Guidebook for Sarasota
Food Scene
This is my favorite place to recommend because it is so close, the waterfront is usually not even approachable or affordable for drinks or food. You will find a lot of locals here
Prices are very doable, you place your order if you want to eat and then you go get it.. it is free, no expectations here, no waitress service so it is loosy goosy
there are a zillion gourmet restaurants in Sarasota. this is not one of those. GO here for TIKKI bar day/night, kids are welcome.. the park it is attached to is spectacular, there is parking. can't say enough good things about it. Well.. I don't remember the menu, but it is Not a place a cardiologist would recommend. Go even in the rain ! I had family in from out of town recently, and they loved hanging out in the park and strolling over here to pick up some drinks and some food
171 locals raden deze aan
Oleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrThis is my favorite place to recommend because it is so close, the waterfront is usually not even approachable or affordable for drinks or food. You will find a lot of locals here
Prices are very doable, you place your order if you want to eat and then you go get it.. it is free, no expectations here, no waitress service so it is loosy goosy
there are a zillion gourmet restaurants in Sarasota. this is not one of those. GO here for TIKKI bar day/night, kids are welcome.. the park it is attached to is spectacular, there is parking. can't say enough good things about it. Well.. I don't remember the menu, but it is Not a place a cardiologist would recommend. Go even in the rain ! I had family in from out of town recently, and they loved hanging out in the park and strolling over here to pick up some drinks and some food
GO TO RESTAURANT But reservations highly recommended
they have all food.... not just seafood. check out their menu online ..daily specials..
Famous for frequently copied " Bang Bang" shrimp shareable appetizer
they have a lively bar scene too
Upscale chain restaurant that is affordable.. They do not offer breakfast or lunch, but I do believe lunch is available on weekends check it out.
not a quiet intimate little place, the diners are happy enthusiastic so it has a noise level but it is NOT a sports bar or anything like that. Lots of booths and tables and generally very good, very reliable servers Highly trained. This is my favorite 'American" restaurant
30 locals raden deze aan
Bonefish Grill
8101 Cooper Creek BlvdGO TO RESTAURANT But reservations highly recommended
they have all food.... not just seafood. check out their menu online ..daily specials..
Famous for frequently copied " Bang Bang" shrimp shareable appetizer
they have a lively bar scene too
Upscale chain restaurant that is affordable.. They do not offer breakfast or lunch, but I do believe lunch is available on weekends check it out.
not a quiet intimate little place, the diners are happy enthusiastic so it has a noise level but it is NOT a sports bar or anything like that. Lots of booths and tables and generally very good, very reliable servers Highly trained. This is my favorite 'American" restaurant
This is a tourist restaurant that locals go to also . Seriously. they do.
. Huge, AMISH themed... fresh good food, big bakery..Huge gift shop.. it is an experience. HIGHLY recommended.
57 locals raden deze aan
Der Dutchman Sarasota
3713 Bahia Vista StThis is a tourist restaurant that locals go to also . Seriously. they do.
. Huge, AMISH themed... fresh good food, big bakery..Huge gift shop.. it is an experience. HIGHLY recommended.
Kitchy, people love it. It is a nice menu and it has a vacationy feeling..painted furniture etc.
indoors ...outdoors.. not the cheapest place for breakfast but not the most expensive.
COFFEE CAROUSEL on Main street ..nearby is an old fashioned breakfast lunch diner that I also highly recommend with a 60;s atmosphere and lower prices No egg dishes after 11:30 except quiche...
MORE BREAKFAST PLACES

c’est la vie on Main Street downtown Sarasota 
a personal favorite, great crêpes, and French breakfast and lunch. Open very early c’est la vie downtown Sarasota. Breakfast lunch and dinner closes at six on Monday and Tuesday
STATION 400 no. Lemon. Very close by, outside garden area. Open breakfast and lunch.
