Indigenous offers innovative, locally-sourced and thoughtfully-curated cuisine in a charming restored home that anchors the Towles Court Artist Colony. This one is consistently at the top of everyone’s list. Chef Steve Phelps has been recognized locally and nationally for his tireless efforts toward sustainability, and he’s also the recipient of a James Beard Award Nomination for Best Chef: South.  

Kacey's is a small, casual neighborhood seafood restaurant with friendly staff. They are known for their great fare at a very affordable price. The menu is made up of classic seafood "baskets" with an array of more creative and unique offerings and daily specials. It is a place for seriously good food, served with passion and care without breaking the bank. 

kaceysseafood.com (multiple locations)

Selva is the perfect date-night restaurant — in a city that’s full of them — but it’s also a great place for exquisite (and affordable) late-night bites. If you spot an open seat at the bar, you should grab it immediately and start working your way through the menu. There are no wrong choices, but the Spanish Caesar, the Wahoo Ceviche and Selva’s Famous Skirt Steak are a few of the locals' favorites.

selvagrill.com (multiple locations)

 

Located in historic Burns Court, this extremely popular restaurant draws praise for serving comforting Southern seafood specialties with a Southern atmosphere. If you have to wait for a table (you probably will), grab a craft beer from the small oyster bar and head to the back porch, where you will be transported to a backyard party in the Lowcountry with live music.

owensfishcamp.com (multiple locations)

Dining at Marcello’s always feels like a special occasion. Many dishes, such as the celebrated Caesar Salad, are presented tableside, and an extensive list of nightly specials is scrawled on a rolling chalkboard. There’s a small, open kitchen that acts as the focal point of the cozy dining room which allows Chef Marcello Aquino to keep an eye on his cooking and his guests at the same time. 

For a quintessential Sarasota experience, find yourself at Walt’s Fish Market. Every meal comes with a complimentary fish spread to start. The Wallin family prides themselves on being fishermen, first and foremost, and the fish at Walt’s is the freshest in town. 

Summer House is a “steakhouse with a seafood attitude”. The food is world-class, the drinks are strong, and the service is relaxed and friendly. There’s also a 14-foot-long, museum-quality fish tank running through the dining room — dinner and a show. They have a wonderful brunch.

What if I told you that one of the best Pizza places in town also has the best chicken wings, as well as the best Falafel? Come for the pizza and stay for the incredible craft beer selections and the Trifecta Wing Sauce is a must-try. 

originpizzacafe.com (multiple locations)

Visiting Baker & Wife is like taking your taste buds on a trip around the world. The casual café features a globally inspired, locally sourced menu of elegant, comforting dishes and hand-crafted cocktails. 

This should be your first choice when you think of fresh smoked BBQ, fried chicken, pizza, and more! You will not only be fans of the food when you visit here, you will soon become fans of the talented lineup of musicians that play at Stottlemyer's. 

Five-star attentive service, great atmosphere, and the most important of all the food is truly fantastic. If Korean barbecue is a new experience for you, do not worry because the staff will give you instructions on how to use the grill in the center of the table to prepare the meat. Locals wish they could give this place more than 5 stars. Check it out for yourself.

1561 Lakefront Dr Suite, Sarasota, FL 34240

(941) 928-5673

     

Big Water Fish Market is located near the South Bridge on Siesta Key and specializes in fresh, wild Florida seafood. There’s a compact but comprehensive menu of seafood delicacies and rotating daily specials.