The Best Sarasota Restaurants in and around the Sun CoastThat means there's always something good to eat nearby. There is something for everyone. It’s just a matter of deciding what you want and where to go to get it. In this Sarasota Dining Guide I’ll cover Sarasota Restaurants as well as the barrier islands: Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Lido Key / St. Armand’s Circle, Siesta Key, Casey Key and Osprey, Nokomis, Venice and even Bradenton. I’ll try to help your vacation be not only an "Adventure in Paradise," but also an adventure in good eating. There are a lot of really good Sarasota restaurants. I know from personal experience, as my waist line has grown from a size 32 to 34 in recent years, although it may also have something to do with age, I’m told! And although I’ve not been to all, I have been to a good number of restaurants in the area to know good ones from bad and all the reviews in my Sarasota Restaurants Dining Guide are first-hand reports.
Now, mind you, I’m not a gourmet reviewer (but I am a pretty good cook in my own rite and know good food!). There’s also a sliding judgment scale in place here; I wouldn’t necessarily expect the same level of service at a beach side beer and burger “joint” or over-crowded bistro as I would expect from a gourmet restaurant where I’m paying top dollar. But if I’ve had a bad experience, you won’t find that restaurant reviewed here among my select Sarasota Restaurants.
Please also note that I don’t go back to the same Sarasota restaurants repeatedly enough to be on top of any major (or minor) changes over time. Therefore prices, menus, and service are all subject to change and my reviews and recommendations may become ‘dated,’ unbeknown to me, although, I’ll eventually get back to a particular restaurant written about here over time. More on the Best Sarasota RestaurantsBut the majority of the Sarasota restaurants reviewed here have been frequented in the past 12 months or less, some multiple times. And you won’t find any national chains or franchises reviewed here, only local Sarasota independent restaurants.And while I’ve done my best to include a picture or two of some of the Sarasota restaurants I write about here, it’s not always an appropriate situation to jump up during a meal and take a picture of the dining area (although I have done that in some restaurants!). So if there’s not a picture of a particular Sarasota Dining spot here it is not an indication that I think it’s not as good of a restaurant as one with a picture included on its review page. It just means either I didn’t have a camera along, or the situation wasn’t right to snap a photo. Ok, enough of the disclaimers. Let’s cut to the chase; the best Sarasota restaurants in and around the Sun Coast, where I’ve found the best food, service and value.
Sarasota Restaurants
A Dining Guide to Select Sarasota Restaurants in and Around the Sun Coast.Anna Maria IslandRod and Reel Pier Restaurant and Bar ($ - $$)With old Florida charm and a fantastic view of Tampa Bay, the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant appears on my Sarasota Restaurants Dining Guide for a number of reasons including its unique setting. There's a plentiful menu of delicious food in various price ranges from sandwiches to seafood specialties. You can dine out on the deck or inside and you'll go away not only satisfied but also with a memorable experience. Read more about the experience of dining over this dock on the bay! The Sandbar Restaurant ($ - $$) The Sandbar Restaurant on north Anna Maria Island, Florida is set right on the beach. With some tables you can even swirl your toes in the sand. With lunch, dinner and deck menus, a bar from which you can order everything from Margaritas to Tropical Breezes, along with a terrific vantage point to keep your eye out on the beach, you'll think you're in paradise. From sandwiches to tantalizing and creative entrees, there's enough from which to choose. Read my review of the Sandbar Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. BradentonThe Linger Lodge ($)Hidden away off the beaten path and maybe a little hard to find is a 1940s era restaurant and bar that originally started out as just a campground. The Linger Lodge is an old style, old Florida place on the banks of a branch of the Braden River. You won't find gourmet food at ridiculous prices here. You'll find standard fare, decent prices and a fabulous view and fun experience. Read more about this out of the way restaurant and bar called The Linger Lodge. Casey KeyCasey Key Fish House ($ - $$)The only restaurant on Casey Key, The Casey Key Fish House is laid back, casual and tasty dining with one of the best views of Dryman Bay and the Intercoastal Waterway, along with reasonable prices, friendly staff and good service. This is the kind of place you come to Florida for! Whether you order a beer and burger or a seafood specialty and wine, you'll have a delicious meal and view. Don't miss the Shrimp Scampi here. Read more about some of the tasty meals and treats. Longboat KeyCafe on the Bay ($$)NEWS: Cafe on the Bay closed on July 26, 2009 and has been sold. It reportedly will reopen with a new name in the same location in the fall of 2009. Cafe on the Bay is an upscale restaurant on the north end of Longboat Key. While their dinner entree selections can reach as high as $36, you can enjoy delicious food in their beautiful dining room or outdoor garden patio, less expensively, during their Sunday Brunch Buffet. With a large selection of delicious breakfast and lunch treats, a seafood and salad table as well as pastries and desserts, you're bound to fill up on good food. If you like to spend a leisurely Sunday over coffee and brunch, make sure you read more about Cafe on the Bay.
