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good eats
Beachhouse Restaurant 200 Gulf Dr. N., Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island, 941-779-2222. American. Known for fresh fish and fabulous sunset views, Anna Maria Island’s Beachhouse Restaurant is outdoor dining at its best. Sink your toes in the sand as you feast on great dishes like Tropical Shrimp and Crab Ceviche. Relax after a long day with nightly, live entertainment, while enjoying chef Will Manson’s Creole Blackened Red Fish or succulent King Crab Legs. Family-friendly, perfect for weddings or events. Wednesday Tasting Events and Happy hour daily, featuring drink and appetizer specials. Lunch and dinner, open daily 11:30am-10pm.
Bijou cafe 1287 First St., 941-366-8111. Continental. Whether you visit Bijou Café for a leisurely lunch, an important client meeting, a romantic celebration or dinner with friends before the theater,
this Zagat award-winning restaurant in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown business center and historic theater district is sure to please. The continental cuisine reflects chef-owner Jean Pierre’s French/South African heritage and includes international recipes he developed as a private chef aboard a luxury yacht. Signature dishes include pan sautéed jumbo lump Crabcakes served with a homemade Louisiana-style remoulade, Shrimp Piri Piri, which playfully blends the spicy flavors of Mozambique with piquante-sweet Gulf shrimp, as well as selections based on the freshest locally available ingredients. The restaurant offers a full bar and outstanding wine list. Lunch weekdays starting at 11:30am. Dinner nightly at 5pm. Closed Sundays May-December.
Broken egg restaurant, gift shop and gallery 6115 Exchange Way, Lakewood Ranch, 941-388-6898, 140 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, 941-346-2750 and 4031 Clark Rd, Sarasota, 941-922-2868. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The Broken Egg has been a must-see island tradition on Siesta Key for many years. Recently relocated to its new home on the Key, this local favorite is best known for its unwavering fresh fare. Established in 1984 as a little four-table café, The Broken Egg’s new island location offers prime outside dining in the Sarasota sun. A second location in Lakewood Ranch adds a bevy of close-by shopping destinations to its list of draws, in addition to its art gallery and optional patio dining. The scrumptious menu features fabulous egg creations and omelettes, plate filling pancakes, fresh juices and homemade bakery selections that keep customers coming back year after year. Three great locations open seven days a week, 7:30am to 2:30pm.
Buddha Belly Donuts 1990 Main St., Sarasota, 941-952-0700. American. Breakfast, Lunch, Bakery & Catering. Located across from Hollywood 20, charming downtown shop, featuring doughnuts that are made from scratch daily, will have you craving these scrumptious pastries. But don't forget Budda Belly's breakfast sandwiches and coffee in the morning. Wraps and sandwiches are available at lunch time. Event going on? Buddha Belly will cater all your special events with bite-sized delights. Open daily at 7am.
Captain Brian’s Seafood Restaurant & Market 8421 North Tamiami Trl., 941-351-4492. Seafood. If you talk to the local population about
where to go for the freshest seafood in town, you will undoubtedly hear Captain Brian’s name uttered from their experienced palates. This market/restaurant all-in-one virtually eliminates the middleman by getting the seafood directly from the fishing boat to you. For oyster fans, start with its famous fried oysters—Gulf of Mexico beauties lightly dusted with corn flour before being fried to a golden brown. A favorite sandwich selection is the Whatta Tuna, charred or blackened yellow fin tuna from the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean. For dinner, the swordfish steak is divine—as the menu states, “the most flavorful and tender you’ve ever had.” You’ll find Captain Brian’s on Tamiami Trail just north of the airport, and the market is open 9am–8pm. Lunch M–Sa 11am–3pm. Dinner 4:30–9pm. Closed Sunday.
Caragiulos 69 South Palm Ave., 941-951-0866. Italian-American. Using the finest ingredients, Caragiulos has served easy-going, inventive Italian-American comfort food since 1989. The bread is
baked on the premises each morning. The mozzarella is made fresh. The biscotti is still baked by Mrs. Caragiulo herself. Eating here is more like a gathering in the home of a good friend—comfortable and memorable. M-F from 11am, Sa-Su from 5pm.
