Located south of Tampa in Sarasota County, Sarasota is a lovely city where gorgeous outdoor destinations abound, and fun indoor activities are found. Sarasota is home to numerous incredible restaurants and cafés. From fine-dining locales to budget-friendly, laid-back spots, here is a list of some of the best eats this Florida city has to offer.
Antoine’s is a fine-dining gem offering discerning diners an intimate and upscale environment in which to savor delicious seafood delights. Imbued with New American, French and Italian influences, the menu is sure to satisfy many palates, with everything made from scratch. Antoine’s is known for their mussels, so you can’t go wrong with the creamy garlic mussels or marinère variety with celery, onions and butter with a side of perfectly crisp French fries. They are open for dinner every night except for Wednesdays.
Located in the heart of Sarasota’s Theatre and Arts District since 1986, Bijou Café serves up Continental-American fare within a refined, European café-inspired environment. Owned by Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs and Shay, his wife, this fine-dining restaurant started out small but has increased over the years to provide seating for 140 people. The cuisine is nothing short of amazing, earning many awards over the years, and the wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1990. Some of the delectable recipes include the ‘famous’ pepper steak with a secret hot sauce, the market fish, which is always a sustainable and abundant species, and the spinach and roasted tomato capellini.
Blue Dolphin Café is located on the historic St. Armands Circle. The café is a great place to start your day with a nourishing meal, and the best part is that it is a budget-friendly option with something to whet anyone’s appetite. If you prefer something sweet, opt for the apple cinnamon pancakes or the banana granola pancakes. If it’s something savory you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the spinach and feta omelet or the eggs Benedict. You’ll find burgers, hot dogs, wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Blue Dolphin Café also offers daily specials, with past highlights being the bluefin crab Benedict.
If you’re looking for the best seafood around, then Duval’s has to be on your list of dining establishments in Sarasota. The team at Duval’s sources all of the ingredients used in their dishes from local fisherman and farmers, guaranteeing incredibly fresh products all the time. Within beautiful contemporary surrounds, visitors can feast upon New England fish and chips served with house-made tartar sauce, the decadent lobster mac ’n’ cheese and cashew-encrusted chicken with zucchini-corn succotash and pineapple-habanero sauce.
Indigenous Restaurant is the brainchild of Chef Steve Phelps. Tucked inside a cozy, renovated bungalow, the environment naturally has a homey feel with a sophisticated spin. The menu is farm-to-table, meaning the culinary team uses only the best, freshest and sustainable, seasonal ingredients for its refined cuisine. Notable options include the Plentiful and Abundant dish, which features only sustainable species from purveyors the restaurant trusts, and the Cincinnati-style cauliflower chili with spicy sea saltines, white cheddar and pappardelle.
If your taste buds are seeking something other than regional cuisine, then Inkanto is the perfect spot to try. Specializing in authentic Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant features a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with pops of color, art-adorned walls, and rich woods. Pair the fried calamari seasoned with Peruvian flavors and served with Creole onion salad and fried yuca with tartar sauce with a main dish like the lomo saltado, or steak strips topped with red onions, tomatoes and peppers, all cooked in a soy-red wine vinegar sauce and served with fried potatoes. Be sure to try the delicia de Maracuya, or passion fruit mousse,you won’t regret it.
Mozzarella Fella is the perfect place to visit if your craving is calling for something of the home-style Italian variety. Inspired by his grandma’s cooking in Brooklyn, New York, Michael Calore and his family wanted to share this comforting cuisine with the folks living and visiting Sarasota. The inviting ambiance is great for savoring filling sandwiches such as the fresh mozzarella with tomato, baby arugula and olive oil and the veal cutlet with broccoli rabe, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. You’ll also find salads and heartier meals like meat lasagna, baked ziti and eggplant parmigiana. You can even purchase their house-made mozzarella.
The cuisine at Selva Grill is a lovely marriage of Latin American and U.S. American flavors, with a particular focus on Peruvian fare. The restaurant is open every night for dinner and features a hip lounge where those looking for a late-night outing can go for some specialty cocktails and music provided by DJs. For those guests visiting for dinner, Selva’s menu features a wide range of tantalizing choices, beginning with their famous ceviches, there are ten options. Start with triologia ceviche as you’ll get three varieties, fresh white fish with lime marinade, tuna in ginger sauce, and Maya shrimp. As for mains, the seafood paella and the Andean rack of lamb with truffle-chive risotto, roasted asparagus, macadamia nut herb pesto and rosemary demi are two excellent options.
Sofrito Mama’s is another restaurant serving up comforting Latin American eats, but this time, the focus is placed on recipes from Puerto Rico. The entire family will love visiting this venue for the friendly atmosphere and, of course, mouthwatering fare, as you can taste the love poured into each and every dish. The regular menu at Sofrito Mama’s has recipes such as empanadas filled with beef, chicken or spinach and cheese, fried pork chops with rice or fried plantains, and caramel egg custard.
Yoder’s is a staple on Sarasota’s dining scene, first opening its doors in 1975. Opened by Levi and Amanda Yoder, who moved to Sarasota from Nappanee, Indiana, the restaurant is still within the family and grew to include a gift shop, produce market and deli. Today, it’s known as Yoder’s Restaurant and Amish Village where guests can sample the famous Amish pies brimming with fruity goodness and hearty home-style eats. The breakfast menu sees the likes of traditional egg plates, Benedicts, omelettes, oatmeal and pancakes, while the lunch and dinner side features soups, salads, sandwiches and entrées such as their famous fried chicken.