MILLIES  3900 Clarke Road 34233. Highly recommended by locals. Check hours. Previous winner, best breakfast best brunch
24 locals raden deze aan
Breakfast House
1817 Fruitville RdKitchy, people love it. It is a nice menu and it has a vacationy feeling..painted furniture etc.
indoors ...outdoors.. not the cheapest place for breakfast but not the most expensive.
COFFEE CAROUSEL on Main street ..nearby is an old fashioned breakfast lunch diner that I also highly recommend with a 60;s atmosphere and lower prices No egg dishes after 11:30 except quiche...
MORE BREAKFAST PLACES

c’est la vie on Main Street downtown Sarasota 
a personal favorite, great crêpes, and French breakfast and lunch. Open very early c’est la vie downtown Sarasota. Breakfast lunch and dinner closes at six on Monday and Tuesday
STATION 400 no. Lemon. Very close by, outside garden area. Open breakfast and lunch.
MILLIES  3900 Clarke Road 34233. Highly recommended by locals. Check hours. Previous winner, best breakfast best brunch
running out of time..LOOK IT UP. highly recommended..
readers choice awards 2017 best dessert ..best Amish restaurant ..best pie.
109 locals raden deze aan
Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
3434 Bahia Vista Strunning out of time..LOOK IT UP. highly recommended..
readers choice awards 2017 best dessert ..best Amish restaurant ..best pie.
First Watch
1395 Main Sthighly recommended to me by locals.. they have several locations
highly recommended to me by locals.. check their hours..
WINNER BEST BREAKFAS
WINNER BEST BRUNCH T readers choice awards 2017
12 locals raden deze aan
Millie's
3900 Clark Rdhighly recommended to me by locals.. check their hours..
WINNER BEST BREAKFAS
WINNER BEST BRUNCH T readers choice awards 2017
STRONGLY recommended to me by locals they have an outside garden also.. check menu and hours..
54 locals raden deze aan
Station 400
400 N Lemon AveSTRONGLY recommended to me by locals they have an outside garden also.. check menu and hours..
STRONGLY recommended by locals.. I want to go just because of the name... look it up...
The Garden Room Cafe' at Shoogie Boogies
1919 Morrill StSTRONGLY recommended by locals.. I want to go just because of the name... look it up...
locals recommended ..there is one in Lakewood ranch too...
look it up..
59 locals raden deze aan
Another Broken Egg Cafe
140 Avenida Messinalocals recommended ..there is one in Lakewood ranch too...
look it up..
Sweet Tomatoes
4994 S Tamiami Trailwinner best buffet readers choice awards 2017
I have not been here, winner BEST AMERICAN RESTAURANT readers choice awards 2017
27 locals raden deze aan
MADE Restaurant
1990 Main StI have not been here, winner BEST AMERICAN RESTAURANT readers choice awards 2017
Paisano's Italian Bakery
2732 Stickney Point Rdreaders choice awards 2017 winner best bakery
Check to see if if it survived Covid.
WINNER BEST BURGER T readers choice awards 2017
Square 1 Burgers & Bar
5239 University PkwyCheck to see if if it survived Covid.
WINNER BEST BURGER T readers choice awards 2017
WINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 BEST EARLY BIRD DINNER
42 locals raden deze aan
Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie
1917 S Osprey AveWINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 BEST EARLY BIRD DINNER
WINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 FISH MARKET AND RESTAURANT
150 locals raden deze aan
Walt's Fish Market Restaurant
4144 S Tamiami TrailWINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 FISH MARKET AND RESTAURANT
WINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 OUTDOOR RESTAURANT
Very popular downtown.. now open for dinner too
47 locals raden deze aan
C'est La Vie
1553 Main StWINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 OUTDOOR RESTAURANT
Very popular downtown.. now open for dinner too
WINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 for restaurant with a view. very few restaurants with water view in sarasota sadly.
HOWEVER I PREFER CASUAL O LEARY'S TIKKI BAR RIGHT NEXT DOOR FOR JUST CASUAL NOT FINE DINING, BUT DRINKS AND HEART ATTACK FOOD
257 locals raden deze aan
marina jacks
2 Marina PlazaWINNER BEST
T readers choice awards 2017 for restaurant with a view. very few restaurants with water view in sarasota sadly.
