Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Sarasota / Bradenton

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Sarasota / Bradenton? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Roessler's

4.9

4.9 (1824)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU!
PLEASE NOTE WE CAN NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR OUTSIDE DINING, PARTIES OVER 6, OR HOLIDAYS THROUGH OPEN TABLE. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE. THANK YOU!!! 941 966 5688

Top review

Robertvip

Dined on Oct 1, 2024

Understated elegance, ambiance and decor. Beautiful views of many gardens and lovely landscape. Food choices are quite diverse and thoughtful. Food preparation was exactly what we expected and service was attentive and efficient. Would not hesitate to come here again. A truly special occasion experience

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Popular dish

Wiener Schnitzel Holstein

Popular dish

Steak Diane

Michael's On East

4.8

4.8 (5531)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Serving "inspired cuisine" since 1987, the celebrated Michael’s On East restaurant takes fine dining to another level, offering award-winning cuisine and outstanding service, in an exceptional 1940s supper club atmosphere. Michael's On East has been inducted into Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame and recently received their 32nd consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award. The 350+ bottle wine list has been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator!

Upon entering the dining room, you are immediately dazzled by the plush design and inspired décor. The restaurant’s intimate aura, along with its contemporary flare, world-class wine cellar and incomparable service, create an unparalleled dining experience.

Michael's Lounge, complete with a grand piano, is a guest favorite with its signature cocktails and award winning wine selection.

Michael’s Atrium for outdoor dining is a stunning glass-covered, plant-filled courtyard with a beautiful flowing fountain.

Top review

Evelyn

Dined on Sep 24, 2024

The Maine Epicurean menu was really great. Joe made our special night out really nice.

Ophelia's on the Bay

4.8

4.8 (6216)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Siesta Key

About the restaurant

Ophelia's on the Bay is one of Sarasota’s premier fine dining waterfront restaurants. Enjoy beautiful vistas of Little Sarasota Bay, from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the dining room. Or join us for al fresco dining on our open-air patio, as the dolphins and manatee swim by. Winner of many awards both locally and nationally, including an Excellence rating from Zagat as well as being listed as the number one restaurant in America in Power and Motoryacht Magazine for dock and dine. Ophelia's on the Bay has also been voted most romantic, best waterfront and best restaurant with a view by its loyal customers. The menu changes nightly using fresh and seasonal ingredients, fresh fish flown in from all over the world and specialty meats. There is certainly something for every palate! We feature an extensive wine list, specialty martinis, as well as a full bar. Family owned and operated for over 22 years, we have an experienced staff that prides itself on exemplary service.

Top review

Philip

Dined on Sep 18, 2024

We went for our Anniversary dinner. Everyone was so nice. Food is always awesome. They surprised us with a special Happy Anniversary chocolate and champagne for dessert.

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Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes

The Melting Pot - Sarasota

4.8

4.8 (1296)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Sarasota

About the restaurant

We are highly committed to providing a healthy and safe environment with the highest of standards for our guests and team members. Reservations are highly recommended.

We are the premier fondue restaurant where guests can enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads and indulgent desserts. At The Melting Pot Restaurant, we offer a dining experience like no other. A unique, interactive dining experience creating memorable moments with family and friends.

Top review

Emily

Dined 7 days ago

AMAZING EXPERIENCE! We took our 5yr old daughter and she had a BLAST! The chocolate was her favorite. From the moment we walked in, the staff was so kind & accomodating. They even suprised our daughter with a chocolate covered strawberrt before we ordered food and drinks! Everyone on their staff went above and beyond to make the experience easy, stress free and enjoyable.

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Popular dish

Chocolate Explosion

Sage SRQ

4.8

4.8 (1688)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Sage is Sarasota’s premier dining destination, providing inspirational cuisine and original craft cocktails in an unforgettable setting. Award-winning Chef Christopher Covelli and his team curate seasonal menus, highlighting flavorful culinary creations from around the world. As a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient, Sage also offers an extensive wine list. Housed in the stunning historic Sarasota Times building, Sage's decor and attention to detail is mirrored in the food and service they provide. Sage's rooftop bar provides a serene setting for viewing some of Sarasota's spectacular sunsets.