NokomisMama Leones ($ - $$)One of my favorite Sarasota Restaurants is Mama Leones for their delicious Italian Cuisine. I go there as a special treat from time to time. There are delicious Italian specialties and traditional dishes that will leave you stuffed. Mama's is a sparkling clean Italian-Mediterranean restaurant with good service, great food and reasonable prices, just a few minutes drive south of Sarasota. If you like Italian Cuisine, make sure you read my mouth-watering review! Pops Sunset Grill ($ - $$) One of only a few waterside Sarasota restaurants, Pops Sunset Grill is right on the Intercoastal Waterway and provides gorgeous water and sunset views along with delicious meals. There's a wide ranging menu that includes seafood and steam pots, burgers, steaks, chicken, a delicious scampi, a grouper Reuben and many other delights. At reasonable prices that don't gouge, you can get a tasty dish and a little taste of what's left of Old Florida. Don't miss this review. The Saltwater Cafe ($ - $$$) This restaurant has over 300 items on their menu! Surely you'll be able to find something to tickle your taste buds here. From inexpensive sandwiches, soups and salads to pricey gourmet meals of seafood, steak, veal, duck and lamb, you're bound to find something tempting in this far ranging menu. They even offer two types of pizza! Once you have a meal at the Saltwater you'll see why it made my Sarasota Dining Guide. Click the link to read the review! OspreyRosebuds Steak and Seafood House ($ - $$)Angus beef, fresh seafood, and veal, chicken, pasta and more along with homemade, warm, baked bread on your table. Is your mouth watering yet? This is one of my favorite Sarasota restaurants. I like to treat myself to dinner at Rosebuds on special occasions. They offer delicious food, excellent service and rose-adorned dining rooms. You won't want to miss this delicious review. SarasotaCoasters Restaurant on the Water ($ - $$)If you want a good meal with a uniquely different water view, check out the review and picture of Coasters on the Water. Located right at the Stickney Point drawbridge, Coasters has a uniquely different view from its perch over the Intercoastal Waterway. Add in a delicious meal from a wide menu of tasty choices, an outdoor patio or indoor open and airy dining room, all in a casual, fun and friendly environment and you've got the makings of a totally enjoyable experience. Check out the details and see if you can imagine yourself in the pictures. Mi Pueblo Mexican Restaurant & Cantina ($ - $$) A colorful, traditional Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, Mi Pueblo offers good food, drinks and fun at reasonable prices. If you happen to be there on a night when the Mariachi Band is strolling the restaurant and playing their songs, it's an added bonus, making the atmosphere even more authentic and fun. There's much to enjoy on this traditional and authentic Mexican menu. Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant and Oyster Bar ($ - $$) If you like seafood this longtime Sarasota Florida restaurant has you covered in about any way you can think of. With a large menu of seafood specialties and land lover's favorites along with water side dining, you're sure to have an enjoyable lunch, dinner and experience at this family-friendly Sarasota Landmark. Read more about the seafood specialties and see if it makes you just a little hungry! Simons Coffee House and Deli ( $ ) I found this little coffee and sandwich shop along U.S. Rt. 41 in my travels and went in for a mid afternoon lunch on a Saturday afternoon a couple years ago. I've been back multiple times since then. With an outdoor cafe as well as indoor dining, Simons offers some really