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SARASOTA COUNTY
Downtown
Barnacle barnacle, common name in the sedentary crustacean animals constituting the subclass Cirripedia. Barnacles are exclusively marine and are extremely unlike the additional crustacean because in the permanently attached, on the other hand sessile, mode with existence for on a they will are high Bill’s A well-known area popular for good seafood
meals, good wine selections and amicable ambiance am·bi·ance additionally am·bi·ence
n.
The special environment as well as mood produced by a environment: “The noir ambience is actually dominated by low-key lighting…. Must-haves:
Barnacle Bill’s Bouillabaisse bouil·la·baisse
n.
one. A high seasoned stew made from a lot of types with fish and shellfish.
*. A mix of numerous various, usually incongruous components: a bouillabaisse with special interests., in-season Alaskan crab, a boutique
oyster assortment, and wood-fired steaks. True, there’s absolutely no
waterfront view, although who’s searching out and about the window, alright? 1526
Main St., Sarasota along with sites, (941) 365-6800;
bamacle-billsseafood. com. [moderate]
write_ads(2, 1) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Bijou Cafe This kind of popular restaurant enchants with personal cusine
house, the best award-winning wine list and also a tombol reflecting chef/owner
Jean-Pierre Knaggs’ French and South African heritage. Signature
meals contain azure crab cakes and creamy potato gratin gra·tin
n.
A top crust composed of browned crumbs and butter, usually with grated cheese.
[French, from obsolete grater, to scratch, scrape, from Old French; see grate1.]. 1287 First St.,
Sarasota, (941) 366-8111; bijoucafe. net [expensive]
Brassiere Belge This kind of great new element to be able to Main Street features
sublime steamed mussels, high fries and also a set up with additional great
on a. The Belgian beers and ales are not to be able to be missed; cut house for
crepes on the other hand chocolate mousse. 1990 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 706-1944.
[moderate]-[expensive]
Cafe Americano Primary Italian cuisine coming from breakfast via
late evening. Brunch over the spinach and ricotta ri·cot·ta
n.
one. A gentle Italian cheese that resembles new cheese.
*. A similar gentle cheese designed within the United Places. frittata frit·ta·ta
n.
The best open-faced omelet with additional ingredients, such just as cheese as well as vegetables, mixed in to the eggs instead of popular a filling.
[Italian, from fritto, past participle of , lunch on octopus
and eggplant salad and feast on fresh sole with lemon. More than 400
wine bottles, outdoor seating. 1409 Main St., Sarasota; (941) 365-1026;
cafeamericanosrq.com. [moderate]
Cafe Amici This intimate ristorante, nestled into a cozy space on
Main Street, offers creative takes on classic, hearty and contemporary
Italian fare, including antipasti, soups, salads, pasta dishes and an
impressive wine list. 1371 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 951-6896.
[moderate]
Cafe Epicure An urbane downtown trattoria trat·to·ri·a
n. pl. trat·to·ri·as or trat·to·ri·e
An informal restaurant or tavern serving simple Italian dishes.
[Italian, from trattore, host, from trattare , deli, gelateria and bar,
with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu tempts with seasonal salads,
classic pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas and creative seafood, meat and
chicken dishes. Martini bar, too. 1298 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, (941)
366-5648; cafeepicuresrq.com. [moderate]
Caragiulos The brothers Caragiulo share their passion for
traditional Italian cooking and Italian wines in a family-friendly
atmosphere with patio dining and a separate bar. The mozzarella is made
fresh and the biscotti Biscotti (plural of Italian biscotto, roughly meaning “twice baked”) are crisp Italian cookies often containing nuts or flavored with anise. Traditionally, biscotti are made by baking cookie dough in two long slabs, cutting these into slices, and reheating them to dry is still baked by Mama. 69 S. Palm Ave.,
Sarasota, (941) 951-0866; caragiulos.com. [moderate]
C’est La Vie This bustling downtown French-owned cafe and
bakery offers luscious crepes, mouthwatering mouth·wa·ter·ing or mouth-wa·ter·ing
adj.
Appealing to the sense of taste; appetizing: the mouthwatering aroma of a baking pie. quiches, distinctive
omelets, tasty baguette sandwiches, a full pastry selection and more.
Inside and outside dining. 1553 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 906-9575.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
Ceviche ce·vi·che or se·vi·che
n.
Raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice with olive oil and spices and served as an appetizer.
[American Spanish, from Spanish cebiche, fish stew, from Tapas Bar and Restaurant This four-story restaurant
features a menu of more than 100 hot and cold Spanish-style tapas, as
well as paellas and cazuelas. The late-night rooftop bar offers an
incredible view of downtown. 1216 First St, Sarasota, (941) 952-1036;
ceviche.com. [moderate]
Derek’s Culinary Casual Culinary explorations from chef Derek
Barnes include adventures in beef, lamb, duck, chicken, seafood, salads
and soups with small and large plate options. The wine list is inspired.
514 Central Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-6565; dereks-sarasota.com.
[expensive]
Divino A family-owned restaurant offering regional Italian food,
excellent wine list and full bar. Homemade ravioli and gnocchi gnoc·chi
pl.n.
Dumplings made of flour, semolina, or potatoes, boiled or baked and served with grated cheese or a sauce.
[Italian, pl. , sogliola
di mare (fillet of sole Noun 1. fillet of sole - lean flesh of any of several flatfish
sole
sole - right-eyed flatfish; many are valued as food; most common in warm seas especially European ) and agnello divino (rack of lamb Noun 1. rack of lamb - a roast of the rib section of lamb
crown roast
rack - rib section of a forequarter of veal or pork or especially lamb or mutton
lamb roast, roast lamb - a cut of lamb suitable for roasting ) are just some
of the specialties. 1766 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 330-9393;
divinosarasota.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
El Greco The ambiance is welcoming; the fare is classic Greek and
Mediterranean. Favorites include moussaka mous·sa·ka
n.
A Greek dish consisting of layers of ground lamb or beef and sliced eggplant topped with a cheese sauce and baked.
[Serbo-Croatian, from Turkish mussakka , the gyro platter, the chicken
kebab and the cheese Philly steak sub. Live Greek music the last
Thursday of each month. 1592 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 365-2234;
elgrecocafe.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
First Watch The tantalizing tan·ta·lize
tr.v. tan·ta·lized, tan·ta·liz·ing, tan·ta·liz·es
To excite (another) by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach. breakfast and lunch menu comprises
omelets, crepes, soups, salads and sandwiches. Specialties include the
Power Wrap (egg whites, smoked turkey, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried
tomatoes, with salsa). 1395 Main St, Sarasota, (941) 954-1395; 8383 S.
Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 923-6754; first-watch.com. [inexpensive]
Galileo This intimate downtown restaurant features indoor and
outdoor seating and a classic Italian menu built on seasonal
ingredients. The cannelloni can·nel·lo·ni
n.
1. Pasta in large-sized tubes.
2. A dish consisting of such tubes stuffed with meat, vegetables, or cheese and baked in a tomato or cream sauce.
[Italian, pl. ricchezze del mare is a crowd pleaser--pasta
rolls stuffed with king crab, Gulf shrimp and a blend of ricotta
impastata and Mascarpone mas·car·po·ne
n.
A fresh soft Italian cheese with a high butterfat content, made from cow's milk enriched with cream.
[Italian, augmentative of dialectal mascarpa, whey cheese. cheese. 443 Burns Court, Sarasota, (941)
330-2811; eataliana.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Hyde Park This downtown hotspot is a refreshed version of the
classic American steak-house offering creative preparations of steaks,
chops, seafood and exotic fish. The wine list features more than 50
wines by the glass, and the bar offers affordable bar bites and
inventive inventive cocktails. 35 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, (941)
366-7788; hydeparkrestaurants.com. [expensive]
Lan Featuring a three-course prix fixe menu nightly and a
late-night menu after 10 p.m. The menu in this chef-driven space is
daring, emphasizing seasonal and local fare. Distinctive offerings
include curried rabbit turnover and quail soup. 1568 Main St., Sarasota,
(941) 953-7111; tanrestaurant.com. [expensive]
Marina Jack Upstairs in Marina Jack’s lavish dining room,
feast on award-winning blue crab cakes and black grouper while gazing
out over Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota. Downstairs, the open-air
raw bar is perfect for casual fare and cocktails. 2 Marina Plaza,
Sarasota, (941) 365-4232; marinajacks.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Mattison’s City Grille Commanding the busiest downtown
Sarasota corner, Mattison’s shares some of its tables with the
sidewalk. Sip top-shelf wines, down-to-earth beers (cocktails, too) and
sup (from sandwiches to rack of lamb) under the Sarasota sky. Music
nightly. 1 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, (941) 330-0440; mattisons.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
MoZaic Chef Dylan Elhajoui’s menu is inspired by Southern
French and Mediterranean cuisine and fortified by fresh regional fare.
Favorites include the braised petite veal shank tagine with root
vegetables and the sauteed quail and forest mushrooms with chevre
polenta po·len·ta
n.
A thick mush made of cornmeal boiled in water or stock.
[Italian, from Latin, crushed grain, barley meal.]
Noun 1. . 1377 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 951-6272; mozaicsarasota.com.
[expensive]
Nancy’s Bar-B-Q At barbecue maven Nancy Krohngold’s
popular downtown outpost, meat is the star: pulled pork on a bun or
naked, pork ribs “St. Louis style,” Texas hot links and beef
brisket brisket
the mass of connective tissue and fat covering the anterior part of the chest in ruminants. Lies at the most ventral part of the neck, between the front legs and covering the anterior end of the sternum. , slow-cooked chicken. But the sides are anything but
afterthoughts. 301 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, (941) 366-2271.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar &; Grill The vibe is laid-back but
the menu is packed: peel-and-eat shrimp, oyster buns, batter-dipped
oysters and an ocean of brews and wines. Live music (most nights)
creates the perfect soundtrack to the killer view of Sarasota Bay. 5
Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, (941) 953-7505; olearystikibar.com.
[inexpensive]
Owen’s Fish Camp Chef-driven Southern grub in a historic
cottage. Sup on fresh fish, mussels, lobster, steaks, pulled-pork
sandwiches, sweet corn and more. The Low Country boil for two (crab,
mussels, shrimp, clams and spicy andouille an·dou·ille
n.
A spicy smoked sausage made with pork and garlic, used especially in Cajun cooking.
[French, from Old French andoille, from Medieval Latin *inductilia, sausage) is a must-have. 516
Burns Lane, Sarasota;(941) 951-6936, owensfishcamp.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
Patrick’s 1481 Patrick’s is the real deal. Sports on the
tube. Suits sealing deals. Super-sized burgers, sizzling steaks, a
respectable wine and beer selection and full bar–it’s the
all-American joint gussied gus·sy
tr.v. gus·sied, gus·sy·ing, gus·sies Slang
To dress or decorate elaborately; adorn or embellish: gussied herself up in sequins and feathers. up with some downtown swank. 1481 Main St.,
Sarasota, (941) 952-1170; patricksof-sarasota.com. [moderate]
Pho Cali Discover authentic Vietnamese fare with a menu offering
appetizers and soups, vegetarian specials, and such chef specials as
pan-fried white fish, spicy beef stew, roast duck, and avocado
smoothies. 1578 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 955-2683;phocalisarasota.com.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
Pomona Bistro &; Wine Bar A popular new restaurant in
downtown’s Rosemary District, Pomona specializes in French and
Italian fusion cuisine, with standouts including buttermilk buttermilk
residual fluid after removal of fat from milk in butter manufacture; a protein-rich supplement fed to pigs. gnocchi,
rosemary-and-lemon roasted chicken, and chocolate souffles to die for. A
well-edited international wine list. 481 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, (941)
706-1677; pomonabistroandwine.com [moderate]-[expensive]
Retropolitan Nestled in a quaint 1920s Spanish Mission-style
bungalow, “The Retro” offers from-scratch cooking, including a
Guinness-and-goat-cheese burger, grilled meatloaf, broiled broil 1
v. broiled, broil·ing, broils
v.tr.
1. To cook by direct radiant heat, as over a grill or under an electric element.
2. To expose to great heat.
v. cod and steak
frites. 437 Burns Court, Sarasota, retropoli-tangrill.com.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
Salute! Downtown’s Salute! features an extensive, heavily
Italian menu, including a beautiful pasta list and a wine list starring
bottles from the restaurant’s own vineyards. Dine al fresco or
indoors; excellent happy hour deals on food and drink. 23 N. Lemon Ave.,
Sarasota, (941) 365-1020; salutesarasota.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Tropical Thai Enjoy creative Thai cuisine with a wide selection of
soups, noodles, meats, seafood, vegetarian and macrobiotic dishes.
