Over the years, I’ve been getting more and more requests for recommendations in Sarasota – especially where to dine! While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of my favorite Sarasota restaurants (and must-try dishes!) as well as some local shops to visit. These spots range from Siesta Key, to Sarasota, to Longboat Key, but most are located downtown.
ARTIFICIAL CHEESE COMPANY
Craft Cheese Company is an independent, cut-to-order cheese shop located in Sarasota’s Rosemary County. They’re open for lunch daily (grilled cheese – omg!), and the store has a pantry, natural wine section, and takeaway deli. I usually order cheese boards when friends and family come to visit and we sip wine and enjoy while in the store (but you can also order planks for partying and organizing needs). ). The store also organizes cheese classone of which I attended recently during the holidays!
OWNERSHIP FISH CAMP
Owens Fish Farm located in the heart of Burns Court in Downtown Sarasota. This restaurant specializes in serving Southern hotels and is a symbol of ancient Florida. There’s a banyan tree, tire swings and the backyard has live music and fried oysters nightly! The restaurant specializes in serving the freshest fish daily – my recommendation is the sardines, grilled with lemon butter sauce. I also love the shrimp and grits as well as the hot dip crab. It’s a great place to take guests, but beware, there are no reservations! So either go early, or be prepared to wait!
CLASSIC DELICIOUS WIND
Classic canned ham is the best vintage store in Sarasota (I bought the caftan above and the earrings on the right)! This is a fun place to browse and they sell everything from women’s clothing to jewelry to housewares. They also have a online shop if you are not a local. When NYC fashionistas visit, this is always a top request to visit.
PROJECT COFFEE COMPANY
coffee project there are two locations in Sarasota, the original site in Burns Court and a more recently opened industrial outpost in Rosemary County. Project Coffee’s coffee is sustainably sourced and roasted in-house, and all menu items are 100% vegan. Rosemary’s location is like a little slice of Brooklyn in Sarasota and rumor has it that they’ll be opening on weekends soon serving beer, wine and food!
WALT FISH ONLY
Walt’s Fish Market was founded in 1918, and decades later, is still run by the Wallin family. Restaurants, fish markets and tiki bars are open daily. Walt’s famous claim is that they sell fish that is literally caught the day you buy it! I love to bring my friends here because the atmosphere is always lively, the fish is super fresh and the staff is just amazing.
BISTRO AT SARASOTA ART MUSEUM
Pub at Sarasota . Art Museum is one of my favorite quiet hangouts for a budget breakfast or lunch (with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating). The Bistro is housed in a stunning Paul Rudolph-designed building right behind the Art Museum and has been thoughtfully designed with clean aesthetics, tiled floors, and brightly colored pub-style chairs. Fares are inspired by Florida’s regional fruit stands and are constantly updated with great new specials. Weekend brunch is my favorite! Also, if you’re in town on the second Thursday of the month, check out ‘Jazz Thursday‘ was brought in by the museum. The music is always great and you can sit outside and sip wine while drinking it all.
BLOSSMCART FLOWERS
wedding car is a floral design studio based in Sarasota, known for carrying the most unique flowers in the area. I’ve had a lot of success working with owner Jane on all kinds of deals. I was looking for a local florist who could create beautiful arrangements that felt modern yet feminine and Blossmcart always did.
WHITNEY
by Whitney located at the northern tip of Longboat Key and is one of my favorite places to recommend! An empty gas/service station has been completely reused and reimagined into a stylish indoor/outdoor roadside diner with large garage doors, outdoor fire pits and incredible views . The look and feel of this restaurant is hard to beat – and it’s right across the street from the beach! I love going there with friends for cocktails on Friday night at sunset, listen akiem play live jazz guitar.
COAST
Coast There are two locations in town, one in St. Armand’s and one in LBK (right near Whitney’s). While both are lovely, I prefer the Long Boat Key location because it’s right on the water and most of the seating is outdoors. There are many delicious dishes but the Miso black grouper might be my personal favorite.
FISHING
Located near the south bridge on Siesta Key, spear fish This is a great place if you are looking for fresh locally caught seafood in an extremely casual atmosphere. Grouper always has something special to offer, but a grouper bite is something that can never be overlooked. This is a great place for small groups!
FLORENCE AND THE SPICE Boyfriends
Florence and The Spice Boys was originally a hugely popular food cart, operating primarily in downtown Sarasota. They recently traded in their truck for a permanent spot in The Landings and have transformed the space and truly made it their own. Fried artichoke hearts and turmeric fried chicken sandwiches are my favorites, but honestly, everything on the menu is delicious. Don’t skip dessert!
CAMILYN BETH
Established in 2012, Camilyn Beth’s the pieces are designed here in Sarasota and made in NYC. This feminine and beautiful line was created by Cami, whom I am fortunate to call a friend. After years of selling online, Cami and her team opened a storefront right in Sarasota in the historic Mira Mar Plaza. The store also serves as the design headquarters and is always buzzing with excitement. Stop by to see all of Cami’s latest designs.
I have a lot more favorites like Mediterranean downtown for Italians, Napulé for wood fired oven pizza, The baker and his wife for a cozy handcrafted meal, The road for government for great cocktails, and Native for a romantic date night. I also always find myself at the bar at both Libby’s brasserie and Veronica’s Fish & Oysters in the village of Southside. If you have any *must-try* points, feel free to email or DM me. I’m always looking for new places in Sarasota to try!
