When I moved here a few years ago, I was blown away by the number of bars and restaurants in the area. While there are very few places I would recommend avoiding, I’ve definitely narrowed down my favorites.
Restaurants
Cook your Catch
Walt’s Fish Market – Off of 41 and convenient for any visitors in Sarasota or on Siesta Key, Walt’s is a local favorite. They sell amazing fresh local seafood and will also cook up your catch so you can enjoy the fish while it is still fresh.
Steak and Seafood
Summer House – Located on Siesta Key this restaurant has never disappointed me when I’m looking for a good steak or filet of fish.
View
Dry Dock – Awesome little seafood restaurant on the South Side of Longboat Key
Sports Bar
MVP – A new spot on Siesta Key in the Village
On St Armand’s Circle
Colombia Restaurant – If you’re doing some shopping on St Armand’s Circle I suggest stopped in and getting the 1905 Salad.
On Siesta Key
Flavio’s – Awesome little Italian place on Siesta Key, keep mind MVP and Summer house are in the same little are.
Italian
Epicure – Right in the heart of downtown, close to all of the bars and restaurants Main Street has to offer.
Atmosphere
Owen’s Fish Camp or Mar Vista – I can’t decide which is better as they are both awesome. Both remind you of a old time Florida seafood restaurant. Owens is definitely closer located in downtown Sarasota but the drive up to the north side of Longboat for Mar Vista will have you sitting waterside.
Barbecue
Brick’s Smoked Meats – Awesome spot down town near States Street and a few other highly recommended bars.
Farm to Table
Boca – Great food, good for brunch, dinner, or happy hour drinks.
Bars
Recommendations on places to grab a few drinks after dinner.
Cocktails
State Street – Great bar for a large selection of whiskey as well as creative craft cocktails.
View
The Westin – The bar on the top of the Westin is a good place to get your bearings on the area and watch the sunset out over the Gulf.
Waterfront
Lido Key Tiki Bar – Located on Lido Beach behind the Ritz, this is probably one of the only bars around that sits Gulf Side.
Insight Fishing 