Chart House Restaurant 201 Gulf of Mexico Dr., 941-383-5593. Seafood. Located just west of Sarasota on beautiful Longboat Key, the dramatic interior décor of this tropical retreat outshines even the view of the Gulf of Mexico. From top-of-the-catch seafood, succulent steaks and decadent desserts, the renowned chefs of Chart House have tailored a menu to complement the local cuisine while introducing a hint of the exotic. For a starter, the Seared Peppered Ahi Tuna, served rare with tangy mustard, ginger and wasabi is to die for, or try the shrimp cocktail, with five colossal shrimp in a gazpacho cocktail sauce with rock shrimp. Choose from the restaurant’s famous entrées such as Snapper Hemingway, Shrimp Fresca and the slow roasted prime rib. Chart House also offers an extensive collection of fine wines and whiskies. Su-Th 5-9pm. F-Sa 5-10pm.
The crow's nest marina restaurant and tavern 1968 Tarpon Center Dr., 941-484-9551. Seafood. Venice’s waterfront and seafood landmark since 1976 is right on the Intracoastal waterway, its panoramic views and rich wood dining room accessible by both car and boat. The Crow’s Nest’s claims to fame are its fresh seafood and one of the best award-winning wine lists in Florida. The many varieties of raw oysters on the half shell are a favorite way to start your meal. Grouper Key Largo, pan seared gulf grouper topped with lobster, shrimp, scallops and hollandaise is another signature dish not to be missed. And the Gunther Gebel-Williams filet mignon—with Gunther’s own special sauce—will satisfy the meat lover. Just try to save room for one of its luscious house made desserts like its award-winning key lime pie or homemade cheesecake. The casual downstairs tavern features lighter fare until 11pm (entertainment until midnight on Friday and Saturday). Lunch M-Sa 11am–3pm (4:30 on porch). Dinner M-Sa 4:30–10pm. Su 2–10pm.
Divino Restaurant & Bar 1766 Main St., Sarasota, 941-330-9393. Italian. Located in Historic downtown Sarasota, feast at “Divino, one of Sarasota's most popular Italian restaurants. Divino is celebrating six years of family owned and operated authentic Italian cuisine. From the fresh baked bread brought to your table, then the mussels to start, to the Homemade Ravioli, this italian cuisine will have you coming back for more. Divino is known for its unique seating arrangements and friendly staff, priding themselves on service. Thursday, Friday and Saturday come with the family for live music. Lunch served Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:00pm. Dinner served daily from 5pm.
First Street Chop House 1296 First St., Sarasota, 941-554-4375. American. Opened in 2009, First Street Chop House is located in the historic Theater District of downtown Sarasota. Daily fresh deliveries of seafood, produce and meats, First Street Chop House prides itself on the utmost excellence in service and food. First Street Chop House offers distinct areas of the restaurant, including the main dining room, upstairs piano bar, outdoor courtyard and bar, and wine and dessert bar. Varieties of seasonal specials available every evening. Treat yourself with the Signature Chop House Speciality-Buckhead Beef Chairman's Reserve Certified Angus Bone In Ribeye Filet, treat yourself to a Godiva Chocolate Cobbler. That's enough to get your mouth watering. Lunch served daily from 11:30am-2:30pm. Dinner service begins at 5pm.
Libby’s Café and Bar 1917 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-487-7300.
Gourmet Family Fare. Boasting a menu several pages long and filled with the names of prestigious source farms, Libby’s creates simple perfection in dishes such as Cedar Plank Salmon, Truffled Wild Mushroom Torte and Devilled Eggs with Mote-grown caviar. In spite of its emphasis as a family restaurant, Libby’s décor and food are sophisticated enough to accommodate date nights, family celebrations, lunch meetings and everything in between. A blue chip investment for brunch, lunch, dinner or just drinks. Lunch is served 11:30am-2:30pm daily. Dinner is served M-Th 5pm-10pm,F-Sa 5pm-11pm and Su 5pm-9pm. Brunch is served Sunday 10:30am-3pm.
MarVista Dockside Restaurant and Pub 760 Broadway, Longboat Key, 941-383-2391. American / Seafood. Enjoy Classic, Old Florida Dining at MarVista. Located in historic Longboat Village, you can arrive by land or sea—dock in one of the restaurants private 12 slips at ICW Marker #39. Dine outside on one of chef George’s homemade sauces over fresh fish, or enjoy the miso seabass or ever-classic steamer pot. Don't forget to start with the oysters on the half shell. Family and pet friendly. Lunch
and dinner, open daily 11:30am-10pm.
Mattison's forty one 7275 South Tamiami Trl., 941-921-3400. Mediterranean. The newest in chef Paul Mattison’s lineup of comfortably elegant restaurants, Mattison’s 41 offers a hip twist on dinner, drinks and dessert in south Sarasota. A cool, candlelit outdoor garden with fountains—and live music for indoor dancing—pair perfectly with
a Mediterranean menu that includes rich pasta selections, fresh fish, chef Mattison’s signature lamb and steak entrées and nightly specials,
all with impeccable service.Su-Th 4:30-10pm. F-Sa 4:30pm-12am.
