New to Venice? Be sure to read our Venice New Resident Resources Guide for some great info!

Now, we’ve got a massive list of places to eat here in Venice! While we’ve been checking them off ourselves, we still have not yet made it to all of them since moving to Venice. So we reached out to some of our local friends and community members here in Venice to get their picks and find out what their favorite restaurants are here in Venice too.

Our hope is that we can give you a big ol’ list so that you’ll have more than enough places to fill up your dining calendar (whether you are already here, just visiting…or moving here!). 

Table of Contents (we told you it’s a big list!)

• Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Venice
• Best Lunches and Sandwiches in Venice
• Best Place for Coffee, Sweets, Wine & Casual Socializing in Venice
• Best Place for Sunset Drinks in Venice
• Best Waterfront Dining and Restaurants on the Water in Venice
• Best Seafood Restaurants in Venice
• Best Pizza in Venice
• Best Italian Food in Venice
• Best Fun & Family Restaurants in Venice
• Best “Date Night” Romantic Restaurants in Venice (and Nearby)
• Best Place for Burgers and Wings in Venice
• Best International Food in Venice (besides Italian)
• Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Venice
• Best Restaurant for Dinner and Music in Venice

Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots in Venice, FL

The Breakfast Cottage in Nokomis

Just over the water from Venice in Nokomis, the Breakfast Cottage is a popular breakfast and brunch spot you will love. Everyone had been raving to us just how good the breakfast and lunch is here, so we gave it a shot. And I must say…this is now one of our FAVORITE places for brunch in the area!

From the charming little cottage atmosphere to the local art on the walls and the eclectic decorations. Josh’s favorite is their biscuits and gravy – in fact, the gravy is amazing! Their pancakes are huge and perfectly fluffy and soft. Oh, and many dishes are served with a side of potatoes – probably some of the most flavorful we’ve had!

They also have an outdoor deck for seating, which is also dog-friendly too!

Original word-of-mouth

Located on Venice Avenue (off the island), this is one of the top picks from all our friends here in town! And after our first visit, we went back the very next day (seriously). And again a couple weeks after that – it’s that good! Hands-down the BEST French toast we’ve had!

Croissant and Co

A popular French bakery (used to be in downtown Venice but just moved to the Publix plaza on The Island near downtown). From coffees and breakfast pastries, but you’ll also find some great lunch sandwiches on the menu too. They only stay open until early afternoon, so be sure to stop by before then. 

Upper Crust in Venice

Another popular breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Venice. Definitely pop in here to get something to go or you can sit outside at some of the tables – we highly recommend the french toast here as well, and Josh was in LOVE with their crabcakes benedict. It’s small, but there is seating outside on the sidewalk as well.

Local tip – you can make reservations online so you don’t have to wait in line!

Blu Island Bistro

Located on “the island” in what looks like an older hotel is a great restaurant so many people in town rave about. Blu Island Bistro serves breakfast all day, including a whisky eggs benedict! But they also have a “build your own benedict” — which is our favorite, because you can’t have a bad day when it starts with eggs benedict! They also have some great lunches as well.

Blue Pineapple Bistro (south of Venice in Englewood)

Just south of Venice in downtown Englewood is the Blue Pineapple. Located right on historic Dearborn Street, the Blue Pineapple is famous for its bloody marys — they are honestly an entire meal! In fact, you can get your giant bloody mary with various toppers – and we don’t mean just a few olives…like an entire grilled cheese sandwich and burger sliders!

We aren’t joking, you can order an entire grilled cheese cut up and stuck on the top of your bloody mary. Now that’s a hearty drink! Sit on their patio on a beautiful morning and enjoy dining under the trees. ** Note – they do serve all kinds of great dishes for lunch and dinner as well, but the bloody mary is our fave for brunch and what makes them famous in the area. 

Best Lunches and Sandwiches in Venice, FL

Suncoast Cafe (at the Venice airport)

Yes, that’s right…there really is a fantastic restaurant located at the small Venice municipal airport. I know it seems a little strange, but honestly, it was one of the BEST lunches I’ve had recently here in Venice. Just around the corner of the main airport terminal building, Suncoast Cafe gives diners unobstructed views of the airplanes and runways.

Chef Tony is from St. Lucia in the Caribbean and the moment you walk in the restaurant you are filled with relaxed tropical vibes from the atmosphere and music. The food is phenomenal, from croissant sandwiches and traditional favorites as well as spicy Caribbean specialties including conch chowder (and the homemade chili is heaven!).  They also serve breakfast too, but not dinner.

Obees Subs

With a couple of locations in town on “the island” and off, they are primarily open during lunch (so they aren’t open very late) and they really get quite busy during lunchtime.  They have some mouth-watering sandwiches that are made to order right in front of you. We recommend the “spicy bird” for a twist on the spicy Italian but with turkey instead of ham. 

Obee’s is actually our go-to place for lunch, especially on the weekday because you can grab a lunch special for under $6 that includes a small sandwich and a soup! It’s just the right size and easy on the budget!

Cafe Venice

Right downtown as well, this location has some nice outdoor seating for people-watching and a wonderful and elegant light lunch menu also. This restaurant also comes alive in the evenings when it turns more into a bar type of atmosphere too. 

Cafe Evergreen

Barely over the bridge from Venice in Nokomis is Cafe Evergreen. This is also a wonderful place to grab light bite for lunch including sandwiches, salads, and bowls. They also have smoothies, great coffees, and even organic draft kombucha! If you are looking for some fantastic healthy dishes in Venice, this is the place to go!

Abby’s on Miami

A great little place especially for dining outside and people watching, Abby’s is popular for both their seafood and American cuisine too. While they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we prefer lunch because it’s nice to sit outside and have a relaxing long lunch here!

Mango Bistro (south in Englewood)

South of Venice in Englewood is another very popular restaurant for any time of the day, but it’s especially great for lunch. The Mango Bistro is located right on historic Dearborn street in downtown Englewood and has a vibrant, healthy, fresh, and fun California vibe to it. From paninis, to crepes, salads and smoothies, to specialty coffee and tea as well as hand-picked wines. This is a lovely restaurant with a great patio and they also have art and music as well – a really popular place to check out and highly recommended!

Best Place for Coffee, Sweets, Wine & Casual Socializing in Venice, FL

Venice Wine & Coffee Company

We LOVE this place! Right downtown Venice, it’s on the corner of Venice Avenue and Nokomis Avenue but actually spans most of the block! One side is a store where you can buy some wonderful gifts of wine, coffee, chocolates, gourmet foods and more (we like to make gift baskets for people here!) and if you keep walking back, they have a dedicated wine area, coffee area…and then in the back is a whole cafe!

We love the cafe because inside they have a bar area where you can sit and socialize over a cup of coffee or wine, or even grab a snack. They also have tables outside where you can enjoy a lovely Venice day. Definitely try their “Momma’s Grilled Cheese” – they are famous for it!

Cafe Venice Restaurant and Bar

Even though we mentioned this above in the lunch section, it’s worth mentioning again here simply because it’s a wonderful place to chit-chat over a drink and relax outside with views of downtown during the day or on a warm Florida night!