good fresh hand made sandwiches, salads and homemade soups. It had become such a popular spot that they had to expand and make more room. Read more about Simons and see if there's something that will tempt your taste buds. St. Armand's CircleThe Columbia Restaurant ($$)Of Sarasota Restaurants, The Columbia Restaurant on St. Armand's Circle is open and airy, with a wide variety of Spanish and Cuban Cuisine to choose from. For lunch or dinner, there will be something to please your taste. And they have a remarkable salad specialty that you must try, especially if you're into salads. Chicken, Steak, Pork, Seafood, Veal and Soup are all on the menu. Don't pass up reading this review! Cha Cha Coconuts ($) Cha Cha Coconuts is a fun, outdoor, curb-side cafe right on St. Armand's Circle. With a Caribbean/Floribean menu, there is a plentiful selection of treats. From ribs and chicken, to burgers, grouper and Cuban sandwiches, the menu and the outside atmosphere is a good combination, at reasonably inexpensive prices. Siesta KeyTurtle Beach Pub ($)Another one of many Sarasota restaurants, Turtle Beach Pub is on the south end of Siesta Key, a stone's throw from Turtle Beach, so you can walk over for a bite or a full meal after spending time at the beach. With an outdoor patio/deck, hearty pub style food and a fun and light atmosphere, Turtle Beach Pub is a place where you can relax and get a great burger, grouper sandwich or a steak or chops, even pub pizza! Turtle's on Little Sarasota Bay ($ - $$) Consistently voted "Best Outdoor and Waterfront Dining," in local popularity polls of Sarasota restaurants, once you visit Turtle's on Little Sarasota Bay you'll easily see why. With beautiful bay views, an inside dining room and two outside decks, the views are gorgeous and the food delicious. From seafood specialties to land lover delights, you're bound to find something on the menu to please. The Daiquiri Deck ($ - $$$) The Daiquiri Deck in Siesta Key Village is a fun Key West style restaurant and bar with a large and varied menu. Walk up a few steps from the sidewalk to the open air deck and enjoy a cold drink and view the activity in the village from your table and then enjoy a delicious meal. From burgers to Surf & Turf, the Daiquiri Deck has you covered! Make sure you read more about this popular restaurant here in our Sarasota Dining Guide.
VeniceSharkys on the Pier ($ - $$)Sharkys on the Pier is the only outdoor restaurant and bar on the Gulf of Mexico in Venice, Florida. This spot is popular and crowded because of its location on the beach with great views of the water, its good food, service and fun atmosphere, which often times includes live entertainment on the outdoor deck. If you're looking for a place with a Tiki Hut Bar, this is it! Read more about what makes this spot a popular hang-out for both locals and visitors. Snook Haven ($ - $$) Off the beaten path and tucked away in a little corner of Sarasota County is a backwoods, on the river restaurant and nature retreat called, "Snook Haven." This is one of those places you might want to put on your list of Sarasota area things to do. Good food, good fun and beautiful scenery. Read more about this old time, riverside restaurant. TJ Carney's Irish Pub & Grille ($ - $$) TJ Carney's Pub & Grille in Historic Downtown Venice offers both outdoor sidewalk and indoor seating. The cuisine ranges from Irish, with real Irish Lamb Stew, to American and a little bit in between. I've dined here numerous times for lunch and have always enjoyed the experience. There's a varied menu, reasonable prices and a professional service staff. Read more about some of the menu items I've tried.
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