Best Authentic Restaurants in Longboat Key

22 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Norma Ristorante & Pizzeria restaurant

1. La Norma Ristorante & Pizzeria

4.9

Exceptional(746)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Longboat Key

Booked 6 times today

Welcome to La Norma, a charming family-owned Italian restaurant that brings the heart of Italy to your table. Join us for homemade dishes, fine wine and live music on our patio. At La Norma we pride ourselves on using only the freshest ingredients to create authentic Italian cuisine. Our homemade dishes and handcrafted pizzas are made with care and our fine wine list is carefully curated to perfectly complement our genuine flavors. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner or a festive gathering with friends and family, our warm and welcoming atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Come discover why La Norma is the go-to choice for Italian Cuisine on the island.

A photo of Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub restaurant

2. Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

5.0

Exceptional(0)

Price: Expensive

• American • Bradenton Beach

AUTHENTIC FLORIDA DOCKSIDE DININGAt Mar Vista we have waterfront dining under the buttonwood trees looking over the Sarasota Bay or grab a meal on our covered deck. Throughout our dining area we have heaters for winter and misters/fans for summer to ensure you are comfortable. We have a private dock so you are able to arrive by boat or by car with our complimentary valet. We offer a wide variety of menu choices using ingredients from our farm, Gamble Creek Farm, burgers, fresh LOCAL seafood. We also have a full bar, and a convenient package service with liquor, beer and wine. Take a break, relax with a drink, have a great meal, and enjoy the magic that Mar Vista has to offer!Please note: We do not take reservations, only walk-ins.

A photo of Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar restaurant

3. Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

4.6

Exceptional(198)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bradenton Beach

Booked 6 times today

Located just over the bridge from Anna Maria Island and the famous Coquina Beach State Park, the hidden gem of Longboat Key is Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. You will find this friendly neighborhood gem tucked away in the corner at Whitney Plaza, a short drive from Sarasota and the Famous St. Armand's circle on the scenic Gulf of Mexico Drive. Ventura's is family-owned and operated, open for dinner seven nights a week. Join us before or after sunset, to enjoy homemade Italian dishes, hand-tossed pizzas, amazing deserts, a large selection of small vineyard wines, and a full bar to satisfy all your cravings. Indoor or waterfront al fresco dining is available. Private parties, wine tasting dinners, catering & special events are offered. Order ahead for full menu takeout and local delivery. For parties of 8 or more, please call 941-312-4975 for reservations.

A photo of Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant

4. Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

4.8

Exceptional(10425)

Price: Moderate

• Spanish • Sarasota

Booked 124 times today

Family-owned and operated for more than 116 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms. We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.

A photo of Scarpino's Classic Italian restaurant

5. Scarpino's Classic Italian

4.6

Exceptional(103)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Bradenton

Booked 8 times today

We are a locally owned classic Italian restaurant with a team that is passionate about excellent food and guest experience. Our team includes our amazing Pizzaiolo (Authentic Pizza Chef) who comes to us from Italy with over 25 years of pizza making expertise! We have an extensive food and beverage menu with over 40 regional wines and a full bar. Pasta, Pizza, Wine and so much more, we look forward to serving you soon.

6. Blu Kouzina

4.8

Exceptional(1274)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Sarasota

Booked 3 times today

**Cash Discount Notice**Save 3.5% on your bill by paying withcash.A 3.5% Convenience fee will beadded to all sales. As an incentivefor our customers we now offer animmediate discount to customerswho pay with CASH based on ourposted discount schedule.Blu Kouzina is bringing its signature, wholesome Greek cooking to the Sunshine State after gracing for the past five years Singapore’s culinary scene. The acclaimed restaurant, born out of the founders’ passion for the food of their native Greece and their love of sharing a hearty, family meal with friends, has set up a second home in Sarasota.Fresh and quality ingredients, mostly grown organically, and sourced from well established, local producers are used in dishes that are both traditional and creatively contemporary. What remains uniquely Greek and genuine are the flavors and the scents of extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish or succulent lamb that will take you on a journey from a beach-side taverna to a rural mezze shop.

