Best Restaurants
in Sarasota & Venice
One of the first things my relocating clients ask is where to eat. Southwest Florida's dining scene has matured significantly over the past decade, and the Sarasota–Venice corridor now offers everything from intimate fine dining to casual waterfront spots that feel like old Florida at its best. Here are the restaurants I personally recommend: the ones I return to again and again.
Where I Go in Sarasota
From intimate fine dining downtown to waterfront classics on the keys, Sarasota's restaurant scene punches well above its weight.
Balos Restaurant
Downtown Sarasota · Mediterranean / Greek · $$$$
An upscale Mediterranean concept from Washington, D.C. opening its first Florida location at The Edge Sarasota (290 Cocoanut Ave.). The 7,200-square-foot restaurant brings refined Greek and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine to downtown, with fresh seafood, wood-grilled meats, and an extensive wine list. Indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Sarasota skyline. One of the most anticipated openings of fall 2026.
Chicken Salad Chick
Fruitville Road · Fast Casual · $
Opening September 2026 on Fruitville Road east of I-75, this fast-growing chain from Auburn, Alabama makes its Sarasota County debut. Made-from-scratch chicken salads in over a dozen flavor varieties, plus soups, salads, gourmet sandwiches, and their famous cookies. A welcome addition for families and busy professionals seeking quality fast-casual dining.
Yūgen Omakase
University Town Center · Japanese Omakase · $$$$
The most talked-about dining debut of 2026. Yūgen offers an intimate, 10-seat multi-course omakase experience from James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung and executive chef Atsushi Okawara. Chef-selected sushi and sashimi, seasonal tasting menus, and a minimalist atmosphere that puts the craftsmanship front and center. Reservations are essential.
Masō
Sarasota · American / Supper Club · $$$$
A 36-seat speakeasy-style supper club that opened in March 2026, with creative American cuisine, a world-class cocktail program, live music on select evenings, and an intimate atmosphere perfect for celebrations or date night. Reservations required.
Brooklyn Blues
Gulf Gate · American / Live Music · $$
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.
Flambo Island Cuisine
St. Armands Circle · Caribbean · $$$
A vibrant Caribbean restaurant on St. Armands Circle serving bold island flavors in an elegant setting. Jerk chicken, oxtail, curry shrimp, and tropical cocktails bring the taste of the islands to one of Sarasota's most prestigious shopping and dining destinations.
Blu Kouzina
University Town Center · Greek · $$$
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.
Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar
Rosemary District · Seafood / Raw Bar · $$$
One of the most exciting new openings in Sarasota. Lefty's brings a polished yet relaxed oyster bar to the Rosemary District, with an emphasis on Gulf seafood, creative cocktails, and a warm, lively atmosphere. Open since January 2025, it has quickly become a local favorite.
Kitchen Social
University Town Center · American Comfort · $$
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.
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop
South Tamiami Trail · Sandwiches · $
The legendary Delaware-based sandwich chain opened its first Sarasota location in early 2026. Known for their signature Bobbie sandwich (thanksgiving on a roll) and cheesesteaks, Capriotti's brings a beloved East Coast institution to the Gulf Coast.
Mimi's Brasserie & Speakeasy
Southside Village · French-American · $$$$
A stylish French brasserie with a hidden speakeasy in the back. Classic steak frites, duck confit, and an excellent wine list. The cocktail program in the speakeasy is among the most inventive in Sarasota. Opened December 2025.
Ocean Prime Sarasota
Quay Sarasota · Steakhouse / Seafood · $$$$
Nationally recognized steakhouse concept overlooking Sarasota Bay. Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and one of the best wine lists on the Gulf Coast. The views of the Sarasota skyline at sunset are spectacular.
The Bijou Café
Downtown Sarasota · Fine Dining · $$$$
An intimate Sarasota institution known for its seasonal menu, extensive wine list, and candlelit atmosphere. Bijou has been a fine-dining favorite for over three decades, and the tasting menus never disappoint.
