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Reserve at Roast

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Roast
Roast

Roast Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.roastsarasota.com
  • Phone: (941) 953-1971
  • Hours of Operation: Lunch; Mon - Friday: 11:30am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00pm-9.00pm, Friday - Saturday: 5.00pm-10.00pm
    Closed Saturday and Sunday lunch for the summer thru August
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: American
  • Executive Chef: Andrew Thompson
  • Dress Code: Casual Dress
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Menu, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking Area, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Private Party Facilities: With four different dining and cocktail areas, Roast lends itself very well to private dining to suit all your requirements. From a lavish food and wine party to a simple lunch gathering, whatever your occasion our team at Roast will help plan the perfect event.
  • Private Party Contact: Blanca Flores/April Thompson (941) 953-1971
  • Entertainment: We offer a selection of live entertainment, throughout the year. In the courtyard live one and two piece musicians play light blues, jazz and other vocal and instrumental genres. In the upstairs lounge bar, single vocalists entertain with a selection of genres to suit all tastes.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Pineapple Avenue
  • Public Transit: Sarasota main bus terminal is a five minute walk from the restaurant.
  • Parking: Valet
  • Parking Details: Street parking is available as is valet, there is also a five story parking lot located at the back of the restaurant open seven days a week.
A word from Roast
Roast restaurant and bar is downtown Sarasota"s, newest destination restaurant, from chef owner Andrew Thompson. With multiple dining and drinking options, Roast offers something for everyone. Located in the heart of the performing arts district, guests can choose from a sumptuous and innovative 3… course meal in the transformed dining room, a casual cocktail upstairs with lite bites in the old world Floridian style lounge bar,, or a gathering of friends,libations and sharing platters in the gorgeous courtyard,adored with majestic palms and tropical plants. the courtyard features its own outside bar, fire pits and a purpose built rotisserie grill for weekend specials of whole roasted suckling pigs! We look forward to welcoming you to our exciting venue!Continued
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies
  • Diners' Choice WinnerOutdoor Dining
Diner Reviews
  • "Hi, We had a great dinner, everyone enjoyed their food. We had a very excellent waiter who was studying acting at Asolo and he enhanced the experience. I would definately go back again."
    Dined on 7/17/2014
  • "A great Restuarant! Good food, reasonable prices, nice ambience."
    Dined on 7/16/2014
  • "My wife and I were on a time frame and decided to stop at the Roast for an appetizer and drink. Great food and service."
    Dined on 7/14/2014
  • "Pre-dinner drinks at bar - dismal, bar not spiffy, drinks overpriced, no cherries for manhattan - dinner downstairs - excellent - roast pork and duck confit were superb, as were appetizers - Server Erica was fast, efficient, charming and helpful - would visit again because of food quality. and Erica - Something needs to be done about upstairs bar area - woodwork is beautiful, but is in dire need of refinishing - bar not well stocked - mirrors need to be resilvered - lighting is terrible - could be a gem of a restaurant/bar with a little more cash investment -"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "2nd time trying Roast. Enjoyed it both times but was a little more adventurous this time and it really paid off Would Not order the dry aged steak but everything else we had was terrific"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Food and presentation were excellent. The prices were reasonable and I felt that the overall value exceeded expectations. it also was nice to see a wine list that included affordable bottles of wine both red and white."
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Great place to showcase the local sarasota dining scene. Try the deviled eggs for sure."
    Dined on 7/10/2014
  • "We are an older couple who have dined at Roast twice. We were introduced by friends and then took a friend for dinner. The food is quite good and we especially enjoy the option of "small plates". The space is attractive. It is a bit noisy but not overly so. The service is friendly. The outdoor area is lovely, although because it is summer and quite warm now we have not yet dined al fresco here. We look forward to many more happy times at Roast."
    Dined on 7/6/2014
  • "Restaurants in this location seem to have problems because we have been to at least 3 of them and this one is no exception. We ate on the patio on a Saturday night and had issues with both service and food. Please be aware that if you choose to eat outdoors here there are no fans and bugs can be an issue."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "We started with appetizer and the calmari was very good. I really enjoyed the salmon dish as it had an Asian twist served with sticky rice...just yummy! The sweet touch was an almond crusted raspberry type of tart and was truly tasty!"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "Top notch service, Ray was pleasant, knowledgable, and attentive. The roasted pig and the herbal crusted salmon were impeccable.The sides completed the meal. Over the 10 days of vacationing in Sarasota this was our best experience dinning out."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "The service was absolutely excellent. The food was wonderful and I would most definitely come back. During dinner however, there were flys all over our table landing on the food, the glasses, the drinks. Was very disappointing to have them ruin our experience"
    Dined on 6/29/2014
  • "Warm ambiance in a cozy dining room within a historic building - Excellent! Food shows a British touch - I believe the chef is out of London. We had the special - fabulous roast pork dinner with generous helpings of potato, roasted veg and a scrumptious mushroom side dish plus a lovely glass of Pinot Noir for $26! Savor Sarasota menu - a nice variety of 3 courses - still was available as well as exceptional choices on the evening menu. The lamb dish was cooked to perfection and the shared charcuterie appetizer showed the chefs repertoire of meats & terrines. Thoroughly enjoyable and we will return to try our next Roast meal in the lovely courtyard!"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "Very good experience. The food, especially the salmon special from the fixed price menu, was excellent. We were pleased that the waiter and manager were more flexible than during previous visits: 1) allowing me to order the salmon special and substitute a garden salad in lieu of the appetizers on the fixed priced menu; honoring my husband's request to substitute veggies for red pepper mash on the swordfish entrée, which he said was excellent. He also really liked the wedge salad. This was our third visit and are very pleased to have such a nice reasonably-priced restaurant within walking distance of the Florida Studio Theater where we have a subscription."
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "2nd visit to Roast, this time with different dinner partners. All rated meals and service FABULOUS. Three had Savor Sarasota menu (steak entree), I had Special of the Day (Roasted Wild Sea Bass)."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "Very slow bar service servers were their own bartenders which meant any beverage from initial order to a refill was extremely slow"
    Dined on 6/26/2014
  • "Plates presentation were not to our taste. Most plates covered with heavy tomato sauce"
    Dined on 6/23/2014
  • "We were very pleased with our first visit to Roast. The restaurant has three distinct seating areas (downstairs, the courtyard and upstairs), that differ in personality. We were seated upstairs, and very much enjoyed the quiet, eclectic, 'pub-ish' ambiance and decor. Friendly and efficient service by Jordan (who was very sensitive to our time restraints, due to concert tickets) and fantastic food (the Lamb Tagine & Roasted Beet Salad were both AMAZING) made for a perfect restaurant trifecta: A+ for Service, Ambiance and Food. We'll be back for sure!"
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "The grouper was fair. No choice on for the diner to select the preparation. The lamb was tough and barely edible."
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "Were looking forward to try several dishes from the well planned menu. My first experience was a glass of wine - good but not cold! Then had to wait for an other, cold, glass of Ch. I had 3 different cold dishes , salad, eggs/wanted to try the Mote caviar/ and cold cuts. All quite good, quince and fig condiments excellent. My companion asked for the special pig roast, looking forward to crisp skin. There wasn't any, and on the whole it wasn't that good. Next time, - the location is excellent! - we will know what to order."
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "In a spot where many previous establishments haven't succeeded, Roast is sure to stay. From the warm greeting at the door to the creatively presented and well-executed fare, Roast offers a wonderful evening in a homey atmosphere. For opera and theater goers, Roast is a must. We had fish and usually ask the chef, wherever we are eating, not to overcook it. We forgot to ask; both fish dishes were moist, perfectly prepared...a treat. The raw tuna in crisp wonton cones was an eye pleaser and set the stage for a culinary adventure. We will definitely return. The upstairs is charming and perfect for private parties or simply to belly-up against an antique bar."
    Dined on 6/17/2014
  • "Roast is a great addition to your list of good restaurants near Florida Studio Theater/Cabaret. You can park your car by the theater and walk to the restaurant. They are attentive to your need to get to the theater on time. Menu has a variety of selections and the flavors are very good. Because it is small, the noise level can be a little higher than I like, but once people start to eat, it does get quieter! Good wine selections and you can get a very good glass of wine for $7-$8....good pour. Meal prices vary based on your selection. but I didn't think things were over-priced for the most part. Sitting outdoors in the evening is a lovely setting."
    Dined on 6/17/2014
  • "Great Father's Day dinner, had bone in Rib, cooked to correct temp, very tasty, my wife had Grouper, didn't live up to same meal on last visit, somewhat overcooked and presented differently. Will be back when in area. Thanks to all the staff for accommodating our celebrity Poodles! Joe Sofia South Fork Grille"
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "Wonderful food. Particularly enjoyed the best roast potatoes ever! Had read about this restaurant and being Brits were eager to try it and we were not disappointed. Awesome menu, friendly staff. Will be returning for the seafood tower and bottle of wine."
    Dined on 6/15/2014
  • "The decidedly mixed reviews did not scare us off, as we wanted to try Roast. Glad we did. After a short wait for our table spent at the small bar, we were seated downstairs. Service was good, if robotic, and they are using runners to help address some concerns outlined in other reviews. Seems to work fairly well. Food was excellent. We split a salmon app (3 styles, all great), I had the beet salad (nice!) and the Saturday pig roast which I enjoyed, although the free glass of Pinot Noir that came with it was at best jug wine. Give me an option to upgrade to something drinkable for $5 and I'm in... My wife had a house salad, and fresh grouper which she liked very much. We will be back for the seafood tower: but let me upgrade that wine, too!"