Specialties include a spicy soft shell crab, grouper grouper, common name for a large carnivorous member of the family Serranidae (sea bass family), abundant in tropical and subtropical seas and highly valued as food fish. with ginger sauce,
zesty salads and a tantalizing array of curries. 1420 Main St.,
Sarasota, (941) 364-5775; tropicalthaiofsarasota.com. [moderate]
Two Senoritas Featuring dishes from Mexico and the American
Southwest with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The salsa,
guacamole and flour tortillas are housemade daily. Signature dishes
include the steak tortillas and the ancho- and cumin-encrusted salmon.
1355 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 366-1618; twosenori-tas.com. [moderate]
Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Award-winning cuisine
reflecting the flavors of the Mediterranean, coupled with indigenous
products of our Gulf Coast. Fresh local seafood, produce, prime meats
and poultry dishes are served in an ambiance of elegance. Excellent wine
and spirits selection and a popular Sunday brunch. 1111 Ritz-Carlton
Drive, Sarasota, (941) 309-2008; ritzcarlton.com. [expensive]
Yume Sushi Offering a diversity of Japanese specialties, including
a creative selection of sushi rolls (ask for the low-carb roll if
you’re counting calories), super fresh sushi and sashimi offerings,
and more than 50 kinds of premium sake. 1537 Main St., Sarasota, (941)
363-0604. [moderate]
Siesta Key
Bella Roma The family-owned Bella Roma cooks up classic Northern
Italian fare, from rustic focaccia bread to fresh pasta, seafood and
veal. Located a block from Siesta Beach, it’s a great place to dine
after catching a spectacular sunset. 5239 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key, (941)
349-0995; bellaro-maitalianrestaurant.com. [moderate]
Blu Smoke Island Grill Offering smoked cuisine–like hardwood grill
favorites cooked low and slow over hickory and applewood–Blu Smoke
Island Grill serves favorites such as babyback ribs and beef brisket
smoked chicken. Try the “blu” cheese slaw slaw
n. Chiefly Southern U.S.
Coleslaw.
Noun 1. slaw – basically shredded cabbage
coleslaw
salad – food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of and bourbon bread
pudding, too. 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, (941) 346-0738;
blusmokeislandgrill.com. [moderate]
Captain Curt’s Crab &; Oyster Bar Captain Curt’s is an
old-timey seafood joint located just off Siesta Key’s Stickney
Point Bridge. With reasonable prices, a casual atmosphere, and courteous
service, Captain Curt’s is a great place to take the whole family.
1200 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key, (941) 349-3885;
captaincurts.com. [inexpensive]
The Cottage Chef Darwin Santa Maria, former proprietor of perennial
downtown favorite Selva Grill, has moved his culinary prowess to Siesta
Key. Choose plates to share from a menu heavy on seafood and starring
his heavenly ceviches and sashimi. 153 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key,
(941) 312-9300; cottagesiestakey.com. [moderate]
Daiquiri Deck Is there anything more refreshing than coming off the
beach after a long, hot, sandy day–and then enjoying a frozen daiquiri?
With an extensive drink menu as well as a raw oyster bar, Daiquiri Deck
is the perfect post-beach destination. 520 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key,
(941) 349-8697; 325 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 388-3325;
daiquhdecksiestakey.com. [inexpensive]
Javier’s Restaurant and Wine Bar At this intimate eatery,
expect Peruvian-inspired ceviches, tapas and Chinese-Peruvian fusion
dishes starring organic vegetables, seafood and meats. Favorites include
the arroz chaufa, a bracing stew of rice, shrimp, chicken, scallions and
crunchy red pepper. 6621 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, (941) 349-1792;
javiersrestaurant.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Ophelia’s on the Bay Enjoy indoor or outdoor dining surrounded
by gardens overlooking the sweep of Sarasota Bay. Combining local
seafood and fine meats with Florida-grown produce, Ophelia’s offers
a menu with a distinctly New World flair. The wine menu is one of the
region’s best. 9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key; (941) 349-2212;
opheliasonthebay.net. [expensive]
Siesta Key Oyster Bar A Siesta Key classic, SKOB is a laid-back
beach bar with a fun deck, live music, and good food at moderate prices.
SKOB also features local spirits (like Jalehouse Light lager and Siesta
Key rum), and serves a delightfully priced Sunday brunch. 5238 Ocean
Blvd., Siesta Key, (941) 346-5443; skob.com. [inexpensive]
St. Armands, Lido, City Island
15 South Ristorante and Straight Up Martini Bar Authentic Italian
specialties and wines on St. Armands. A favorite for lively nights out,
the upstairs martini bar features live jazz, rhythm and blues rhythm and blues (R&;B)
Any of several closely related musical styles developed by African American artists. The various styles were based on a mingling of European influences with jazz rhythms and tonal inflections, particularly syncopation and the flatted blues chords. and Latin
music. 15 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands, (941) 388-1555;
15southristorante.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Blue Dolphin Cafe Serving breakfast and lunch daily, Blue Dolphin
Cafe offers comforting, hearty food–stacks of fluffy pancakes,
overstuffed omelets, and thick slices of French toast. The eggs are
locally sourced, and the service is fast and friendly. 470 John Ringling
Blvd., St. Armands, (941) 388-3566; bluedolphincafe.com. [inexpensive]
Cafe Galante/Terrace on the Circle Located on the second story of
the Columbia Restaurant building, Cafe Galante/Terrace on the Circle has
one of the best views on St. Armands Circle. Open daily for breakfast
and lunch, the restaurant features authentic Eastern Mediterranean,
classic American and signature Italian cuisine. 419-A St. Armands
Circle, (941) 388-2222; cafegalante.com. [inexpensive]
Cafe L’Europe A Sarasota institution, 34-year-old Cafe
L’Europe offers multi-continental cuisine, from Asian to classic
French. Highlights include bourbon pecan salad, brandied duckling,
potato-crusted grouper and pan-seared sea scallops with sweet potato
hash. Good desserts as well. 432 St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-4415;
cafeleurope.net. [expensive]
Cha-Cha Coconuts The best way to enjoy this restaurant is at an
outdoor table, basking in the Florida weather while people-watching.
