Eat & Drink

Los Mejores

Our Favorite Local Mexican Restaurants

Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants enrich our community in so many ways, and their influence can be seen in the restaurants that punctuate nearly every neighborhood in town.

01/29/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Dining Out

A Lot of New Restaurants Are Opening Up in the Rosemary District

A seafood joint takes over Mandeville Beer Garden, a new Origin Pizza in Parkside and more—here's what's already arrived and what's coming soon.

01/27/2025 By Lauren Jackson

New Changes

Aldi Is Opening in Sarasota Later This Year

The new Aldi grocery store will replace Winn-Dixie on Bee Ridge Road and McIntosh Road.

01/24/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Still Got It

Despite Last Fall's Storms, Longboat Key’s Maison Blanche Remains One of the Area’s Top Restaurants

Chef José Martinez showcases French fine-dining techniques you would expect to find in a much larger city—we’re lucky to have his skill here at home.

01/24/2025 By Lauren Jackson

A Moveable Feast

After 36 Years on Palm Avenue, Caragiulos Is Moving to Ringling Boulevard Later This Year

The family-owned Italian restaurant is preparing for a fresh start while also honoring its long local legacy.

01/20/2025 By Kim Doleatto

🧧 Happy New Year! 🧧

Celebrate the Lunar New Year With a Festival at Waterside Place

Korê's owner Daniel Dokko is spearheading the celebration, which will include a lion dance, tents showcasing Wagyu beef from Japan, and Dokko's version of "Squid Games."

01/15/2025 By Lauren Jackson

45 Over 45

Meet 45 People Who Are Doing Amazing Things to Make Our Community a Better Place

We think you’ll be moved, surprised and inspired by the stories we’ve collected here.

01/13/2025

Hole-y Moly!

Duck Donuts Is Open at Waterside Place

With more than 100 stores throughout the country, Duck Donuts has finally arrived in Lakewood Ranch.

01/10/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Let's Taco 'Bout It

Casa Masa's Second Location Officially Opens This Weekend in The Landings

Chef Rob DiSilvio's new location has been in soft-open mode this week, ahead of the opening. The new restaurant features an expanded menu and a full bar, with a raft of creative cocktails designed by former Pangea owner Brad Coburn.

01/08/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Elvis Has Left the Building

The Waffle Stop Is Closing, But You've Still Got Time for One Last Meal

The restaurant will close after 74 years in business next week.

12/24/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Year in Review

Our Top Food Stories of 2024

From the closings of the beloved Hob Nob and South Trail Outback to Michelin-starred restaurants and exciting new Asian offerings, there was always something happening in the food scene this year.

12/20/2024 By Lauren Jackson

2024 Year in Review

A Look Back at Some of Our Best Stories of 2024

Editor in chief Cooper Levey-Baker selects his personal favorites.

12/19/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Wahoo!!!

HL Asian Market on South Tamiami Trail Is Officially Open, and It's Awesome

The huge grocery store features 23 aisles of Asian groceries, cookware and ceramics, as well as an enormous meat and seafood department.

12/16/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Wiener Worthy

We Got to Hang Out on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and It Was Epic

You can catch the wienermobile—and grab a wiener whistle—on Dec. 13 on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch.

12/12/2024 By Lunchmeat Lauren Jackson

Young at Heart

An Action-Packed Sarasota Family Fun Guide

Get ready to feel like a kid again.

12/01/2024

Top Chef

Alex Thompson Proves That Kids Can Be Every Bit as Obsessed With Food as Adults

Thompson credits her interest in food to her mother’s boundless kitchen creativity, alongside a love of Food Network’s cooking competition shows.

12/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Put a Smile on Their Face

Where to Take Your Kids to Eat in Sarasota

Twelve local restaurants that the whole family can enjoy.

12/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Pie Day!

Celebrity Chef Marvin Woods Helps Local Students Make Thanksgiving Pie—With an Educational Twist

Woods, the first chef to launch former First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" cooking series, taught students at Visible Men Academy how to make a delicious apple pie from scratch.

11/26/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Caviar Wishes, Caviar Dreams

After a Tumultuous Year, a Fancy Buffet Is Exactly What We All Need

The Ritz-Carlton's annual holiday buffet is a relaxing afternoon of food, fun and friends.

11/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Gobble this

A List of Last-Minute Thanksgiving and Local Food Giveaways

As local residents continue to recover from the impacts of the recent hurricanes, local organizations are stepping up to provide food to those in need this week.

11/25/2024 By Staff Report