5 Delicious Award-Winning Restaurants In Sarasota

Sarasota has become well known for its arts and culture – from stage productions to orchestra and opera. But the food scene is well established and growing, too, with new restaurants cropping up across Sarasota neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for a guaranteed delicious meal, check out one of these tasty and trendy restaurants, both mainstays and recent additions.

Schemmel Real Estate - Sarasota Restaurants

Crab & Fin

420 St. Armands Cir., Sarasota, FL
(941) 388-3964

Crab & Fin is a corner bistro-style restaurant in trendy St. Armands Circle.

The restaurant sits among 150-plus shops, restaurants, and galleries that make St. Armands one of the most upbeat Sarasota destinations.

Experience exotic seafood and tropical-inspired plates like wild-caught tiger shrimp, Dover sole, and coconut-crusted chicken. They also home make their bread and pasta.

If you’re heading to Lido Key for an afternoon of shopping, be sure to stop for lunch or dinner at Crab & Fin. They’re open Sunday to Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Indigenous

239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota, FL
(941) 706-4740

Currently revered by many as the best restaurant in Sarasota, Indigenous is run by a fisherman and chef who knows a fresh catch when he sees one. Chef Steve Phelps has climbed the culinary ranks – his career culminating in a masterful restaurant deserving of its awards.

Innovative and unique, Indigenous, a must for Sarasota foodies, strives to combine international flavors with regional products. Try the cobia – tartare or as one of their ever-changing specials – parmesan beignets, or pork belly.

The cottage-style atmosphere and rustic patio made with wide slices of wood that resemble barn boards are sure to make you feel welcome and right at home.

Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Michael’s On East

1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, FL
(941) 366-0007

Celebrating more than 30 years of fantastic food, Michael’s on East is a fine dining staple in Sarasota.

Touted for its steak – some say it’s the best in Sarasota – this restaurant-piano bar has a long list of awards, including last year’s Florida Trend’s Golden Spoon Award.

The menu has a number of seafood specialties, a selection of gourmet sandwiches, and a “city lite” section, which includes a globally inspired range of healthy options.

Michael’s is the culinary partner for Selby Botanical Gardens, operating their café and catering special events and private functions.

Visit Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on Friday), and Saturday 5 to 11 p.m.

Ophelia’s on the Bay

9105 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, FL
(941) 349-2212

This Siesta Key gem is perfect for those wanting a fantastic view while enjoying a gourmet meal.

This award-winning restaurant offers bay windows and a large patio for picture-perfect views of Little Sarasota Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, blue heron, and other wildlife.

Ophelia’s specializes in Florida-grown produce and daily fresh catches, which can be enjoyed either inside or outside on its tropical garden patio with lit-up palms.

Open daily from 5 to 10 p.m. and on Sunday for brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Selva

1345 Main St., Sarasota, FL
(941) 362-4427

This trendy modern Peruvian eatery sits at the top restaurants creating the Nuevo Latino culinary trend.

With an interesting menu and urban vibe, Selva is one of the city’s livelier spots. Selva pours large cocktails – try a Pisco sour, the national drink of Peru – in a room that feels like a stylishly oversaturated photograph. On weekends, a DJ spins tracks past midnight.

Its menu includes an extensive list of ceviche, including mixto – a combination of fish and seafood – spicy tuna, and Maya shrimp. Entrees include dishes from sea and land, including a seafood paella, sea bass, and lomo saltado, a popular Peruvian stir fry.

It has received a number of awards, including the Florida Trend 2017 Golden Spoon Award and OpenTable’s 2018 Diners’ Choice Award.

Hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday 5 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Contact Us

Whether you’re looking to make Sarasota a permanent home or visit for the winter, Schemmel Property Group can help you discover the best of Sarasota real estate.

With many available properties across the county, we can help you find the perfect home from which to enjoy the city’s excellent dining and cultural experiences. Learn more by calling us at (941) 308-6497.