The Official Visitors Guide of Sarasota County® - 2025

Feed your soul with creative dishes, culinary experiences and flavor-filled menus of Sarasota’s diverse dining scene. 

Brunch Sunny-Side Up

Keke’s Breakfast Cafe does breakfast right with morning meals like the fresh-fruit topped Florida Waffle and Hawaiian Omelet. At Der Dutchman, go sweet or savory with a bufflet-style breakfast including everything from Amish-baked hotcakes to biscuits and gravy—voted a Best Bufflet Restaurant by USA Today. Indulge in fresh French pastries, croissants and creamy cappuccinos at C’est La Vie! or explore the fun options at The Toasted Yolk Cafe, like Brisket Tacos and Granola Apple French Toast. For day-to-night dining, Buddy’s Bagels serves up New York-style bagels by early morning and perfectly crisp frites by night.

Globally Inspired Fare

For modern Mediterranean cuisine with Israeli touches, cap a gallery tour at the Art Ovation Hotel with an exploration of Grouper Shashlik or Wagyu Short Ribs at Tzeva. Head to Farlow’s on the Water for a tropical ambiance and Caribbean island-inspired dishes, like Stuffed Flounder with mango jerk sauce. Book a table at the romantic Longboat Key cottage of Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft for global fine-dining eats like the famous Roasted Duckling and pistachio-encrusted Fresh Gulf Snapper. Try a little of everything on a non-touristy walking tour covering the best locally owned restaurants with Sunset Food Tours.

Italian Down South

Taste authentic Sardinian food cooked in a wood-burning oven, like the ember-roasted veal chop, plus homemade pastas and 150+ wines at Sardinia Restaurant. You can’t go wrong with a staple like spaghetti and meatballs or a dish from the specials chalkboard at Dolce Italia. Savor the rustic taste of traditional Neapolitan pizza in Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria’s beautifully renovated historic 1920s building. Serving up Tortellini Bolognese, Burrata Antipasto, Sicilian Cannoli and more, enjoy live music nights on the patio of La Norma Ristorante & Pizzeria. For a taste of Italy, tuck into a variety of dishes from pesci to pasta at Ristorante San Marco in Venice – Florida, that is!

Fresh-Take Flavors

Prepare for spice with the Firebird Chicken or Pan-Fried Yellowtail at Georgie’s UTC Bar & Restaurant. After touring the artwork, grab farm-to-table salads and sandwiches at Bistro-Sarasota Art Museum. Hit Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie and enjoy openair patio seating with unique takes on the classics. Grab a bar seat and craft cocktail to wash down delicious eats such as Philly Cheesesteak Pita, Asian Pork Wings and the Flaming Burger at Cask & Ale. Find dishes inspired by the sea, but with a twist, at Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, like Lobster Mac & Cheese, Smoked Bourbon Oysters and Bacon-Wrapped Scallops.

Tide-to-Table Seafood

Gone fishing? The chefs at Landy’s Restaurant will prepare and cook your catch to your liking with all the trimmings. Overlook the Gulf dining on swordfish tacos and sushi at Fins at Sharky’s. Taste tide-to-table scallops cooked to perfection at Ophelia’s on the Bay. Fine-dining seafoodies rejoice – Crow’s Nest Marina Restaurant is the spot to settle in for off-the-boat cuisine overlooking the water. For a casual, low-key eatery, head to Kacey’s Seafood & More for seafood baskets, gumbo and more. Curb your Maine lobster craving with a stop at Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key’s airy cafe and patio.

Dessert Destinations

Angel Cream donuts and huge apple fritters are just the tip of the icing–berg at Yummies Donuts & BBQ. Satisfy your sweet tooth at River Street Sweets with treats like pralines, chocolates, gelato and fudge. You can never have too much pie – whether from Caribbean Pie Company for Key Lime Pie that’s a heavenly balance of tangy and sweet, or the homebaked Chocolate Peanut Butter pie at Yoder’s Restaurant & Bakery. Consult the chocolatiers at Norman Love Confections on filling a gourmet gift box of handcrafted chocolates or macarons.

What's NEW?

With a 57,000-sq-ft solar array generating enough electricity to power the restaurant and recipes made with produce from Selby Gardens’ rooftop garden above, The Green Orchid sets the pace for sustainable dining in Sarasota and is the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant.

Don’t forget your four-legged friend when visiting Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar, where you can enjoy artisan wood-fired pizza and a cocktail while watching your pooch explore a large outdoor off-leash play area with other Boo pack members and friends.