New Restaurants to Know This Fall: Sarasota and Venice

The Gulf Coast dining scene keeps answering the same question: what is new worth booking? This fall, the answer spans both ends of the market, from a fast-casual favorite landing at University Town Center to a proper old-school Italian table in historic downtown Venice. Here is my guide to the newest restaurant openings in Sarasota and Venice, and where I would book a table first.

In Sarasota: A Salad Chain Arrives, and a Pizza Spot Is Almost Here

Just Salad, the New York-based fast-casual chain, has opened at University Town Center, giving the UTC lunch crowd a fresh option built around build-your-own salads, warm grain bowls, and wraps. It opened this fall and is already a busy midday stop, which tells you how much this part of town wanted another quick, healthy choice near the mall and the office parks off Cattlemen.

Over on Lockwood Ridge Road, Dominick's Family Pizza at 8317 N. Lockwood Ridge Road has been working toward a soft opening around October or November. Family pizza joints are a neighborhood institution here, and a new one in north Sarasota fills a real gap for game-night carryout and weekend dine-in.

The splashiest Sarasota story is 1000 North, the members-only club backed by Michael Jordan in the BLVD Sarasota tower. It was aiming for an October opening but has hit delays as the city, the building owners, and residents work through parking and ownership details. When it does open, expect it to be the most talked-about table in town, but for now the smart money is on watching for an announcement rather than waiting for a reservation.

In Venice: Old-School Italian and a Neighborhood Favorite Reborn

Venice's dining scene is having its strongest year in memory, and the newest openings are the reason. Ristorante Roma is slated to open in historic downtown Venice the first week of November, taking over the former Unique Cuisine space with a menu of house-made pasta, risotto, fresh seafood, and an Italian wine list. For anyone who has been wishing for a classic, white-tablecloth Italian table in the historic district, this looks like the answer.

At the other end of the spectrum, Salty Neighbor Bar & Grill has opened at 4187 S. Tamiami Trail in the Venice Village plaza, in the former Rib City space. It is a veteran-owned neighborhood sports bar with Cuban-influenced comfort food and a community-focused feel. Those of you who remember the old Rib City room will be pleased: it has a completely fresh look and a menu built around the flavors that make South County casual dining fun.

And for the best breakfast in town, The Breakfast Company is opening its fifth location at 2996 Executive Drive near the I-75 and Jacaranda Boulevard corridor. It has a devoted following for its generous portions and reliable classics, and this new outpost should be a welcome addition for families heading to school drop-off and weekend brunch crowds alike.

Just North of Venice: Osprey Gets a Scratch Kitchen

If you'd rather drive north than south, Five Nine Grill & Tavern opened a second location in August at 1092 S. Tamiami Trail in Osprey, bringing the Bradenton scratch kitchen's cooking to South County. Everything is made in house, the tavern menu is approachable, and it has quickly become a reliable stop on the way home from the beach.

How to Know What Fits Your Neighborhood

One of the questions I hear most from buyers is about the food scene in the communities we look at together. It is a fair question, because the neighborhood you choose shapes your Friday nights, your date nights, and your breakfasts on the weekend. From the new casual spots in Venice to the elevated tables taking shape in Sarasota, my advice is to pick a community whose dining personality matches the way you actually like to live. If a lively, walkable dinner scene matters to you, that pushes historic downtown Venice or downtown Sarasota up your list. If quiet dinners at home with the occasional night out work better, the mainland communities and golf clubs might suit you perfectly.

Whenever you are weighing a move, I would love to show you around and map the communities to your lifestyle, restaurants included. With 24 years of experience and generations of Gulf Coast dining knowledge, I'll help you find a home you'll love waking up in every day, with a great table waiting a short drive away. Reach out anytime, I'd love to hear from you.