I live in this area and have been asked several times by tourists to recommend a good restaurant. So, this eating guide is my way of helping visitors to Sarasota, Florida, enjoy their time here. These videos and photographs were all made by Kuyper Photography during visits in 2009.
Your experiences may be different, so there is space for you to agree or disagree with my ratings. I am completely independent and nobody has given me or paid me anything to influence my opinions.
Your experiences may be different, so there is space for you to agree or disagree with my ratings. I am completely independent and nobody has given me or paid me anything to influence my opinions.
3 things you should know about Sarasota Eateries
1. Even though a restaurant specializes in seafood, almost all serve beef and chicken, too.
2. The general rule that you get what you pay for, applies to eateries, too.
3. There are dozens of eateries here that will serve you delicious food. I don't pretend to cover every single good restaurant.
2. The general rule that you get what you pay for, applies to eateries, too.
3. There are dozens of eateries here that will serve you delicious food. I don't pretend to cover every single good restaurant.
A little bit about me
My husband and I have lived in the Sarasota area for three years and eat out often. We have no children at home, so this guide will reflect that. So far, only a few eateries have been posted here. Please bookmark us and return to see which other restaurants will be featured.
Patricks Restaurant on Main Street
Yesterday, my hubby and I enjoyed one of several lunches we've eaten at Patricks Restaurant. You can find it at 1400 Main Street, Sarasota, FL, phone:941-952-1170.Check their website for times and other details: Patricks of Sarasota .
Hubby ordered Yankee Pot Roast ( $11.95) and I had a daily special of Steak Tips ($11.95) both came with delicious mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and another veggie. Patricks' menu offers lots of variety and they specialize in Black Angus Beef hamburgers.
Downtown Sarasota Italian Restaurant
Cafe Epicure, Sarasota, Florida.
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious meal at Cafe Epicure, yesterday. It was our fourth time at the restaurant in the past two years.
Our meals were the Capricciosa Pizza (Ham, artichokes, mushrooms, and black olives) $12.95 and Salmone Alla Griglia (Grilled salmon on a bed of cooked baby spinach, cherry tomatoes and parsley) $17.95. The food was wonderful, but, we were a little put off because my husband's salmon was served 5- 10 minutes before my pizza.
The only negative thing about the restaurant, from our point of view, is the noise. There are no rugs, table clothes, or curtains, nothing to absorb noise.
1298 N. Palm Avenue (Corner Main), Sarasota. 941-366-5648.
Favorite Restaurant at Sarasota Marina
Marina Jack's
There are several places to enjoy a meal at Marina Jack's on the Sarasota Marina. For special occasions nothing beats the upstairs dining room with linen tablecloths and attentive waiters. For a quick meal the outdoor ground floor cafe is the place. This is the view of Marina Jack's patio eating area, Sarasota Bay, and boats from Marina Jack's upstairs dining room. There is a boat for dinner cruises, too, but we haven't tried that yet.
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Favorite Tavern
Sam Snead's Oak Grill & Tavern
Sam Snead's, 1830 S. Osprey Avenue, Sarasota, Florida (941-906-7771), is one of 11 Sam Snead's restaurants in the USA. We enjoyed the food at the Orlando, Florida, location, too. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Golfers, in particular, will like the decor that highlights Sam Sneed pictures, trophies, and golf equipment.
Here are some of the menu features.
Appetizers: Chicken Quesadillas $ 9.95, Buffalo Shrimp $10.95, Tuna Sashimi $18.95, and more.
Tavern Flatbreads: Oak Grilled Chicken $11.25, Sauteed Spinach $10.95, Tenderloin Steak $11.95.
Around the Greens: Salmon Salad $14.95, Cheesy Chicken and Nut Salad $11.25 (that was my choice for a delicious lunch today), Crab Louie Salad $15.95 and more.
The Short Course: Crab Cake Sandwich $12.95, Westchester Reuben $10.95 (I've enjoyed that, too), Smoked Turkey Sandwich $9.95, and more.
Oak Grilled Specialties: Bacon and Cheese Burger $10.50, Oak Grilled Tuna Steak $13.95, Rib Basket $11.50, Prime Rib Sandwich 12.95, and more.
Plus lots of desserts.
Here are some of the menu features.
Appetizers: Chicken Quesadillas $ 9.95, Buffalo Shrimp $10.95, Tuna Sashimi $18.95, and more.
Tavern Flatbreads: Oak Grilled Chicken $11.25, Sauteed Spinach $10.95, Tenderloin Steak $11.95.
Around the Greens: Salmon Salad $14.95, Cheesy Chicken and Nut Salad $11.25 (that was my choice for a delicious lunch today), Crab Louie Salad $15.95 and more.
The Short Course: Crab Cake Sandwich $12.95, Westchester Reuben $10.95 (I've enjoyed that, too), Smoked Turkey Sandwich $9.95, and more.