A photo of CUBA 1958 - Sarasota restaurant

7. CUBA 1958 - Sarasota

4.6

Exceptional(66)

Price: Expensive

• Cuban • Sarasota

Booked 4 times today

Infused with the legacy of a prestigious Cuban restaurant in New Jersey, a part of this family's culinary lineage, the new Cuban restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, promises to be a beacon of excellence and authenticity. Building on the reputation and expertise garnered from their successful establishment up north, this new venture aims to elevate the dining experience in Sarasota by offering a refined yet soulful menu that reflects the family's dedication to quality and tradition. From classic dishes that have graced the tables of their renowned Jersey restaurant to innovative creations that push the boundaries of Cuban cuisine, every bite tells a story of passion, expertise, and a commitment to culinary excellence that spans generations. This new restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a destination where food becomes art and tradition meets innovation in a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Cuba.

A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant

8. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano

4.9

Exceptional(3493)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Sarasota

Booked 37 times today

With its modern but classic Italian cuisine and emphasis on artisanal and contemporary Northern Italian style, Mediterraneo is often credited with being the first restaurant to bring authentic contemporary Italian cuisine to Sarasota when it first opened in 1996. Still under the same ownership, Mediterraneo has consistently been rated one of the top restaurants in Zagat. The restaurant has received numerous accolades including the acclaimed Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano awarded by The Minister of Agriculture & Commerce in Rome. With its highest honor, inducting the restaurant into its Accademia Italiana della Cucina "Fine Dining Hall of Fame." Mediterraneo has been rated as Best of the Best in Sarasota Magazine since the first year of opening. So whether you're celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a quick bite to eat, at Mediterraneo you are always assured the best quality food accompanied by excellent service. All of it thoroughly Italian.

A photo of Mademoiselle Paris - Anna Maria Island restaurant

9. Mademoiselle Paris - Anna Maria Island

4.8

Exceptional(117)

Price: Moderate

• French • Anna Maria

Booked 2 times today

Mademoiselle Paris - Anna Maria Island is an authentic French restaurant and bakery. We offer a great selection of wine and beer, outdoor and indoor seating like many of the established bistros in France. The chef Arnaud Wallet is in charge of the cooking and prepare a large variety of traditional dishes : mussels and french fries, beef burgundy, foie gras, snails...etc... Enjoy the taste of authentic French Bistro Cuisine for breakfast and lunch and dinner. Dine outdoors on the patio or in our restaurant.

A photo of 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen restaurant

10. 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(1347)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Sarasota

Booked 17 times today

The modus operandi at 1592 is fire. The key feature – everything is cooked on wood fired grill. The menu is handcrafted and well executed. 1592 is a great spot to indulge in comforting and flavourful cuisine from around the world.

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From verified diners like you

A
Andrea
Austin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food and ambience were top notch, however, our server, Lucy, was the best part of our night. She was kind, informative and extremely accommodating! We had the most amazing dinner and even better service and we cannot wait to come back!!
More info
Columbia Restaurant - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Sarasota
•
4.8
S
Stevevip
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always a great meal. Amanda added to the charm.
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La Norma Ristorante & PizzeriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Longboat Key
•
4.9
D
Debbie
Cincinnati / Dayton •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We enjoyed our dining experience at Ventura’s. The food was delicious, portion size was generous and service was personable. The remodeled restaurant post hurricane is beautiful.
More info
Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Bradenton Beach
•
4.6
J
jennifer
Orange County •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Nov 2024
Great authentic Italian food. The service was great too!
More info
La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian CuisinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
•
5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Longboat Key

Discover the rich and diverse dining scene in Tampa, Sarasota, and Longboat Key, where authenticity shines through in every meal. These areas are home to a variety of eateries that pride themselves on delivering genuine culinary experiences, reflecting the local culture and flavors. From the bustling city vibes of Tampa to the relaxed coastal ambiance of Longboat Key, each location offers unique dining settings that cater to both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. The restaurants in this region are celebrated for their commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish served is of the highest quality. Diners can expect to find a range of options, from traditional seafood to innovative fusion cuisines, all served with a touch of local authenticity. Whether you're seeking a romantic evening out or a delightful family gathering, these restaurants provide the perfect backdrop with their charming atmospheres and exceptional service. Explore this culinary haven where each meal is not just eaten, but experienced, making every dining outing memorable.

Best Authentic Restaurants in Longboat Key

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22 restaurants available nearby

1. La Norma Ristorante & Pizzeria

2. Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

3. Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

4. Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota

5. Scarpino's Classic Italian

6. Blu Kouzina

7. CUBA 1958 - Sarasota

8. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano

9. Mademoiselle Paris - Anna Maria Island

10. 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen

See what locals rave about

Discover best authentic restaurants in Longboat Key

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