Over the years, we have received more and more requests for recommendations in Sarasota, especially places to eat out. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but below are some of my favorite Sarasota restaurants (and dishes I want to try!), as well as some local shops to visit. to Sarasota to Longboat Key, but most are centrally located downtown.
Artisan Cheese Company
Artisan Cheese Company is a custom cut cheese shop in Sarasota’s Rosemary neighborhood. Open daily for lunch (grilled cheese – oh!), the shop has a pantry section, a natural wine section, and a grab and go cooler section. I often order a board from the cheese shop when friends and family visit and enjoy it while sipping wine in the store (although you can order a board for your party needs or hosting).Also hosts a shop cheese classis one of the ones I recently attended while on vacation.
Owens Fish Camp
Owens Fish Camp Located in the heart of Barnes Court in downtown Sarasota. This restaurant specializes in Southern hospitality and is an ode to old Florida. There are banyan trees, tire swings, and a back patio with live music and fried oysters every night. This restaurant specializes in bringing in fresh fish every day. My recommendation is the grilled scampi with lemon caper butter sauce. I also love the shrimp and grits dish and the hot crab dip. It’s a great place to bring guests, but be aware they don’t take reservations. So go early or be prepared to wait!
canned vintage ham
canned ham vintage is the best vintage store in Sarasota (I bought my top caftan and right earring there). This is such a fun place to browse and sells everything from women’s clothing to jewelry to homewares. online shop if you are not local. This is always a top request when visiting fashion friends in NYC.
Project Coffee Co., Ltd.
project coffee has two locations in Sarasota, its original location in Barnes Court and a newly opened more industrial outpost in the Rosemary neighborhood. Project Coffee’s coffee is sustainably sourced and home-roasted, and the entire food menu is 100% vegan. Rosemary’s location feels like a little slice of Brooklyn, Sarasota, and rumor has it that it will open late weekends to serve beer, wine, and food!
Waltz Fish Market
Walt’s Fish Market was founded in 1918 and is still run by the Wallin family decades later. The restaurant, fish market and tiki bar are open daily. Walt’s claim to fame is that he sells fish that are literally caught the day they are purchased. I love taking my friends here because the atmosphere is always lively, the fish is so fresh and the staff are so wonderful.
Bistro at the Sarasota Museum of Art
Bistro at the Sarasota Museum of Art One of the best quiet hangouts for a casual breakfast or lunch (with ample indoor and outdoor seating). The Bistro is housed in a beautiful Paul Rudolph-designed building right behind the museum and is thoughtfully designed with clean aesthetics, tiled floors and bright Bistro his chairs. Fares are inspired by Florida area fruit stands and are constantly updated with great new specials. Weekend brunch is my favorite! And if you’re in town on the second Thursday of the month, ‘jazz thursday‘ Placed by the museum. The music is always great and you can sit outside with a glass of wine and take it all in.
BLOSSMCARTFlowers
Broskirt A Sarasota-based floral design studio known for some of the most unique flowers in the area. I have had success with all sorts of arrangements with the owner Jane. I was looking for a local florist to create beautiful arrangements that were modern yet feminine, and Blossomcart nailed it every time.
Whitney
Whitney Located at the northern end of Longboat Key, it’s one of my favorite spots to recommend. An empty gas/service station has been completely repurposed into a stylish indoor/outdoor roadside diner featuring large garage bay doors, an outdoor fire pit and stunning landscaping. The look and feel of this restaurant is second to none. Plus, it’s right across the street from the beach. On a Friday evening, having a cocktail with friends at dusk, Akiem Live jazz guitar.
coast
coast There are two locations in town, one in St. Armands and one in LBK (close to Whitney). Both are nice, but I prefer the Longboat Quay location because it’s right on the water and much of the seating is outdoors. There are many delicious dishes, but miso black grouper may be my personal favorite.
spearfish
Located near the South Bridge on Siesta Key, spearfish If you’re looking for fresh, locally caught seafood in a very casual setting, this is the place to be. Spearfish always has an interesting specialty, but grouper sashimi is also not to be missed. A great place for small groups.
Florence and the Spice Boys
Florence and the Spice Boys It was originally a wildly popular food truck that operated primarily in downtown Sarasota. The fried artichoke heart and turmeric fried chicken sandwich is my go-to item, but honestly, everything on the menu is delicious. Don’t skip dessert!
Kamilyn Beth
Founded in 2012, Camilyn Beth The pieces are designed here in Sarasota and made in New York. This feminine and beautiful line was created by Cami, who I am fortunate enough to call a friend.After years of selling online, Cami and her team Storefront here in Sarasota Located in the historic Mira Mar Plaza. The boutique also serves as the design headquarters and is always bustling with activity. Stop by to see all of Cami’s latest designs.
and many other favorites. mediterranean sea Downtown for Italian, naple For wood-fired pizza, baker and wife For a cozy artisan meal, state street for great cocktails and indigenous people for a romantic date night.Also, I consistently find myself in both bars Libby’s Brasserie When Veronica’s Fish & Oyster Bar at Southside Village. If there is a spot that you *must-try*, feel free to let us know by email or DM. I’m always looking for new places in Sarasota!