Casa Masa
Downtown Sarasota · Mexican · $$
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.
Boca
Downtown Sarasota · Italian · $$$
Modern Italian with a seasonal approach. Boca brings authentic flavors to downtown Sarasota with handmade pastas, wood-fired preparations, and a curated Italian wine selection that keeps regulars coming back.
El Greco Kitchen & Market
Clark Road · Greek / Market · $$
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.
The Bakero European Café
Downtown Sarasota · European Café · $
A delightful European-style café on Main Street serving artisanal pastries, espresso, and light fare. The Bakero has quickly become a downtown favorite for morning meetings and afternoon coffee breaks. The croissants are exceptional.
The Capital Grille
University Town Center · Steakhouse · $$$$
Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list in a polished setting. The Capital Grille is ideal for celebrations, client dinners, or any evening where you want the best cut in town.
Rustica
Southside Village · Mediterranean · $$$
A local favorite in the Hillview area with a warm, neighborhood feel and consistently excellent food. The lamb chops and seafood are standouts, and the patio is one of the best in Sarasota.
Florence & the Spice Boys
Downtown Sarasota · Middle Eastern Fusion · $$
Bold Middle Eastern flavors in a compact, energetic downtown space. Shared plates like lamb kebabs, roasted cauliflower with tahini, and house-made flatbreads. One of the most inventive cocktail programs in the city.
Owen's Fish Camp
Downtown Sarasota · Seafood / Southern · $$
Casual, loud, and absolutely delicious. Owen's serves some of the freshest Gulf seafood in Sarasota in a rustic, Old Florida atmosphere. Get there early: the wait is worth it.
Pattigeorge's
Longboat Key · Waterfront Fine Dining · $$$$
Right on the water with sunset views that rival anything on the Gulf. The menu leans seafood-forward with elegant preparations. Perfect for a special evening when you want the view to match the plate.
Café L'Europe
St. Armands Circle · Continental / Fine Dining · $$$
A Sarasota classic on St. Armands Circle. Café L'Europe offers an elegant European-style dining experience with white tablecloths, classic service, and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie
Southside Village · American Brasserie · $$
Warm, welcoming, and reliably excellent. Libby's is the kind of place where you can have a casual weeknight dinner or celebrate something special and feel equally at home.
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza
University Town Center · Italian / Pizza · $$
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.
The Original Hob Nob Drive-In
North Sarasota · American Classic · $
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.
Caragiulos Italian American
Downtown Sarasota · Italian American · $$$
The beloved 36-year-old landmark Italian restaurant is reopening in late summer 2026 at its new Ringling Boulevard location after relocating from Palm Avenue. Longtime fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of their signature Italian-American classics in a refreshed setting. A genuine Sarasota institution that feels like coming home.
Pinchers
St. Armands Circle · Seafood · $$
A popular Florida seafood chain opening its 11th location on St. Armands Circle, taking over the former Tommy Bahama space. Known for fresh Gulf seafood, steamed shellfish, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere in a prime shopping and dining destination. Coming late 2026.
Where I Go in Venice
Venice's dining scene is smaller but deeply satisfying: with waterfront views that Sarasota can't always match.
Texas Roadhouse
Venice Crossing · Steakhouse / American · $$
The wildly popular steakhouse chain is under review for a potential location at the developing Venice Crossing Commercial Center in north Venice. Known for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, fresh-baked bread with cinnamon butter, and a lively family-friendly atmosphere. Would be a major win for Venice residents who currently drive to Sarasota or Fort Myers.
Agave Bandido
Wellen Park · Mexican Modern · $$
Opening in Venice's Wellen Park in September 2026, Agave Bandido brings indoor-outdoor Mexican dining with a spacious patio, tequila bar, and a menu of fresh, bold flavors. The fifth location of this popular concept promises to be a vibrant addition to the Venice dining scene.
G Boys Cheesesteaks
Venice · Cheesesteaks · $
A hot new addition to Venice's casual dining scene, earning rave reviews for authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks.
Wings Etc. Grill & Pub
U.S. 41 Bypass · American / Sports Bar · $$
The first Florida location of this popular Indiana-based sports-bar chain opened in Venice in January 2026. Wings, burgers, wraps, and appetizers in a family-friendly atmosphere with dozens of TVs for game day. A welcome addition for families seeking reliable, casual dining.
Fins at Sharky's
Venice Beach · Seafood · $$$
Steps from the beach with panoramic Gulf views. Fins serves creative seafood dishes and craft cocktails in a lively, open-air setting. One of the best sunset dining experiences in Venice.
The Crow's Nest
Venice Marina · Seafood / Steaks · $$$
A Venice institution perched above the marina with views of fishing boats and the Intracoastal. The lobster bisque is legendary, and the fresh-catch specials are always worth asking about.
Made in Italy
Historic Downtown Venice · Italian · $$
Authentic Italian cuisine in a charming downtown setting. Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a family-run atmosphere that makes every visit feel personal.
Mi Vida Café
Historic Downtown Venice · Latin Fusion · $$
A colorful addition to Venice's downtown with creative Latin-inspired dishes, fresh ceviche, and a vibrant atmosphere that draws a loyal local following.
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Venice Marina · American / Seafood · $$
Casual waterfront dining right at the Venice Jetty. Perfect for a relaxed lunch after a morning on the water. The fish tacos and grouper sandwich are local favorites.
Pop's Sunset Grill
Nokomis Beach · Seafood / American · $$
A beloved Nokomis institution with a covered deck overlooking the Intracoastal. The grouper sandwich and key lime pie are legendary. Arrive before sunset for the best seat in the house.
Wahlburgers
SRQ Airport · American / Burgers · $$
The famous Wahlberg family burger concept opened at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in February 2026, serving their signature burgers, shakes, and tater tots. It is a fun, casual option for travelers and locals alike: and the Our Burger with special sauce is a standout.
Salty Neighbor Bar & Grill
South Venice · American / Sports Bar · $$
A veteran-owned neighborhood sports bar and grill targeting a late September 2026 opening in the former Rib City space. A welcoming addition to the local dining scene with classic American fare and a community-focused atmosphere.
Where I Go in Nokomis
Nokomis keeps it simple: beachside bites and fresh-catch seafood in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.
The Purple Pelican
Nokomis Beach · Seafood / American · $$
A beloved beachside spot with a laid-back vibe and surprisingly refined food. The outdoor deck is perfect for post-beach dining, and the seafood is always fresh.
Casey Key Fish House
Casey Key Road · Seafood · $$
Casual and unpretentious, this waterfront spot is where locals go for the freshest catch. The steamed seafood platters and grouper tacos are reason enough to visit.
Salty Neighbor Bar & Grill
South Venice · American / Sports Bar · $$
A veteran-owned neighborhood sports bar and grill opened in September 2026 in the former Rib City space. A welcoming addition to the local dining scene with classic American fare and a community-focused atmosphere. Exactly the kind of place where regulars become friends.
Chophouse285
Englewood · Steakhouse · $$$
A new steakhouse from the team behind Farlow's on the Water, opened in 2026 at 285 W. Dearborn Street. Chophouse285 brings premium cuts, fresh seafood, and a polished yet approachable atmosphere to the southern end of Sarasota County.
Texas Roadhouse
Venice Crossing, Nokomis · Steakhouse / American · $$
The first Sarasota County location of this beloved national steakhouse chain, announced mid-2026 with construction underway at the Venice Crossing shopping center. Known for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, fresh-baked bread, and the lively atmosphere that has made it a family favorite across the country.
Living the Gulf Coast lifestyle
Great restaurants are just one part of what makes this area special. If you're thinking about making the move to Southwest Florida, I'd love to show you everything this region has to offer.
Talk to Julie