Ciao Gelato

You can’t come to Venice and NOT have gelato, right!?!? While there are a few ice cream shops in and around downtown, Ciao Gelato is our absolute favorite! They have a variety of authentic gelatos to choose from, our pick is their key lime pie! It’s one of their specialty flavors, so they don’t have it everyday (which is sad). But they often have it as the flavor of the day and usually advertise it outside on the sidewalk sign. If you see it on the menu…definitely stop in!

Scoops

Just off “the island” on Tamiami trail south of town is Scoops Ice Cream. This eclectic place is our top pick if you want a fun ice cream shop experience with loads of crazy flavors, toppings, and other sweets. From floats, frozen key lime pie on a stick (dipped in chocolate), and so much more!  Your sweet tooth will be overwhelmed here, in a good way!

Foxtail Coffee in Downtown Wellen Park

If you are going to be out in the nearby Wellen Park area, then definitely check out the newly opened Foxtail Coffee in Downtown Wellen Park. We love the casual vibe and decor in this shop and our favorite drink is their vanilla caramel cold brew coffee (so yummy!). But they don’t just serve coffee. They have an assortment of baked goods as well as some simple breakfast items such as breakfast sandwiches and even quiche.

They also serve ice cream as well as beer and wine. So it’s a great place to hang out any time of the day. And being in the heart of Downtown Wellen Park, there’s often something going on like music, yoga out on the lawn and more.

Best Place for Sunset Drinks in Venice, Florida

Pops Sunset Grill

The name says it all. This is an iconic place to have both dinner and some drinks overlooking the water and the sunset. It’s just across from Nokomis Beach outside of Venice, and they also have music entertainment nearly every night.

Pops is a lot bigger than it looks.  You can sit out in the garden area at one of their firepit tables, perfect on a chilly Florida winter evening, or you can sit over by the water and look out for dolphins and manatees. They also have a typical indoor dining area, also with large glass windows and waterviews, or you can also follow the signs and walk all the way back to their giant tiki bar! 

READ MORE: Things to do in Venice – a Big Ol’ List of Fun Ideas!

Nokomis Sunset Hut

Another restaurant that’s pretty self-explanatory in the name! In fact, many say this is one of the very best places to catch a glimpse of the sun setting over the water of Donna Bay. And honestly…we have to agree!

Nokomos is located right next to highway 41 on the bay and they have some of the most beautiful unobstructed views directly out to the sunset over the water. I mean…the views are amazing! Plus, their “tiki hut” structure and vibe is the best. The food here is spectacular and there are so many fun drinks to choose from. Plus, they also have entertainment on most nights and you can sit out on the sand in some comfy chairs enjoying the tunes and awaiting the sunset. 

Evie’s at Spanish Point

If you don’t mind driving a few minutes north out of Venice toward Osprey, Evie’s at Spanish Point is a wonderful tiki bar set out on the water with amazing sunset views over the water! If you get out there earlier in the day you can even enjoy some of their games and activities they have before the sun goes down. 

What we like about Evie’s is that it’s actually one of the few places where we can go for food, drinks and entertainment with sunset views over the water that also allows dogs! Yes, there is a lovely grassy area here and pups are allowed (unlike most other venues around town).

Our pup is like family and she really enjoys coming out with us. So this is a big perk of Evie’s at Spanish Point. 

Best Waterfront Dining and Restaurants on the Water in Venice, FL

Sharky’s

You honestly can’t beat the iconic Sharky’s for location and views! Located at the Venice Fishing Pier, Sharky’s is a famous establishment in the area and tops the list for most visitors, and even locals in the area. Serving lunch and dinner, as well as drinks at their walk-up bar, it’s right on the beach and looks out over the pier directly west into the sunset.

It’s a restaurant literally on the beach! In fact, it’s the ONLY restaurant and bar directly on the beach here in Venice. So you can come before or after your swim for a bite to eat, or grab a drink and enjoy some of the best in beach-front dining and waterfront views in town.

Fin’s

Fin’s is actually owned by the same company that owns Sharky’s and shares the location — except Fin’s is up on the second floor above Sharky’s. Fin’s is more of a higher-end dining establishment that is well known for its happy hour specials too. Perched up a bit higher on the second floor, this might actually be the very best water and sunset views in all of Venice because you are high enough to look out over the pier and ocean directly toward the sunsets. 

READ MORE: Best Beaches in Venice

Dockside Waterfront Grill

A personal favorite of ours is Dockside Waterfront Grill, located just off “the island” next to highway 41 along Robert’s Bay. We really enjoy their open-air atmosphere, either dining under their giant thatched roof or out overlooking their boats in the marina. They have music here regularly, and the food is absolutely fantastic! Josh has tried the fish and chips and many restaurants around town, and he insists Dockside is one of his favorites. 

And as of recently, we see now that dogs are allowed in their outdoor tiki area! Always a perk for us. Scroll down to reach more about dog-friendly restaurants in the area.

Crows Nest

Located right in the heart of Venice between Venice Beach and the South Jetty is the Crows Nest. This is a marina, a tavern and a restaurant all in one and overlooks the bay as well as some pretty spectacular boats! You’ll enjoy fine dining in a lovely establishment that serves up fantastic cuisine, especially seafood! They are open for lunch as well, but dinner overlooking the water is a must-do in Venice!

Casey Key Fish House

A popular establishment just north of Venice and Nokomis on Blackburn Road, this restaurant is literally in the middle of the bridge going to Casey Key! Right near the famous “swing bridge” (which rotates to allow boats to go through) this restaurant sits on some little islands that stick up in the middle of the bay. 

This is a great place day or evening to grab a bite to eat, a drink, and enjoy the seaside views. And of course, seafood is their specialty here! There’s plenty of boat parking here, and it’s in a great location for people heading up and down the bay. There’s also kayak launches here as well, as it’s a great place to put in and paddle around. 

There are actually 2 buildings here – one is the restaurant and the other is a “thatched-roof” tiki where you can hang out at the bar and enjoy drinks and entertainment. Another bonus for dog-lovers like us, dogs are allowed on the outside patio near where the boats park!

Watch the Video Below to See the Best Waterfront Restaurants in Venice 

Best Seafood Restaurants in Venice, Florida

Besides Dockside (which we mentioned in the above section on waterfront restaurants) below are some other great options for seafood in the area.

Tarpon Point Grill & Marina (formerly Myakka River Oyster Bar)

A charming restaurant that feels more like old Florida, the Tarpon Point Grill & Marina (formerly the Myakka River Oyster Bar) is located southeast of Venice on highway 41 as if you are going toward North Port. Driving towards North Port you will see the restaurant along the right side of the road sitting along the banks of the Myakka River (just before you cross the bridge). This is a wonderful place to visit if you love seafood and enjoy open-air dining on the river, and you can even drive your boat up and park it for lunch or dinner! They also have regular entertainment as well. 

Captain Eddie’s

Just over the bridge from Venice in Nokomis near the Nokomos Sunset Hut is Captain Eddie’s Seafood Restaurant. This is a casual restaurant with fresh daily seafood specialties, and they also work with local fisherman and suppliers in the area. You can dine inside or go outside for a drink at the tiki hut bar!

Lock n Key (south of Venice in Englewood)

If you are up for a drive, then head south to the Englewood Beach area for Lock n Key. This is a top-rated seafood restaurant and pub that’s also known for their steaks and prime rib as well. The restaurant is located right across the street from Englewood Beach, and if you are dining outside on their patio you can see and hear the ocean just across the road. It’s an especially vibrant atmosphere in the evenings too!

