Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

19 restaurants available nearby

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

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

4.7

Exceptional(5519)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 187 times today

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Sarasota, FL, is a seafood lover's dream come true, offering an authentic and high-quality dining experience. The seafood dishes, like the "lobster that melted in my mouth," are expertly crafted to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a delight. Diners rave about the "surf and turf, grouper and pork chop," highlighting the impeccable flavors and freshness of the seafood. The restaurant's commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the careful preparation of each dish to the seamless pairing with their award-winning wines. With outstanding service and a warm atmosphere, Cooper's Hawk promises an unforgettable seafood dining adventure.

2. Michael's On East

4.7

Exceptional(5625)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 32 times today

Michael's On East in Sarasota is a beacon for seafood lovers, offering dishes that are nothing short of extraordinary. Known for its "elegantly delicious" fare, the restaurant consistently impresses with its fresh and expertly prepared seafood dishes. The Chilean Sea Bass, described as "best of" by diners, showcases the chef's talent in creating flavors that delight the palate. Patrons rave about the "impeccable" food and service, which contribute to a dining experience that is both refined and memorable. With a dedication to quality that has earned them a spot in the Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame, Michael's On East is a must-visit for an authentic seafood experience.

A photo of Libby's - Sarasota restaurant

3. Libby's - Sarasota

4.7

Exceptional(3969)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 59 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.

A photo of Ophelia's on the Bay restaurant

4. Ophelia's on the Bay

4.7

Exceptional(6290)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Siesta Key

Booked 38 times today

Ophelia's on the Bay in Siesta Key, Sarasota, offers an unparalleled seafood dining experience that is both authentic and exquisite. With a reputation for using fresh fish flown in from all over the world, each dish bursts with flavor and freshness. Diners rave about the "excellent yellowtail snapper" and "outstanding scallops," which highlight the restaurant's commitment to quality. The beautiful waterfront views only enhance the culinary experience, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening. With accolades from Zagat and Power and Motoryacht Magazine, Ophelia's truly stands out as a gem in the world of seafood cuisine.

5. Boca - Sarasota

4.1

Excellent(1603)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 68 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.

6. Indigenous

4.7

Exceptional(902)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 23 times today

Indigenous in Sarasota is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional Contemporary American cuisine. With a focus on sustainable seafood and local sourcing, Chef Steve Phelps crafts dishes that not only delight the palate but also honor the planet. Praised in reviews as a "culinary masterpiece," this restaurant consistently exceeds expectations with its "creative, sustainable cuisine" and "innovative flavors." The ever-evolving menu keeps diners returning for more, each visit promising "exquisite meals" like the signature mushroom bisque. As a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist, Chef Phelps' dedication to quality and authenticity makes Indigenous a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

7. GROVE

4.3

Awesome(3147)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Bradenton

Booked 43 times today

GROVE in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, is a beacon of exceptional Contemporary American cuisine, delivering a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients is evident in its diverse menu, which features standout dishes like the succulent Pork Osso Bucco and the refreshing Seared Ahi Tuna Nachos. Diners consistently praise the "excellent dinner and service," with one review highlighting the "outstanding dining experience" as "over the top." The imaginative flavor combinations and cross-cultural twists ensure each dish is a delightful symphony of flavors, making GROVE a must-visit for lovers of Contemporary American cuisine.

A photo of Libby's - Lakewood Ranch restaurant

8. Libby's - Lakewood Ranch

4.5

Awesome(1712)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 40 times today

Libby's - Lakewood Ranch is a shining beacon of Contemporary American cuisine in Sarasota, offering a delightful blend of traditional flavors with a modern twist. Guests rave about their "exceptional" meals, with standout dishes like the Filet Mignon and Orange Chicken, which are "melt in your mouth delicious." The restaurant's atmosphere is both modern and minimalist, creating a warm and inviting space that perfectly complements the culinary experience. The consistently attentive and personable staff, as noted in reviews, ensure that every visit is memorable. With sophisticated wine selections and inviting daily specials, Libby's truly embodies the essence of outstanding Contemporary American dining.

9. Roessler's

4.9

Exceptional(1863)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 16 times today

Roessler's in Sarasota offers an outstanding American dining experience that brilliantly combines quality, authenticity, and elegance. Praised for its "impeccable service" and "superb food," Roessler's is a culinary gem that promises a true taste of American cuisine. Guests rave about the "fantastic" fried lobster appetizer and "perfectly cooked" steaks, ensuring that every dish is a highlight. The atmosphere is described as "iconic" and "relaxing," making it the ideal setting for special occasions or intimate dinners. With consistently "excellent" reviews, Roessler's stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic and memorable American dining experience.

10. Green zebra cafe

4.5

Awesome(97)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Sarasota

Booked 4 times today

Green Zebra Cafe, nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Sarasota, is a true haven for lovers of Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine. This delightful eatery is celebrated for its "exceptional culinary experience," offering a menu crafted with pure, locally-sourced ingredients that cater to diverse dietary needs. Guests rave about the "creative, delicious cuisine" that sets Green Zebra apart, with standout dishes like the Raw Vegan Lasagna and gluten-free vegan cheesecakes. The inviting atmosphere is complemented by attentive service, making each visit memorable. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply seeking healthy, flavorful options, Green Zebra Cafe promises a dining experience that is both nourishing and delightful.

‘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

K
Karen
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic service and food. Great attention to detail. Easy parking with valet service. We were seated by the door leading to the outside dining, it being a cooler night there was a bit of a chill each time the door opened. Not enough of an issue to ask to be moved. The restaurant did get a bit loud as the night went on.
More info
Michael's On EastPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.7
M
Moira
New York City •57 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, professional, food was perfectly cooked. I treating vegetable mix. Fish was fresh and well prepared.
More info
IndigenousPrice: Expensive• American• Sarasota
•
4.7
K
Kirsten
Toronto / Ontario •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Beautiful restaurant on the bay. The staff are amazing, friendly and made us feel so welcome. Our dishes were presented beautifully. The steaks were cooked to perfection and the baked Connecticut blue point oysters were so out of this world that we ordered a second one!If you’re looking for a more upscale experience in Siesta Keys then Ophelia’s will not dissapoint. Their wine menu is fantastic as well!
More info
Ophelia's on the BayPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Siesta Key
•
4.7
D
Debbie
Indiana •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We love Libby’s! It’s always a fun atmosphere and the food is fresh, creative, and plentiful. Great friendly staff and a cool decor always bring us back.
More info
Libby's - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.7
S
shawn
Washington, D.C. Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
Service was amazing!! Thank you for hiring great people providing consistent friendly service.
More info
Boca - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Sarasota
•
4.1

Explore OpenTable

Lake Sarasota

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

19 restaurants available nearby

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

2. Michael's On East

3. Libby's - Sarasota

4. Ophelia's on the Bay

5. Boca - Sarasota

6. Indigenous

7. GROVE

8. Libby's - Lakewood Ranch

9. Roessler's

10. Green zebra cafe

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable