Sarasota Dining
One of the benefits of renting a luxury property from Florida Vacation Connection is that you can cook at home if you choose. However, we know you will also love exploring and choosing from over 500 area restaurants, offering a dining experience which ranges from casual to gourmet. No matter what your palate dictates, you'll enjoy cuisine from every corner of the world! While you are sure to find your own favorites, here are some of our iconic recommendations.
Café L'Europe, St. Armand's Circle
This premier dining destination features superior Continental cuisine from the Shrimp Pernod appetizers to exotic flambeed desserts. An award winning wine list and excellent service is sure to keep you coming back.
Cha Cha Coconuts, St. Armand's Circle
Creative Caribbean cuisine is served up in a low key, fun island atmosphere, and is combined with a full bar, live music and ample people watching. Choose from a diverse menu including coconut shrimp, fish tacos or a good old fashioned burger or chicken sandwich.
Columbia Restaurant, St. Armand's Circle
This family owned restaurant has been a favorite of local diners for over 100 years. Exhibiting old-world charm and an award winning wine list, this dining experience also offers century-old family recipes that will quickly become your favorite. The iconic 1905 Salad is prepared table-side; and the paella and fresh seafood specialties are truly spectacular. Relax in the Mediterranean style dining rooms or sit outside on the patio to enjoy the night air and the people watching.
Euphemia Haye Restaurant, Longboat Key
This renowned fine-dining has the reputation as one of the most romantic and exquisite restaurants in the country! Since 1980, Chef Ray and D'Arcy Arpke boast of the location which is inside a historic cottage. Favorites include Prime Peppered Steak and Pistachio Crusted Key West Snapper. Downstairs serves refined cuisine in a charming setting while the upscale lounge upstairs offers lighter bites, a dessert bar and live music nightly.
Harry's Continental Kitchen, Longboat Key
In operation since 1979, Harry's has gained a reputation for fresh coastal cuisine with an international menu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner - no matter the time of day, Harry Christensen's menus offer real gourmet cuisine. Macadamia nut crusted salmon and lobster risotto are just a few menu items you will find incredibly fresh and delicious!
Mar Vista, Longboat Key
Don't be fooled by the exterior of this restaurant - the water view is spectacular and the five star food is nothing short of sensational. When darkness falls, twinkling lights in the trees create a relaxed outdoor atmosphere that provides a perfect vacation vibe. You can enjoy seared tuna, pasta dishes, shrimp scampi, or a good old crab pot or cheeseburger - whatever your choice of cuisine, Mar Vista is a great place to have a drink and a meal while watching the boats come home for the evening.
Marina Jack Restaurant, Sarasota
This bay front icon has three dining options - all offering an amazing water view. The formal upstairs dining room prepares the region's finest seafood, pasta and steaks. The main level exudes true Florida causal dining, the popular open-air patio with full view of the marina and dolphin fountains is a local tradition. Don't miss the Deep Six Lounge, where your entertainment comes courtesy of a piano bar.
Nancy's Barbecue, Sarasota
Succulent, tender pulled pork, beef brisket and even chicken and salmon are smoked daily at this downtown Sarasota venue; which also has homestyle sides of vegetables, potatoes and macaroni and cheese. This is a great family dinner option, offering up a very casual atmosphere, with picnic tables and a porch; but some of the very best down-home eating in Sarasota.
Old Salty Dog, City Island, Lido Key
Outstanding panoramic water view while sitting inside or out as you enjoy delicious sandwiches, juicy burgers and mouthwatering seafood. Open daily, this casual dining venue also serves beer battered hot dogs for a British pub-type offering. Each day from 3:30 to 6:00 is Happy Hour consisting of a variety of beer, wine and drinks at discounted prices. Grabbing a quick snack or savoring a full meal, you won't be disappointed with this friendly and popular restaurant with its award-winning view.
