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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Siesta Key

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36 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8482)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Siesta Key
Booked 67 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.
A photo of Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(10519)
Price: Moderate
• Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 172 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 Cafe Gabbiano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3759)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Siesta Key
Booked 18 times today
Cafe Gabbiano is a gem in the neighborhood, as per the reviews. With its cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service, it's a local favorite. The reviews often describe it as a 'hidden gem' and 'local treasure'. The restaurant sources local ingredients and offers both classic and modern Italian dishes, all made fresh. They also have an extensive wine list and signature cocktails.
A photo of Michael's On East restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5601)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 14 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 Indigenous restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(890)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 17 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 Sardinia Sarasota restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1491)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 9 times today
Chef Carta brings the authentic simple elegance of the Sardinian dining tradition to your table. Sardinian cuisine is known for the purity of food and flavors. To insure the authenticity of the dining experience Chef has imported an authentic hood wood-burning oven for the kitchen. The menu is focused on farm fresh and locally grown food. Chargrilled meats and local fish will be cooked in the oven as it is in Sardinia. Taste the Sardinia bread, know as Pane carasau, baked fresh daily which welcomes you at your table. The pasta dough is also made fresh daily. Revel in the authentic Sardinian paella made with fregola and enjoy the unique flavor of bottarga. To maximize the pleasure of sharing good food with good friends, Sardinia has 45 seats- 24 in the main dining room, a chefs table for 10 and 13 seats in the bar area. Good food-good conversation-good friends. A true Sardinia experience you will not forget.
A photo of Baker & Wife restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2029)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Sarasota
Booked 20 times today
BAKER & WIFE is a comfortable, casual cafe committed to fresh, high-quality food and driven by our passion for handcrafted cuisine and cocktails. Inspiration is sourced globally, ingredients are sourced locally.This unique perspective on comfort food is the epitome of BAKER & WIFE:simple, delicious, and it just feels good.
A photo of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5490)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 22 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 Ophelia's on the Bay restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6266)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Siesta Key
Booked 31 times today
Ophelia's on the Bay is one of Sarasota’s premier fine dining waterfront restaurants. Enjoy beautiful vistas of Little Sarasota Bay, from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the dining room. Or join us for al fresco dining on our open-air patio, as the dolphins and manatee swim by. Winner of many awards both locally and nationally, including an Excellence rating from Zagat as well as being listed as the number one restaurant in America in Power and Motoryacht Magazine for dock and dine. Ophelia's on the Bay has also been voted most romantic, best waterfront and best restaurant with a view by its loyal customers. The menu changes nightly using fresh and seasonal ingredients, fresh fish flown in from all over the world and specialty meats. There is certainly something for every palate! We feature an extensive wine list, specialty martinis, as well as a full bar. Family owned and operated for over 22 years, we have an experienced staff that prides itself on exemplary service.
A photo of Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5812)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 30 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.”

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Richard
    Southwest Florida •110 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We went for Christmas dinner. The service was spot on and the food was great. Many places have issues on a holiday with either service or a special menu that is disappointing, but NOT Café Gabbiano. We have had several holiday dinners there and they have all been superb. Hats off to a wonderful restaurant.
    More info
    Cafe GabbianoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Siesta Key
    4.8
  • Lisa
    Fort Lauderdale •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    If you want authentic Spanish/Cuban food, Columbia is the place to go in Sarasota. We tried a number of things from the menu, chopped tomatoes, Cuban black bean soup (vegan), stuffed shrimp, key lime pie, and white chocolate bread pudding. These items, along with the crispy bread and an Andulusian Gimlet with fresh strawberries were fantastic. Our waitress has quite friendly and extremely prompt, which added to the overall experience. We will definitely be visiting again and hoping to have a cozy table inside. We were seated on the sidewalk (which was the only availability when we made our reservation), and the constant parade of cars, people, and dogs often distracted us from the wonderful meal before us. Note to self: reserve early, this restaurant is extremely popular!
    More info
    Columbia Restaurant - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Sarasota
    4.8
  • NancyVIP
    Southwest Florida •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I have lunch at Connor’s at least once a month. I view it as a combination of excellent food and reasonable prices. I’m particularly fond of their half price happy hour. It’s pretty easy to have a delicious meal and a beer for $20. That’s hard to find these days. Today our server was Frank and he couldn’t have been more attentive. He let us take our time before before ordering, checked if we needed anything during the meal and then wrapped up leftovers for us. If you haven’t gone already, treat yourself to lunch at Connor’s and I think you’ll be happy.
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    Connors Steak & Seafood - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Siesta Key
    4.8
  • RebeccaVIP
    San Diego •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 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
  • HeidiVIP
    Baltimore / Maryland •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 17 Dec 2024
    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

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Siesta Key

Discover the charm of neighborhood gems in Siesta Key, Tampa / Central Florida West, Sarasota / Bradenton area with our curated list of local favorite restaurants. These dining spots are celebrated for their unique ambiance, offering a cozy and intimate setting perfect for a special evening out. Renowned for sourcing local ingredients, the restaurants in this location pride themselves on a menu that blends traditional and contemporary flavors, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the area. From exquisite Italian cuisine to innovative modern dishes, each restaurant ensures a memorable dining experience with exceptional service and a meticulously selected wine list. The dining scene in Siesta Key and surrounding areas is vibrant and diverse, featuring eateries that are often described as hidden treasures of the neighborhood. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these neighborhood gems provide a delightful exploration of taste and tradition in one of Florida's most picturesque settings.

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