in America 2017 by Dr. Beach. After spending some time on the magnificent white sand beach, why not head to one of the great Siesta Key restaurants nearby. Ophelia’s on the Bay is one of the best restaurants in Siesta Key, with a magical setting on the waterfront. It’s an elegant place with a bayside patio and floor-to-ceiling windows and a hit since opening in 1988. Executive chef Daniel Olson has created some superb dishes such as New England diver scallops with beurre noisette, bacon jam, sweet potato purée and smokey dill scented Champagne beurre blanc. Service is really friendly and if you’re lucky you may spot blue herons and dolphins from your patio table.
9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
Shore
Cool beach lifestyle store Shore also has an al-fresco eatery serving signature dishes such as Key West shrimp and scallop risotto and pan-fried red snapper with wilted spinach, arancini cake, caponata and citrus butter. Why not try the truffle fries with parmesan and chives on the side. Located on St Armands Circle, it’s a vibrant place by night and also popular for its brunch dishes like marinated steak and eggs.
465 John Ringling Blvd #100, Sarasota, FL 34236
Venice Avenue Creamery
We’re finishing with a sweet treat, which isn’t a restaurant per se but is somewhere you won’t want to miss if visiting Venice, Florida. Family-owned and operated since 1967, their friendly staff serve handmade ice-cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt and waffle cones. The Key Lime Pie yogurt, Cookie Monster and Chunky Salted caramel ice creams are worth writing home about ;-).
249 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285
As we said, these were the best restaurants in Sarasota that we’ve tried, but we’d love to hear your recommendations for future visits. Many of you kindly suggested places to eat via social media, including Duval’s, Indigenous, Selva Grill and the Blue Rooster Gospel Brunch in Downtown Sarasota and Antoine’s on Tuttle Avenue.
Take a video tour of Sarasota County here – there are so many things to do in Sarasota, FL including world-class museums, natural attractions and family-friendly activities.
Pin for later or share with friends if you’ve found this useful
Best restaurants in Sarasota County – in association with Visit Florida and Hertz
The post The Best Restaurants in Sarasota County, Florida That You’ll Love appeared first on Luxury Columnist.
from Luxury Columnist
No comments:
Post a Comment