|
The choices are many, and fresh seafood is clearly
the highlight of most menus. From blackened tuna on Caesar salads,
to seafood chowders, to famous grouper sandwiches, fresh Gulf
Coast seafood is a treat. Don't miss out on Sarasota's Florida
stone crab claws dipped in local savory sauces. Outdoor cafés
are plentiful especially on St Armand's Circle and in historic
sections of Sarasota. Having lived overseas for many years,
we enjoy the wide selection of ethnic restaurants in the area
including Spanish paella, Japanese teppanyaki and sushi, Greek
spanikopita, Thai curry and variety of Italian cuisines.
While it's impossible to cover all dining options, we've
provided a few of our "local" favorites you won't
find on other lists. We've also included a link below to the
much publicized results of Sarasota Magazine's Reader's Choice.
|
| |
|
Dry Docks Waterfront
Grill
412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, 941-383-0102: a couple miles south
Located behind a dry dock boat storage facility, this restaurant
is a real local favorite with great food, a great view of
the bay and very affordable prices. It features some of
the best seafood on the island, cooked to perfection. If
you're a key lime pie crazy like us, not miss theirs we
think it's among the best. They have indoor and outdoor
seating available. It can get very busy during prime dinner
times.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Lynches Pub & Grub
19B North Blvd of Presidents, 941-388-5550: a four miles south.
This is the local Irish pub established in 1986 by Cork County,
Ireland, sisters Chris and Ethna Lynch. The Pub and Grub is located north of St. Armands Circle on the west side. Get a pint and
some good pub grub and people watch on St. Armands Circle. If you get a chance the sisters
are always willing to talk about their home country. We like
the casual, comfortable atmosphere. Dress is very casual.
|
| |
|
|
Monkey Room at The Colony
1620 Gulf of Mexico, 941-383-5558: one mile south
Here you will find a four star meal and lovely sunsets at
an affordable price. It's an open air bar and grill next to
the five star Dining Room at The Colony. We go before sunset
and order the chicken, shrimp and beef satays (served in a
pineapple) with a Caesar salad. You watch spectacular sunsets
over the Gulf as you sip our cocktails and eat delicious food.
You can even walk on the beach. A limited, but eclectic menu.
(p.s. the chef is very flexible and has made special orders
for us). Dress is nice casual.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
Café by the Bay
2630 Harbourside Drive, 941-383-0440: couple miles north
Upscale restaurant within an elegant, yet casual, clubhouse
setting with a spectacular view of the marina on the bay.
The food is outstanding with an "Island Mediterranean"
flair. It has an extensive menu featuring some of the best
seafood and beef on the island. Seating is available in the
indoor dining room or outdoor covered terrace. Dress is nice
casual.
|
| |
|
|
Tommy Bahama's
300 John Ringling Blvd, St Armand's Circle, 941-388-2446
Tommy Bahama on St. Armand's Circle is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Tommy's has a unique set-up: the restaurant is upstairs from their well-known store.
The food tends to be on the expensive end but is worth it. They have entertainment in the evenings. Recommended meals include the coconut shrimp and anything jerk. The specials also tend to be quite good, with fresh local seafood.
The decor is straight out of island plantation casting. The service we've received has always been top-notch. Dress is nice
casual.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
Waffle Stop Inc
660 S Washington Blvd, 941-952-0555
Get ready for a "back in time" breakfast experience.
This is where the "real" locals have breakfast in
Sarasota. The waitresses know almost everyone by name because
it's filled with "regulars". You'll see many of Sarasota's
finest (i.e. police) in eating their morning meal. There's a
picture of Elvis on the wall with a copy of his meal check when
he had breakfast there in the '50s. The food is all American
at roadside prices. It's the real deal…you've got to love
it. Very, very casual.
|
| |
|
|
Kay's BBQ and Liquor
5445 North Washington Blvd. (Hwy 301), 941-355-5150
Down home cook'n at great prices. If you love ribs, this
is a great place. It's worth the 20-minute drive if you have
a hankering for a great BBQ meal. Very casual.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Publix Deli
525 Bay Isle Parkway: five minute walk south
Almost embarrassed to put it in here, but it's too good to
pass up. Publix Deli has great made-to-order sandwiches and
salads. They use Boar's Head meats and cheeses. It's in the
Avenue of the Flowers shopping complex just a short stroll
from SeaSide Garden Retreat. Dress is grocery store casual.
|
|
Readers Choice Restaurants - Sarasota Magazine
The Sarasota Magazine is a local, upscale publication that
is widely read and has a finger on the pulse of the Sarasota
community. Their annual Reader's Choice provides an excellent
broad coverage of the top rated dining establishments in the
area. Here's their link to award-winning dining:
http://www.sarasotamagazine.com/past_issues/index.html
|
|
| |
|
|
| <<Previous |
|
|
| |
|
|