You’ll find island-style seafood, like fish tacos and coconut
shrimp, as well as burgers, fries and a large selection of tropical
drinks. 417 St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-3300; chacha-coconuts.com.
[inexpensive]
Columbia Restaurant In existence since 1905, with its first outpost
in Ybor City, the Columbia is famous for Cuban and Spanish food. A half
Cuban sandwich with a 1905 salad makes the perfect lunch; for dinner,
there’s a tantalizing selection of beef, chicken and seafood
dishes. 411 St Armands Circle, (941) 388-3987;
colum-biarestaurant.com/sarasota.asp. [moderate]-[expensive]
Crab &; Fin With its 33-year history and lovely sidewalk tables,
it’s no wonder Crab &; Fin is a Sarasota mainstay. Start with
Charley’s Chowder chowder, stew of fish or shellfish with potatoes, onions, and pork (usually salt pork), thickened with crumbled hard bread. The name chowder seems to have originated from the French word chaudière , a Mediterranean fish soup, then proceed to
coldwater oysters and any one of the restaurant’s various fresh
catches. There’s pasta, sandwiches and chicken and steak, too. 420
St. Armands Circle, (941) 388-3964; crabfinrestaurant.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
Le Colonne Le Colonne doesn’t just have ambiance (although
dining at its sidewalk tables is certainly a treat). Meat dishes are
delightful (try the polio alia Rusticana), as are desserts (hello,
tiramisu tir·a·mi·su
n.
A dessert of cake infused with a liquid such as coffee or rum, layered with a rich cheese filling, and topped with grated chocolate. ), but it’s the homemade pasta that’s the real star.
22 S. Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands, (941) 388-4348;
lecolonnerestaurant.com. [moderate]
Le Macaron It’s not exactly a restaurant, but it’s the
perfect place to enjoy a coffee, a croissant or, best of all, a colorful
Parisian cookie known as a macaron. With flavors like hot-pink
raspberry, sunshiny lemon and green mint-chocolate, you can literally
taste the rainbow. 38 St. Armands Circle, (941) 552-8872;
lemacaron-us.com. [inexpensive]
Lido Beach Grille The Lido Beach Grille, located on the eighth
floor of the Lido Beach Resort and featuring spectacular views, serves
up consistently ambitious fare. Try the lump crab martinis and the
pan-roasted free range chicken with a whole-grain mustard demi glace.
700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, (941) 388-5608;
lido-beachresort.com/dining.html, [moderate]-[expensive]
Lynches Pub &; Grub Lynches offers authentic Irish fare, from
corned beef and cabbage to Irish stew to cottage pie. Peruse the menu,
order a pint of Guinness and you’ll feel just like you’re in
the Old Country, especially when you listen to owners Chris and Ethna
Lynch speak in their lovely lilt. 19-B N. Boulevard of Presidents, St.
Armands, (941) 388-5550; .lynchespub.com. [inexpensive]
Old Salty Dog Easygoing eas·y·go·ing also eas·y-go·ing
adj.
1.
a. Living without undue worry or concern; calm.
b. Lax or negligent; careless.
c. Florida dining at its most relaxed. Chill
out on the outside deck with a frosty mug and dig into conch conch (kŏngk, kŏnch, kôngk), common name for certain marine gastropod mollusks having a heavy, spiral shell, the whorls of which overlap each other. fritters,
shrimp poppers, steamed clams, grouper sandwiches, burgers and more.
1601 Ken Thompson Parkway. Sarasota, (941) 388-4311; 5023 Ocean Blvd.,
Siesta Key, (941) 349-0158; theoldsaltydog.com. [inexpensive]
Tokyo Steakhouse &; Sushi Bar There’s a populist vibe at
Tokyo, with its hibachi grill tables and performing chefs, but at the
upstairs sushi bar masters of the knife turn out the standard sushi
repertoire in anything but standard fashion. For our money, the sushi
bar is the best seat in the house. 29 N. Boulevard of Presidents, St.
Armands, (941) 556-9758; [moderate]-[expensive]
Tommy Bahama Don’t let Tommy Bahama’s association with
its sister clothing store fool you: This restaurant stands on its own.
Start with the delicious Loki-Loki Tuna Poke, then take your pick from
the list of entrees, which strikes the perfect balance between land and
sea. 300 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands, (941) 388-2888;
tommyba-hama.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Longboat Key
Chart House With a prime location and dramatic views, the Chart
House is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. You’ll find
fresh seafood, juicy | steaks and decadent desserts like Hot Chocolate,
Lava Cake, as well as a nice selection of wines. 201 Gulf of Mexico
Drive Gulf of Mexico Drive is the major road that runs north and south on Longboat Key, Florida. It offers views of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota Bay to the east. A state-maintained highway, Gulf of Mexico Drive is also known as Florida State Route 789. , Longboat Key, (941) I 383-5593; chart-house.com. [expensive]
Dry Dock Waterfront Grille Another restaurant that’s as
popular with visitors as it is with locals, Dry Dock has indoor and
waterfront dining overlooking Sarasota Bay. The grouper sandwich is a
can’t-miss item here; the homemade lobster bisque bisque 1
n.
1.
a. A rich, creamy soup made from meat, fish, or shellfish.
b. A thick cream soup made of puréed vegetables.
2. Ice cream mixed with crushed macaroons or nuts. is also tasty.
There’s also a kids’ menu. 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat
Key, (941) 383-0102; drydockwaterfrontgrill.com. [moderate]
Euphemia Haye This restaurant is famed for its seasonally inspired
gourmet fare, outstanding service and wine list. That’s downstairs.
Upstairs at the Haye Loft, things are more laid-back, with a late-night
menu, desserts and live jazz most nights. 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive,
Longboat Key, (941) 387-0495; euphemiahaye.com. [expensive]
Harry’s Continental Kitchen This local treasure is renowned
for fresh seafood offerings, gourmet winemaker dinners, inventive soups
(the vichyssoise vi·chys·soise
n.
A thick creamy potato soup flavored with leeks and onions, usually served cold.
[French, from feminine of vichyssois, of Vichy.]
