25 Essential Sarasota Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Sarasota.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Florida
Casual bayfront staple with seafood specialties, a dockside patio & fish-themed decor.
The Original Egg
Florida
Long-running place specializing in traditional breakfast favorites plus burgers, wraps & sandwiches.
Der Dutchman
Florida
Casual Amish kitchen featuring a buffet of classic fare, plus a bakery with pies & other treats.
Café on St. Armands
Sarasota, Florida
Old-world ambiance provides a warm vibe in this Continental cafe with views of St. Armands Circle.
Antoine's Restaurant
Sarasota, Florida
Intimate locale offering refined Belgian, French & Italian food, including mussels prepared 10 ways.
Brio Italian Grille
Sarasota, Florida
Relaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.
Goichi's Sushi Cafe
Sarasota, Florida
Japanese cafe offering sushi, ramen & sake in a tiny storefront space with traditional decor.
ionie Living Food & Tonics
Sarasota, Florida
Small, informal eatery with a patio offering raw, organic & vegan dishes, smoothies & juices.
Blaze Pizza
Sarasota, Florida
Hip counter-serve pizzeria dishing up crispy, thin-crust pies made with creative toppings & sauces.
First Watch
Sarasota, Florida
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Mirna's Cuban Cuisine
Sarasota, Florida
Orange-hued nook featuring Cuban meat platters & sandwiches amid pictures of classic street scenes.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Sarasota, Florida
Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Station 400
Sarasota, Florida
Locally sourced American breakfast & lunch bites served in a restored train depot dating to 1852.
Cafe Gabbiano
Sarasota, Florida
Rustic-elegant eatery with patio seating offers upscale Italian favorites & a lengthy wine list.
First Watch
Sarasota, Florida
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Miguel's Restaurant
Sarasota, Florida
Eclectic eatery providing classic French & continental choices, with a bar, wine list & catering.
First Watch
Sarasota, Florida
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Sarasota, Florida
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
Namo Izakaya Ramen & Yakitori
Sarasota, Florida
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection.
C'est La Vie - Pastries Breakfast & Dinner
Sarasota, Florida
French cafe & bakery counter for breakfast & lunch from croissants to crêpes served indoors & out.
First Watch
Sarasota, Florida
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Sarasota, Florida
High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
Sarasota, Florida
Popular, rustic-chic venue for craft cocktails, sandwiches & new American entrees.
Lila
Sarasota, Florida
Stylish, health-conscious eatery featuring organic American dishes with vegan & gluten-free options.
Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery & Pizzeria
Sarasota, Florida
Service options: Outdoor seating, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection.