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The Best Restaurants in Sarasota, According to our Tastemakers

The OpenTable Team

Sarasota has become a popular vacation destination in the United States. Located on the west coast of Florida, about an hour south of Tampa, the city offers gorgeous white sand beaches, historic landmarks, and world-class golf courses. With attractions like the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, Historic Spanish Point and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, people of all ages can find something to enjoy. Sarasota is also home to year-round festivals like the Water Lantern Festival and the Country Music Festival. When it comes to dining options, Sarasota has it all, from family favorites and locally-owned cafes to amazing beach treats. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Check out our Tastemaker 20 List to find out the best restaurants in Sarasota.

20 Restaurants

Updated October 31, 2019

Restaurants:	Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota, Maison Blanche, Sardinia Sarasota…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, French, Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Sarasota, Longboat Key…

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Sarasota

427 reviews

Great for Lunch
Fit for Foodies
Quiet Conversation

Located on the 2nd floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in The Mall at University Town Center, Sophie’s is a casual elegant spot to go for globally influenced American cuisine. Diners can en…Read more

100% recommended

Great for Lunch in Tampa / Central Florida West

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Maison Blanche

$$$$·French·

Longboat Key

1,038 reviews

Romantic
Special Occasion
Good for Anniversaries

Foodies and visitors alike consider Maison Blanche one of the best restaurants in Sarasota. Located right on Gulf of Mexico Drive in the Longboat Key neighborhood, they serve conte…Read more

98% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Sardinia Sarasota

$$$$·Italian·

Sarasota

615 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Good for a Date
Neighborhood Gem

Located on Tamiami Trail near the Phillippi Estate, Sardinia is a fine dining restaurant known for the purity of fold and flavors. The restaurant ensures an authentic dining experi…Read more

95% recommended

Notable Wine List in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano

$$$$·Italian·

Sarasota

1,555 reviews

Special Occasion
Neighborhood Gem
Authentic

Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano is a modern but classic Italian restaurant with an emphasis on artisanal and contemporary Northern Italian Style. Many think of it as one of the be…Read more

96% recommended

Italian in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Melange

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Sarasota

176 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion
Fit for Foodies

Located on Orange Avenue in Sarasota, is a classy restaurant with sidewalk tables, a classic dining room with a velvety smooth urban edge and a new food bar bordering the open kitc…Read more

100% recommended

Best Food in Tampa / Central Florida West

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Blu Kouzina

$$$$·Mediterranean·

Sarasota

638 reviews

Great for Outdoor Dining
Authentic
Neighborhood Gem

Blue Kouzina, located on St. Armand’s Circle, opened up after the first location in Singapore became such a hit. It has a beach theme with an open kitchen and crisp blue and white …Read more

91% recommended

Kid Friendly in Sarasota / Bradenton

Table for 2 today

Bijou Cafe

$$$$·Continental·

Sarasota

1,383 reviews

Special Occasion
Romantic
Neighborhood Gem

The Bijou Cafe, located in the heart of Sarasota’s prestigious Theatre and Arts District, is one of the best restaurants in Sarasota and possibly all of Florida. Chef-owner Jean-Pi…Read more

93% recommended

Romantic in Sarasota / Bradenton

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Flavio on Main

$$$$·Italian·

Sarasota

600 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Fit for Foodies
Great for Outdoor Dining

Beaulah, named after the owner’s ancestors, is a truly special family-owned operation that serves some of the best Contemporary Italian food in the city. Located on Main Street, ri…Read more

91% recommended

Neighborhood Gem in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Michael's On East

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Sarasota

3,234 reviews

Special Occasion
Romantic
Good for Anniversaries

Located on East Avenue South in Sarasota since 1987, Michael’s on East is one of the city’s top fine dining restaurants. They feature award-winning cuisine and outstanding service …Read more