Deep Lagoon (north of Venice in Osprey)

Just north from Venice toward Osprey and near the Blackburn Rd. swing bridge is Deep Lagoon. This restaurant actually has a few locations in SWFL (Naples, Fort Myers, Marco Island). The Osprey location is a fairly new restaurant perched on the shores of the Intracoastal and offers seating on the upper levels with sweeping views of the water and sunsets too! They offer light lunches, small plates and great dinners featuring a variety of seafood favorites like conch fritters, oysters, crab cakes, lobster bisque, gumbo and clam chowder. Entrees include cedar plank salmon, swordfish and much more. They also offer a raw bar as well as some non-seafood selections too.

READ MORE: Free Yoga on Venice Beach (to work off some of those totally-worth-it calories!)

Best Pizza in Venice, Florida

Oh this is a hotly debated subject here in Venice! There are a lot of preferences and different styles of pizza to consider. We can’t really name them all (there are really so many pizza restaurants around here) so below we’ve highlighted some of the top recommended places for pizza in Venice, Florida and a few of our personal favorites!

Vinnie’s (inside the Soda Fountain) 

Right downtown on Venice Avenue is the old Soda Shop. While you can get classic diner food here on the Soda Fountain menu, it’s also home to Vinnie’s – which is supposedly the smallest pizza shop!  Stop in here for a giant slice of pizza to go (it is enormous), or you can even sit outside and enjoy it on their patio too.

This is classic thin New York Style pizza. One of our favorite things to do is grab a whole pizza to go and drive down to the Jetty to have a picnic while sitting out the back of the car and admiring the views of the ocean. A fun and cheap night out!

Made in Italy

This place is “OMG” so good for all their Italian food on the menu. But they also have a wonderful pizza menu with authentically Italian pizzas cooked in a wood-burning oven. We LOVE this place! It has such a charming and friendly atmosphere and the food is incredible, including the pizza. If you want to feel like you are eating real authentic Italian pizza, this is the place.

Oak & Stone (Wellen Park)

Even though this is out in downtown Wellen Park, we had to put Oak and Stone on the list because they are known for their fantastic artisan pizzas. Choose from a variety of unique signature pizza recipes, such as the Clucker, Winger, Farmer and the Pig and even a Philly. Or you can go with a more traditional option or build your own. Personally, I love their white pizza – full of cheese, carmlized onions and garlic…it’s just heaven!

Even though they have burgers and other items on the menu, their pizzas are really what they are known for. PLUS they literally have walls full of different beer options that you can self-pour and only pay by the ounce. So it’s a fun way to taste new beers to go along with your pizza. Enjoy dining outside or up on the top deck with great views out over the lake.

Luna

This is truly a famous establishment near downtown Venice in a beautiful building with a gorgeous outdoor patio and lighting in the evening, Luna is famous for their Italian food and particularly their pizza. The restaurant is also famous for their no-nonsense attitudes (fair warning, the owners and staff are known to be a bit brash and that can turn people off) and they also ONLY accept cash!

Everyone says the food is worth it, but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Pizza Boss

Pizza Boss is fairly new to the area, but we are big fans! Beyond traditional pizzas, they have a massive selection of specialty pizzas – including a Hawaiian Volcano pizza. This is actually our favorite, with ham and bacon as well as pineapple and jalapenos! It’s spicy and sweet, and oh so yummy! They also have some really great lunch specials for pizza by the slice.

Joey D’s

This is more of a chain restaurant in the area that is known for their Chicago-style pizza. If you love Chicago-style, then I’m sure you will love the pizza here. They also have some fantastic calzones too.

READ MORE: Best Neighborhoods in Venice, Florida

Best Italian Restaurants in Venice, Florida

Tratorria de Mino

Our absolute favorite authentic Italian restaurant in downtown Venice, FL! Having visited Italy multiple times, the moment we tasted that tomato sauce we knew it was legit because it tasted exactly like the tomato sauce in Italy (which is different…I swear!). The waiters were from Italy too, and we enjoyed chatting with them about where they were from and how they like living here.

You really can’t go wrong with the menu here, but our favorite was their chicken parmesan! Dining al fresco under the stars in the evening is a great way to feel like you are in Italy. They also have some really great lunch specials each day too.

Made in Italy

As mentioned above, Made in Italy has some AMAZING food here and is also located in downtown Venice. If we didn’t have such a close attachment to Tratorria, then I’d probably say this is my favorite Italian restaurant in Venice. Josh and I popped in there totally last minute one day, and were absolutely blown away by the food.

The pasta here is handmade, and you can taste it! They say they use the “freshest ingredients” and yeah, it tasted pretty amazing. Josh had a special with rigatoni and sausage and I had just a classic chicken fettuccini alfredo. It was honestly one of the BEST chicken fettuccini alfredo I have ever had. And I’ve had a lot…and I’m seriously not joking, Just writing this…I might have to change my dinner plans!

Ristorante San Marco

A friend of mine was visiting town and she was looking for homemade pasta. So we were walking downtown in Venice and popped into Ristorante San Marco and — WOW! I know, I know, another great Italian restaurant, but it’s true. It was so good! The pasta tasted truly handmade and incredible. My friend had a special with liguini and shrimp and a whole bunch of other good stuff. While I had the ricotta and spinach stuffed giant ravioli with a creamy pesto sauce. It was out of this world so good!

Lucarelli’s

Many locals also recommend Lucarelli’s for their pizza as well as their pasta, although we haven’t made it there yet. A number of people have claimed that their “red sauce is life” – so we’re guessing it must be pretty authentic too! Also, Lucarelli’s is known for their meatballs and giant portions as well. So be ready for some leftovers!

LaBotte

This is a newer restaurant in town that we have really been meaning to check out because the reviews are out of this world. It’s a quaint Italian restaurant that is family-owned and operated with a chef directly from Rome, Italy. This is a small restaurant with limited seating, and it’s all the buzz so reservations are definitely recommended. Also, keep in mind they are only open for dinner. 

There are really no shortage of fantastic Italian restaurants here in Venice, Florida. Just strolling through downtown you’ll find many other fine Italian establishments to try!

READ MORE: Pros and Cons to Living in Venice, Florida

Best Fun & Family Restaurants in Venice

Snook Haven

Snook Haven was a total surprise for us…and we loved it so much that we’ve gone back multiple times. It’s easily our pick for one of the most fun restaurants in the area for both families and kids of all ages! Located directly east from downtown Venice (a few miles actually) on the shores of the Myakka River, you really feel like you’ve been transported to a place, even though you are just a few minutes from town.

Under the towering trees strung with lights along the river, the restaurant has both a table-dining section or you can do their quick walk-up window and enjoy open-seating outside by the stage.  BBQ is what’s on the menu here, and you can smell it in the parking lot. They also have all sorts of craft beer on tap, as well as a stage where they have music playing daily. If you want, you can also rent kayaks to go out on the river or take a boat cruise too! Snook Haven is a wonderful place to spend an entire afternoon or evening under the stars and twinkling lights.

