Neighborhood Guide

The Best Restaurants in Downtown Sarasota

From French to Vietnamese, there's something for every palate in downtown Sarasota.

02/06/2025 By Cooper Levey-Baker and Lauren Jackson

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

1000 North, a Private Club Co-Founded by Michael Jordan, Will Arrive in Sarasota Later This Year

The 13,000-square-foot club will be led by local hospitality industry veterans Tim Fanning and Alex Elshimy.

01/30/2025 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

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

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

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

Inland Empire

Lakewood Ranch's Restaurant Scene Just Gets Better and Better

Here are some of our current favorites.

11/20/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Let's Shellabrate!

Ocean Prime Will Open at The Quay in December

Ocean Prime founder and CEO Cameron Mitchell has owned a home in Sarasota for 20 years. He calls this Ocean Prime, the brand's 19th location, a "passion project."

11/08/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Helping the Helpers

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Partners With Southern Smoke Foundation to Support Food and Beverage Workers

The Southern Smoke Foundation will provide bridge funding fueled by Gulf Coast's Rapid Response Fund to ensure life-sustaining support for those in areas of greatest need.

10/03/2024 By Staff

Better Together

In the Wake of Hurricane Helene, Coastal Restaurants and Their Employees Have a Long Road to Recovery

From Manasota Key to Anna Maria Island, restaurants near the water are working tirelessly to reopen.

10/01/2024 By Lauren Jackson

The Times They Are a-Changin'

One of Sarasota's Best Restaurants Has a New Name and Will Soon Be Serving Lunch

Meliora is now Adeline.

09/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Salud!

A Local Restaurant Group Is Organizing a Pair of Upcoming Progressive Dinners. Here Are the Details.

Guests will be transported by trolley to several Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurants for a unique experience.

08/07/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Making the World a Batter Place

Eat These Colorful French Cookies as an Ode to the Paris Olympics

At Le Macaron's massive Sarasota production facility, which churns out 30,000 cookies every day, each macaron is scratch-made from beginning to end.

07/26/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Gone But Not Forgotten

Screaming Goat Taqueria Has Closed

Taco 'bout a bummer: the Gulf Gate restaurant had amassed a loyal following thanks to its creative flavor combinations and vegan-friendly options.

07/23/2024 By Lauren Jackson

End of an Era

Ed Chiles' Sandbar, Mar Vista and Beach House Restaurants Have Been Sold

In a letter to his staff, Chiles reflected on his restaurants' humble beginnings and his 45-year career. "We have come a long way," he wrote.

07/18/2024 By Megan McDonald

Welcome to Paradise

The St. Regis Longboat Key Has Announced Its Culinary Leadership

The property will be home to seven—yes, seven!—food and beverage outlets.

07/12/2024 By Lauren Jackson

🦉🦉🦉

Sarasota Hooters Employee Sarah Magda Will Compete in the Hooters International Pageant

Magda will face off against 29 other contestants for the chance to win bragging rights and some major prize money.

07/10/2024 By Lauren Jackson

Treat Wave

Monika's Bakery Boutique Has Opened on Ringling Boulevard

Paul Novak and Monika Mieszalska bring European flavors to the Gardens of Ringling Park neighborhood.

06/25/2024 By Lauren Jackson