Noun 1. is the tastiest this side of Vichy) and an
ever-evolving wine and beer list. 525 Saint Judes Drive, Longboat Key,
(941) 383-0777; har-ryskitchen.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
The Lazy Lobster Starring lobster (and mussels) in all
incarnations, sinfully rich lobster bisque, carnivore carnivore (kär`nəvôr’), term commonly applied to any animal whose diet consists wholly or largely of animal matter. In animal systematics it refers to members of the mammalian order Carnivora (see Chordata). offerings and an
extensive wine list. The lemon sole Francaise is also spectacular. 5350
Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, (941) 383-0440;
chefbobslazylobster.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Maison Blanche At this temple of French cuisine, chef Jose Martinez
creates dishes that delight the most sophisticated patrons. The ambiance
is sumptuous, the service sophisticated, and the wine cellar features
250 top-shelf wines. 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, (941)
383-8088; maisonblancherestaurants.com. [expensive]
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub Serving up first-rate Florida
fare, inside and outside, with views of north Sarasota Bay. Menu
highlights include steamer pots, Long Beach Bouillabaisse, perfectly
crunchy stone and blue crab cakes. Full bar. 760 Broadway St., Longboat
Key, (941) 383-2391; marvista-restaurant.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant Moore’s Stone Crab
Restaurant features fresh stone crab during season, and fresh, local
seafood the rest of the year. You can order your stone crabs to take
home and prepare yourself, or stop and sample the fine Old-Florida
offerings. 800 Broadway St., Longboat Key, (941) 383-1748;
mooresstone-crab.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
Pattigeorge’s Casually elegant with Gulf views and a generous
libation li·ba·tion
n.
1.
a. The pouring of a liquid offering as a religious ritual.
b. The liquid so poured.
2. Informal
a. A beverage, especially an intoxicating beverage.
b. list. Chef/owner Tommy Klauber’s globally influenced
fusion cuisine (from Asia to the Caribbean) relies heavily on naturally
raised meats, sustainable seafood and regionally grown produce. 4120
Gulf of Mexico Drive, Long-boat Key, (941) 383-5111;pattigeorges.com.
[expensive]
North Sarasota
Broadway Bar This local favorite opened in 1925 and has been going
strong ever since. The pizza is acclaimed, but don’t overlook the
hearty appetizers, sandwiches, pasta dishes and daily specials. The
ambiance is family-friendly; the bar full of good cheer. 1001 Cocoanut
Ave., Sarasota, (941) 953-4343; broadwaybar.com. [inexpensive]
Currents Restaurant at the Hyatt Sarasota With its waterfront
views, bright decor, lively bar scene and friendly service, this is a
great place to sit and sip. Signature dishes include roasted fennel fennel, common name for several perennial herbs, genus Foeniculum vulgare of the family Umbelliferae (parsley family), related to dill. The strawlike foliage and the seeds are licorice-scented and are used (especially in Italian cooking) for flavoring. and
goat cheese almandine al·man·dine also al·man·dite
n.
A deep violet-red garnet, FeAl2Si3O12, found in metamorphic rocks and used as a gemstone. salad and the Florida lobster macadamia macadamia (măk’ədā`mēə), name for the nut of the Macadamia ternifolia, an evergreen tree native to Australia, but cultivated in Hawaii. The nuts, also called Queensland nuts, are eaten roasted or raw. . 1000
Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, (941) 953-1234; sarasota.hyatt.com.
[moderate]
Da Ru Ma Japanese Steakhouse &; Sushi Bar Award-winning cuisine
and a local favorite, Da Ru Ma features expertly trained Teppan-style
chefs preparing Japanese classics at your table, a sushi lounge staffed
by equally skilled chefs and a friendly cocktail lounge. 5459 Fruitville
Road, Sarasota (941) 342-6600; darumasarasota.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
Jason’s Deli Great deli sandwiches like Reubens, and tuna
melts, plus wraps, paninis, po’boys, salads, and even pastas–all
with no high-fructose corn syrup, no trans fats and no MSG MSG: see glutamic acid. . Eat in,
carry out, or delivery. 5231 University Parkway, Sarasota, (941)
351-5999; jasonsdeli.com. [inexpensive]
Kumo Japanese Steakhouse This award-winning restaurant has earned a
lasting reputation for excellent sushi, Teppan-style grilling and a full
menu of Japanese classics, from bento A data structure used to store embedded documents in an OpenDoc compound document. Bento, which stands for lunch box in Japanese, provides a “container” to hold the data and a format for defining its contents. boxes to teriyaki ter·i·ya·ki
n.
A Japanese dish of grilled or broiled slices of marinated meat or shellfish.
[Japanese : teri, glaze + yaki, to broil.]
Noun 1. . 5231 University
Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 355-5866; 1740 E. Venice Ave., Venice, (941)
488-5866; kumojapanesesteakhouse.com. [inexpensive]-[expensive]
Lee Roy Selmon’s With soul-satisfying food and a friendly
staff, Lee Roy Selrnon’s redefines what a sports bar should be. Try
the fried green tomatoes and “Mama’s Meatloaf,” straight
from Mama Selmon’s kitchen. 8253 Cooper Creek Blvd., Sarasota,
(941) 360-3287; 6510 Cortez Road W., Bradenton; (941) 798-3287;
leeroysetmons.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
Morel Featuring award-winning American/Continental contemporary
cuisine, including Atlantic salmon, grilled filet mignon, sea bass and
duck breast. The extensive wine list is awe-inspiring. 3809 S. Tuttte
Ave., Sarasota, (941) 927-8716; morelrestaurant.com. [expensive]
Treviso Holding court in The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the state art museum of Florida, located in Sarasota, Florida. It was established in 1927 as the legacy of Mable and John Ringling for the people of Florida. Florida State University assumed governance of the Museum in 2000. ,
Treviso serves classic Italian and American cuisine and its
modern-minimalist decor. Patio seating boasts a view of the grounds.
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota, (941) 360-7390; trevisorestaurant.com.
[expensive]
South Sarasota
62 Bistrot Creperie and French Bistrot A bustling bistro serving
inventive crepes, salads, sandwiches, cheese plates, delectable desserts
and heartier French dishes, including cassoulet cas·sou·let
n.
A casserole of white beans, various meats, vegetables, and herbs, slowly simmered or baked in a slow oven.