Top review

Nicolevip

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent!! The food the ambiance everything is awesome there love it will be back.

Cafe L'Europe - St Armand's

4.7

4.7 (2433)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Sarasota

About the restaurant

This season marks Café L'Europe's 51st year in its iconic St. Armands Circle location. Whether celebrating life's most meaningful moments, or the end of a long week, we welcome lovers of food and drink for a five-star experience inspired by Europe's finest bistros.

Spring 2024 brings a reimagined restaurant interior and new dining menus. European culinary tradition inspires scratch-made dishes using local, sustainable ingredients. An exquisite Old World-meets-New World wine list, craft cocktails, and music greet you from our newly renovated "Wet Bar".

We aim to graciously walk the tightrope between past and future: To honor the beloved traditions of Sarasota families, to welcome new visitors to our beautiful destination, and to celebrate the legacy of a place once housing the sales office of Sarasota’s most famous resident - John Ringling!

Top review

Virginiavip

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Lovely experience. The amazing food, excellent service, and gorgeous style of this restaurant are truly wonderful

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Popular dish

French Onion Gratinée

La Norma Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.7

4.7 (742)

$31 to $50

Italian

Longboat Key

About the restaurant

Welcome to La Norma, a charming family-owned Italian restaurant that brings the heart of Italy to your table. Join us for homemade dishes, fine wine and live music on our patio. At La Norma we pride ourselves on using only the freshest ingredients to create authentic Italian cuisine. Our homemade dishes and handcrafted pizzas are made with care and our fine wine list is carefully curated to perfectly complement our genuine flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family, our warm and welcoming atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Come discover why La Norma is the go-to choice for Italian Cuisine on the island.

Top review

Mitchvip

Dined on Sep 22, 2024

The entrees are prepared exquisitely. Amanda is one of the best servers anyone will ever encounter. We love La Norma!

The Reserve by Chef Antonio

4.7

4.7 (238)

$31 to $50

American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Join Chef Antonio at THE RESERVE by CHEF ANTONIO!
New and exciting menu offering sea and land delicacies, served in a cozy, intimate space nestled within the charming, historical former home of the Ringling family. Come and enjoy the vibrant fusion of American culinary tradition with the colorful flavors of Southern European cuisine.
Call now for reservations 941-362-4220.

Top review

WAYNEvip

Dined on Sep 24, 2024

Fabulous! I had Antonio’s duck and my wife had their Caesar salad and shrimp burrata. Both dinners were perfection. They have a very good, very affordable wine list. Service was outstanding and the ambiance so very comfortable. This is becoming our favorite spot for a perfect evening,

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element: steak. seafood. pasta.

4.6

4.6 (1927)

$31 to $50

Steak

Sarasota

About the restaurant

We encapsulate the best and most unique elements of world class dining. We feature pasture raised, hand-cut steaks grilled or seared to perfection, delicate, local seafood, house made pasta dishes with elegant hand crafted sauces and more.

Top review

DawnGvip

Dined on Sep 27, 2024

Wonderful place great food thank you!!! Looking forward to next time!!!!

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Sarasota

4.6

4.6 (2694)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is an award-winning prime steakhouse specializing in aged USDA prime steaks. Located in the heart of Sarasota’s pedestrian friendly downtown, Hyde Park is just minutes from Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and St. Armand’s Circle and 5 minutes from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. The restaurant offers a chef-inspired menu featuring variations of its legendary aged prime steaks, daily chef’s fresh fish features and great seafood. Award-winning menus, the extensive wine list and impeccable service are why Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is Sarasota’s favorite fine dining restaurant and top pick for intimate dinners, special occasions, family gatherings, business dinners, corporate events and small receptions. Private dining rooms available. Complimentary valet parking (with validation).

Top review

Kathryn

Dined on Oct 1, 2024

As always, Hyde Park did not disappoint. The food and service was top notch. We live in downtown and even with all the wonderful restaurants surrounding us, Hyde Park is still our favorite.

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Popular dish

Wagyu Beef Carpaccio

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