Oak Grilled Specialties: Bacon and Cheese Burger $10.50, Oak Grilled Tuna Steak $13.95, Rib Basket $11.50, Prime Rib Sandwich 12.95, and more.
Plus lots of desserts.
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Favorite Deli
TooJay's Deli
My favorite deli restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, is TooJays. TooJays is in a big mall at rte 41 and Bee Ridge Road. The sandwich meal is a Triple J and the other meal is corned beef cabbage dinner. TooJays is a small chain restaurant and we often ate at the one in Orlando, Florida, too.
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A favorite Steakhouse Restaurant
Longhorn Steakhouse
There are several steakhouse restaurant chains in Sarasota. Longhorn Steakhouse is one of our favorites. It is located at 2020 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, Phone 941-926-0344. It is open for lunch and dinner. Many of the same dishes are offered for both meals, but, are more expensive for dinner.
Our favorite meal is the baby back ribs with sweet potato dressed with butter and cinnamon and coleslaw. Other restaurant specialties are various cuts of steak, chicken, lobster, and shrimp. The 7-pepper sirloin salad was good, but a little too peppery for me.
Our favorite meal is the baby back ribs with sweet potato dressed with butter and cinnamon and coleslaw. Other restaurant specialties are various cuts of steak, chicken, lobster, and shrimp. The 7-pepper sirloin salad was good, but a little too peppery for me.
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Favorite Grill restaurant
Madfish Grill
Madfish Grill is one of our favorite eateries. Their menu features lots of unusual dishes that are all well prepared. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch.
4059 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida, (941) 377-3474.
Madfish Grill menu is too extensive to quote here. But these are a few of our favorites:
Starters and Small Plates: Lobster Fondue $8.99 - delicious!, Escargot $8.99
Lunch:St. Croix Shrimp Salad $12.99,
Hot Stuff: Quiche and Fruit $8.99, Fish and Chips $8.99,
Landlubbers: Baby Back Ribs $14.99- 18.99, Petite Filet Mignon $17.99.
4059 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida, (941) 377-3474.
Madfish Grill menu is too extensive to quote here. But these are a few of our favorites:
Starters and Small Plates: Lobster Fondue $8.99 - delicious!, Escargot $8.99
Lunch:St. Croix Shrimp Salad $12.99,
Hot Stuff: Quiche and Fruit $8.99, Fish and Chips $8.99,
Landlubbers: Baby Back Ribs $14.99- 18.99, Petite Filet Mignon $17.99.
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Favorite French Bistro
Chez Sylvie et Fils is a one of a kind organic bistro. Chez Sylvie & Fils Organic French Bistro is located at Swift and Clark roads in Sarasota, Florida. Sylvie, the owner and chef, was born in Paris, France, and still speaks with a heavy French accent.
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Favorite Chinese Restaurant
Oriental Buffet, Sarasota, Florida
This is the most extensive buffet I have ever seen. And it all tastes great. They even have a Mongolian grill, too.
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Favorite Homestyle Restaurant
The Serving Spoon
The Serving Spoon is one in a small chain of restaurants in Sarasota. Our favorite is on Clarke Road. Food is tasty and reasonably priced. Here is a toasted cheese sandwich I ordered recently. The exterior of the restaurant is pictured at the top of this page.
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Homestyle Restaurant
Peach's Restaurant
Peach's Restaurant, located at 4832 S. Tamiami Trail, in a strip mall on rte 41. It is very popular, but, not one of my favorite eateries. They serve breakfast and lunch. I rarely get excited about eating breakfast. My lunch was OK, but nothing special. October 18,2009, we had lunch here again and I ordered one of the daily specials- a hot thinly sliced turkey, bacon, tomato, and cheese sandwich. It was delicious!
Peach's is open 6am to 2:30pm seven days a week. There are 11 Peach's between Holmes Beach and Venice, Florida.
Breakfast
Three Egg Omelet $5.99- $7.59, Benedicts $7.59, Pancakes $2.99- $4.29, more.
Lunch
Reuben $6.99, Patty Melt $6.99, Stuffed Croissant $7.59, Turkey Avocado Melt $7.59, Soups and Salads.
Desserts $2.29 - $3.29.
Peach's is open 6am to 2:30pm seven days a week. There are 11 Peach's between Holmes Beach and Venice, Florida.
Breakfast
Three Egg Omelet $5.99- $7.59, Benedicts $7.59, Pancakes $2.99- $4.29, more.
Lunch
Reuben $6.99, Patty Melt $6.99, Stuffed Croissant $7.59, Turkey Avocado Melt $7.59, Soups and Salads.
Desserts $2.29 - $3.29.
