If you are searching for Ritz-Carlton Sarasota restaurants, the short version is this: the resort runs five distinct dining venues across two locations — the main property downtown on Sarasota Bay and the Beach Club on Lido Key. The signature restaurant is Jack Dusty, but the newest addition Rufa has quietly become one of the best sunset spots in Sarasota.
This guide covers every restaurant, bar, and casual dining option on property with current menus, real pricing, hours, and the smartest picks for different situations.
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For broader planning, pair this guide with Things to Do in Sarasota, Best Hotels in Sarasota, Best Restaurants in Sarasota, and Best Beaches in Sarasota.
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Restaurants and Bars (2026)
As of March 2026, the active dining lineup at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota includes:
Downtown Property (1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive):
- Jack Dusty — Signature waterfront seafood restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Rufa — Al fresco Baja-inspired lounge and tapas (Wed-Sun evenings)
- Coffee Corner — Morning coffee and light bites (inside Jack Dusty)
- The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge — Culinary presentations for Club-level guests
Beach Club on Lido Key (1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive):
- Ridley's Porch — Casual waterfront dining (hotel guests and members only)
- The Lido Key Tiki Bar — Beachfront bar and casual bites (temporarily closed — hurricane recovery)
| Venue | Best For | Price Range | Hours | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Dusty | Signature seafood, date night, all-day dining | $15–$72 entrees | Daily 7 AM–10 PM (bar to 1 AM Fri-Sat) | Yes (OpenTable) |
| Rufa | Sunset cocktails, tapas, tequila/mezcal | $17–$28 shareables | Wed–Sun 4–10 PM (Fri–Sat to 11 PM) | Yes (OpenTable) |
| Coffee Corner | Quick morning coffee and pastries | $5–$14 | Daily from 6:30 AM | Walk-in |
| Ridley's Porch | Beach Club lunch, casual waterfront | $18–$30 entrees | Mon–Sun 11 AM–3 PM; Thu–Sun dinner 5–9 PM | By phone (guests only) |
| Lido Key Tiki Bar | Beach day drinks, casual bites | $14–$24 | Temporarily closed | Walk-up |
| Club Lounge | All-day grazing, Club-level perk | Included with Club rooms | Multiple daily presentations | Club-level guests only |
Planning a Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota?
Compare rates and see current availability. All main-property restaurants are open to the public — not just hotel guests.
Quick Picks by Situation
If you just need a fast decision, use this:
- Best overall dinner: Jack Dusty — request a patio table facing the bay.
- Best sunset experience: Rufa — the elevated bar has the best views on property.
- Best for groups or tapas: Rufa — shareables designed for splitting.
- Best date night flow: Rufa for sunset cocktails at 5 PM, then Jack Dusty dinner at 7 PM.
- Best breakfast: Jack Dusty — full sit-down with bay views. Buffet ($40) or a la carte.
- Best casual lunch: Ridley's Porch at the Beach Club (hotel guests) or Jack Dusty lunch (everyone).
- Best happy hour value: Rufa — $5 beers, $9 wines, $10 classic cocktails (Wed–Fri 4–6 PM).
- Best for a quick coffee: Coffee Corner opens at 6:30 AM — grab and go.
- Best value lunch: Jack Dusty lunch — fish tacos ($21), lobster roll ($37), burger ($23).
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Restaurant Guide by Venue
Jack Dusty — Signature Waterfront Restaurant
Jack Dusty is the anchor of dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and the reason most people search for the resort's restaurants. Named after a Royal Navy slang term for the ship's cook, the restaurant serves coastal cuisine with craft cocktails and one of the best waterfront views in Sarasota.
The restaurant occupies a prime position overlooking Sarasota Bay and the marina, with both indoor seating and a wraparound outdoor patio. The patio is the draw — request it when you book, especially for dinner. Sunset from this angle over the bay is one of the best dinner views in Sarasota, rivaling St. Armands Circle restaurants just across the water.
Jack Dusty serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, which makes it the most versatile venue on property. It is also open to the public — you do not need to be a hotel guest.