HOWEVER I PREFER CASUAL O LEARY'S TIKKI BAR RIGHT NEXT DOOR FOR JUST CASUAL NOT FINE DINING, BUT DRINKS AND HEART ATTACK FOOD
Kazu's 2.0
6566 Gateway AveWINNER BEST SUSHI
T readers choice awards 2017
The Food is sensational
the hostess is exquisite, classy
the ambiance is awesome, check out the carved tables
The service is fautless
The menu is good
The prices are good
The dinners are consistently impressive
Free parking.
In season, perhaps go early or late. Tell hostess Katya sent you, sooner or later she will know my name AND it might make a difference for future guests.
It could possibly be my favorite restaurant
winner 2017 reaers choice awards
25 locals raden deze aan
Bangkok Restaurant
4791 Swift RdThe Food is sensational
the hostess is exquisite, classy
the ambiance is awesome, check out the carved tables
The service is fautless
The menu is good
The prices are good
The dinners are consistently impressive
Free parking.
In season, perhaps go early or late. Tell hostess Katya sent you, sooner or later she will know my name AND it might make a difference for future guests.
It could possibly be my favorite restaurant
winner 2017 reaers choice awards
Very close to your villa and good prices and personal service. Some gluten-free dishes available. Also sushi.!
Siam Gulf Sarasota
Very close to your villa and good prices and personal service. Some gluten-free dishes available. Also sushi.!
Beautiful carved wood furniture, the same as Bangkok restaurant. But this one is on Tamiami Trail, and the food is very reliable and well priced. Some gluten-free dishes as well.
20 locals raden deze aan
Isan Thai Restaurant
5758 S Tamiami TrailBeautiful carved wood furniture, the same as Bangkok restaurant. But this one is on Tamiami Trail, and the food is very reliable and well priced. Some gluten-free dishes as well.
Owned and operated by a family, cozy place, right on Main Street in downtown. Reliable. Across the street there are two more places that serve Thai food and also Vietnamese.
Tropical Thai Restaurant
1535 Main StOwned and operated by a family, cozy place, right on Main Street in downtown. Reliable. Across the street there are two more places that serve Thai food and also Vietnamese.
FRENCH food in a surprising two room restaurant, believe it or not it’s in a strip mall down near siesta key. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Lovely and a beautiful menu, you must look at their earlybird special. Hope they’re still doing it. It’s a full menu, not one or two items! Great prices, and goes right through dessert.
8 locals raden deze aan
Miguel's Restaurant
6631 Midnight Pass RdFRENCH food in a surprising two room restaurant, believe it or not it’s in a strip mall down near siesta key. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Lovely and a beautiful menu, you must look at their earlybird special. Hope they’re still doing it. It’s a full menu, not one or two items! Great prices, and goes right through dessert.
 Farm to table restaurant with many dishes from the Mediterranean. Wood-burning fire grill boutique, wine list and cocktails. Some Greek dishes good service very popular corner restaurant with outdoor seating as well. some gluten-free choices and good service. A personal favorite.
1592 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, Verenigde Staten
 Farm to table restaurant with many dishes from the Mediterranean. Wood-burning fire grill boutique, wine list and cocktails. Some Greek dishes good service very popular corner restaurant with outdoor seating as well. some gluten-free choices and good service. A personal favorite.
 Understated, pizza restaurant, mostly, I see people picking up but you can also eat there, I buy my pizza there, but I don’t know the rest of the menu. They have two slices plus a free can of soda for five or six dollars. Very nice pizza Tuesday to Sat ? 4-9
New York Slice Company
 Understated, pizza restaurant, mostly, I see people picking up but you can also eat there, I buy my pizza there, but I don’t know the rest of the menu. They have two slices plus a free can of soda for five or six dollars. Very nice pizza Tuesday to Sat ? 4-9
This top picture makes this look like a little Cafe. Not so this is a fine restaurant
Wow. We went there recently for a special event and the food was literally the best I’ve had in Sarasota. Loved absolutely everything. Not the cheapest place in town but not the most expensive either. Treat yourself. Allow a little extra time in season because the road that gets there isone lane. There is another restaurant with the same name in Saint Armands that I have not been to, but people like it as well.