[French, stove dish, diminutive of cassolo, earthenware vessel , bouillabaisse and beef
Bourguignon. 1962 Hill-view St., Sarasota, (941) 954-1011. [moderate]
Andrea’s Originally from Piedmont, Italy, Chef Andrea Bozzolo
uses local ingredients to reflect his native region. Pastas are made
from scratch; the steaks prepared perfectly; the wine list boasts more
than 350 selections. 2085 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, (941) 951-9200;
andreasristorante.com. [expensive]
Bangkok This haven of Thai art, cozy booths and a surprising
variety of cuisine features cuisine from the four corners of Thailand to
the tastes of Burma, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. 4791 Swift
Road, Sarasota, (941) 922-0703; bangkoksarasota.com.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
Bonefish Grill Featuring fresh fish and meat cooked to perfection
over a wood-burning grill and drizzled with tantalizing marinades and
sauces. Also seasonally inspired pasta and vegetable dishes. The
cocktail, wine and beer list is top-shelf. 3971 [inexpensive]. Tamiami
Trait, Sarasota, (941) 924-9090; bonefishgrill.com. [moderate]
Cafe Baci This longtime local favorite specializes in Tuscan and
Roman cuisine, including seafood, homemade pastas and veal. Plus, the
wine and spirits menu is inspired. 4001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota,
(941) 921-4848; cafebaci.net. [expensive]
Chutney’s Husband-and-wife team Ash Shukla and Denise May
offer outstanding Indian and Middle Eastern fare, including chicken
masala, lamb vindaloo vin·da·loo
n. pl. vin·da·loos
1. A blend of red chilis, tamarind, and other spices, such as ginger, cumin, and mustard seeds.
2. Any of various dishes of southern and central India made with this spice blend. , falafel fa·la·fel or fe·la·fel
n.
1. Ground spiced chickpeas shaped into balls and fried.
2. A sandwich filled with such a mixture. , spanakopita spa·na·ko·pi·ta
n.
A Greek spinach pie made with layers of phyllo and a filling of seasoned spinach, onions and scallions, feta, and sometimes eggs. and other spicy delights.
The atmosphere is casual and friendly. 1944 Hillview St., Sarasota,
(941) 954-4444. [moderate]
Cosimo’s Enjoy New World and traditional Italian cuisine, a
creative wine list and a full bar in an intimate trattoria atmosphere.
Highlights include the wood-fired pizzas, the cheese tortellini tossed
with jumbo shrimp and sea scallops, and the potato gnocchi. 3502 S.
Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 363-0211; cosimos.net
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse &; Wine Bar A good steak is a
work of art. Fleming’s chefs begin with the finest beef, perform
their magic, and grill it as you like it. The menu also stars fresh
seafood and more than 100 wines by the glass. 2001 Siesta Drive,
Sarasota, (941) 358-9463; flemingssteakhouse.com. [expensive]
Hillview Grill A casual mood with a sophisticated menu. Innovative
entrees include seafood, pasta, burgers and sandwiches–all classics,
all cleverly reinvented. Small plates for lunch or dinner for
diet-conscious gastronomes. Full bar. 1920 Hillview St., Sarasota, (941)
952-0045; hill-viewgrill.com. [moderate]
J-Pan Serving sushi standards, original rolls and creative fusion
dishes, this local favorite is famous for artistic presentations,
friendly service and impeccably fresh fish. The lunch bento boxes are
spectacular. 3800 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 954-5726;
jpanrestaurant.com. [moderate]
Libby’s Cafe + Bar Casually sophisticated, with a lively bar
scene. Chef Fran Casciato’s “Florida cuisine” attracts an
eclectic crowd with its creative dining experience, which ranges from
small plate to full-dinner options. The wine list will inspire oohs and
ahs. 1917 Osprey Ave., Sarasota, (941) 487-7300; libbyscafebar.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
Mattison’s Forty-One The award-winning menu includes fresh
seafood, aged beef, duck, a tapas selection, creative cocktails and
first-rate wines and brews. The ambiance is elegant but comfy with live
music and dancing most nights. 7275 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941)
921-3400; mattisons.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano &; Cantina This family-run
restaurant offers specialties that reflect the cuisine of Northern
Mexico. Signature dishes include the house fajitas, the shrimp and mango
tortillas and the polio con mole. The cream cheese flan is irresistible.
Also offering a vegan menu. 4436 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941)
359-9303 and other locations. mipueblomexican.com.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
Michael’s On East This much-awarded Sarasota institution
boasts a plush ambiance, an inventive American-Continental cuisine menu
and an adventurous wine list. This is the spot where cognoscenti co·gno·scen·te
n. pl. co·gno·scen·ti
A person with superior, usually specialized knowledge or highly refined taste; a connoisseur. flock
to engage in serious talk over serious food or sip spirits in the lively
piano lounge. 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota, (941) 366-0007;
michael-soneast.com. [expensive]
Mrs. Chen’s Sarasota has no Chinatown, but thank heaven for
Mrs. Chen’s. Crowds gather, lining up for the buffet, though some
prefer table service. It’s relaxed and affordable, and no one minds
if you play with your chopsticks. 6125 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941)
924-0039. [inexpensive]
Oriental Buffet Watch Mongolian and sushi chefs prepare your food.
Sarasota’s biggest buffet boasts more than 200 all-you-can-eat
items to choose from. Crab legs offered nightly; kids ages four to nine
eat at reduced prices. 4458 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941) 377-6699.
[inexpensive]
Pacific Rim This happening spot offers out- standing Japanese-Thai
fusion cuisine. Think tempuras, grilled seafood and meats, curries and
pad Thai dishes, lemongrass-based soups, fresh salads and an inspired
sushi and sashimi selection. Creative cocktails include Thai cocoanut
and lemongrass lemongrass,
n Latin name:
Cymbopogon citratus; part used: leaves; uses: antitussive, antirheumatic, antiseptic, anxiolytic, antibacterial, antifungal, insomnia, vomiting, high blood pressure, fever; precautions: none known. martinis. 2859 Hillview St. Sarasota,(941) 330-8071;
pacificrimsarasota.com. [moderate]
Philippi Creek Oyster Bar Casual waterfront dining (indoors and
out) and fresh seafood, burgers and sandwiches. Delights include the
spicy Cajun seafood gumbo, the steamed pots (oysters, clams, mussels),
and an avalanche of sides, from parsley taters to hush puppies. 5353 S.
Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 925-4444; creekseafood.com.[moderate]
Roy’s Combining fresh local ingredients with European sauces
and bold Asian spices, Roy’s features seafood with a focus on
delicacies from the oceans surrounding Hawaii, in addition to an array
of hand-cut meats, sushi and fresh shellfish. 2001 Siesta Drive,
Sarasota, (941) 9S2-0109; oysrestaurant.com.[moderate] [inexpensive]
Ruth’s Chris Steak House Their famous steaks are seared to
perfection and sizzling when they hit your table. Dishes celebrating
seafood, lamb chops, chicken and seasonal vegetables prove the rest of
the food chain is not neglected. The chocolate sin cake is a must. 6700
[inexpensive]. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 924-9442; ruthschris.com.
[expensive]
Sam Snead’s The hearty fare ranges from flat-breads, soups,
and salads to steaks, chops and Reuben sandwiches, all served in a
golfer-friendly ambiance with photos of legend Sam Snead teeing up with
fellow celebs Bing Crosby and Bobby Jones. 2830 S. Osprey Ave., Suite
100, Sarasota, (941) 906-7771; samsneadssarasota.com.[moderate]
Siam Orchid This family-owned restaurant, a favorite for more than
20 years, offers Thai and Asian fusion dishes, including pastakeemao (a
heavenly affair of angel hair noodles stir-fried with sweet basil
leaves), duck in myriad flavors, and an array of Thai curries. 4242 S
Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 923-7447;
siamorchidrestaurant.com.[moderate]
Square 1 Burgers &; Bar The burgers are the star here,
everything from Angus beef to chicken, buffalo, pulled pork, tuna,
ostrich and even vegetarian. Fries are excellent, and there’s a
sinful dessert menu-you’ll want to save room for the cupcakes and
cupcake sundaes. 1737 [inexpensive]. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941)
870-8111; squarelburgers.com [inexpensive]
TooJay’s Gourmet Deli Restaurant &; Bakery Celebrated for
its New York-style delicatessen specialties, comfort foods,
heart-healthy choices and delicious desserts. Applauded for its
blintzes, potato pancakes, pot roast, meat loaf and formidable
vegetarian offerings. 3502 [inexpensive]. Tamiami Trail,Sarasota, (941)
362-3692; toojays.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
Vizen Japanese Restaurant If you love real sushi edo style, with an
understanding of the flavors, presentation, and mastery of Chef Matsu,
this is the place to be. Aficianados rave about the creativity and
quality of this sushi. 6559 Gateway Ave. Sarasota, (941) 926-0830;
vizen-sarasota.com. [moderate]
Yoder’s The massive menu of no-nonsense, hearty fare will
force you to loosen your belt a notch. Indulge in Amish quesadillas,
Hungarian goulash and Southern-style fried fish fingers; save room for a
bite of their famous pies. 3434 Babia Vista St., Sarasota, (941)
955-7771; yodersrestaurant.com. [inexpensive]
Venice/Nokomis/Osprey
Casey Key Fish House This Casey Key establishment, accessible by
land and sea, features daily dinner specials like bouillabaisse, ahi
tuna, stone crab claws, lobster tail and grouper. The popular Tiki Bar
recently reopened to local applause. 802 Blackburn Point Road, Casey
Key,(941) 966-1901; caseykeyfisbhouse.com. [moderate]
Crow’s Nest With fantastic views of the Crow’s Nest
Marina and Intracoastal Waterway, the Crow’s Nest serves fresh
Florida seafood, beef and pork. A Wine Spectator award-winning wine list
features selections by the glass and bottle. There’s also a lively
tavern with raw bar menu. 1986 Tarpon tarpon (tär`pŏn), common name for members of the family Elopidae, large herringlike game fish of the warm seas of the Western Hemisphere, ranging occasionally from Long Island to Brazil and to the west coast of Africa and entering freshwater Center Drive, Venice, (941)
484-9551; crowsnest-venice.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Le Petit Jardin A Venice institution offering classic French
fare-crepes, quiches, ratatouille-as well as salads, sandwiches and
homemade soup, all at reasonable prices. A great place for lunch; save
room for dessert, whether it’s a French apple crepe crepe (krāp), thin fabric of crinkled texture, woven originally in silk but now available in all major fibers. There are two kinds of crepe. or a banana
split. 1500 [pounds sterling]. Venice Ave., Venice, (941) 485-449.
[inexpensive]
Saltwater Cafe This Osprey restaurant has a varied menu guaranteed
to please any palate. Pizza is quite good here, as is everything from
the burgers to the pan-fried softshell crab to unique pasta offerings.
The chef likes experimenting, so you’ll always find fresh,
interesting flavors. 1071 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, (941) 488-3775;
salt-watercafe.com. [moderate]
Sharky’s on the Pier Sharky’s on the Pier literally sits
on the Gulf of Mexico Noun 1. Gulf of Mexico – an arm of the Atlantic to the south of the United States and to the east of Mexico
Golfo de Mexico
Atlantic, Atlantic Ocean – the 2nd largest ocean; separates North and South America on the west from Europe and Africa on the east , with breathtaking sunsets and a live-music
schedule. Watch the sun go down as you sip a tropical frozen drink, or
stop in for a grouper sandwich after digging for sharks’ teeth on
the beach. 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice, (941) 488-1456;
sharkysonthepier.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
MANATEE COUNTY
Lakewood Ranch
Broken Egg This classic cafe/diner offers seven days of breakfast
and lunch and lots of friendly service. For something special, try the
crab eggs Benedict or the Longboat Key omelet (salmon, cream cheese and
chives). 6115 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch, (941) 388-6898; 140 Avenida
Messina, Siesta Key, (941) 346-2750 and another location,
thebrokenegg.com.[inexpensive]
Polo Grill and Bar Serving American cuisine with a global soul,
this upscale eatery pairs outstanding foods and wines with an upbeat
ambiance. The lounge is always hopping with a lively happy hour,
entertainment, dancing and light bites. 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood
Ranch, (941) 782-0899; pologrillandbar.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Bradenton
Anna Maria Oyster Bar The oyster selection wil wow you. But the
menu also offers succulent seafood selections (including fresh Maine
lobster), pasta skillets, inventive salads and even land critters. 6906
14th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 758-7800; 6696 Cortez Road W., (941)
792-0077, and another location, oysterbar.net [inexpensive]-[moderate]
The Bearded Clam Located at the Ramada ra·ma·da
n. Southwestern U.S.
1.
a. An open or semienclosed shelter roofed with brush or branches, designed especially to provide shade.
b. An open porch or breezeway.
