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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Siesta Key

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota restaurant
1. Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(8387)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Siesta Key
Booked 94 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
2. 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 Indigenous restaurant
3. Indigenous
4.7
Exceptional(860)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 20 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 Cafe Gabbiano restaurant
4. Cafe Gabbiano
4.7
Exceptional(3739)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Siesta Key
Booked 20 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 La Violetta Restaurant restaurant
5. La Violetta Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1007)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 14 times today
La Violetta Restaurant is a neighborhood gem because of its intimate, rustic Italian experience that patrons adore. As one reviewer noted, it's a 'great neighborhood authentic Italian restaurant with terrific ambiance.' The food and service consistently receive high ratings, with one reviewer describing it as 'Northern Italian cuisine at its best!' The restaurant's charm, quality, and friendly owners make it a beloved dining spot in Sarasota.
A photo of Michael's On East restaurant
6. Michael's On East
4.8
Exceptional(5560)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 10 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 Sardinia Sarasota restaurant
7. Sardinia Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(1482)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 8 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 Ophelia's on the Bay restaurant
8. Ophelia's on the Bay
4.8
Exceptional(6227)
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 Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant
9. Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
4.7
Exceptional(5456)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 44 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 Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
10. Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota
4.9
Exceptional(5776)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 41 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
  • R. Lee
    New York City •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Only our second visit, we now luv, luv Indigenous. We were greeted promptly, seated promptly and serviced promptly by polite, friendly and attentive staff. The pickled vegetables were delightful, the burger with the duck fat roasted potatoes were delicious and vanilla bean ice cream was scrumptious. We will absolutely, positively both recommend and return. Thx…
    More info
    IndigenousPrice: Expensive• American• Sarasota
    •
    4.7
  • George
    Washington, D.C. Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Cafe Gabbiano was delightfully cozy, with wonderful cuisine and excellent service. The veal scallopini in the veal Momma Lucia was tender and delicious. Two of us shared a Caesar salad that was fresh and perfectly prepared. When the staff was informed that we had a time constraint, the expertly but comfortably accelerated our service, without rushing our meal. We will definitely return when dining in Sarasota.
    More info
    Cafe GabbianoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Siesta Key
    •
    4.7
  • 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!!
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    Columbia Restaurant - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • Carolvip
    Tampa / Central Florida West •139 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We had another wonderful dining experience at Michael's on East, and because of the delightful weather we enjoyed our meal in the lovely outdoor atrium beneath the twinkling lights We decided on the monthly Epicurean menu, so this month we enjoyed menu options inspired by the cuisine of South Africa - what a treat! We always enjoy the regular menu options, but it is so special to be able to enjoy flavors from around the world as an alternative. The food, as always, was freshly prepared to order and every bite was delicious. The recommended wine pairings made the perfect match The service at Michael's on East is always wonderful, and this time was no exception - so many thanks to Freddy, Katie and the rest of the team for a wonderful service that added greatly to our enjoyment of the evening.
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    Michael's On EastPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • Piercevip
    Atlanta Metro •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    What most distinguished our experience was our waitress Alyssa, who outperformed. I’ve been a server in the best restaurants in Santa Fe and Boston and can say that she was excellent, thoughtful, and knowing. It was also nice that Kaitlen checked on us and made sure we were happy. Food was terrific and the wine deal for lunch is unbeatable. Also, Alyssa was perfectly charming.
    More info
    Connors Steak & Seafood - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Siesta Key
    •
    4.7

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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