Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Gulf Gate Estates

16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ophelia's on the Bay restaurant

1. Ophelia's on the Bay

4.7

Exceptional(6258)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Siesta Key

Booked 39 times today

At Ophelia's on the Bay in Siesta Key, Sarasota, patrons are treated to an exemplary Contemporary American dining experience that stands out for its quality and creativity. Known for its stunning waterfront views and award-winning status, including accolades from Zagat and Power and Motoryacht Magazine, Ophelia’s offers a dynamic menu that changes nightly, featuring the freshest ingredients and global culinary influences. Guests rave about the "fantastic" food and "exceptional" service, highlighting dishes like lobster over orzo and the filet mignon as perennial favorites. Whether dining al fresco or enjoying the elegant indoor ambiance, Ophelia’s consistently delivers a memorable meal, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors.

2. Michael's On East

4.8

Exceptional(5601)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 18 times today

Michael's On East in Sarasota has long been synonymous with exceptional Steak cuisine, earning a well-deserved spot in the hearts of meat lovers. Celebrated for its "inspired cuisine" and an impressive history of accolades, including the prestigious AAA Four-Diamond Award for 32 consecutive years, this restaurant offers a steak experience that's hard to match. Guests rave about the "Porterhouse for Two," cooked to sheer perfection, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and culinary excellence. With glowing reviews like "Our steaks were done to perfection," it's clear that Michael's On East stands out for its mastery in preparing and presenting steak that consistently exceeds expectations. The combination of a world-class wine selection and a 1940s supper club atmosphere makes every meal here not just a dinner but a memorable event.

A photo of Libby's - Sarasota restaurant

3. Libby's - Sarasota

4.7

Exceptional(3943)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 44 times today

Open in Sarasota since May of 2019, the Libby's space is open, modern & minimalist. Delicious menu items, sophisticated wine and daily specials are at the core of all that we do! Cozy bar area, weekday happy hour specials, and a private dining room are some of the unique features at our Sarasota location.

4. Roessler's

4.9

Exceptional(1851)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 11 times today

Roessler’s in Sarasota stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine with a touch of sophistication. Known for its "outstanding" menu choices, Roessler’s offers a dining experience where every dish is crafted to perfection. Diners rave about the escargot and sweetbreads, and the "superb" duck and crabcakes are not to be missed. The ambiance, enhanced by picturesque gardens and a serene pond, adds to an already exceptional dining experience. As one satisfied customer put it, the food is consistently "delicious and well plated," making Roessler's a favorite for those seeking quality Contemporary American fare in a beautiful setting. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful evening out, Roessler’s is a culinary gem in Sarasota that promises an unforgettable experience every time.

A photo of Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Sarasota, FL restaurant

5. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Sarasota, FL

4.7

Exceptional(5436)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 143 times today

Dive into the heart of Sarasota at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, where the seafood is as exquisite as the wine. This gem offers a delectable range of seafood dishes that consistently impress, matching perfectly with their award-winning wines. Guests rave about the quality and preparation of dishes like the "incredible food" and "always delicious" seafood selections. One reviewer highlighted, "Always a pleasure to enjoy great wines and dependably excellent food! Love the Drunken Shrimp appetizer," encapsulating the seamless integration of fine dining and expert wine pairing. Whether you're a local or visiting, Cooper's Hawk promises a culinary experience where every bite is a celebration of the sea's bounty, expertly crafted to elevate your palate.

6. Boca - Sarasota

4.2

Awesome(1583)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 44 times today

With a cozy vibe, food you crave, and heartfelt hospitality, Boca is your kind of place - an everyday upscale restaurant where you can be yourself and enjoy great fresh seasonal creations while we work thoughtfully to make even the most simple moments extraordinary. With a fresh and seasonal approach to the classics, Boca is the food you love handcrafted with the freshest ingredients into dishes you will crave. Like the food, our Market Fresh cocktails are thoughtful, luscious, and handcrafted featuring house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients. Join us for Weekend Brunch and Bottomless Mimosas, Lunch on the Avenue or Dinner with friends that feel like family.

7. Indigenous

4.7

Exceptional(890)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 15 times today

Indigenous in Sarasota is a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. Since its opening in 2011, it has garnered rave reviews for its dynamic, seasonal menu that emphasizes local partnerships with fishermen, artisans, and farmers. Chef Steve Phelps, a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist, crafts dishes that are both a feast for the senses and a tribute to the environment. Diners consistently praise the restaurant's charming ambiance and exceptional dishes, like the "unbelievably delicious pork chop" and the "best mushroom soup ever." Indigenous is not just a meal; it's an experience that echoes the heart of Sarasota, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

A photo of By Patrik Pettersson at Kompose restaurant

8. By Patrik Pettersson at Kompose

4.8

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Experience the epitome of Contemporary French / American cuisine at By Patrik Pettersson in Sarasota, located within the chic Kompose Hotel. Chef Patrik Pettersson, celebrated for his innovative culinary skills, marries classic flavors with avant-garde techniques, ensuring a memorable dining adventure. Guests rave about the "Michelin star-like" quality, highlighting dishes that are "visually stunning" and "bursting with unique flavors." The rotating five and seven-course tasting menus, changing every three weeks, promise a fresh and exciting experience with each visit. Patrons are especially enchanted by the expert wine pairings and the "amazing creativity" of the chef. Don't miss this gastronomic gem where each meal is a masterpiece!

9. Green zebra cafe

4.6

Exceptional(92)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 5 times today

Green Zebra Cafe in downtown Sarasota shines as a beacon for both vegetarians and vegans, offering a delightful array of plant-based dishes that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Reviewers consistently praise its "creative and delicious vegan and gluten-free food options," highlighting the Raw Vegan Lasagna and gluten-free vegan cheesecakes as standout dishes. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, sourcing locally and crafting meals that cater beautifully to diverse dietary needs without compromising on flavor. One patron shared, "It was one of the best meals they ever had," underscoring Green Zebra Cafe's ability to impress with its vibrant, health-conscious cuisine. This eatery is a must-visit for anyone looking for a top-notch vegetarian or vegan dining experience in Sarasota.

10. Lila

4.8

Exceptional(1184)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 7 times today

At Lila in downtown Sarasota, a haven for Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine, diners are consistently impressed by the creative and flavorful dishes on offer. Lila is celebrated for its "outstanding Vegan & Gluten free menu," with patrons raving about specialties like the Vegan Dragon Roll Sushi and the Beet Salad, which are described as "superb." The restaurant's commitment to fresh, organic ingredients shines through in every dish, making it a standout in the Sarasota dining scene. One reviewer exclaimed, "Best vegan sushi you can imagine," highlighting the innovative approach Lila takes to traditional dishes. The atmosphere is complemented by knowledgeable and attentive service, making each visit to Lila a delightful culinary adventure. Whether you're a committed vegan or just exploring, Lila promises a meal that is as delicious as it is conscientious.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Rachel
Tampa / Central Florida West •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Greeted and sat quickly, server was personable and attentive, especially to the little ones we brought with us. It was a busy day and a little noisy, but when the private party room guests left, it returned to the normal ambiance that we’re used to at Libby’s. Overall, a great day!
More info
Libby's - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.7
A
Angie
Tampa / Central Florida West •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing from start to finish, food is old school, executed perfectly Lovely location, peaceful and a great setting The service surpasses any restaurant in Sarasota, it’s phenomenal, you will not be rushed, the staff are lovely Last night our server was Marshall, 5+ stars
More info
Roessler'sPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.9
T
Tony
Atlanta Metro •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was the fifth time we had dinner at Ophelia’s and it was awesome as always. The staff is so friendly and helpful, everything was timed perfectly. I had the best duck ever and my wife had lobster risotto that was amazing. It’s so good they were able to recover from the recent hurricanes! We will be back soon.
More info
Ophelia's on the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Siesta Key
•
4.7
S
StephenVIP
Tampa / Central Florida West •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
server was outstanding. The fresh food was fantastic. It was my wife and my 37th anniversary and they certainly made us feel special. Always enjoy Boca.
More info
Boca - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.2
H
HeidiVIP
Baltimore / Maryland •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Our server must of have had too many tables. We did not receive the exceptional service that we have experienced in the past. The food as always was exceptional, worth every penny spent on the marvelous steak. The piano music was so loud that we could not have conversation at the table. I realize that it is Christmas party season so that accounts for a bit of noise in the restaurant. We will be back again after the holiday season when we know that service will be back to the exceptional standard of Micheals on East
More info
Michael's On EastPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Gulf Gate Estates

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Gulf Gate Estates

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Ophelia's on the Bay

2. Michael's On East

3. Libby's - Sarasota

4. Roessler's

5. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Sarasota, FL

6. Boca - Sarasota

7. Indigenous

8. By Patrik Pettersson at Kompose

9. Green zebra cafe

10. Lila

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable