Courtesy of KarolinaBorkowski/Getty Images
What to Eat in Sarasota
Like other Florida destinations, Sarasota's dining scene focuses primarily on American fare with regional seafood specialties like shrimp, lobster and octopus. Local seafood restaurant favorites include Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (just east of downtown on Longboat Key), Owen's Fish Camp (a few blocks south of Sarasota's central Main Street thoroughfare) and KaCey's Seafood and More (by Interstate 75).
Italian, Latin American and Amish and Mennonite eateries are also popular here, thanks in part to many residents' ties to these communities. For Italian cuisine, travelers recommend Dolce Italia, Cafe Baci and Mozzarella Fella. Eateries like the Peruvian-inspired Selva Grill and the Puerto Rican-influenced Sofrito Mama's are considered must-visit spots for Latin American dishes. And at Yoder's Restaurant and Der Dutchman Restaurant, which reside in the city's Pinecraft neighborhood, diners can sample traditional Amish and Mennonite items, including pecan sticky buns, potato cakes and shoofly pie (a dessert with a coffee cake topping and a molasses bottom).
And for tasty libations, travelers can choose from one of the area's craft breweries. Standout establishments include Sarasota Brewing Company (a microbrewery that opened in 1989), the Big Top Brewing Company (where circus-inspired brews are served) and Calusa Brewing (which was named after the indigenous Calusa Native American tribe).
Find the Best Restaurants in Sarasota
- #1
Floribbean Flo's#1 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota
$ - $$ | American7644 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231-6840Read More » - #2
Abel's Ice Cream#2 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #3
The Garden Room Cafe at Shoogie Boogies#3 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota
$ - $$ | International1919 Morrill St Towles Court, Shoogie Boogies, Sarasota, FL 34236-6934Read More » - #4
Antoine's Restaurant#4 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #5
The Orange Octopus#5 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #6
Meaney's Mini Donuts#6 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #7
Dolce Italia#7 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #8
Eleni's Pizza Works#8 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #9
Gentile's Authentic Cheesesteaks#9 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #10
Veronica Fish and Oyster#10 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #11
Settimi's Gelato#11 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #12
Shore#12 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #13
Cafe L'Europe#13 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #14
Millie's#14 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #15
Element: Steak. Seafood. Pasta.#15 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #16
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.#16 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #17
La Mucca Ballerina#17 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #18
Heinrich's German Grill#18 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #19
Clayton's Siesta Grille#19 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota - #20
Morton's Gourmet Market#20 of 893 Places to Eat in Sarasota
Explore More of Sarasota
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.