65 locals raden deze aan
Shore Longboat Key
800 Broadway StThis top picture makes this look like a little Cafe. Not so this is a fine restaurant
Wow. We went there recently for a special event and the food was literally the best I’ve had in Sarasota. Loved absolutely everything. Not the cheapest place in town but not the most expensive either. Treat yourself. Allow a little extra time in season because the road that gets there isone lane. There is another restaurant with the same name in Saint Armands that I have not been to, but people like it as well.
This is a reliable waterfront restaurant, you need to call because I’m not sure about reservations. They have a dockside patio and it’s right near Saint Armand Circle heading out on longboat key. Another waterfront restaurant is SHORE
 which cost a little bit more. Then there is Marina jacks near downtown, which also has a dinner cruise that is lovely.
 And for super casual OLEARY’S TIKI BAR at the Bayfront park, near Marina Jack’s. Not fine dining, but fine views! 
74 locals raden deze aan
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
412 Gulf of Mexico DrThis is a reliable waterfront restaurant, you need to call because I’m not sure about reservations. They have a dockside patio and it’s right near Saint Armand Circle heading out on longboat key. Another waterfront restaurant is SHORE
 which cost a little bit more. Then there is Marina jacks near downtown, which also has a dinner cruise that is lovely.
 And for super casual OLEARY’S TIKI BAR at the Bayfront park, near Marina Jack’s. Not fine dining, but fine views! 
Thai food, outdoor and indoor seating! I think they do a great job and they also have sushi. I didn’t like the service on a weekend night. Better check the hours as well. But service is good other times. The food is great every time I’ve been thereand the prices are reasonable. They have a lunch special.
13 locals raden deze aan
Spice Station
1438 Boulevard of the ArtsThai food, outdoor and indoor seating! I think they do a great job and they also have sushi. I didn’t like the service on a weekend night. Better check the hours as well. But service is good other times. The food is great every time I’ve been thereand the prices are reasonable. They have a lunch special.
Arts & Culture
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
1534 Mound Stno time to write..JUST GO
no time to write just GO but hours are limited, check
41 locals raden deze aan
Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy Closed from May 25, 2019 to Novermber 29,2019
2121 N Tamiami Trailno time to write just GO but hours are limited, check
circus museum is UNIQUE ..no time to write, but you can do 1/2 of museum complex instead of all.. grounds are beautiful..
540 locals raden deze aan
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore Rdcircus museum is UNIQUE ..no time to write, but you can do 1/2 of museum complex instead of all.. grounds are beautiful..
Sightseeing
shops, restaurants, casual upscale BEAUTIFUL ambiance fountains, statues, benches, moments from lido beach waterfront. you can walk.... love this place. EVERYONE loves it but locals stay away a lot during season. I go but at cocktail hour.. sometimes there is music from the local eateries that you an sit and hear without going into restaurant !
sometimes local street performers sing.. or...
297 locals raden deze aan
Saint Armands Circle
Saint Armands Circleshops, restaurants, casual upscale BEAUTIFUL ambiance fountains, statues, benches, moments from lido beach waterfront. you can walk.... love this place. EVERYONE loves it but locals stay away a lot during season. I go but at cocktail hour.. sometimes there is music from the local eateries that you an sit and hear without going into restaurant !
sometimes local street performers sing.. or...
I go to this community center for performances. They have a list on their site, so please check it out. It’s a friendly place when you walk in the front door everyone greet you like they’ve been waiting for you. You will share tables with other people to view the performances. Very inexpensive beverages and snacks.