** READ Our Complete Blog Post All About Snook Haven HERE

Pelican Alley

On your way toward Nokomis Beach (right next to the bridge) you’ll find Pelican Alley. This is a historic restaurant that’s family-owned and family and kid-friendly. Located on the waterway, they are famous for their glass floor in the dining room where you can actually snook and other fish in the inter-coastal waterway below. They are known for their seafood chowder and key lime pie, but there are other items on the menu for non-seafood eaters, including burgers, chicken and steaks. They even have music on certain nights of the week. 

Best “Date Night” Romantic Restaurants in Venice (and Nearby)

Fins

As mentioned in our “waterfront” section above, Fin’s restaurant located above Sharky’s overlooking the ocean and the Venice Fishing Pier is known as a wonderful “date night” location because of the food and the views. They are known to have a terrific seafood menu and you just can’t go wrong with those amazing sunsets. While Fins is known for its excellent seafood dishes, it also features a number of non-seafood dishes as well as plenty of vegetarian options on their menu too. 

Fins offers an upscale dining experience. The service and ambiance are wonderful, allowing you to enjoy the culinary experience completely.

Farlows on the Water (Englewood)

This is hands-down my favorite special event / birthday / date-night restaurant in the area!  Farlow’s is actually south of Venice in Englewood and located along the water. They are known for their incredible food with a Caribbean twist, the beautiful outdoor atmosphere on the water, as well as live music.

The husband and wife owners bring a fun mix to the cuisine, as he grew up in the US Virgin Islands and brings a lot of Caribbean flair and tastes to the menu, while she brings a bit of good ol’ southern cooking!  This is a top-notch establishment that’s highly rated for a date-night out, as well as any special evening or occasion. The tropical ambiance is exactly what you look for in a local waterfront seafood restaurant!

Chaz 51 Steakhouse

For those in the mood for some good steak, Chaz 51 Steakhouse serves up mouthwatering steaks as well as beef short ribs. The service and ambiance will make you feel like you’re in a major metropolitan city with this fine dining experience. You’ll be offered an impressive wine list to pair with your entree, and you can also order something from their expansive list of martinis. The restaurant is very classy, and the food presentation is beautiful. You won’t want to miss this excellent steakhouse on your next visit to Venice Florida.

The Banyan House (Wellen Park)

Perfect for a special occasion, the Banyan House located in downtown Wellen Park offers gourmet sandwiches for lunch, small plates during happy hour and delicious dinners. From comforting pot roasts, steaks, seafood and more. The ambiance is truly magical, as inside the restaurant you sit under a towering Banyan tree that sparkles with lights. There are also some wonderful seating areas outside overlooking the lake at downtown Wellen Park too.

For more details, watch our Wellen Park Food tour video below (for other restaurant ideas too).

The Living Room – Something So Unique!

If you are interested in a truly unique and romantic night out, make a visit to The Living Room restaurant for some comfort food and dessert. This restaurant prides itself on their recipes handed down from family and friends, especially during holidays and special events to give you a feeling of nostalgia and comfort. It’s an intimate restaurant with a social atmosphere that couples are sure to enjoy. If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves classy comfort food and desserts to die for, stop by The Living Room.

Crows Nest

Even though we already mentioned it, it’s worth mentioning again. Given its location on the water and upscale atmosphere, the Crows Nest is an extremely popular restaurant for a romantic evening out. While the downstairs tavern is more casual, the upstairs restaurant is much more of a sophisticated environment, especially in the evening. They have an expansive wine list and the food is fantastic. Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to The Crows Nest, you’ll never tire of the quality service, food, and sunset views over the water. 

Best Places for a Burger & Wings in Venice

Brewburgers

If you’re craving a delicious burger, stop by Brewburgers! They tout themselves as having “best burger in Venice” and their menu is almost overwhelming with all the options for burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and so much more.  They have a ton of unique baskets and starters and are also known for their award-winning chili. 

3 Bridges Brewing

This is one of the hottest new breweries in Venice and they not only offer a great beers brewed on site, but their “smash burgers” are legendary. In fact, we were just there last night with friends for burgers and trivia night (which was a ton of fun). 3 Bridges has a craft kitchen cooking up a variety of dishes, from flatbreads and sandwiches to snacks like loaded tots and pretzels with beer cheese. But honestly, it’s the burgers everyone raves about.

3 Bridges has a nice indoor seating area as well as an awesome outdoor space. The outdoor space includes plenty of seating in the shade and a great lawn area with games and chairs to hang out and listen to music. It’s also family-friendly with play areas on the lawn for the kiddos.

READ MORE: Best Breweries in Sarasota (and Nearby Area)

Bogey’s 

Now this is our favorite place in town for wings! Josh was really looking for a “wing place” and we definitely found it with Bogey’s. Located just off the island over the bridge on Venice Avenue, Bogey’s is a great sports bar type of venue with a ton of TVs — even personal TVs in some of the booths! The menu includes your typical sports bar type food of burgers and sandwiches and wraps…but the wings are where it’s at! Try the house Bogey’s sauce – it’s our favorite!

READ MORE: A Neighborhood With a Beach – South Venice

Best International Food in Venice, FL (besides Italian)

Even though Venice is a small town, you can still find a variety of ethnic and international foods here. While you won’t find as much as you would in larger cities, hopefully, you can find something to suit your craving!

Mexican & Peruvian Cuisine

• Pineapple Tequila – this is quite honestly the prettiest Mexican restaurant I’ve ever seen! The whole restaurant is full of art and vibrant color, from the massive custom pineapple chandeliers, to the blown glass arrangement above the bar – and even painted toilets in the bathrooms! Plus, the food and service is fantastic and they have some great lunch specials toon.
• Mi Pueblo – this is a fantastic and super friendly restaurant with beautiful art and atmosphere on the inside. It really transports you to somewhere, like Puerto Vallarta! They also have a small outdoor area to sit which comes alive at night with gorgeous lights in the plaza. It’s really quite beautiful outside on a nice Florida evening. The food is quite typical, and it’s affordable and fast.
• Chicano’s – family-friendly and family-run Mexican restaurant here in town on the highway 41 bypass. It’s a small restaurant, but highly rated in the area for their authentic homemade dishes.
• El Chipotle (Mexican and Peruvian) – this is actually both a Latin market and restaurant with some really tasty dishes.
• Irmas Tacos and Tequila Bar – this is a new restaurant located out in the West Villages / Wellen Park area (between Venice and North Port). It’s a modern restaurant that right after it opened was already winning local awards and all the buzz…it’s that good! Everything is fresh and handmade, even the tortillas. There are so many tacos to choose from, but the good thing is that it’s al carte so you can pick and choose however many you want! Oh, and there’s a lot of tequila to try too.

Cuban Food

• Belkis Cuban Deli – this place is a complete hidden gem! Seriously…it’s basically hidden inside a gas station (between the Venice hospital and the Goodwill on the island) with only a tiny sign that’s sometimes placed outside by the street. But no joke…the food here is legit! Go inside the gas station and to the right-back area and you won’t be disappointed!

Mediterranean / Greek / Turkish

• Bodrum – located inside the Burgundy Square breezeway in downtown Venice (Miami Avenue) this is a highly rated and fantastic restaurant serving up traditional Mediterranean dishes. The Saganaki hot appetizer (basically Greek cheese that’s pan fried) is absolutely sinful!!! They also have some great lunch specials including gyros and so much more. Everything on this menu is a must-try!

Asian Cuisine:

• Tikka Indian Cuisine – Voted as one of the TOP Indian restaurants in all of Florida (and we have to agree) you can’t go wrong with Tikka. Frequently recommended by everyone around town, this is a fantastic Indian restaurant with some awesome food, a wonderful atmosphere and great service. As you can expect, they also have an amazing assortment of vegetarian options and are SOOOO Good!
• Paya Thai Curry – Located just north of Venice in Nokomis along highway 41, don’t let the unassuming outdoor appearance throw you off. The Thai food here is outstanding! Honestly, some of the best we’ve had here in the States (and we used to live in Thailand, so we know the real thing!). The owner is Thai and she actually resides in Thailand 6 months out of the year. So she and her staff are the real deal! Try the refreshing and sweet Thai tea and the authentic pad thai (large enough to share or for 2 meals!).
• Baiyoke Thai and Sushi – this is one of our favorite Thai and sushi restaurants in town. You can find both a Japanese and Thai menu with all of your favorites. And Josh is a major fan of their sushi…he craves it!
• Thai Bistro – Located on Venice Avenue just off the island, this is a lovely restaurant that makes us feel as though we are back in Thailand. They have all your favorite dishes but beware…they don’t hold back on spicy chilis here if you request it to be spicy. Very authentic!
• Star Thai – Another very popular and highly recommended Thai restaurant in town serving all your favorites.
• Kendo Japanese & Hibachi – another popular restaurant that’s fairly new is Kendo. This is the perfect place to go if you are craving fantastic Japanese food as well as authentic Hibachi! You can sit at the Hibachi tables with your friends and have a fun and entertaining dinner, or you can sit in the dining room and order a Hibachi dish too. They also have a great sushi bar that you can sit at, or just order sushi to your table too. And if you are having an event, they have some nice private dining areas as well.

 French

• Cote France French Bistro – another restaurant that’s right downtown across from Centennial Park, this is a charming bistro cafe really does a great job and making you feel like you are in France…even just for a moment. They have indoor and outdoor seating serving up some amazingly authentic French dishes that are of the highest quality. I’ve heard about people driving here from other parts of Florida just because of how much they love this French restaurant! Oh, they also have some really great specials and packages for special events – a wonderfully romantic place too!

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Venice, Florida

If addition to a few of the restaurants already mentioned above (such as Casey Key Fish House, Evies Spanish Point Tiki Bar, and Dockside Grill), below are some other really great restaurants in Venice where we enjoy being able to take our dog when we want to go out to eat. Read on about each restaurant or watch the video below on YouTube for dog-friendly restaurants!

Daquiri Deck

If you’re in the mood for some fun (and perhaps a boozy beverage), visit the Daiquiri Deck. They offer a wide range of delicious food and drinks – from burgers, to salads, wraps and more. We love their outdoor “doggy patio” that’s perfect to bring your pup. 

The Old Salty Dog

The Old Salty Dog was a restaurant that really surprised us here in Venice, because it’s so easy to miss it when you drive by! Located just on “The Island” near the Circus Bridge and airport, the Salty Dog is located in the parking lot of the Marina there off the highway.  They have a “doggy dining patio” out in the back, and it’s actually really spacious with wonderful views of the boats and the marina! We’ve eaten there a few times and always loved our meals, and they even allow us to buy a little something for the dog too. 

Jetty Jacks

Located at the South Jetty here in Venice, Jetty Jacks is a wonderful casual snack bar for those hanging out at the Jetty (including the fisherman). We enjoy it because there’s plenty of seating and gorgeous views! Most days of the week they serve breakfast sandwiches, typical burgers and hot dogs, as well as sweet treats such as fresh and hot mini donuts (oh these are dangerous!), ice cream and floats.

It’s great to bring the dog out here to walk around and sit and enjoy the views. We often see dolphins out here and love to relax and chat with people while waiting for the sun to set.

READ MORE: We Found the Best Dog Beach in Venice!

Sand Bar Tiki (south in Englewood)

If you like tiki bars, be sure to check out Sand Bar in Englewood Florida. This is a classic and very popular tiki bar right in the heart of the Englewood Beach area. They have an extensive menu with great food (the turkey burger and southern burger are out of this world…oh and those fries!). There’s a lot of seating here and many areas where dogs are allowed. We especially love the Sand Bar Tiki because it’s one of the liveliest places to hear music regularly – especially on the weekends where people will dance the night away in the sand.

(However, we don’t recommend bringing the dog during the loud music nights)

Best Restaurant for Dinner and Music in Venice, Florida

We feel lucky to have so many great venues around town for dinner and lively musical entertainment. There are so many places that we can’t list them all here. But we’ll do our best to highlight some of our favorites that you may enjoy as well. In fact, if you’ve been thoroughly reading this post you’ll notice that many of the places we’ve already listed have live music. But below are a few more that we haven’t mentioned yet:

TJ Carney’s Irish Pub

If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant right in downtown Venice, try TJ Carney’s Irish pub. This restaurant has a classic Irish Pub feel to it, with the dark wood on the inside and large bar area. They also seating available inside and outside on the sidewalk as well.  They have a large menu that includes many Irish staples, such as shepherds pie as well as other popular items such as burgers and wraps. TJ Carney’s is also has a lively atmosphere with regular entertainment throughout the week.

Other restaurants around town that have regular music entertainment include (many of these were already described above):

• Dockside Grille
• Daiquiri Deck
• Off the Wagon
• Nokomos Sunset Hut
• Pop’s Sunset Grill
• Sand Bar Tiki (south in Englewood — one of our favorite places to go dancing on the sand under the stars after dinner!)

Do You Have a Favorite Restaurant in Venice? TELL Us About It!

Phew, that is one pretty big list! However, we know there are so many other restaurants in Venice – every day we stumble across or hear about a new one we need to try. So if you have a restaurant that you highly recommend – TELL US about it!

We’d love to try it out for ourselves and include it here on the list for others to find out about.

Thinking of Buying or Selling in the Area?

If you or anyone you know needs help buying or selling a home in the area, feel free to reach out to us or pass along our info.  As you can see, our website is full of information about the area and we are the top relocation experts helping people settle into this area.

PLUS Josh is one of the top licensed real estate agents in Venice with amazing reviews who has helped literally hundreds of families along on their journey to find a home here and live life in paradise! You won’t find an agent with more experience, better information and all-around great person who you’ll actually like and want to have a sunset drink with too!

The post Best Restaurants in Venice Florida (According to Locals!) appeared first on That Florida Life.

But you can find great food in more than just Florida’s big cities. We’ve rounded up the top 15 foodie towns in the Sunshine State, AKA where you can find the best food in Florida! 

Panhandle

We’re going to start our Florida foodie list way up in the Florida Panhandle, where we’ll be visiting the northern towns of Apalachicola, Tallahassee, and Santa Rosa Beach. 

Apalachicola

There’s no better place to begin than what is perhaps the most famous oyster town in Florida: Apalachicola. Historically, Apalachicola has produced 90% of Florida’s oysters. Locales like Up the Creek Raw Bar and The Station Raw Bar are great spots to get your oyster fix. 

