Add Spearfish Grille (and its delicious grouper sandwich) to the growing menu of great new local restaurants.

This past spring, without any notice or fanfare, the restaurant opened on Old Stickney Point Road. It’s the vision of Maurice Dentici, founder of Rico’s Pizzeria, who saw an opportunity for an expanded marina—equipped with a tour boat—and, yes, a casual pay-at-the-counter Gulf seafood spot. 

The menu is simple, but everything is fresh.  The focus is on Gulf hogfish, plus two other daily catches, like grouper and amberjack.

There are tacos ($13-$18), with the choices being either the fresh fish of the day, local spiny lobster or chicken, topped with cilantro, slaw, black beans, roast corn, cotija cheese and a Sriracha sour cream drizzle.

But the stars are the signature grouper sandwich on a toasted challah bun with house-made key lime shallot tartar ($17) and the sushi nachos (best in town) with wasabi aioli, avocado, Asian tomato salsa and soy-ginger glaze ($16). 

Other menu items of note include a fried oyster po’ boy ($17), classic filé gumbo ($8) and oysters on the half shell (market price). Grilled “tiki” corn and homemade coleslaw are must-order sides.

The small dining room feels like a rustic cottage, with a wood wall feature built out of the former dock and accessories that include fishing spears and poles. There are several tables outside, where you can watch boats being lifted and tourists buzzing by.

Local craft beers seal the deal, as does a slice of orange dream pie. I’m keeping this new little gem top of mind.

Spearfish Grille | 1265 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key | (941) 349-1970 | Open Monday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.