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "They have a beautiful patio area which we reserved a table, but it started raining just when we got there. There were no tables available, but there was seating at the bar. The bartender, James, provided excellent service - very knowledgeable about the drinks he was making and about the food and wine pairings. The food was excellent - everything was hot when served; we ordered the aged steak and shared it, which was perfectly cooked to our order, juicy and delicious. Even though we were not able to sit outside, as planned, we have a wonderful evening. We highly recommend The Roast."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "Arrived early. While waiting, conversed with James, the mixologist, who recommended a new appetizer - artichoke ravioli in red sauce. The quality & taste were extraordinary. James told us the chef had roasted a pig outdoors as a special and also recommended the roasted Grouper. Three had the pig and I had the grouper. Presentation was superb & all gave their meal 5 stars. The server, Angie, was hard pressed due to a full house. However, she took time to deliver on a special request by one in our party. The cocktails before dinner were perfect & the wine included with the special of the night was a fantastic Pinot Noir. We have made a reservation to return this month to enjoy the ambiance & another very special dining experience."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "Wow! We had 8 in our party and everyone gave Roast high marks. From the cozy table in the front window (where we could actually carry on conversations with everyone in our group) to yummy and creative cocktails, delicious appetizers and entrees followed by delectable dessert we can't wait to return! Our server James was attentive, knowledgable and fun. The architecture and and decor are beautiful. We didn't want the night to end!"
    Dined on 6/13/2014
  • "Excellent food and service during Restaurant Week. Inviting ivy covered facade with open airy indoor atomosphere. Super attentive and friendly wait staff. Owner pays close attention to all the small details that make this an outstanding value. Very reasonably priced wine list."
    Dined on 6/13/2014
  • "Hope this restaurant has staying power because the first visit was impressive. Variety of menu items, small and entree plates (I sampled three small plates - which were quite substantial and all nicely done; good sized portions all around - hubby had one of that night's special entrees; well priced; the wait staff was attentive as was the floor manager. Can't wait to try their whole pig roast dinner as well as their tower of crustations. Just an overall good experience was had. Will definitely go back - and soon."
    Dined on 6/12/2014
  • "The worst part about the meal was the chairs were quite uncomfortable. The meal was tasty and our server was very knowledgeable of the menu."
    Dined on 6/11/2014
  • "We tried Roast for lunch during the Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week! Our table was ideal, our wait staff, James, was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the menu offerings, and food was very good! We were impressed with our introduction to this restaurant and will be back soon!"
    Dined on 6/11/2014
  • "Enthusiastic, knowledgable wait-staff. Perfect serving portions. Balanced flavors and textures. The pot roast was beyond decadent. We look forward to trying other dishes in the future."
    Dined on 6/10/2014
  • "Some reviews had given Roast poor reviews for service. Out food and service were excellent---and with a group if 8 that can be challenging for a small restaurant. We ate inside but the garden was busy and looked great."
    Dined on 6/8/2014
  • "I went to Roast with my wife and adult son for Sunday brunch. We were all disappointed in the limited brunch menu. Roast will have to improve that if they wish to attract a crown for brunch."
    Dined on 6/8/2014
  • "We participated in the Savor Sarasota program and had two delicious meals at a low cost. Their pricese are normally quite reasonable but this was a bargain. The pork terrine was very flavorful and the herb encrusted cod was perfectly seasoned and cooked and was a large portion. Partner had mussles in wine sauce and they were fresh, plump and served in a very tasty sauce. The wait staff were a bit harried (maybe because of the Savor Sarasota special deal.) That issue was minor compared to the total fine dining experience."
    Dined on 6/7/2014
  • "The champagne was flat (and we had to chase down our server to get another glass poured). All courses of both our meals were terrible. There wasn't a single item that was good. I would never go back to Roast!"
    Dined on 6/5/2014
  • "Tho' we live near Sarasota year round, we had not had a chance to try Roast until we were inspired to do so by Savor Sarasota week. In our party of 4, two chose the SSW menu and two ordered from the regular menu. The SSW gazpacho and chicken saltimbocca were excellent. Our companions very much enjoyed their wedge salads and roasted grouper. We will definitely go back."
    Dined on 6/5/2014
  • "We enjoyed our meal. Service was very good. Noise level was too high and the restaurant was uncomfortably warm. We understand that it was jam packed, but wasn't there some better way to regulate the AC?"
    Dined on 6/1/2014
  • "There are way too many tables in the main area, resulting in waiters having to brush against you constantly. This also resulted in a very noisy dining experience. We didn't even realize that there was background music until most of the diners had left. The food was way too heavy and rich, although the toffee dessert was delicious."
    Dined on 6/1/2014
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