Beulah, 1766 Main Street, 941-906-2305

There’s nothing I love more than walking into a restaurant and being transported to another world. Beulah on Main Street, from the delightful owners of Flavio’s Brick Oven and Bar on Siesta Key, feels like the set of a gothic fairytale with charm and eccentricity to spare. I’m drawn to the colorful and beautifully lit bar, the corner inferno of the pizza oven, the stylishly mismatched mirrors, elaborate lamps and winking gargoyles. The outside patio and bar promise to be Downtown Sarasota’s sexiest new destination once the glorious October weather hits. There’s something beautiful to look at in every nook and cranny and once you’ve stopped exploring and picked a seat—there’s not a bad one in the house—you’ll be treated to the sight of plate after plate of gorgeous, fresh, delicious food. We enjoyed a delicate creamy burrata with fig balsamic before devouring a generous portion of grilled octopus over house made polenta. Try a frozen martini, finish with the tiramisu and notice how drab and uninspired the sidewalks downtown appear once you’ve departed the dazzling interior of Beulah.

Beulah, 1766 Main Street, 941-906-2305