Sarasota's culinary scene is as diverse and sophisticated as the city itself. Florida's "Cultural Coast" attracts serious chefs and discerning diners, resulting in a restaurant landscape that punches well above what you'd expect from a mid-sized Florida city. From TripAdvisor award-winning Amish comfort food to waterfront oyster bars and authentic Spanish cuisine dating back to 1967, Sarasota delivers unforgettable dining experiences across every price point.
The city offers distinct dining districts: upscale St. Armands Circle for special occasions, the artsy Burns Court neighborhood for unique atmosphere, and a revitalized downtown Main Street corridor with something for everyone.
Whether you're celebrating on St. Armands Circle, discovering a hidden gem under a Banyan tree in Burns Court, or grabbing lunch after a day on Siesta Key Beach, these ten locally-vetted restaurants showcase the best Sarasota dining.
Quick Navigation: Comfort Food | Seafood | BBQ | Spanish | Tips
1. Yoder's Restaurant & Amish Village
Yoder's serves award-winning Amish comfort food with legendary homemade pies
Travelers' Choice 2023 award winner, Yoder's is famous for fried chicken that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. But the real stars are the homemade pies and desserts that keep locals and visitors coming back year after year.
- Address: 3434 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
- Phone: (941) 955-7771
- Cuisine: Amish Comfort Food
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Families, comfort food lovers
- Don't miss: Fried chicken, homemade pies
- Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free available
- Website: yodersrestaurant.com
2. Walt's Fish Market Restaurant
Family-owned and committed to fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The hand-breaded panko fried shrimp and fish & chips are local legends. Outdoor seating and live music make this more than just a meal.
- Address: 4144 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
- Phone: (941) 921-4605
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Seafood lovers, casual dining
- Don't miss: Panko fried shrimp, fish & chips
- Features: Full bar, live music, outdoor seating
- Website: waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com
3. Phillippi Creek Village Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Phillippi Creek serves fresh oysters with waterfront views
Waterfront dining meets fresh oysters at this Sarasota institution. The stuffed flounder paired with parsley potatoes and hush puppies is a must-try combination that locals swear by.
- Address: 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
- Phone: (941) 925-4444
- Cuisine: Seafood, Oyster Bar
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Waterfront dining, oyster lovers
- Don't miss: Stuffed flounder, fresh oysters
- Setting: Waterfront deck with creek views
- Website: creekseafood.com
4. The Old Salty Dog
The Old Salty Dog offers waterfront views and was featured on Man vs Food
Home of the "Fully Loaded Salty Dog" hot dog featured on Man vs Food. The open-air seating offers views of New Pass and Longboat Key Bridge, and yes, it's pet-friendly.
- Address: 5023 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
- Phone: (941) 349-0158
- Cuisine: American, Hot Dogs
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Casual dining, dog owners, tourists
- Don't miss: Fully Loaded Salty Dog, fish tacos
- Features: Live music, waterfront views, pet-friendly
- Website: theoldsaltydog.com
5. Owen's Fish Camp
Owen's Fish Camp is nestled under a historic Banyan tree in Burns Court
Nestled under a historic Banyan tree in Burns Court, Owen's brings Southern seafood traditions to downtown Sarasota. Fresh daily catches, craft beer, and bluegrass music create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Don't miss the tire swing.
- Address: 516 Burns Ct, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 951-6936
- Cuisine: Southern Seafood
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Date nights, unique atmosphere
- Don't miss: Daily catch specials, shrimp and grits
- Setting: Under historic Banyan tree with tire swing
- Website: owensfishcamp.com
6. Columbia Restaurant
The oldest operating restaurant in the area, Columbia has been serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1967. The tableside-prepared "1905" Salad is legendary, while the Pollo Riojana and Paella "a la Valenciana" transport you to the Mediterranean.
- Address: 411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 388-3987
- Cuisine: Spanish, Cuban
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Special occasions, St. Armands shopping
- Don't miss: 1905 Salad (prepared tableside), Paella
- Setting: Mediterranean interior with elegant patio
- Website: columbiarestaurant.com
7. Circo
Creative Mexican cuisine with a twist. Mongolian Beef tacos and Thai Shrimp tacos share the menu with rare bourbons and mezcals. End with S'mores Churros for the perfect finish.
- Address: 1435 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 365-2222
- Cuisine: Creative Mexican
- Price range: $$
- Best for: Taco lovers, craft cocktail fans
- Don't miss: Mongolian Beef tacos, S'mores Churros
- Special: Taco Tuesday deals, free parking
- Website: circosrq.com
8. Connor's Steak & Seafood
Premium aged steaks including Espresso Ribeye and Prime Rib share the spotlight with fresh seafood like Grouper and Sea Bass. The refined casual ambiance suits business dinners and special occasions alike.
- Address: 3501 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
- Phone: (941) 260-3232
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
- Price range: $$$$
- Best for: Business dinners, special occasions
- Don't miss: Espresso Ribeye, Chilean Sea Bass
- Reservations: Recommended
- Website: connorsrestaurant.com
9. Brick's Smoked Meats
Brick's visible red smoker produces authentic Texas-style barbecue
Texas-style barbecue anchored by a visible fire-engine red smoker. The bacon burnt ends are melt-in-your-mouth perfection with a sweet barbecue glaze. The ribs and bacon-cooked collard greens don't disappoint either.
- Address: 1528 State St, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 993-1435
- Cuisine: Texas BBQ
- Price range: $$
- Best for: BBQ lovers, meat enthusiasts
- Don't miss: Bacon burnt ends, ribs, collard greens
- Setting: Casual with visible smoker
- Website: brickssmokedmeats.com
10. Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Recently renovated with a fresh aesthetic, Duval's specializes in seafood with global influences. The Smoked Fish Dip and Grilled Chilean Sea Bass showcase what fresh and local really means.
- Address: 1435 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 312-4001
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Price range: $$$
- Best for: Seafood lovers, wine enthusiasts
- Don't miss: Smoked Fish Dip, Chilean Sea Bass
- Features: Full bar, curated wine selection
- Website: duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com
Tips for Dining in Sarasota
Best Dining Districts
St. Armands Circle: The iconic circular shopping and dining district with upscale options. Columbia Restaurant anchors this area. Ideal for combining dinner with shopping at boutiques. Reservations recommended at most spots.
Downtown Main Street: The revitalized downtown corridor with diverse options from casual to upscale. Brick's Smoked Meats, Duval's, and several other quality spots are walkable from parking.
Burns Court: Sarasota's artsy neighborhood home to Owen's Fish Camp under the famous Banyan tree. Unique atmosphere with galleries and small shops. Worth the detour for the experience alone.
Siesta Key Village: Beach-casual spots with island vibes. Good for post-beach dining, though quality varies—stick to local recommendations.
Reservation Strategy
- Always reserve: Columbia Restaurant, Connor's, Owen's Fish Camp
- Call ahead: Phillippi Creek for waterfront seating
- Walk-in friendly: Yoder's, Brick's, Walt's Fish Market
Parking in Sarasota
St. Armands: Plentiful free parking throughout the circle. Easy.
Downtown: Street parking and garages available but can be tight during events and evening hours. Arrive early or use paid garages.
Burns Court: Street parking in neighborhood—usually available.
When to Visit
Peak season runs December through April with longer waits and higher prices. Summer brings better availability and locals-focused service. Weekday dining is noticeably easier than weekends during any season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best restaurant for a special occasion in Sarasota?
Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle offers an elegant setting with tableside-prepared salads and authentic Spanish cuisine since 1967. Connor's delivers upscale steakhouse dining. For a memorable unique atmosphere, Owen's Fish Camp under the historic Banyan tree in Burns Court creates an experience unlike anywhere else.
Where can I find the best seafood in Sarasota?
Phillippi Creek for waterfront oysters and classic preparations. Walt's Fish Market for casual excellence with live music. Owen's Fish Camp for Southern seafood traditions. Duval's for refined, globally-influenced preparations.
Which restaurants have the best views in Sarasota?
The Old Salty Dog overlooks New Pass with open-air seating. Phillippi Creek sits directly on the water with deck dining. St. Armands Circle restaurants offer people-watching over cocktails—a different kind of view, but equally entertaining.
Are there good vegetarian options in Sarasota?
Yoder's explicitly offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options—unusual for an Amish restaurant. Most upscale spots like Connor's and Duval's accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Circo's creative Mexican menu has several vegetarian options.
What's unique about Sarasota's food scene?
Sarasota's cultural sophistication—home to the Ringling Museum, Sarasota Opera, and thriving arts scene—extends to its restaurants. You'll find Amish comfort food, authentic Spanish tapas, Texas-style BBQ, Southern seafood traditions, and fresh Gulf catches all within a few miles. The quality rivals much larger cities.
What's the best restaurant for brunch in Sarasota?
Yoder's legendary breakfast items and homemade pies make it a brunch favorite. The Old Salty Dog offers casual waterfront brunch. Circo has creative brunch options downtown.
Is St. Armands Circle worth visiting for dinner?
Yes. The circular shopping district offers upscale dining (Columbia Restaurant being the anchor), boutique shopping, and a pleasant walking atmosphere. It's ideal for combining dinner with an evening stroll through the shops. Parking is easy.
How does Sarasota compare to Naples for dining?
Both offer excellent dining scenes. Naples trends more upscale and expensive overall. Sarasota has more variety across price points and a stronger arts/cultural influence on its food scene. Both are worth exploring for serious foodies.
More Sarasota & SWFL Guides
Looking for more dining and activities in the area? Check out these guides:
- Lido Beach Live Cam — Check beach conditions before you go
- Siesta Key Beach Live Cam — World-famous quartz sand beach
- Retiring to Sarasota Guide — Everything about living in Sarasota
- 10 Best Waterfront Restaurants in SWFL — Stunning water views
- Best Restaurants in Venice — More dining options south of Sarasota
Have a favorite Sarasota restaurant we missed? Let us know and we'll check it out!