96% recommended

Best Ambiance in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Lila

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Sarasota

725 reviews

Creative Cuisine
Vegan
Good Vegetarian Options

Lila means creative play and that is what the kitchen aims to do here. It’s a spontaneous, playful, organic and healthy menu comprised mostly of vegetables and sustainable meats. L…Read more

100% recommended

Healthy in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails

$$$$·Seafood·

Sarasota

1,301 reviews

Great for Outdoor Dining
Good for a Date
Scenic View

Jack Dusty is the new restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton and both locals and visitors consider it one of the best restaurants in Sarasota. Jack Dusty is the short-hand term for the nav…Read more

87% recommended

Outdoor Dining in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Selva Grill

$$$$·Latin / Spanish·

Sarasota

3,618 reviews

Special Occasion
Fit for Foodies
Creative Cuisine

Conveniently located on Main Street in Sarasota, Selva offers innovative, intricately prepared dishes that come out as works of art. Definitely one of the best restaurants in Saras…Read more

94% recommended

Best Food in Sarasota / Bradenton

Table for 2 today

Cassariano Italian Eatery

$$$$·Italian·

Sarasota

571 reviews

Special Occasion
Great for Outdoor Dining
Fit for Foodies

Cassariano Italian Eatery, located on Cattlemen Road, provides a casual, relaxed atmosphere for diners looking for a great meal after a day at the beach. The restaurant’s name is a…Read more

96% recommended

Good for Groups in Sarasota / Bradenton

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Drunken Poet Cafe Thai Bistro & Sushi Bar

$$$$·Thai·

Sarasota

294 reviews

Good for a Date
Neighborhood Gem
Cozy

Located on Main Street near Orange, the Drunken Poet Cafe Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar is an exciting reinvention of Japanese and Thai cuisine. It has a bustling atmosphere and warm a…Read more

94% recommended

Neighborhood Gem in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

Overture Restaurant-Art Ovation Hotel

$$$$·Cuban·

Sarasota

193 reviews

Business Meals
Bar Seating
Creative Cuisine

Art Ovation Hotel’s signature restaurants are always impeccably decorated and Overture in Sarasota is no exception. Wood floors and chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows, electric green…Read more

Table for 2 today

Social Eatery & Bar

$$$$·Fusion / Eclectic·

Sarasota

1,031 reviews

Great for Outdoor Dining
Neighborhood Gem
Fit for Foodies

Located on First Street, just across from Bayfront, Social Eatery and Bar features unforgettable globally inspired food in a unique indoor/outdoor setting. It has a refined yet cas…Read more

86% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.

$$$$·Seafood·

Sarasota

3,038 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Special Occasion
Neighborhood Gem

For some of the freshest seafood in the city, come to Duval’s. It’s an eclectic eatery with a passion for stunning seafood and superb service. They serve the freshest fish in town …Read more

93% recommended

Seafood in Tampa / Central Florida West

Table for 2 today

element: steak. seafood. pasta.

$$$$·Steak·

Sarasota

888 reviews

Special Occasion
Romantic
Great for Outdoor Dining

Element is a modern Mediterranean Grill with a focus on steak. Located on Main Street, they have a swanky interior with a warm and plush ambiance that is both casual and elegant. T…Read more

90% recommended

Best Ambiance in Sarasota / Bradenton

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Pino's Italian Restaurant - Permanently Closed

$$$$·Italian·

Sarasota

296 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Authentic
Special Occasion

Pino’s, located in the Granada neighborhood at the Shops at Siesta Row, is the place to go for casual Italian dining. Pino Luongo is the beloved chef from the island of Ischia and …Read more

81% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Muse at the Ringling

$$$$·American·

Sarasota

1,222 reviews

Great for Lunch
Pre/post Theatre
Great for Outdoor Dining

Muse, located on Bay Shore Road, is an elegant eatery serving upscale local cuisine with international flair. As the name suggests, Muse treats food as art and introduces new flavo…Read more

97% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

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