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Favorite Beach Waterside Restaurant
Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay
Turtle's located at the south end of Siesta Key, 1288 Midnight Pass Road, tel: 941-346-2207. Turtle's opens daily at 11:30am - 9 pm for lunch and dinner. Turtle's serves Sunday Brunch for $8.99 from 10am - 2 pm.
Turtle's was voted Best in Sarasota in the Sarasota Herald Tribune Readers Poll 2008 for Waterfront Outside Dining View! You can come by boat and dock at Turtle Beach Marina, too.
My husband and I enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips (Grouper Medallions basket with frech fries and cole slaw) $9.99 and Shrimp and Crab au gratin casserole $11.99 this week. We intended to go for a walk on Turtle Beach afterward, but, it was just too hot at 2 pm. We have eaten here often and always enjoyed the food.
Turtle's was voted Best in Sarasota in the Sarasota Herald Tribune Readers Poll 2008 for Waterfront Outside Dining View! You can come by boat and dock at Turtle Beach Marina, too.
My husband and I enjoyed a lunch of fish and chips (Grouper Medallions basket with frech fries and cole slaw) $9.99 and Shrimp and Crab au gratin casserole $11.99 this week. We intended to go for a walk on Turtle Beach afterward, but, it was just too hot at 2 pm. We have eaten here often and always enjoyed the food.
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Vote for your favorite restaurant
Have your say about my suggested restaurants in Sarasota, Florida. Vote them up or down. Add a link to your favorite restaurant's web site that I have missed.
LongHorn Steakhouse
Steaks, seafood, ribs, chops, salads and more, pre more...1 point
TooJay's Gourmet Deli — Florida's Deli — Open 7 Days A Week For Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, To-Go, Delivery & Catering
TooJay's Gourmet Deli, famous for its New York sty more...0 points
Sam Sneads Oak Grill & Tavern - Home Page
Sam Sneads Oak Grill & Tavern0 points
http://peachslandings.com/Peachs_at_the_Landings
At Peachs Restaurant, we are committed to give the more...0 points
Welcome to Marina Jack
0 points
Saltwater Cafe | Seafood Restaurant | Nokomis FL | Home of Chef Rolfs New Florida Kitchen
Welcome to Saltwater Cafe where variety and excell more...0 points
Madfish Grill | Fresh Fish | Hand Cut Steaks | Outdoor Patio | Sarasota, FL
Sarasota's Madfish Grill is a casual dining seafoo more...0 points
Serving Spoon
A neighborhood restaurant with the kind of food an more...0 points
Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay
0 points
Eateries at Family Vacation Attractions
Mote Marine Laboratories Cafe
Inside Mote Marine cafe with a 50s diner theme. There is additional seating outside. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and chili, just what kids love to eat.
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Ellenton, Florida, Greek Restaurant
Popi's Place - Greek with 50's diner decor.
Shopping at Ellenton's Factory Shops? You can find some good bargains here. My favorites are Jones of NY and Chicos. Want lunch?
We ate at Popi's Place IV, 3911 US Hwy 301 North, Ellenton, (941) 722-1205. It's one of 5 Popi's restaurants between Palmetto and Ruskin, Florida. Check out www.popisplace.com. Each restaurant has different hours.
Popi's Place has breakfast and dinner menus. I enjoyed a Gyro deluxe sandwich $9.00 for lunch. They offer Greek and Italian food specialties.
We ate at Popi's Place IV, 3911 US Hwy 301 North, Ellenton, (941) 722-1205. It's one of 5 Popi's restaurants between Palmetto and Ruskin, Florida. Check out www.popisplace.com. Each restaurant has different hours.
Popi's Place has breakfast and dinner menus. I enjoyed a Gyro deluxe sandwich $9.00 for lunch. They offer Greek and Italian food specialties.
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Another Ellenton Favorite
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday restaurants are all over the USA so you may be familiar with it already. I had the very best crab cake appetizer here.
Ruby Tuesday 5802 20th Street E, Ellenton, Florida, (941-721-6341)
Here are some of the menu features.
Appetizers: Spinach Artichoke Dip $7.99 (I like this), Jumbo Lump Crab Cake $9.99 (the best crab cake ever), Cheddar Fries $6.99 and more.
Salads: Fresh Garden Salad Bar $7.99 or $8.49 after 3pm. (never use it because I like to be waited on when eating out), Carolina Chicken Salad $8.99 and more.
Premium Seafood Herb Crusted Tilapia $11.99, Parmesan Shrimp Pasta $12.99 and more.
Handcrafted Burgers: Boston Blue Burger $8.99, Turkey Burger $7.99, Veggie Burger $7.99 and more.
Handcrafted Steak Dinners: Rib Eye $16.99, Top Sirloin $14.99 and more.
Mini Masterpieces: Bacon Cheese Minis $8.99 and more.
Fork Tender Ribs from $12.99 to $17.99.
