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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Sarasota

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39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Indigenous restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(892)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 13 times today
Indigenous is a true gem in the Sarasota neighborhood. With a focus on sustainable seafood and a seasonal menu, this restaurant has earned a reputation for its passion for food and the community. The reviews are full of praise for its cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and well thought out menu. As one reviewer put it, 'It's a gem for a special occasion, even though it is casual and not stuffy or fancy.'
A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3532)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 64 times today
Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano is a neighborhood gem, highly praised for its authentic Italian cuisine. Since its inception in 1996, it has consistently been rated as one of the top restaurants in the area. The restaurant's consistent high quality food, excellent service, and welcoming atmosphere have made it a favorite among locals. As one reviewer put it, it's an 'excellent representation of true Italian cuisine' and a 'gem' in the neighborhood.
A photo of CUBA 1958 - Sarasota restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(84)
Price: Expensive
• Cuban • Sarasota
Booked 20 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 Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1086)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 39 times today
For parties of 13 or more please call the restaurant.*Weather may interfere with your reservation, we will do our best to accommodate you.*Out of passion, tradition, hard work and integrity, Bavaro’s opened its doors in March 2009 as the first traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria in the state of Florida. Determined to share their family recipes with the world, Dan Bavaro, his wife Anna-Maria, and their five beautiful children packed their U-Haul, left their friends and family, drove from New Jersey to Tampa, and set out to provide for others the same love, energy, and authenticity that they experience around their own dinner table.
A photo of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5492)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 58 times today
We are an eclectic eatery with a passion for stunning seafood, superb service, fine wine, and creative cocktails.We are committed to serving only the freshest dishes to our guests. We receive fresh fish daily from our local suppliers and filet everything in house to ensure the best possible quality.Together with our unique menu, our focus on excellent service allows us to deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience in downtown Sarasota. Every menu item is prepared to order to allow for customization and personalization of each dish and to ensure you are getting the freshest possible meal.Voted Sarasota's Best by Herald Tribune Readers:Best All-Around Restaurant (2019-2023)Best Seafood Restaurant (2016-2023)Best Sandwich for our renowned Po' Boy (2016-2022)Best Lunch (2020-2022)Thank you, Sarasota!For parties of 8 or more, a gratuity of 18% will be added to the check.
A photo of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(9309)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Longboat Key
Booked 145 times today
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a “polished casual” restaurant over looking Sarasota Bay. We are located at the south end of Longboat Key behind the gas station. We are north of St. Armand’s Circle, and minutes from downtown Sarasota. Best known for Local Fresh Grouper and Red Snapper. Enjoy the second story dining area with a panaramic view of the bay, or enjoy dining outdoors on our dockside patio.
A photo of Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5813)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 53 times today
Selva offers innovative, intricately prepared dishes, plated and presented as works of art. Selva has earned raves from allover the world, including from the New York Times, which write that Selva is “serving possibly the best food in Sarasota,”and that “everything on the menu is worth trying.”
A photo of Boca - Sarasota restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1585)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 83 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.
A photo of Michael's On East restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5603)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 21 times today
Serving "inspired cuisine" since 1987, the celebrated Michael’s On East restaurant takes fine dining to another level, offering award-winning cuisine and outstanding service, in an exceptional 1940s supper club atmosphere. Michael's On East has been inducted into Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame and recently received their 34th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award. The 350+ bottle wine list has been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator!Upon entering the dining room, you are immediately dazzled by the plush design and inspired décor. The restaurant’s intimate aura, along with its contemporary flare, world-class wine cellar and incomparable service, create an unparalleled dining experience.Michael's Lounge, complete with a grand piano, is a guest favorite with its signature cocktails and award winning wine selection. Michael’s Atrium for outdoor dining is a stunning glass-covered, plant-filled courtyard with a beautiful flowing fountain.
A photo of Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8483)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Siesta Key
Booked 116 times today
Connors Steak & Seafood specializes in fresh seafood and premium aged steaks, as well as gourmet salads, pastas and more! Enjoy a memorable evening with friends and family in our well-appointed dining rooms, or stop by for the lunch you and your associates deserve. Our friendly service and flavorful fare will keep you coming back for more.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • CarstenVIP
    Frankfurt •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food and service were outstanding. Fresh ingredients. Amazing menu. We loved it and will be back.
    More info
    Mediterraneo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
    4.9
  • RandyVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •87 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Sat outside at lunch at Duval's. A very pleasant experience -- delicious food, excellent service from Raechel, and very reasonable prices. Lots of good stuff on the menu to choose from. I had the Shrimp Po-Boy 1/2 sandwich and chowder, quite the bargain at $13.50. My wife enjoyed her grill shrimp, too. Quiet setting outside. Only negative: $14.50 for a Vodka Gimlet. We will definitely go back, but, skip the cocktail.
    More info
    Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.Price: Expensive• Seafood• Sarasota
    4.7
  • Paul
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The service was outstanding, and remarkable, due to the specifics of this particular night. Our group was at Bavaro's in Sarasota during a busy holiday week, and on a night when the restaurant was a little understaffed, yet filled to capacity with patrons. Even the food met the standard that we have come to expect from Bavaro's. I tip my hat to you Bavaro's.
    More info
    Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    4.7
  • Marilyn
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Everything was lovely and delicious. Our waiter was wonderful too!
    More info
    CUBA 1958 - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Cuban• Sarasota
    4.6
  • RebeccaVIP
    San Diego •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    I hadn’t been here for a few years and was happy to see that it’s just as good as it’s always been. Three of us enjoyed delicious meals. The Parmesan beignets were amazing! One in our group raved about the mushroom soup. Also – I always recommend getting their homemade ice cream for dessert. 
    More info
    IndigenousPrice: Expensive• American• Sarasota
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Sarasota

Discover the charm of neighborhood gems in the vibrant dining scenes of Tampa, Sarasota, and Bradenton. Each restaurant in this locale epitomizes a commitment to quality, authenticity, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making them true pillars of their communities. Whether you're craving Italian delicacies, sustainable seafood, or a blend of Japanese and Thai cuisine, these neighborhood favorites deliver with consistently high praise for their food, service, and ambiance. The dining scene in this part of Central Florida West is renowned for its eclectic mix of dining options that cater to both casual and sophisticated tastes, enhancing each dining experience with a local flair. From the cozy, family-oriented Italian spots to innovative eateries focusing on global tropical cuisine, each establishment offers a unique dining experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. These restaurants not only provide exceptional culinary delights but also excel in creating a welcoming environment, often described as the perfect spot for both everyday dining and special occasions. With a focus on first-hand experiences and genuine community connections, these neighborhood gems stand out for their ability to consistently deliver both high-quality meals and memorable dining experiences. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, these establishments are sure to provide a delightful culinary journey that captures the essence of the neighborhood.

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