- Hours: Breakfast daily 7:00–11:00 AM. Lunch daily 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. Dinner Mon–Thu & Sun 4:00–9:30 PM, Fri–Sat 4:00–10:00 PM. Bar Mon–Thu & Sun 11:00 AM–12:00 AM, Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
- Dress code: Casual — smart casual recommended for dinner
- Reservations: Via OpenTable or call (941) 309-2000. Recommended for dinner, especially Friday and Saturday
- Parking: Valet $10. Self-parking available
- Private dining: Available for up to 20 guests
- Live entertainment: Weekends
Jack Dusty Breakfast Menu and Prices
Breakfast runs daily from 7:00 to 11:00 AM. You can order a la carte or go with the breakfast buffet.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Breakfast Buffet | $40 |
| Traditional Eggs Benedict | $23 |
| Farmers American Breakfast (two eggs, potatoes, meat, toast) | $22 |
| Brioche French Toast | $19 |
| Belgian Waffle | $18 |
| Griddle Cakes | $17 |
| Sarasota Muesli | $17 |
| Seasonal Fruit Plate | $17 |
| Biscuits and Gravy (two eggs any style) | $17 |
| McCann's Steel Cut Oats | $15 |
| Baker's Basket | $14 |
| Sides (bacon, sausage, ham) | $9 each |
Best breakfast order: The Traditional Eggs Benedict is the most reliable choice. If you want the full spread without deciding, the $40 buffet covers everything. For a lighter start, the Seasonal Fruit Plate or Sarasota Muesli both work well.
The Coffee Corner, located just inside Jack Dusty, opens at 6:30 AM for those who need coffee before the restaurant opens. Dedicated baristas serve espresso drinks and light bites.
Jack Dusty Lunch Menu and Prices
Lunch runs daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is the best-value meal period at Jack Dusty.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Lobster Roll | $37 |
| Sarasota Cioppino (Gulf shrimp, scallop, clams, mussels, fish) | $38 |
| Blackened Redfish Sandwich | $29 |
| Fish and Chips | $25 |
| 1855 Black Angus Burger | $23 |
| Ahi Tuna Poke "Nachos" | $23 |
| Jack's Fish Tacos (beer battered wahoo) | $21 |
| Roast Turkey Club | $21 |
| Vegetable Tacos | $22 |
| Classic Shrimp Cocktail | $22 |
| Smoked Fish Dip | $20 |
| Fried Calamari | $18 |
| Caesar Salad | $16 |
| Mediterranean Salad | $16 |
Best lunch order: The fish tacos (beer battered wahoo with jalapeno ranch slaw, $21) are consistently praised. For a splurge, the lobster roll at $37 is one of the better versions in Sarasota. The Black Angus burger at $23 is the strongest non-seafood option.
Jack Dusty Dinner Menu and Prices
Dinner is where Jack Dusty steps up. The menu shifts to larger Gulf Coast seafood entrees, serious steaks, and a raw bar.
Starters and Raw Bar:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Seafood Tower (oysters, shrimp, ceviche, tuna poke, fish dip, half lobster) | Market Price |
| Seafood Sampler | $29 |
| Cheese and Charcuterie | $28 |
| Tuna and Watermelon Crudo | $23 |
| Classic Shrimp Cocktail | $22 |
| Crab & Fried Green Tomato | $22 |
| Jack's Ceviche | $21 |
| Peel and Eat Shrimp | $20 |
| Smoked Fish Dip | $20 |
| Fried Calamari | $18 |
| Florida Seafood Chowder | $16 |
| Blistered Shishitos | $15 |
| Jack's Fries (parmesan garlic aioli) | $11 |
Entrees:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 1855 16oz Cowboy Ribeye | $72 |
| Whole Fried Snapper | $47 |
| Corn Dusted Redfish (mustard greens, pickled pepper sauce) | $46 |
| Rock Shrimp Bucatini Pasta (lobster cream, peas, cherry tomatoes) | $46 |
| Jack Dusty Gumbo | $45 |
| Grilled Crispy Salmon | $40 |
| Sarasota Cioppino | $38 |
| Shrimp & Grits | $36 |
| Crispy Half Chicken | $36 |
Sides ($8 each): Mashed Potatoes, Market Vegetables, White Cheddar Grits, Steamed White Rice
Best dinner order: The Corn Dusted Redfish ($46) is the most distinctly Sarasota item on the menu. The Cowboy Ribeye ($72) is the showpiece steak. For a shareable start, the Seafood Tower is the move for two or more — it covers oysters, shrimp, ceviche, tuna poke, fish dip, and half a Maine lobster.
What to know: Expect $60–$100 per person for dinner with a cocktail or glass of wine. The bar stays open until midnight (1 AM on weekends), so you can linger after dinner. Patio tables facing the bay are the most requested — book early or mention the preference when you reserve.
Rufa — Al Fresco Sunset Lounge and Tapas
Rufa is the newest dining venue at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, opened in October 2024. Named after the Rufa Red Knot — a shorebird that winters in the Sarasota region — the restaurant sits adjacent to Jack Dusty with a dedicated al fresco dining area and an elevated bar that offers arguably the best sunset views on the entire property.
The concept is Baja California-inspired tapas, craft cocktails, and one of Sarasota's strongest tequila and mezcal selections. Everything is designed for sharing. This is not a full-entree restaurant — it is built around interactive shareables, creative cocktails, and the sunset window.
- Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 4:00–10:00 PM. Extended bar service Friday–Saturday to 11:00 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday
- Happy Hour: Wednesday–Friday 4:00–6:00 PM — select signature cocktails $15, classic cocktails $10, wine $9, draft beer $5 (bar seating only)
- Reservations: Via OpenTable or call (941) 309-2000
- Dress code: Resort casual
- Access: Open to the public
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Golden Eagle (Angel's Envy bourbon, banana oleo, coconut wash, tiki bitters) | $28 |
| Beef Tenderloin Tacos (roasted corn salsa, Chihuahua cheese, flour tortillas) | $26 |
| Grilled Octopus (tomato base, Mexican chorizo, chipotle sauce) | $25 |
| Guacamole (smoked avocados, fried garlic) | $17 |
| Soaring To Paradise Top Shelf Tequila Flight (Patron El Cielo, El Alto, Burdeos) | Market Price |
Best Rufa strategy: Arrive at 4:00 PM on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday to catch happy hour pricing, claim a seat at the elevated bar, and watch the sunset over Sarasota Bay. Order guacamole and beef tenderloin tacos to share, plus a round from the happy hour cocktail list. Total for two with happy hour pricing: roughly $60–$80 — a fraction of what dinner costs at Jack Dusty.
Why Rufa matters: This is the most underrated venue at the resort. Most visitors go straight to Jack Dusty and never discover Rufa. The elevated bar on the upper level gives you an unobstructed panoramic view of the bay that you cannot get from the Jack Dusty patio. If you only have one evening and want the best atmosphere-to-dollar ratio, start here.
Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
Downtown bayfront location with Beach Club access on Lido Key. All restaurants except Beach Club venues are open to the public.
Ridley's Porch — Beach Club Waterfront Dining
Ridley's Porch is the sit-down restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club on Lido Key, about three miles from the main resort. Named after the rare Kemp's ridley sea turtles that nest along this stretch of beach, the restaurant serves coastal cuisine inspired by flavors from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Florida Keys.
This venue is exclusive to resort guests and Ritz-Carlton Club members — you cannot dine here as a walk-in from the public. If you are staying at the resort, it is worth the short shuttle ride for at least one meal.
- Hours: Monday–Wednesday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (lunch only). Thursday–Sunday 11:00 AM–3:00 PM and 5:00 PM–9:00 PM (lunch and dinner)
- Happy Hour: Thursday–Sunday 4:00–7:00 PM — select cocktails, wine, and light bites at reduced pricing
- Reservations: Call the hostess stand at (941) 309-2577
- Access: Hotel guests and Ritz-Carlton Club members only
- Location: 1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota (Lido Key Beach Club)
What to expect: The atmosphere is more relaxed than Jack Dusty — think upscale beach club rather than formal restaurant. The outdoor terrace overlooking Lido Key beach is the highlight. Menu items lean toward fresh, lighter coastal fare with Latin-Caribbean influences. Expect entrees in the $22–$35 range for lunch and $28–$45 for dinner.
Best strategy: Book a Thursday or Friday dinner at Ridley's Porch and arrive early enough for happy hour on the terrace. Pair this with a beach afternoon — spend the day at the Beach Club, then transition to drinks and dinner without leaving Lido Key.
The Lido Key Tiki Bar (Temporarily Closed)
The Lido Key Tiki Bar is a casual beachfront bar located directly on the sand behind the Beach Club on Lido Key. When open, it serves frozen cocktails ($14), fish tacos ($21), shrimp poke bowls ($24), tiki wings ($18), and burgers, with service from noon until sunset daily.
Current status (March 2026): The Tiki Bar is temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024. No confirmed reopening date has been announced. Check with the resort directly at (941) 309-2000 for the latest status before your visit.
When it reopens, this is one of the best beach bars in Sarasota — drinks in the sand with Gulf views and the polish of a Ritz-Carlton property behind you.
📋 View Lido Key Tiki Bar Menu →
Coffee Corner
Coffee Corner is a small specialty coffee station located just inside the Jack Dusty entrance. It opens at 6:30 AM — earlier than the restaurant itself — and serves espresso drinks, drip coffee, and light breakfast pastries.
If you are an early riser or need coffee before a beach day on Lido Key, this is your best bet. Prices run $5–$14 for coffee and a pastry.
The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge
The Club Lounge is available exclusively to guests staying in Club-level rooms and suites. It offers multiple curated culinary presentations throughout the day — typically including continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, and after-dinner desserts and cordials.
A dedicated Club Concierge manages the experience. If you are booking a Club-level room, factor the included food and beverage presentations into your value calculation — they can offset a significant portion of dining costs across three or four days.
Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
Three morning options serve different needs:
| Venue | Opens | What to Expect | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Corner | 6:30 AM | Espresso, drip coffee, pastries — grab and go | $5–$14 |
| Jack Dusty (a la carte) | 7:00 AM | Full sit-down breakfast, bay views, eggs, waffles, benedicts | $15–$23 |
| Jack Dusty (buffet) | 7:00 AM | Full breakfast spread | $40/person |
Best breakfast strategy: If you want the full experience, the $40 buffet covers everything and is a better value than ordering three a la carte items. If you want to keep it light and fast, Coffee Corner at 6:30 AM handles the coffee-and-pastry crowd efficiently. The a la carte menu is the sweet spot for most — eggs benedict ($23) or the Farmers American ($22) are both solid without overspending.
Happy Hour and Drink Specials
The best drink values at the resort:
| Venue | When | Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Rufa | Wed–Fri 4:00–6:00 PM | Signature cocktails $15, classic cocktails $10, wine $9, draft beer $5 |
| Ridley's Porch | Thu–Sun 4:00–7:00 PM | Reduced pricing on select cocktails, wine, and light bites |
| Jack Dusty Bar | Daily until close | Full cocktail menu, no specific happy hour but the bar scene picks up after 9 PM |
Best happy hour plan: Rufa's Wednesday–Friday happy hour is the strongest value on property. Classic cocktails at $10 and draft beers at $5 are well below the resort's standard cocktail pricing ($18–$28). Arrive at 4:00 PM, grab elevated bar seats, and you are set through sunset.
Sunset cruises and dolphin tours on Sarasota Bay pair perfectly with dinner at the Ritz-Carlton. Book a late-afternoon tour and transition straight to Rufa or Jack Dusty.
Browse Sarasota Tours and Activities
Three Easy Dinner Plans That Work
1) Date Night Plan
- 4:30 PM: Arrive at Rufa for happy hour (Wed–Fri) or a sunset cocktail (Sat–Sun)
- 5:00 PM: Claim elevated bar seats for the best sunset view on property
- 6:30 PM: Walk next door to Jack Dusty for dinner — request a patio table facing the bay
- 7:00 PM: Start with the Seafood Tower or Tuna and Watermelon Crudo, then entrees
- After dinner: Linger at the Jack Dusty bar — open until midnight (1 AM weekends)
2) Beach Day to Dinner Plan (Hotel Guests)
- Morning: Shuttle to the Beach Club on Lido Key, spend the day on the beach
- 4:00 PM: Happy hour at Ridley's Porch (Thu–Sun)
- 5:30 PM: Dinner on the Ridley's Porch terrace overlooking the beach
- 8:00 PM: Shuttle back to the main resort — nightcap at Jack Dusty bar or Rufa
3) Budget-Smart Plan
- 4:00 PM: Rufa happy hour — $10 classic cocktails and $5 draft beers
- 4:30 PM: Share guacamole ($17) and beef tenderloin tacos ($26)
- 5:30 PM: Catch the sunset from the Rufa elevated bar
- Total for two: ~$70–$90 including drinks and food — less than one dinner entree at Jack Dusty
Dress Code at Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Restaurants
The dress code is more relaxed than many expect from a Ritz-Carlton property:
- Jack Dusty: Casual — but smart casual is the norm for dinner. Shorts, sandals, and resort wear are fine. No swimwear
- Rufa: Resort casual. Outdoor venue — dress for the weather
- Ridley's Porch: Beach club casual. You can come from the beach, but cover-ups and footwear are expected at the restaurant
- Lido Key Tiki Bar: Beach casual. Swimwear is fine
- Club Lounge: Resort casual
- General rule: You will not be turned away for wearing shorts and sandals at any venue, but collared shirts and casual dresses are the norm at Jack Dusty dinner service
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Book Jack Dusty dinner early — especially Friday and Saturday patio tables. These fill up well in advance during season (January–April)
- Check Rufa's days — closed Monday and Tuesday. Plan accordingly
- The Beach Club shuttle runs regularly — ask the concierge for the current schedule. It is about a 10-minute ride to Lido Key
- Ridley's Porch dinner is only Thu–Sun — if you are staying midweek, plan your Beach Club dinner for the end of your trip
- Tiki Bar is closed (as of March 2026) — do not plan around it without confirming the reopening status first
- Valet is $10 — if you are dining as a non-guest, valet at the main entrance is the easiest option
- Sunday brunch draws a crowd — Jack Dusty's Sunday service is one of the more popular meals of the week
- The Rufa elevated bar is the photographer's spot — if sunset photos matter, this is where to be
- Marriott Bonvoy members earn and redeem points at all dining venues
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ritz-Carlton Sarasota restaurants open to the public?
Yes. Jack Dusty, Rufa, and Coffee Corner on the main property are all open to the public — you do not need to be a hotel guest. Ridley's Porch and the Lido Key Tiki Bar at the Beach Club on Lido Key are restricted to hotel guests and Ritz-Carlton Club members. Valet parking costs $10 for non-guests dining at the main resort.
What is the best restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota?
Jack Dusty is the signature restaurant and the best option for a full dinner with Gulf Coast seafood, steaks, and craft cocktails overlooking Sarasota Bay. For a more casual and atmospheric experience, Rufa is the stronger choice — especially during sunset with its elevated bar views and Baja-inspired tapas.
How much does dinner cost at Jack Dusty?
Expect $60–$100 per person with a cocktail or glass of wine. Dinner entrees range from $36 (Shrimp & Grits or Crispy Half Chicken) to $72 (16oz Cowboy Ribeye). Appetizers run $11–$29. The Seafood Tower is market price and is designed for sharing between two or more.
Does Jack Dusty serve breakfast?
Yes. Jack Dusty serves breakfast daily from 7:00 to 11:00 AM with both a la carte options ($14–$23) and a full breakfast buffet ($40 per person). Coffee Corner, located just inside Jack Dusty, opens at 6:30 AM for early coffee and light bites.
What is Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota?
Rufa is the resort's newest dining venue, opened in October 2024. It is an al fresco lounge and tapas bar adjacent to Jack Dusty, named after the Rufa Red Knot shorebird. The menu features Baja California-inspired shareables, craft cocktails, and one of Sarasota's best tequila and mezcal selections. Happy hour runs Wednesday–Friday from 4:00–6:00 PM with classic cocktails at $10 and draft beers at $5.
Do I need reservations at Ritz-Carlton Sarasota restaurants?
Reservations are strongly recommended for Jack Dusty dinner, especially Friday and Saturday evenings and during season (January–April). Rufa accepts reservations via OpenTable. Ridley's Porch reservations are made by calling (941) 309-2577. Coffee Corner and the Tiki Bar are walk-in only. Jack Dusty breakfast and lunch are easier to get without a reservation on weekdays.
Is the Lido Key Tiki Bar open?
As of March 2026, the Lido Key Tiki Bar is temporarily closed due to damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024. No confirmed reopening date has been announced. Contact the resort at (941) 309-2000 for the latest status before planning around this venue.
What is the dress code at Jack Dusty?
The official dress code is casual, but smart casual is the norm for dinner — think resort wear, collared shirts, casual dresses, and clean sandals. You will not be turned away for shorts and flip-flops, but you may feel underdressed at dinner among other guests. Swimwear is not permitted in the restaurant.
Can you eat at Ridley's Porch without staying at the Ritz-Carlton?
No. Ridley's Porch at the Beach Club on Lido Key is exclusive to hotel guests and Ritz-Carlton Club members. If you are not staying at the resort, Jack Dusty and Rufa on the main property are open to the public and offer comparable quality with bay views instead of beach views.
Plan Your Sarasota Dining Trip
Kayaking, dolphin tours, sunset cruises, and cultural experiences — Sarasota has more to offer than any single resort can cover.
Browse Sarasota Tours and Activities
Resort address: 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Beach Club address: 1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Lido Key)
Reservations: (941) 309-2000 | OpenTable