Desserts New York Cheesecake $4.99, Double Chocolate Cake $5.99.
Ruby Tuesday 5802 20th Street E, Ellenton, Florida, (941-721-6341)
Here are some of the menu features.
Appetizers: Spinach Artichoke Dip $7.99 (I like this), Jumbo Lump Crab Cake $9.99 (the best crab cake ever), Cheddar Fries $6.99 and more.
Salads: Fresh Garden Salad Bar $7.99 or $8.49 after 3pm. (never use it because I like to be waited on when eating out), Carolina Chicken Salad $8.99 and more.
Premium Seafood Herb Crusted Tilapia $11.99, Parmesan Shrimp Pasta $12.99 and more.
Handcrafted Burgers: Boston Blue Burger $8.99, Turkey Burger $7.99, Veggie Burger $7.99 and more.
Handcrafted Steak Dinners: Rib Eye $16.99, Top Sirloin $14.99 and more.
Mini Masterpieces: Bacon Cheese Minis $8.99 and more.
Fork Tender Ribs from $12.99 to $17.99.
Desserts New York Cheesecake $4.99, Double Chocolate Cake $5.99.
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Nokomis, Florida, Favorite Seafood Restaurant
Saltwater Cafe
Inside the Saltwater Cafe restaurant in Nokomis, Florida. Chef Rolf owns the restaurant and is the executive chef. The food is worth the 20 minute drive from Sarasota. More about Chef Rolf.
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Nokomis, Florida, Favorite Italian Restaurant
Ophelia's Pasta House
When you're hungry for Italian, Ophelia's in Nokomis is the place to try.
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Captiva, Florida, Favorite
Tween Waters resort in Captiva is our favorite restaurant in the Sanibel, Florida, area. Once, again, there are lots of good eateries, but, we have stayed three times at Tween Waters resort and always include an evening dinner in our stays. Here the waitress serves our dinner of bouibase and lobster tail at Tween Waters resort in Captiva, Florida.
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My favorite kitchengear
If you're like me, you often bring home part of your uneaten restaurant meal. These ovens can help you reheat that delicious food. And when you want to eat at home, these small ovens can help you prepare your favorite meals.
Cuisinart TOB-195 Exact Heat Toaster Oven Broiler, Stainless
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $144.00 (as of 11/16/2009) 
List Price: $325.00
Usually ships in 24 hours
Hamilton Beach 31199R Countertop 1.1-Cubic-Foot Convection Oven with Optional Rotisserie
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $99.99 (as of 11/16/2009)
List Price: $99.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Breville BOV800XL The Smart Oven 1800-Watt Convection Toaster Oven with Element IQ
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $245.65 (as of 11/16/2009)
List Price: $299.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Oster 6297 6-Slice Convection Toaster Oven, Stainless Steel
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $73.64 (as of 11/16/2009)
List Price: $89.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Deni 10400 Quick-n-Easy 10-4-Quart Convection Oven
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $81.57 (as of 11/16/2009)
List Price: $135.99
Usually ships in 24 hours
Has this guide been helpful? Please share it with us here.
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- sandyspider sandyspider Jul 1, 2009 @ 1:31 am
- Nice work!
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- calicoskies calicoskies Jun 29, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
- Looks like a great place to eat!
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Reply
- BigGirlBlue BigGirlBlue Jun 29, 2009 @ 12:19 am
- Very Well Done. (I think you might have the same video twice in a row for Ellenton)
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- bdkz bdkz Jun 28, 2009 @ 7:37 am
- Another good one : )
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Reply
- rms rms Jun 27, 2009 @ 7:57 am
- Nice work!
Dine Sarasota Twitter Follow
Here is another Sarasota Restaurant Guide that you may wish to follow on Twitter. There are so many great places to eat in Sarasota one person can't cover them all.
- aka Twitter
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- Who Said There’s No Such Thing As A FREE Tasti?: Did someone say FREE ice cream? Or, in this case a creamy, delic... http://bit.ly/2kyt3O
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- RT @Station400 Florida Avocados from King Farm Myakka. Creamy, tasty and as large as footballs! Thank you Ben http://bit.ly/2wfFAE
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- Here's a review of the new Andrea's in Southgate. This is from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. http://bit.ly/1kECH
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- JUST ADDED: Daawat Indian Restaurant. Check out Sarasota's newest Indian eatery. http://bit.ly/Akvm1
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- RT @NYNYSarasota Happy Hour Daily-$5 Apps, $4 Martini's, Cocktails & Wines, $3 draft beer selection-http://bit.ly/2mOlL5
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by CoolFoto
Photographer; pictures at kphotos.imagekind.com and Kphotos at Zazzle. PURPLE STARS Dandelion Weeds, Ringling Circus in Sarasota, Mote Marine Laborato... (more)