However, there are plenty of options for the members of your crew who prefer other types of seafood. Check out The Owl Cafe, Hole in the Wall Seafood, and Apalachicola Seafood Grill for local classics like crab cakes, shrimp, and key lime pie. And if you need a morning pick-me-up, head to Apalacichola Chocolate & Coffee Company for homemade pastries or Cafe Con Leche to try Venezuelan coffee and arepas.  

Santa Rosa Beach

The lovely town of Santa Rosa Beach is another panhandle spot teeming with great food. There are, of course, plenty of great seafood joints, like Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, Fish Out of Water, and Vue on 30A. The Perfect Pig offers an excellent mix of seafood and southern cuisine. 

And if you’re looking for a scenic seaside setting for your dining experience, check out The Beach House or Sunset Bay Cafe. Finally, you can’t leave Santa Rosa Beach without trying some of its spectacular local ice cream. We recommend Pecan Jacks, Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, and Sunrise Ice Cream & Candy Co. 

Tallahassee

Believe it or not, this college town (and the state’s capital city) has a number of great eateries. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale in Tallahassee, head to Savour or Sage. There are also a number of good restaurants offering southern cuisine, like Table 23 and Lucilla. 

The Edison is a great go-to eatery offering both indoor and outdoor seating options and classic, yet quality, appetizers and entrees. Along the same lines, we recommend Backwoods Crossing if you’re looking for innovative New American cuisine made with local ingredients. 

Northern Florida

Let’s shoot across the state to the Atlantic Coast to visit Amelia Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine!

Amelia Island

You can find a wide variety on the ever-so-charming Amelia Island. If you’re in the mood for Asian food, head over to Wicked Bao in Fernandina Beach for ramen, kimchi fried rice, and more. For a more upscale dining experience, you can head right down the street to enjoy exquisite French cuisine at Le Clos, while David’s Restaurant & Lounge is another high-end eatery where you can find exceptional seafood and steak. 

Also in the area is España Restaurant, which specializes in paella and general Spanish and Portuguese fare. But if you’re in the mood for casual seafood, check out Timoti’s Seafood Shak for fish tacos or lobster rolls. 

Jacksonville

There is no shortage of delicious seafood in the self-proclaimed shrimp capital of Florida! Some of the best seafood joints in the city include Blue Fish Restaurant and Oyster Bar, The Fish Company, and Julington Creek Fish Camp. 

But while plenty of Jacksonville restaurants serve local seafood, you can also find a wide variety of other types of food. In fact, there are a number of locales serving varied Asian cuisines, like Kazu Japanese Restaurant (sushi), Kim’s Korean BBQ Restaurant, and Green Papaya (Thai cuisine). Be sure to check out Blue Bamboo for a unique fusion of Cantonese dishes and Southern comfort food. 

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is teeming with diverse cuisine and interesting restaurants. Adventurous eaters will want to check out places like Llama Restaurant (Peruvian cuisine), Conch House Restaurant (Caribbean-inspired dishes), and Columbia Restaurant (Spanish and Columbian food). Another unique eatery is Prohibition Kitchen, which offers farm-to-table dishes and hand-spun milkshakes. 

If you’re in the mood for something a little bit more mainstream, we recommend Sunset Grille for casual, local fare, as well as Raintree Restaurant, where you can find great steak and seafood. Collage Restaurant is another great choice if you’re looking for an offering of global cuisine and great wine. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention Schooner’s Seafood House, a St. Augustine stable that specializes in seafood platters. 

Central Florida

Let’s head a bit farther down south to Central Florida, where you’ll find some of the best foodie towns in the Sunshine State. 

Mount Dora

Located just over 30 miles from Orlando you will find the quaint town of Mt. Dora. And believe it or not, there are plenty of outstanding restaurants packed into this Central Florida city. Goblin Market is the one place you truly can’t miss if you are in town. Its unique aesthetic and consistently good food are perfect for a family dinner, anniversary celebration, or really any occasion.

Cheese lovers (and who doesn’t love cheese?) will gawk over Cheese to Share, which specializes in cheese boards and fondue. Finally, you’ll get one of the most scenic dining experiences in town at Pisces Rising, where you can enjoy seafood, steak, and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Be sure to make your reservation around sunset! 

Orlando 

Orlando has certainly made a name for itself on the Florida food scene. In 2021, it was named the No. 1 best foodie city for couples, something that comes as no surprise to us. Orlando is teeming with chic restaurants that are suitable for couples, singles, families, or really any type of diner. 

One of our top picks is Soco, where you will find creative twists on classic Southern cuisine in a warm yet sophisticated setting. But no matter the type of food you may be craving, you’re sure to find it in Orlando. Check out Domu for outstanding ramen, Capa for Spanish cuisine, Kabooki Sushi for Japanese fare, or Enzo’s on the Lake for Italian classics. 

Tampa

Tampa also earned a spot on the previously mentioned “best foodie towns for couples” list. Ringing in at No. 4, Tampa’s food scene is diverse and exciting, and you can find just about any type of food you can imagine. We recommend that you try the Native American and Florida cuisine fusion served at Ulele. If you have something to celebrate (or if you just need a drink), order a sangria pitcher at one of the biggest Spanish restaurants in the world, Columbia Restaurant. 

For high-quality New American fusion, check out Rooster & the Till, where you can try various inventive small plates on their tasting menu. Another interesting spot is Noble Crust, where you’ll find a combination of what are arguably two of the world’s best cuisines: Italian and Southern. 

Winter Park

This Central Florida city, which is often overshadowed by nearby Orlando, has an impressive selection of great eateries. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, you have a number of delicious options, including Hunger Street Tacos and Agave Azul. Umi is a great spot for Japanese fusion, and if you are a fan of Asian cuisine, we also recommend checking out Thai Place. 

Believe it or not, Winter Park is an excellent destination for vegans and vegetarians. Winter Park Biscuit Company serves up biscuits and sandwiches that you simply won’t believe are vegan. You also have to check out Ethos Vegan Kitchen, where you’ll find plant-based (and delicious) brunch options, sandwiches, entrees, and more. 

Southern Florida

Time to venture down to Southern Florida for our next three foodie towns: Jupiter, Miami, and Naples!

Jupiter

Depending on what type of food you are in the mood for, you have a number of options available to you in Jupiter. You may have heard of The Woods, the upscale sports bar owned by Tiger Woods. This is a great place to grab a happy hour drink, enjoy a delicious dinner, or have Sunday brunch. 

Seafood lovers should check out Little Moi’s Food Shack. Don’t be thrown off by its casual setting, because the Food Shack has some of the best fresh catch seafood in Jupiter. But if you’re looking for a more refined setting (and food that’s equally as delicious), check out The Beacon. This waterfront restaurant is located at the Jupiter Inlet and provides beautiful views of the Jupiter Lighthouse, as well as delicious steak, seafood, and more. 

Miami

It should come as no surprise that you’ll find some of the best food in Florida in Miami. In fact, Miami has landed itself a No. 3 spot on a list ranking the best foodie towns in the entire country. And we have to start by mentioning one of Miami’s most emblematic locales: Joe’s Stone Crab. You must, of course, order crab, but save room for dessert, as their key lime pie is outstanding. 

