There’s no doubt that Sarasota has one of the most influential dining scenes in the region.
Restaurants of all kinds host some of the freshest fish and exquisite flavor combinations that can’t be beaten, or even found outside of Sarasota. Many of these Sarasota dining spots enhance the experience with a waterfront view or even access by boat. When you’re looking for a great atmosphere to go with your entrée, we suggest you try one of these six places to eat to experience the best waterfront dining in Sarasota.
Places to Eat in Sarasota
Ophelia’s On The Bay
In search of Sarasota dining with a romantic atmosphere and a view that can’t be found anywhere else? This restaurant should be on the top of your list. The expansive windows and elegantly decorated outdoor dining area takes full advantage of the Little Sarasota Bay views and watercrafts that dock at this restaurant. Similarly, the chefs here take full advantage of Sarasota’s great fishing. Freshly caught off of Sarasota’s shores, the macadamia and coconut encrusted mahi mahi can’t be beat.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Not as formal as Ophelia’s On the Bay, yet not as casual as most of the entries on this list, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill’s resort casual atmosphere lets you relax in style. Sit outside and let artfully placed fairy lights illuminate your view of the Sarasota Bay. The restaurant’s dock makes this a great place to watch the boats cruise by. Residents here rave about the Florida Grouper Sandwich – try it with a big side of fries and one of the signature cocktails from their list.
Fins at Sharky’s On The Pier
The best way to describe the food here is eclectic. The décor is simple, yet interesting, the menu offers everything from sushi to Chicken Saltimbocca, and the atmosphere is lively and elegant. All of it comes together to present the white sands and cool waters of the Gulf that lie behind the restaurant. The staff is consistently hosting events such as exclusive wine tastings that help diners explore the depths of flavor within their dishes. Do so as well with the Caribbean Cobia and one of their many draft beers, such as the JDUBS Passion Wheat.
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
This local watering hole may be low frills, but when eating at a restaurant as close to the waterfront as New Pass is, you can be certain that the fish is fresh! The atmosphere is come-as-you-are, which makes it easy to drop by in your watercraft after a long day out on the waterfront and enjoy a shrimp basket or Grouper Bites.
Oleary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
As any traveler knows, one of the best ways to find the greatest restaurants is to follow the locals. If you follow them at Sarasota, you’ll find them at Oleary’s. Known as much for their large cocktails as they are their amazing bayfront views, this cornerstone in Sarasota dining has been beloved by guests and locals since its inception. Live music plays in the afternoon and the evening, which complements your Mahi Reuben excellently. The best part – you can bring your dog! It’s no wonder Oleary’s makes the list for best waterfront dining in Sarasota.
Jack Dusty
No one restaurant holds such an effortless combination of Sarasota’s culture, cuisine, and coast than Jack Dusty does. Situated right at the best part of the Sarasota Bay, diners can either enjoy the views of the waterfront from the outdoor dining area or watch the chefs work on their dishes inside. Many of the catches are local, which include the Whole Fried Snapper and the shrimp in the Sarasota Cioppino. Enjoy it with a Rum Rations II cocktail to truly sample the flavor of the tropics.
When you’re this close to the water, you take advantage of it as much as possible. Situated only walking distance from Sarasota Bay, residents of BLVD Sarasota will truly be in the heart of luxury here.
There are big things ahead for the Rosemary District, too. A future development titled ‘The Bay’ is working to deliver live entertainment, outdoor activities, and a gorgeously designed social center right to the Rosemary District’s doorstep. Another future development titled The Quay will serve to fill a need for shops and entertainments within the Rosemary District’s area. It’s a great way for small businesses to promote themselves while also empowering Sarasota’s economy. The best possible thing on the horizon for Sarasota is BLVD Sarasota.
Located right in the Rosemary District is Sarasota’s most desirable address. And this new building is just days from Top Off!
BLVD Sarasota exhibits stunning architecture with panoramic views. Residents are accommodated with a select set of amenities, ranging from a zero-horizon pool that overlooks the city and the bay to a large temperature-controlled wine vaults with private lockable showcases on the fifth floor. Located within walking distance of the diverse Rosemary District, and the new bayside projects – The Bay and The Quay. Right around the corner, residents can enjoy Sarasota’s world-class entertainment, museums, art galleries and restaurants it is no wonder why residences nearly halfway sold out.
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