Best Restaurants in Sarasota

Opened by chef Isaac Correa in 2015, Baker & Wife is a restaurant that serves a selection of classic U.S. and Italian dishes. On the menu, diners will find choices such as pan seared salmon, mushroom rigatoni bolognese, and jumbo black tiger shrimp. The interior is tastefully decorated with bright colors, modern light fixtures, and dark furniture. It’s usually best to make a reservation, as spots can fill up quickly.

Owned by chef ​​Blosmer Leon, Bohemios Wine & Beer Tapas Bar is popular for its small dishes, wines, and beers. Some of the crowd favorite dishes include items such as empanadas, meatballs, and gamba scampi. Inside is brightly lit with a large bar where diners can sit and order a drink as well as food. There is a daily happy hour, which is convenient for grabbing some refreshments while on a budget.

Since Roberto Mei first opened it in 1991, Cafe Baci has been a Sarasota staple. This restaurant specializes in Italian dishes, with some popular options being calamari, pollo parmigiana, and cesar salad. The inside of this establishment is characterized with white tablecloths and natural lighting, giving it an open and airy feeling. Make sure to check the wine and spirit menu, as there are many different wines to choose from.

For tasty Italian food in a relaxed environment, head to ​​Dolce Italia, which was opened by Filippo and Tiziana in 2015. Some of the favorite items served here are linguine with clams or shrimp, burrata, and the rigatoni al pesto. With its bright colors and artwork reminiscent of the Italian coast, it’s hard not to feel as if the restaurant isn’t just along the water. Don’t forget to order dessert, as the restaurant is known for its cannolis and tiramisu.

Opened by Daniel Dokko in 2015, JPAN - The Shop at Siesta Row is a modern Japanese restaurant that serves unique versions of traditional dishes. Some of the items that can be found on the menu include ceviche, salmon carpaccio, and ramen. Inside of this restaurant, there are long wooden tables that are particularly convenient for dining with a group of friends or loved ones. They are known for their specialty rolls, so consider giving one of those a try while dining here.

For tasty and fresh Italian food, there is La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine, which is owned by chef Mauro Maglione. The menu is filled with traditional Italian delicacies, which include bruschetta, linguine, vongole e pomodorini, and lasagne alla bolognese. The interior resembles that of a classic Italian trattoria, with white tablecloths and small wooden tables. There is a large wine menu available, so make sure to pick out a glass of vino to enjoy while dining.

Founded by Marsilio Zappaterreno in 2012, La Mucca Ballerina specializes in Italian comfort food, including sandwiches and mozzarella-based food items. On the menu, diners will find items like cacio e pepe, a fried eggplant sandwich, and caprese salad. The interior is simple yet comfortable, with marble tables and brightly colored decorations.

A country-style restaurant that serves Italian fare, La Violetta Market and Kitchen is owned and operated by Emilio and Rosaria. Some of the local favorites include dishes such as frutti di mare, zuppa toscana, and carpaccio. The inside of the restaurant is warm and inviting, making diners feel as if they are right at home. There is also a store connected to the restaurant, which serves traditional Italian products for individuals to take home in order to do their own cooking.

Lila is a restaurant that specializes in vegan dishes and using locally sourced products. Items that can be found on the menu include choices such as vegan sushi rolls, roasted yam wedges, and a mushroom burger. The inside is charming, with stylish light fixtures, mosaic tiles around the bar, and crisp white tablecloths. There is a large wine list, with all of the options coming from local producers.

For a unique experience in the h​​eart of downtown Sarasota, head to Melange, which was opened in 2007. This diverse menu contains tasty treats such as baked brie and chevre salad, rabbit tacos, and mushroom strudel. The interior is filled with dim lighting, as well as modern and funky decorations. The restaurant also has its own learning lab, where individuals can participate in workshops, such as learning how to make cocktails.

A family-owned establishment, Pietro's Italian Restaurant is known for its selection of traditional dishes. On the menu, diners can choose between dishes like insalata mista, pappardelle campagnolo, and filet of flounder. Individuals will feel as if they are seated in a traditional Italian trattoria while dining here. There is also a wine bar connected to the restaurant, so make sure to set some time aside to grab a glass of vino before dinner.

Opened in 2017, Ridley's Porch can be found in the Ritz-Carlton hotel. This restaurant serves U.S.classics, with some of the dish options including pan seared crab cake, pineapple sriracha chicken, and conch chowder. The interior is characterized by natural light and a warm ambiance, helping individuals to feel relaxed and comfortable while eating. Check out the extensive cocktail menu, which includes drinks such as a honeydew daiquiri and a scorched jalapeno margarita.

Known for being a family-owned restaurant, Roessler's has been a Sarasota staple ever since it opened in 1978. This elegant venue has many tasty items on its menu, including chicken francaise, veal scaloppine, and meatloaf. The restaurant itself is surrounded by lush gardens and overlooks a lake, providing diners with impressive views. Diners that would like to be sure that they have a table will want to make a reservation in advance of their meal.

Opened in 2014 by chef Dino Carta, Sardinia is an Italian restaurant that is focused on using the freshest and most high quality products available. Choose from a selection of unique and classic dishes, including pomodoro con parmigiana di melanzane al forno, mixed seafood cioppino, and octopus carpaccio with arugula and bottarga. The interior has dark wood furniture with the walls being a rich red. For special occasions, there is a private room that can be rented out for parties of around 10 to 12 individuals.

For Chinese cooking that has a seafood focus, go to Seabar *Modern Pacific Fare. Some of the dishes that are most popular amongst locals include items like the U-10 scallops, kung pao octopus, and grilled oysters. Inside has bright colored lighting and funky decorations, giving it an overall modern ambiance. It’s also known for having one of the best happy hours in town, so make sure to check out whatever deals they have going at the time.

Opened by Jeremy Osment in 2021, Selva Grill University Town Center Sarasota is a popular restaurant that primarily serves seafood and beef. Choose from a variety of different ceviche dishes, as well as items like a traditional New York strip steak and lobster tostadas. The stylish interior is incredibly modern, with dark walls and furniture, completed with brightly colored accent decorations and lighting. There is a late night menu as well, in case diners find them arriving at the restaurant well into the evening.

Known for having a menu that was created by chef Alex Reyes, Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota can be found directly inside of this elegant and popular store. The menu boasts several different types of cuisines, including traditional U.S.-style comfort food. The types of food offered also change seasonally, with dishes depending on what kinds of local products are available at the time. It’s a convenient place to grab a bite to eat, particularly for those diners that would like to do a bit of shopping either before or after.

Owned by George Armstrong, The Rosemary & Thyme is a quaint and charming establishment that serves food all day long and specializes in traditional U.S. dishes. Some of the different food options that are available on the dinner menu include items like beef burnt end street tacos, calamari fritti, sea scallops, and grilled portobello mushrooms. The interior is known for being stylish and warm, with a large wooden bar in the center. There is also outdoor seating, which can be a nice option for when the weather is warm and individuals would like to enjoy some fresh air. To avoid the lunch rush, going to the restaurant for brunch instead is always an option. Some of the popular brunch items include Bermuda fish cake benedict, a veggie omelet, and a lox bagel.

Those that are in the mood for fresh seafood can go to Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, which was founded in early 2021. The seafood chowder is particularly popular amongst locals, as well as the raw oysters and smoked fish dip. The inside of the restaurant is bright and airy, with private booths that allow diners to enjoy the warm ambiance while still being secluded and enjoying time with whoever they choose to be dining with. Make sure to check the drink menu that is periodically updated, as it has a large selection of innovative cocktails, including a crystal cosmo and espresso martini. There is also a daily happy hour, which includes discounts on the restaurant’s small bite offerings.