If you’re itching to try some of Miami’s famous Cuban food, be sure to make a reservation at Versailles. While they offer plenty of quality entrees, they are perhaps best known for their sandwiches. Finally, Miami offers plenty of quality international cuisine. Some stand-out restaurants include Ghee (Indian), La Mar (Peruvian), Mandolin Aegean Bistro (Greek), Makoto (Japanese), and Quinto La Huella (Uruguayan). 

Naples

Now let’s head over to the Gulf Coast to explore the best restaurants in Naples. You can find a wide variety of restaurant options in this coastal town. Try high-quality French cuisine at Bleu Provence or delicious Peruvian fare at Lima Restaurant (don’t leave before trying one of their signature pisco sours). 

Other restaurants with a variety of international foods include Van Van Cuban Cafe, Mediterrano, and Lamoraga. If you’re looking to get your seafood fix, check out Sea Salt for delicious and modern seafood dishes, And when it comes to surf and turf, we recommend trying T-Michaels. 

Florida Keys

We couldn’t finish our list without mentioning some of the best food in the Florida keys!

Key Largo

It’s no surprise that you’ll find some of Florida’s best seafood down in the Keys. Key Largo is packed with excellent seafood joints like The Fish House, Key Largo Conch House, and Key Largo Fisheries Backyard Cafe. 

The Lazy Lobster Seafood Restaurant has a lovely outdoor dining area, and Hobo’s Cafe is one of the most authentic seafood restaurants on the island. If you’d like to change it up from seafood, grab a pizza at C&C Wood Fire Eats, or treat yourself to a slice of key lime pie at Blonde Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory. 

Key West 

If you make the trek all the way down to Key West, you will find that delicious restaurants abound. You will certainly be able to sense the island’s proximity to Cuba at places like Cuban Coffee Queen and 5 Brothers Grocery and Sandwich Shop. 

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Little Pearl offers outstanding local seafood, as well as an impressive wine list. Finally, beer lovers should check out First Flight Island Restaurant and Brewery (take advantage of their daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). 

As you can see, it doesn’t matter whether you’re in a big city like Miami, visiting a small town like Apalachicola, or on an island like Key West. Regardless of what part of the Sunshine State you find yourself in, you’re probably just a stone’s throw away from some of the best food in Florida. So what are you waiting for? Head out and explore some of the best foodie towns in the state on your next Florida vacation!

The post 15 Florida Foodie Towns: Where To Find the Best Food in Florida appeared first on That Florida Life.

Looking for a weekend brunch spot? Or perhaps you’re planning a romantic date? Read on, because there is sure to be a Sarasota restaurant for you on our list of the best restaurants in Sarasota. 

Breakfast and Brunch

We’re starting out our list with the most important meal of the day: breakfast (or brunch, if you’re not such an early riser). The following breakfast and brunch spots are perfect for grabbing a classic American breakfast or enjoying a slow weekend brunch. 

First Watch

Our first Sarasota breakfast joint is First Watch, which is located right downtown. However, the restaurant has various additional locations in the greater Sarasota area. Located right on bustling Main Street, First Watch “specializes in both traditional and innovative creations all freshly prepared to order”. 

In fact, this restaurant has been granted the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Readers’ Choice award for “Best Breakfast in Manatee and Sarasota”. While you are certainly getting quality at First Watch, you will also appreciate quantity. Portion sizes are generous, so come with an appetite or be prepared to share. 

Some of their specialties include lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs benedict, and the classic omelet. The restaurant often offers seasonal specialties as well, like their pumpkin pancake breakfast in the fall. Opening hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day of the week. 

Fresh Start Cafe

Located in Laurel Park, Fresh Start Cafe is another great place to get your breakfast and brunch fix. The restaurant offers a quaint indoor cafe setting as well as outdoor seating options. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m every day except Wednesday.

Here you can enjoy classics, like an eggs/bacon/pancake breakfast or french toast, or order some more unique dishes. Try a breakfast burrito, bagel & lox, or shakshuka (Israeli poached eggs in tomato sauce). Fresh Start Cafe also has a wide selection of frittatas, or you have the option to create your own. 

Millie’s

A Sarasota staple for over three decades, Millie’s offers breakfast and brunch classics. It’s one of those places that you know you can’t go wrong. Located just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Sarasota, Millie’s is your traditional American comfort food joint with a charming dining setting. 

Some of Millie’s staples include eggs florentine and biscuits and gravy. If you prefer your breakfast on the sweeter side, try the German apple pancake. Millie’s is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Toasted Mango Cafe

You can visit the Toasted Mango Cafe at two Sarasota locations: right downtown or on beautiful Siesta Key. This unassuming breakfast joint is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day of the week. 

Their extensive breakfast menu is certain to have something for everyone, with options including eggs benedict, omelets, corned beef hash, waffles, french toast, pancakes, breakfast wraps, and more. If you can’t make it out until later in the day, the Toasted Mango Cafe also has a great selection of lunch options, including wraps, sandwiches, and salads.   

* READ MORE: Best Farmers Markets in the Sarasota Area

Lunch

If you’re looking for a place to grab a casual lunch, look no further than these Sarasota recommendations. And forget about your average soup and salad combo. Sarasota has plenty of unique and international lunch cuisine to choose from. 

Bitia’s Taqueria 

Bitia’s Taqueria is your Sarasota spot to enjoy a quick and casual lunch with a twist. Located just three miles from downtown Sarasota, this Salvadorian restaurant specializes in one of the country’s most emblematic dishes: papusas. Papusas, similar to a Venezuelan or Colombian arepa, are cornmeal flatbreads stuffed with a variety of fillings. 

Try a papusa de chicarron y queso (pork and cheese papusa), or one of the restaurant’s other regional specialties. Bitia’s tacos, quesadillas, tamales, and burritos are all worth trying. The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Mondays. 

Lila

Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about our vegetarian readers. Located right on Main Street, you’ll find plant-based Sarasota eatery Lila, which has a classy indoor dining room and outdoor seating options as well. Here you can enjoy classic American dishes made with organic ingredients, including plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. 

Lila’s menu includes plenty of salads and sandwiches (like the mushroom burger or the tofu Rueben). But don’t worry, meat-eaters have their own options at Lila, like the grass-fed bison burger or Faroe Island salmon cakes. The restaurant opens for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10:30 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday. 

Made

Perhaps the best place to sit down for a relaxing lunch in Sarasota is Made. Their lovely outdoor patio, extensive lunch menu, and delicious dishes are sure to please. Plus, Made is conveniently located in downtown Sarasota, right off of Main Street. 

There is something on the menu for everyone at Made, like mac-and-cheese, salads, burgers, and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the chicken & french toast or BLFTA (bacon, lettuce, fried green tomatoes, and avocado). Made is open from 11:30 to 2:30 for lunch from Tuesday to Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. 

Pho Cali

If you’re looking for a fancy dining experience, perhaps Pho Cali isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for consistently delicious and authentic food, then you’ve come to the right place. Also located in downtown Sarasota, you can dine in or carry out at this traditional Vietnamese locale. 

Not surprisingly, Pho Cali’s specialty is pho, which is a Vietnamese soup made with rice noodles and plenty of additional ingredients. You can order yours with beef or chicken broth, and additional ingredient options include brisket, chicken, and mixed vegetables. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 to 3:30, Monday through Saturday. 