Mattison’s City Grille 1 North Lemon Ave., 941-330-0440. American. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Mattison’s City Grille is the epitome of Sarasota dining. The light, casual atmosphere, complete with an outdoor dining room, tiki huts, tiki torches, friendly wait staff and live entertainment make it perfect for anytime dining or entertaining a guest. Award-winning chef Paul Mattison has created an exciting al fresco menu with an Italian edge. From casual sandwiches to brick-oven pizzas, mouth watering lamb and fresh seafood to special
salads and appetizers, chef Mattison’s signature finesse is evident. M-Th 11am-11pm. F 11am-12am. Sa 9:30am-12am. Su 11am-10pm.
Mattison’s Riverside 1200 1st Ave. W., 941-748-8087. American / Seafood. Mattison's Riverside, nestled within the Twin Dolphin Marina in downtown Bradenton, is one of chef Paul Mattison’s newer restaurants, which celebrated its two year anniversary in November 2008. The menu combines Mattison’s Mediterranean flair with a hint of Asian flavor while focusing on fresh seafood, lamb, duck and beef. From the swank bar and lounge area to the sushi bar, waterfront dining room and outside patio offering live entertainment nightly, the laidback, elegant ambiance offers something for everyone. Su-Th 11:30am-10pm, F-Sa 11:30am-12am.
Michael’s On East 1212 East Ave. S., 941-366-0007. Continental / Eclectic / Inspired. This local gem, located in Midtown Plaza, takes fine dining to another level with its cutting-edge cuisine and extraordinary atmosphere. Upon entering the dining room, patrons are immediately dazzled by the plush design and inspired décor. If you are hungry enough for an appetizer, the Hoisin duck and crispy vegetable spring rolls will have you begging for more. Michael’s On East features USDA-certified prime steaks, fresh local seafood and a world-class wine cellar. The restaurant’s intimate aura, along with its contemporary fare and incomparable service, will create an unparalleled dining experience and give you every reason to keep coming back. M-F 11:30am-10pm. Sa 5:30pm-close.
Morton’s Gourmet Market 1924 South Osprey Ave., 941-955-9856. Gourmet. Morton’s Gourmet Market takes aim at every facet of the foodie life. It’s the place where you can spend a lazy Sunday morning sipping coffee and breaking off pieces of scone, a frenetic Friday evening collecting rare cheeses, meat and wine for Saturday’s soiree or a quick lunchtime bite to-go. For the latter, Morton’s fresh-made sushi, salad bar or ready-to-go tea sandwiches are longstanding local faves. And for a hot dinner from the deli section, you won’t go wrong with one of the Market’s rotisserie chickens or brick oven pizzas. If you’re searching for that hard-to-find gourmet ingredient, or just want a quick nosh that will defy expectation, this Southside institution is a one-stop solution. M-Sat 7am-8pm. Sun 9am-6pm.
Sandbar Restaurant 100 Spring Ave., Anna Maria, 941-778-0444. Seafood. Located at the north end of Anna Maria Island, this gem on the beach is the perfect place to impress out-of-town guests. With delectables such as conch fritters, sesame crusted tuna and crab crusted scallops and creamy, dreamy Pina Coladas you can feed your spirit with fabulous food and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Stroll on the beach and join in on the nightly sunset contest. Sandbar is internationally recognized as one of the top five best beach restaurants and hosts award winning weddings and events. Large and small groups are easily accommodated. Lunch and dinner, open daily 11:30am-10pm.
TooJay’s Gourmet Deli 3501 South Tamiami Trl., 941-362-3692. Delicatessen. Tucked in the Westfield Southgate Shopping Centre, this gourmet deli is sure to put a smile on your face with its friendly environment and tasty menu. For a starter, try the chicken noodle soup, loaded with chicken and vegetables (only grandma makes it as good), or one of TooJay’s Blintzes—traditional homemade crepes filled with sweet cheese and grilled to perfection with a dollop of sour cream and fruit topping. Regulars enjoy TooJay’s corned beef sandwiches, which are specially trimmed, cured and steamed to bring out the full flavor, then rolled and piled high between two slices of freshly-baked rye bread. A traditional deli favorite is the garlic chicken pasta, sautéed chicken breast, broccoli and sweet and red peppers tossed with penne pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. M-Sa 8am-9pm. Su 8am-8pm.
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