Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Sarasota / Bradenton

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Sarasota / Bradenton? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Bruschetta Fine Italian Cuisine

4.9

4.9 (45)

$31 to $50

Italian

Gulf Gate Estates

About the restaurant

At Bruschetta Fine Italian Cuisine , our history is rooted in family and tradition. Our recipes have been passed down for generations, and we take great pride in using authentic ingredients and techniques to create the flavors of Italy. From our humble beginnings in a small kitchen in Rome to our bustling restaurant today, we've always stayed true to our roots.

Top review

Linda

Dined 5 days ago

Food was fabulous ! Service was friendly and accommodating. Great evening.

Blu Kouzina

4.8

4.8 (1294)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Sarasota

About the restaurant

**Cash Discount Notice**
Save 3.5% on your bill by paying with
cash.

A 3.5% Convenience fee will be
added to all sales. As an incentive
for our customers we now offer an
immediate discount to customers
who pay with CASH based on our
posted discount schedule.

Blu Kouzina is bringing its signature, wholesome Greek cooking to the Sunshine State after gracing for the past five years Singapore’s culinary scene. The acclaimed restaurant, born out of the founders’ passion for the food of their native Greece and their love of sharing a hearty, family meal with friends, has set up a second home in Sarasota.

Fresh and quality ingredients, mostly grown organically, and sourced from well established, local producers are used in dishes that are both traditional and creatively contemporary. What remains uniquely Greek and genuine are the flavors and the scents of extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish or succulent lamb that will take you on a journey from a beach-side taverna to a rural mezze shop.

Top review

Bertrand(Gene)VIP

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

Great quality food. Lamb shanks were superb. Baklava was the best!

JPAN - The Shop at Siesta Row

4.8

4.8 (434)

$30 and under

Japanese

Sarasota

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF TRADITIONAL JAPANESE DISHES ALONG WITH MIND-BLOWING SUSHI AND KITCHEN CREATIONS. LET OUR EXPERIENCED AND INNOVATIVE CHEFS DESIGN A MAGNIFICENT MEAL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALL WHILE BEING IN THE CARE OF OUR LIVELY AND HOSPITABLE STAFF. WHETHER IT’S TRADITIONAL FARE, SUSHI OR TEMPURA YOU CRAVE, WE CAN HANDLE YOUR HUNGER AND GIVE YOU SEVERAL REASONS TO KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE!

Top review

YoungVIP

Dined on Dec 20, 2024

Great food and service every time, we love going to Jpan @ Siesta Row.

Flavio's Brick Oven Bar - Siesta Key

4.7

4.7 (1466)

$30 and under

Italian

Siesta Key

About the restaurant

Our casual restaurant has a retro contemporary theme which includes a carved wood bar topped with marble, granite table tops and bright turquoise and red accents flanking the wood-burning brick oven. Terrace seating is shared with our fine dining concept Bella Roma.

Flavio, a third-generation chef from Venice, Italy, says his Farinata is not available anywhere else in the area. The thin pancake (much like a tortilla) is made of chickpeas, baked in the wood-burning oven and enhanced with rosemary and other savory toppings.

Among Flavio's thin-crust pizzas (his grandfather's recipes) are the popular Quattro Stagioni (fresh mozzarella, mushrooms, prosciutto, olives) and the Pizza Vegetariana with assorted grilled veggies. The rustic bread and focaccia are made on the premises. Flavio's also serves up house-made pasta dishes, plus veal and seafood entrees.

We look forward to serving you!

Top review

SandyVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Food and service were excellent. My wife enjoyed the veal and I had lasagna. We paired our dinner with a nice bottle of Montepulicano d’Abruzzo. I would dine here again.

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Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota

4.7

4.7 (1092)

$30 and under

Italian

Sarasota

About the restaurant

For parties of 13 or more please call the restaurant.

*Weather may interfere with your reservation, we will do our best to accommodate you.*

Out of passion, tradition, hard work and integrity, Bavaro’s opened its doors in March 2009 as the first traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria in the state of Florida. Determined to share their family recipes with the world, Dan Bavaro, his wife Anna-Maria, and their five beautiful children packed their U-Haul, left their friends and family, drove from New Jersey to Tampa, and set out to provide for others the same love, energy, and authenticity that they experience around their own dinner table.

Top review

Paul

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

The service was outstanding, and remarkable, due to the specifics of this particular night. Our group was at Bavaro's in Sarasota during a busy holiday week, and on a night when the restaurant was a little understaffed, yet filled to capacity with patrons. Even the food met the standard that we have come to expect from Bavaro's. I tip my hat to you Bavaro's.

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B&B Chophouse and Market

4.6

4.6 (1464)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Lakewood Ranch award winning Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar right next to the clock tower in San Marco Plaza. We have a fun, lively atmosphere in beautiful and unique setting. Locally owned and operated with exceptional quality at a great value. Featuring Jack's Creek Australian Wagyu winner of multiple "Best in the world" awards. Our signature aged Angus Beef steaks are high quality with excellent marbling at a great price, slow roasted prime rib in our bourbon brown sugar crust is served nightly. Our daily "Fresh Sheet" includes the freshest seafood locally sourced. If you enjoy bourbon, we again feature a multiple "Best in the world" winner 15 Stars along with over a hundred other varieties and feature mix and match bourbon flights Live music on the weekends. Outdoor seating under cover, heated and fanned with our new awning. Top it off with excellent service and hospitality!
Experience B&B Chophouse we hope you love it here!

Top review

HARRY

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was delicious from the rolls to the Prime Rib The waiter Mike was a Pro Will Definitely eat here again and again Thank You for a fantastic Dinner !!!

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Prime Rib Hash & Eggs

Popular dish

Slow Roasted Prime Rib

Kolucan

4.6

4.6 (329)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Gulf Gate Estates

About the restaurant

Discover a culinary adventure where Mexican tradition meets modern innovation. Our talented chefs have crafted a menu that will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy the perfect fusion of flavors in the heart of Gulf Gate, Sarasota. Join us for exceptional cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere!

We're pleased to offer indoor and outdoor dining and a prime happy hour and cocktail spot in our Frida Lounge!

Top review

fred

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

Wonderfl food,wonderful service and a completely satisfying evening and experience. Cant wait to go back again

Scarpino's Classic Italian

4.6

4.6 (116)

$30 and under

Italian

South Bradenton

About the restaurant

We are a locally owned classic Italian restaurant with a team that is passionate about excellent food and guest experience. Our team includes our amazing Pizzaiolo (Authentic Pizza Chef) who comes to us from Italy with over 25 years of pizza making expertise! We have an extensive food and beverage menu with over 40 regional wines and a full bar. Pasta, Pizza, Wine and so much more, we look forward to serving you soon.

Top review

David

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Scarpino’s is our favorite Italian restaurant in Bradenton! The food is top notch. Our server Samantha is always great!

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Experience

Cacio e Pepe for 2 - $43

Libby's - Lakewood Ranch

4.5

4.5 (1702)

$30 and under

American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Open in Lakewood Ranch, since October of 2019, the Libby's space is open, modern & minimalist. Delicious menu items, sophisticated wine and daily specials are at the core of all that we do! Cozy bar area, weekday happy hour specials, and beautiful outdoor seating are some of the unique features at our second Lakewood Ranch location.

Top review

DonVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Libby’s is always rocksteady. Good to very good food and usually excellent service as was the case today. We never hesitate to go to Libby’s.

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Whiskey Joe's Manatee River

4.4

4.4 (770)

$30 and under

American

Ellenton

About the restaurant

Whiskey Joe's will be open 7 days a week for Lunch and Dinner. Takeout, delivery, and catering are available! Reservations available for all seating areas, 7 days of the week. Join us for Live Music every Thursday from 5pm-9pm. Happy Hour is Monday- Thursday from 3PM to 6PM. Happy Hour specials include 1/2 off select appetizers, $2 Busch Light cans, $3 domestic draft beer, $5 select well drinks, $6 house wine, and $7 select specialty cocktails. Our special event office is booking events! To start planning your Private Events, call 941.263.3151 or email us at wjmrcatering@srcmail.com

Top review

Bob

Dined on Dec 25, 2024

Service was excellent. Ordered the fish and chips that was very good. Great location with river views.

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Experience

Join us for Island Hour!

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