6 locals raden deze aan
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center
525 Kumquat CtI go to this community center for performances. They have a list on their site, so please check it out. It’s a friendly place when you walk in the front door everyone greet you like they’ve been waiting for you. You will share tables with other people to view the performances. Very inexpensive beverages and snacks.
Parks & Nature
OMG YOU WILL THINK YOU ARE IN ECUADOR Without the airfare. LOVE this place. $ 6.50 car WITH 2 PEOPLE !
7 locals raden deze aan
Myakka State Park Road
Myakka State Park RoadOMG YOU WILL THINK YOU ARE IN ECUADOR Without the airfare. LOVE this place. $ 6.50 car WITH 2 PEOPLE !
This is not just a playground, but it’s a lovely park to walk around in and take your dog. Absolutely beautiful and it’s very close to the villa. Safe and clean. Please look it up for more details.
Payne Park Playground
This is not just a playground, but it’s a lovely park to walk around in and take your dog. Absolutely beautiful and it’s very close to the villa. Safe and clean. Please look it up for more details.
There’s so much going on here it is adding every week. Last I checked there was music there for free with performers on Friday or Saturday night? There’s a building that has some food you can buy and it’s been a long time in the planning stages.
 not far at all
The Bay
There’s so much going on here it is adding every week. Last I checked there was music there for free with performers on Friday or Saturday night? There’s a building that has some food you can buy and it’s been a long time in the planning stages.
 not far at all
Food scene
 The only thing I have eaten here and often is cheesy pizza. Generally speaking, it’s thin crust and lots of gooey cheese! It’s a fun place. if you look up the menu, you’ll see a full bar lots of beers and salads, burger, subs, and wraps. But in addition, it’s a fun family place with activities there’s a driving range or arcades, miniature golf course wiffleball (and homemade ice cream that is something that people travel for.)
11 locals raden deze aan
Evie’s Tavern & Grill on Bee Ridge
4725 Bee Ridge Rd The only thing I have eaten here and often is cheesy pizza. Generally speaking, it’s thin crust and lots of gooey cheese! It’s a fun place. if you look up the menu, you’ll see a full bar lots of beers and salads, burger, subs, and wraps. But in addition, it’s a fun family place with activities there’s a driving range or arcades, miniature golf course wiffleball (and homemade ice cream that is something that people travel for.)
PLANT BASED OR VEGAN
VEGANS? These are our three favorite places.
This is a beautiful restaurant, if you research it you’ll see my reviews. And you’ll see a lot of photos. Gourmet plant-based food. There’s indoors and a side breezeway which is semi outside. Treat yourself and go. Service is personal and classy. Tell them that KATYA sent you.
Ka Papa Cuisine 100% plant-based & vegan
This is a beautiful restaurant, if you research it you’ll see my reviews. And you’ll see a lot of photos. Gourmet plant-based food. There’s indoors and a side breezeway which is semi outside. Treat yourself and go. Service is personal and classy. Tell them that KATYA sent you.
A very popular restaurant in Sarasota with a wine menu as well. Tonight I had vegan penne with vodka sauce and a side of grilled chicken. gluten-free people will be in heaven here they even have gluten-free grilled bread. Something restaurants don’t seem to understand the need for! Lots to pick from.
35 locals raden deze aan
Lila
1576 Main StA very popular restaurant in Sarasota with a wine menu as well. Tonight I had vegan penne with vodka sauce and a side of grilled chicken. gluten-free people will be in heaven here they even have gluten-free grilled bread. Something restaurants don’t seem to understand the need for! Lots to pick from.
Delicious, vegan, and or gluten-free, health, conscious spot, starting with breakfast, also organic smoothies and coffees. Right in the heart of Saint Armand Circle. Love this place open most days until seven closes at five on Sunday.
21 locals raden deze aan
GREEN ZEBRA CAFE, LLC
476 John Ringling BlvdDelicious, vegan, and or gluten-free, health, conscious spot, starting with breakfast, also organic smoothies and coffees. Right in the heart of Saint Armand Circle. Love this place open most days until seven closes at five on Sunday.
