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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Sarasota

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18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Indigenous restaurant
1. Indigenous
4.7
Exceptional(864)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 13 times today
Opened in 2011, Indigenous has earned a reputation for being an inspirational and educational restaurant. For years, Indigenous has been known as one of America’s top restaurants, renowned for its passion for food, the community, and the planet. Indigenous’ menu of seasonal American cuisine changes progressively throughout the year based on peak ingredient availability. With a focus on sustainable seafood, we work closely with local fisherman, artisans, and farmers to maintain the highest quality. At Indigenous, we are always working our best to create a better food system. Owner Chef Steve Phelps has been a James Beard Foundation Semi Finalist for Best Chef South in 2014 & 2015, an Ambassador for Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force, and a founding member and Chef for the EDF Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture.
A photo of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill restaurant
2. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
4.9
Exceptional(9233)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Longboat Key
Booked 71 times today
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a “polished casual” restaurant over looking Sarasota Bay. We are located at the south end of Longboat Key behind the gas station. We are north of St. Armand’s Circle, and minutes from downtown Sarasota. Best known for Local Fresh Grouper and Red Snapper. Enjoy the second story dining area with a panaramic view of the bay, or enjoy dining outdoors on our dockside patio.
A photo of Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
3. Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota
4.9
Exceptional(5780)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 12 times today
Selva offers innovative, intricately prepared dishes, plated and presented as works of art. Selva has earned raves from allover the world, including from the New York Times, which write that Selva is “serving possibly the best food in Sarasota,”and that “everything on the menu is worth trying.”
A photo of La Violetta Restaurant restaurant
4. La Violetta Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1008)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 9 times today
Intimate and designed to provide a rustic Italian experience. Buonissimo!
A photo of Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota restaurant
5. Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(8394)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Siesta Key
Booked 39 times today
Connors Steak & Seafood specializes in fresh seafood and premium aged steaks, as well as gourmet salads, pastas and more! Enjoy a memorable evening with friends and family in our well-appointed dining rooms, or stop by for the lunch you and your associates deserve. Our friendly service and flavorful fare will keep you coming back for more.
A photo of Baker & Wife restaurant
6. Baker & Wife
4.8
Exceptional(2006)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Sarasota
Booked 2 times today
BAKER & WIFE is a comfortable, casual cafe committed to fresh, high-quality food and driven by our passion for handcrafted cuisine and cocktails. Inspiration is sourced globally, ingredients are sourced locally.This unique perspective on comfort food is the epitome of BAKER & WIFE:simple, delicious, and it just feels good.
A photo of Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota restaurant
7. Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(1860)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Sarasota
Booked 20 times today
Your Sarasota Fleming’s is located on the corner of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Siesta Drive, just across the street from Westfield Southgate Shopping Center and minutes from downtown and the Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency Hotels. Fleming's in Sarasota is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out – we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room or Outdoor Patio. With premium Prime steak options on our Dinner Menu as well as best-in-class seafood and innovative plant-based options, we have something to offer everyone you are dining with.
A photo of element: steak. seafood. pasta. restaurant
8. element: steak. seafood. pasta.
4.6
Exceptional(1940)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Sarasota
Booked 10 times today
We encapsulate the best and most unique elements of world class dining. We feature pasture raised, hand-cut steaks grilled or seared to perfection, delicate, local seafood, house made pasta dishes with elegant hand crafted sauces and more.
A photo of Chart House Restaurant - Longboat Key restaurant
9. Chart House Restaurant - Longboat Key
4.6
Exceptional(6662)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Longboat Key
Booked 29 times today
Chart House is a fine dining restaurant serving seafood & steak and famous for their spectacular views. For more than 50 years, Chart House has redefined the ideal dining experience. With 27 waterfront and showcase locations ranging from the historic to the unforgettable, Chart House restaurants specialize in dazzling views, unique cuisine and exceptional service. From fresh fish specialties to slow-roasted prime rib, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu that adds a unique touch to local flavors. And the Chart House happy hour is a guest favorite, where guest favor our signature cocktails and delicious bites you are sure to enjoy. Our original Hot Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect end to a memorable dining experience at Chart House. Chart House offers the ideal setting for your next event. We would be happy to assist you with all the details of your special occasion.
A photo of Cafe Gabbiano restaurant
10. Cafe Gabbiano
4.7
Exceptional(3740)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Siesta Key
Booked 15 times today
Cafe Gabbiano is a casual fine dining restaurant in Sarasota Fl (Siesta Key). We source local ingredients and have a great blend of classic and modern Italian dishes. At Cafe Gabbiano everything is made to order as we want each dish to be fresh. All of our sauces and pastas are homemade. Cafe Gabbiano is a 4,000 sqft facility that offers intimate dining as well as larger rooms to host special occasions such as beach weddings and rehearsal dinners. We have an extensive wine list, signature crafted cocktails and a great beer list. We are open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM with Happy Hour 5 PM to 6:30 PM at the bar.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sherri
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Had our 3rd annual Thanksgiving Day meal here. Chris was our waiter at the bar area. He was attentive, knowledgeable and engaging. Food as always excellent! I love that they offer a variety of options on menu, but include the traditional turkey, stuffing, potato, green beans too! Highly recommend!
    More info
    Cafe GabbianoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Siesta Key
    •
    4.7
  • Linda
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our second time here. Both times everything was great. Food , weather , service. Our server tonight was so pleasant with a beautiful smile (I’m sorry I don’t remember her name. We sat outside if that helps). Great place to spend our thanksgiving. ❤️
    More info
    Casa CamiPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• Tampa
    •
    4.6
  • Richardvip
    New York City •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Love this place! Alice is the best sommelier ever!!
    More info
    Baker & WifePrice: Expensive• Global, International• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • Amanda
    Tampa / Central Florida West •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 17, 2024
    Imani is amazing!! Every time we come our experience is fantastic. 10/10 as always
    More info
    Rome + FigPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Tampa
    •
    4.4
  • Ginavip
    Orlando / Central Florida East •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Sep 20, 2024
    Once again, we had one of the best meals in Sarasota. The service and food quality is always consistent. We’ve been going for years and there’s never been an “off” meal. We ordered the chicken skewer and pork chop (moist of course). We were still talking about it when we got up this morning. If you’re in the Sarasota area, don’t miss this one!!
    More info
    Blu KouzinaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Sarasota
    •
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Sarasota

Discover a culinary adventure in the Tampa / Central Florida West, Sarasota / Bradenton, Sarasota area that is truly "worth the drive." This region boasts a vibrant dining scene characterized by a rich diversity of flavors and experiences. From the authentic Italian delights found in cozy, historic settings, to modern lounges offering global tropical cuisine and retro cocktails, each restaurant promises a unique dining experience that justifies the journey. Patrons consistently praise these establishments not only for their exceptional food but also for their outstanding service and ambient atmospheres. Whether it's the allure of a 1940s supper club or the charm of a seaside dining spot with stunning views, each location offers a memorable meal that is both satisfying and enchanting. These restaurants stand out for their commitment to quality, making them top picks for locals and visitors alike. Indulge in these culinary gems where every meal is not just food, but an experience worth traveling for.

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