* READ MORE: Visit the Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota

Happy Hour

Hoping to grab some drinks with coworkers or enjoy a cocktail after a long day on the beach? Well, we have the perfect Sarasota happy hour spots for you. 

Boca Sarasota

Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. you can enjoy happy hour at Boca Sarasota. This industrial-chic downtown restaurant has the perfect vibes for relaxing with a cocktail and some appetizers. 

Aside from their impressive wine list, you can explore Boca’s house cocktails, like the Blue Lagoon, Seasonal Spritz, or Watermelon Collins. There are also plenty of starters to choose from, including zucchini fries and fried green tomatoes. Plus, you’ll love the restaurant’s outdoor patio seating area.  

State Street Eating House + Cocktails

State Street Eating House + Cocktails is the perfect location for cocktail connoisseurs. If you’re just looking to grab a drink, head to the Lounge, where you can enjoy happy hour specials from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. 

The menu includes almost twenty custom cocktails, as well as four “high roller” cocktails ($50+). Some of State Street’s most intriguing cocktails include “Fizzy Endings” (empress gin, egg white, cream, lavender, citrus, and soda) and “Tea Slice” (whiskey, hibiscus tea, lemon, and alchermes liqueur). 

Shakespeare’s

If you’re more of a beer drinker than a cocktail connoisseur, look no further than Shakespeare’s English Pub. Self-proclaimed to be “Sarasota’s premier craft beer restaurant”, Shakespeare’s never disappoints. You can expect to see around 20 beers on tap at any given point, as well as more than a dozen types of bottled beer, both domestic and international. 

While you’re grabbing a brew, enjoy some of Shakespeare’s irresistible appetizers, like the spicy stuffed mushrooms, popcorn shrimp, or loaded fries. You’ll find Shakespeare’s less than a ten-minute drive from downtown Sarasota. 

Siegfried’s

Now that we’ve seen Sarasota’s English pub, let’s head to a German beer garden: Siegfried’s. Open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday, the beer garden is the perfect setting for grabbing a casual drink with some friends. Here you can enjoy German and domestic beers, both on draft and bottled, as well as unique German wines. 

Perhaps one of the best parts of Siegfried’s (aside from the quaint garden area and incredible beer) is their selection of authentic German eats. Out in the beer garden, you can order a German pretzel, German pepper sausage, or imported meats and cheeses. Patrons with a sweet tooth will love the homemade cakes and traditional applestrudel.  

** READ MORE: Best Beaches in Sarasota

Date Night

Whether it’s a first date or a special anniversary dinner, we’ve rounded up the most romantic dining options in Sarasota. 

Mélange

Another Main Street staple, Mélange is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to impress a first date. The restaurant is dedicated to “the exploration of food and flavors from different regions around the world”, so you’re sure to find some creative and unique dishes when you visit. Plus, Mélange’s modern dining setting is sophisticated yet casual. 

House favorites like tuna tartare, rabbit tacos, and duck brie crepes are just a few of the menu’s many inventive dishes. The house cocktails, in the $10-$12 price range, are also a must. Mélange is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Indigenous

Located in a charming yet classy repurposed home, Indigenous is dedicated to sustainability and “creating a better food system”. That’s why you’ll find such a seasonal menu at the restaurant, which changes on a regular basis. The restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy ensures that you’re getting only the freshest (and most delicious) ingredients. 

However, you’ll always be likely to find fresh seafood on the menu, as well as plenty of other entrees. Don’t pass up on dessert: try the decadent Cuban expresso ice cream or an irresistible lemon bar. Indigenous is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 pm.m to 8:30 p.m.

Ophelia’s on the Bay

If you’re in the mood for a romantic waterfront dining experience, look no further than Ophelia’s on the Bay. This restaurant has been a Sarasota classic for over three decades, and for good reason. While there are meat options on the menu, it goes without saying that Ophelia’s on the Bay is the perfect place to bring a seafood lover. 

Yellowtail snapper, crab cakes, and sea scallops are just a few of the menu’s many delicious seafood options. Ophelia’s on the Bay has been rated “Best Waterfront Restaurant” and “Most Romantic Restaurant” by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Reader’s Choice Awards, making it the perfect place to treat your special someone. The restaurant is open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Sage

If you’re celebrating an anniversary or special occasion, Sage is a great place to splurge. This sophisticated restaurant (which also has a spectacular rooftop bar), offers unique creations with seasonal ingredients and an international touch. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Vegetarians, meat-eaters, and seafood lovers alike have their fair share of delicious options at Sage. Interestingly enough, the majority of dishes are also gluten-free. The menu is seasonal, but you can expect to find creative dishes like smoked scallops with green garbanzo hummus, Thai bouillabaisse, or grilled and roasted quail. 

** READ MORE: Things to do in Sarasota (young or old, rain or shine!)

Family Meal

Finally, if you’re heading out with the whole crew, we have a few places up our sleeve that both kids and adults will enjoy. 

Eleni’s Pizza Works

Just a 15-minute drive north from downtown Sarasota you’ll find Eleni’s Pizza Works. This family-friendly eatery offers not only great pizza but also incredible stromboli, as well as delicious subs and wraps. If you’re looking for healthier options, the restaurant also offers a number of salad options. 

And of course, you can’t go wrong with one of the restaurant’s signature pies. Creations like the Happy Greek pizza, the Shrimp Scampi pizza, and Eleni’s Spinachine pizza are just a few of the unique pizza options offered at Eleni’s Pizza Works. You can head here for lunch or dinner, and opening hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. 

Michael’s on East

Located just south of downtown Sarasota is Michael’s on East, a Sarasota restaurant that has been offering quality meals for over thirty years. This spot is the ideal place to celebrate a family celebration, be it a graduation, a birthday, or whatever else the occasion. Michael’s on East is only open for dinner, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 

This locale, while definitely on the classier side, is sure to have something for everyone in the family, as the restaurant has quite an extensive menu. Entrees range from seafood (snapper, seabass, and swordfish) to pasta dishes and steaks. More adventurous meat options include duck, pork chops, veal chops, and lamb. 

Old Salty Dog

The Old Salty Dog actually has three locations: one on Siesta Key, one in Venice, and one conveniently located right outside of downtown Sarasota, in City Island. This is the perfect spot for a casual meal, be it lunch or dinner, with the family. The Old Salty Dog has numerous sandwich and entree options, but what they’re really known for is, you guessed it, their hot dogs. 

You can’t leave the Old Salty Dog without trying one of their signature dogs, like the famous “Salty Dog”, which is dipped in batter and deep-fried. While perhaps not the best location for the health-conscious, the Old Salty Dog is worth the cheat day. The City Island location is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday. 

Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar

We couldn’t talk about good family restaurants in Sarasota without mentioning Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. But don’t let the oysters scare you (or your kids) away. Phillippi Creek has an extensive menu, which seafood lovers will especially enjoy. 

While the restaurant is known for its oysters, you can’t go wrong with Phillippi Creek fried and baked seafood platters either. And be sure to order a round of hush puppies for the table. Phillippi Creek is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  

As you can see, there is no shortage of great dining options for any occasion in Sarasota. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, having happy hour drinks with friends, or taking the whole family out to celebrate, one of our 20 favorite Sarasota eateries is sure to please.

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