2. Inn Waterfront. The menu
includes 12-oz. ribeye, a 21-piece Shrimp Trio, hot dogs on grilled New
England lobster rolls and fish burritos with homemade mango salsa. 7150
N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 355-2600; thebeardedclamsarasota.com.
Captain Brian’s Daily selections of Florida’s freshest
seafood have earned this favorite Florida Trends Golden Spoon Award and
an excellent Zagat rating. Highlights include the creamy seafood chowder
loaded with Gulf shrimp, snow crab and sea scallops, 8421 N. Tamiami
Trail, Sarasota, (941) 351-4492; captainbriansseafood.com. [moderate]
Ezra Cafe Chef and owner Donna Easton boasts a Ph.D. in
biochemistry and molecular biology. Her “kitchen chemistry”
includes such favorites as grilled Australian rack of lamb with a
balsamic-strawberry reduction and the Ezra bento box. Ah, sweet science.
5629 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, (941) 792-0990; ezrafinefoods.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
The Grill at O’Bricks (formerly Mangrove mangrove, large tropical evergreen tree, genus Rhizophora, that grows on muddy tidal flats and along protected ocean shorelines. Mangroves are most abundant in tropical Asia, Africa, and the islands of the SW Pacific. Grill) Now located in
downtown Bradenton, the Grill features fresh seafood, perfect cuts of
meat and a wide variety of smaller plates and salads. For instant
attitude adjustment, try the crisply pleasing pear martini. 425 12th St
W., Bradenton, (941) 896-8860; mangrovegrill.com. [moderate]
Ortygia Chef/owner Gaetano Cannata celebrates his Sicilian heritage
with old-school authenticity and rustic family recipes. Favorites
include the housemade pates, roasted garlic bisque and the Torta
Rustica, a classic ricotta-filled tart. 1418 13th St W., Bradenton,
(941) 741-8646; or-tygiarestaurant.com. [moderate]-[expensive]
Pier 22 (formerly Mattison’s Riverside) Located on the
Memorial Pier overlooking Manatee River, this restaurant/ballroom offers
indoor and outdoor dining, an outdoor bar with live music, and a menu
emphasizing fresh seafood, lamb, duck and beef. 1200 First Ave. W.,
Bradenton, (941) 748-8087; mattisons.com/riverside.cfm.
[moderate]-[expensive]
Cortez
Star Fish Company Market and Restaurant This picture-postcard
setting is ideal for enjoying vintage Florida food–and views. The Star
Fish runs a commercial fishing business, so the fish you eat here is
flopping fresh. The cornmeal corn·meal also corn meal
n.
Meal made from corn, used in a wide variety of foods. Also called Indian meal.
Noun 1. hush puppies pop with sweet corn goodness.
12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez, (941) 794-1243; starfish-company.com.
[inexpensive]
Anna Maria Island
Beach Bistro This award-winning beachside beach·side
adj.
Situated on or along a beach. restaurant is rated one
of the nation’s best by Zagat. Proprietor Sean Murphy keeps upping
the ante with divinely inspired dishes, a mind-boggling wine selection
and outstanding service. The “Death by Foie Gras” will send
you straight to heaven. 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, (941) 778-6444;
beachbistro.com. [expensive]
Beach House Restaurant Perfect views of the Gulf of Mexico, grouper
sandwiches to write home about, and a bustling bar scene with live
music. Locals rave about the chilled seafood salad stuffed with Gulf
shrimp, scallops, mangoes and cashews. 200 Gulf Drive, Bradenton Beach,
(941) 779-2222; beachhouse.groupersandwich.com. [moderate]
Bridge Street Bistro A relaxed yet refined three-story bistro
setting with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, Bridge Street
Bistro serves up a variety of expertly prepared dishes, from seafood to
steak to pasta. Homemade desserts, too. 111 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton
Beach, (941) 782-1122; thesunhouserestaurant.com. [moderate]
Eat Here Eat Here actually is more a bistro than its older sibling,
Beach Bistro. Its compact menu offers variations on comfort food and
well-priced wines and a superior beer list. Sean Murphy plans a second
location on Sarasota’s Main Street this fall. 5325 Gulf Drive,
Holmes Beach, (941) 778-0411; eathere-ami.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
Gulf Drive Cafe &; Tiki Tiki
Tick of Dow Jones Industrial Average component issues. To get any closer to the beach,
you’d need a snorkel snorkel, tube through which a submarine or diver can draw air while underwater. When in use, the top of the snorkel tube extends above the water surface into the air. . The family-friendly menu includes crepes,
pancakes, sandwiches, burgers and fresh seafood dishes. Did we mention
the hot fudge brownie sundae? Wine and beer, too. 900 Gulf Drive N.
Bradenton Beach, (941) 778-1919; gulfdrivetiki.com.
[inexpensive]-[moderate]
MartiniVille Bar Grazing is definitely the way to go here–unless,
of course, you can hook a table on the covered porch. The menu is geared
to a little of this and some of that, from pizzas and flatbreads baked
in a wood-burning brick oven to a variety of small plates and a raw bar
list. 5337 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, (941) 779-1000;
mar-tinivillefl.com. [inexpensive]-[moderate]
The Sandbar sandbar
or offshore bar
Submerged or partly exposed ridge of sand or coarse sediment that is built by waves offshore from a beach. The swirling turbulence of waves breaking off a beach excavates a trough in the sandy bottom. Flip-flops and bathing suits are welcome on the outdoor
deck; the inside dining room offers more formal service. The menu offers
unfussy un·fuss·y
adj.
1. Not particular about or concerned with details.
2. Not cluttered or complicated, as with extraneous matters or details. Florida fare with an emphasis on fresh seafood. The selection of
tropical cocktails is dazzling. 200 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, (941)
778-0444; sandbar.groupersandwich.com. [moderate]
Sign of the Mermaid This historic, 1920s-era cottage offers a cozy
ambiance, a fresh take on Florida-inspired cuisine and an impressive
beer and wine selection. Their pies consistently win national awards.
9707 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, (941) 778-9399; signofthemermaidonline.com.
[moderate]-[expensive]
The Waterfront Restaurant Exquisite views of Tampa Bay, inspired
wine and beer selection and a progressive menu featuring local fish,
produce and meats. In-season wine tastings, too. 222 S. Bay Blvd., Anna
Maria, (941) 778-1515; thewaterfrontrestaurant.net.
[moderate]-[expensive].