This is the same restaurant that is in Saint Armands, but this one has more of a restaurant feel and I believe they have wine.  find myself still going to the original café in Saint Armands but the Internet says this one is open till 9 o’clock every night.
GREEN ZEBRA CAFE
This is the same restaurant that is in Saint Armands, but this one has more of a restaurant feel and I believe they have wine.  find myself still going to the original café in Saint Armands but the Internet says this one is open till 9 o’clock every night.
Woodfired, pizza, pasta, vegetables, and desserts, with a wide variety of plant based options and gluten-free choices
Lucile Pizza & Wine Bar
Woodfired, pizza, pasta, vegetables, and desserts, with a wide variety of plant based options and gluten-free choices
FUN SHOPPING
Don’t look at this picture as if it’s a farmers market. It is not. This is a super fun place open Thursday, Friday Saturday, and there are stalls, operated by artists, vendors, some vintage items
And a food truck that people are talking about more and more. Activities also in the evenings, like music, there’s always something going on. Look at their website. This place is growing and this neighborhood called ParkEast is turning into an artsy place. It’s very close to the villa actually walking distance.
 they also have a vendor who sells no license necessary hemp based marijuana products.
The last time we were there, you could get a neck or shoulder, massage by the minute and schedule longer sessions
Do not judge this place by this photograph. It is not a farmers market. It is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and there are numerous owners here, individual, artists, and vendors. Some of the work is original and some is vintage. There’s always something going on. Look at their website. There’s a food truck called Hamlet eatery that people are talking about, it is walking distance from the Villa and this section called Park east is turning into an arty area . down the street from this market is a working artist, cooperative studio.  Everyone likes Apricot bizarre and there are homemade delights as well.
The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
821 Apricot AveDo not judge this place by this photograph. It is not a farmers market. It is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and there are numerous owners here, individual, artists, and vendors. Some of the work is original and some is vintage. There’s always something going on. Look at their website. There’s a food truck called Hamlet eatery that people are talking about, it is walking distance from the Villa and this section called Park east is turning into an arty area . down the street from this market is a working artist, cooperative studio.  Everyone likes Apricot bizarre and there are homemade delights as well.
Saturday mornings. Farmers market with organic vegetables and fruits. Also artisan foods of all types. There are beautiful plants, and in January February, and March you’ll find crafts as well. Very popular place dog friendly as well. Closest up kind of early like 2 o’clock, 3 o’clock?right near Whole Foods
136 locals raden deze aan
Sarasota Çiftçi Pazarı
North Lemon AvenueSaturday mornings. Farmers market with organic vegetables and fruits. Also artisan foods of all types. There are beautiful plants, and in January February, and March you’ll find crafts as well. Very popular place dog friendly as well. Closest up kind of early like 2 o’clock, 3 o’clock?right near Whole Foods
Highly recommended resale shop. Many items here are vintage and in perfect shape and surprisingly inexpensive. There are many occasions where people buy things here and resell them on the other hand. They are in perfect giftgiving condition and you can bring back souvenirs for yourself or for friends.namebrand clothing as well furniture and a tremendous amount of well organized, household items, and crystals and art
15 locals raden deze aan
The Exchange
539 S Orange AveHighly recommended resale shop. Many items here are vintage and in perfect shape and surprisingly inexpensive. There are many occasions where people buy things here and resell them on the other hand. They are in perfect giftgiving condition and you can bring back souvenirs for yourself or for friends.namebrand clothing as well furniture and a tremendous amount of well organized, household items, and crystals and art
I don’t know what this picture is about! It’s a thrift shop, but it’s really more antiques and nice quality items. Very large. And I understand that the profits go to charity. there is a large sign in the front of the store that explains their mission statement.
PEL Consignments, LLC
I don’t know what this picture is about! It’s a thrift shop, but it’s really more antiques and nice quality items. Very large. And I understand that the profits go to charity. there is a large sign in the front of the store that explains their mission statement.