Best Restaurants
in Sarasota & Venice

An upscale Mediterranean concept from Washington, D.C. opening its first Florida location at The Edge Sarasota (290 Cocoanut Ave.). The 7,200-square-foot restaurant brings refined Greek and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine to downtown, with fresh seafood, wood-grilled meats, and an extensive wine list. Indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Sarasota skyline. One of the most anticipated openings in downtown Sarasota, planned for spring 2027.

A Nashville-based contemporary American restaurant group planning its first Tampa Bay area location at 55 North Cattlemen Road in the West District at University Town Center. The Herald-Tribune and Business Observer report a spring 2027 opening, while the group's own site lists summer 2027. Known for a chef-driven American menu, craft cocktails, and polished but relaxed rooms, it is one of the most anticipated additions to the Sarasota dining scene.

Opened September 2026 on Fruitville Road east of I-75, making its Sarasota County debut. The fast-casual chain from Auburn, Alabama serves made-from-scratch chicken salads in over a dozen flavor varieties, plus soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches, and their famous cookies. A welcome addition for families and busy professionals seeking quality fast-casual dining.

The most talked-about dining debut of 2026. Yūgen offers an intimate, 10-seat multi-course omakase experience from James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung and executive chef Atsushi Okawara. Chef-selected sushi and sashimi, seasonal tasting menus, and a minimalist atmosphere that puts the craftsmanship front and center. Reservations are essential.

A 36-seat speakeasy-style supper club that opened in March 2026, with creative American cuisine, a world-class cocktail program, live music on select evenings, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for celebrations or date night. Reservations required.

A lively new addition to Gulf Gate that opened summer 2026 with live music, craft cocktails, and a menu of elevated American classics. The intimate stage books local musicians on weekend evenings, and the kitchen serves creative small plates and mains that pair well with the blues-inspired atmosphere.

A vibrant Caribbean restaurant on St. Armands Circle serving bold island flavors in an elegant setting. Jerk chicken, oxtail, curry shrimp, and tropical cocktails bring the taste of the islands to one of Sarasota's most prestigious shopping and dining destinations.

A stunning addition to the UTC dining scene. Blu Kouzina brings authentic Greek coastal cuisine with fresh seafood, wood-fired meats, and a mediterranean wine list that transports you straight to the Cyclades. The outdoor patio is beautiful.

One of the most exciting new openings in Sarasota. Lefty's brings a polished yet relaxed oyster bar to the Rosemary District, with an emphasis on Gulf seafood, creative cocktails, and a warm, lively atmosphere. Open since January 2025, it has quickly become a local favorite.

A Nashville-born concept that opened at UTC in 2026 serving smash burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, craft cocktails, and elevated comfort food. The warm, approachable atmosphere and reasonable prices have made it a fast favorite among locals and UTC shoppers alike.

A stylish French brasserie with a hidden speakeasy in the back. Classic steak frites, duck confit, and an excellent wine list. The cocktail program in the speakeasy is among the most inventive in Sarasota. Opened December 2025.

Nationally recognized steakhouse concept overlooking Sarasota Bay. Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and one of the best wine lists on the Gulf Coast. The views of the Sarasota skyline at sunset are spectacular.

An intimate Sarasota institution known for its seasonal menu, extensive wine list, and candlelit atmosphere. Bijou has been a fine-dining favorite for over three decades, and the tasting menus never disappoint.

One of the most talked-about openings of 2026. Casa Masa is driven by fresh masa made daily, producing exceptional tortillas, tamales, and tlacoyos. The flavors are authentic and vibrant, the margaritas are excellent, and the churros are the best in town. A third location opened in Siesta Key Village at 5214 Ocean Boulevard, putting the fresh-made masa steps from the beach.

A charming Greek kitchen and market that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to south Sarasota. Fresh spanakopita, gyros, and a market section where you can take home imported olive oil, cheeses, and prepared foods. A welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list in a polished setting. The Capital Grille is ideal for celebrations, client dinners, or any evening where you want the best cut in town.

Right on the water with sunset views that rival anything on the Gulf. The menu leans seafood-forward with elegant preparations. Perfect for a special evening when you want the view to match the plate.

A Michelin-recommended pizzeria that opened at UTC in June 2026, bringing their award-winning Roman-style pizza to Sarasota. The starred pizza: topped with burrata, cherry tomatoes, and basil: is worth the trip alone. The intimate setting and consistently excellent execution have made it an instant local favorite.

A Sarasota institution since 1959, the Hob Nob Drive-In reopened in April 2026 after a renovation that preserved its mid-century charm while modernizing the kitchen. The burgers, milkshakes, and onion rings are as good as they were 60 years ago: and the retro atmosphere is better than ever for families and classic car enthusiasts alike.

The beloved 36-year-old landmark Italian restaurant closed its longtime Palm Avenue home in late 2025 and is preparing to reopen at its new Ringling Boulevard location. Longtime fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of their signature Italian-American classics in a refreshed setting, and the team has been gearing up for the move. A genuine Sarasota institution that feels like coming home.

The popular Florida seafood chain opened this season in an 8,000-square-foot space at 300 John Ringling Boulevard, the longtime Tommy Bahama spot on St. Armands Circle. This is its second Sarasota County location after Venice, known for fresh Gulf seafood, steamed shellfish, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere in a prime shopping and dining destination.

Opened in September 2026 at 1528 Main Street, Baldoria brings Mediterranean tapas and cocktails from the team behind My Mamma Italian Kitchen. The warm, contemporary room works for a relaxed date night or a polished business dinner, and it has quickly become a favorite on the downtown grid.

Opened at 1532 Main Street in September 2026, Sorella serves handmade pasta and Naples-style wood-fired pizza from twin sisters who brought a serious dough program to downtown Sarasota. Fresh ingredients and an approachable vibe make it an easy repeat table.

A sports bar and restaurant coming to 4131 South Tamiami Trail, the longtime Chili's location south of Bee Ridge Road, with a sign on the building stating it will open in 2027. Given the size of the building and the easy access from the trail, it should be a convenient new spot for south Sarasota residents looking for a reliable place to watch a game and get a good meal.

In the Cirque St. Armands Beachside complex at 233 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Ringside pairs a seafood-forward menu with a polished, modern room steps from the sand. Fresh oysters, Gulf fish, and a serious cocktail program make it one of the most stylish additions to Lido Key's dining scene, and a favorite for showing visiting family and friends the best of island living.

Opened in late 2025 and drawing rave reviews, Olive Eats brings fresh mezze, grilled meats, and thoughtful vegetable plates to a warm, modern downtown room. Reasonably priced and easy to book, it has quickly become my go-to recommendation for a quality dinner without reservation anxiety.

A stylish champagne and wine bar in downtown Sarasota that became an instant evening favorite for its French bubbles, creative cocktails, and chic small plates. After dropping its minimum cover charge in late summer 2026, it is a more approachable stop for a pre-dinner glass or a celebratory late night out on the downtown grid.