Best Waterfront and Boat-Up Dining in Sarasota

When the sunbathing hours draw to a sunset close, Sarasota County diners head to the bevy of beachfront or bayfront restaurants nearby for a sip and some sustenance. From the quiet shores of Longboat Key and the popular Lido Beach to the picturesque Sarasota Bayfront and Venice Pier overlooking the Gulf, there is no shortage of places to cheers to the sights of Sarasota County.

Whether you enjoy fresh Gulf Coast seafood, elevated bar bites or upscale contemporary cuisine, Sarasota has a mix of restaurants that range from beach-casual to fine dining. One thing they all have in common, though, is a fantastic water view.

Waterfront Restaurants in Downtown Sarasota

Ocean Prime Sarasota

501 Quay Commons, Sarasota, FL 34236, 941-404-1024

The pinnacle of modern luxury in downtown Sarasota, Ocean Prime brings upscale elegance to the waterfront dining scene. This newly opened, nationally acclaimed steak and seafood house dazzles with sophisticated service, impeccably plated dishes and a curated wine and cocktail list—all served in a chic, coastal-inspired space with views of Sarasota Bay. Perfect for special occasions, power lunches or a fancy night out on the town.

Jack Dusty

1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota, FL, 941-309-2266

For an unparalleled cocktail experience, with a dash of waterside ambiance and elevated cuisine, the not-to-miss spot in Sarasota is Jack Dusty at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. The bartenders at this Sarasota Bay-side destination turn cocktail crafting into high art. Order the Sarasota cioppino with Gulf shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels and grouper, and ask the on-duty mixologist to whip up a signature “Sipper” libation.

Rufa

1111 Ritz Carlton Dr., Sarasota

Elevated coastal cuisine meets high-end design at Rufa, the stunning waterside dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Savor modern, shareable plates and imaginative cocktails in plush outdoor lounge chairs, with hanging lights and fire pits to set the mood. No matter the time of day, Rufa's panoramic views of the resort's grand architecture and marina are something worth seeing, offering a truly refined way to unwind.

Marina Jack Restaurant

2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL, 941-365-4232

One of the most popular waterfront dining locations in Sarasota and in the heart of downtown, there's always something going on at Marina Jack. Relax and enjoy exceptional steak, wine, seafood and pasta in the Marina Jack dining room with expansive windows to keep your eye on the coveted views, or enjoy al fresco seating at the Patio Bar and Grill, featuring a variety of appetizers, salads, soups and sandwiches. Drink in the bayfront beauty that only Sarasota County can provide.

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

5 Bayfront Drive, Sarasota, FL, 941-203-4771

When you imagine grabbing some fried seafood, a frozen drink and priceless views on your tropical vacation, the ambiance at O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill is exactly what comes to mind. This casual, family-friendly hangout is a fixture in Bayfront Park near downtown Sarasota, making it the perfect stop for lunch or dinner during a day exploring near the city. Though it's not on a beach, O'Leary's outdoor picnic and high-top tables are still set in a cool layer of sand, so feel free to ditch those flip-flops anyway. The full-service tiki bar and endless views of sailboats in the mooring field make this a popular hangout.

Waterfront Dining on Lido Key & Longboat Key

Drift Kitchen & Bar

Lido Beach Resort, 700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL, 941-388-2161

Part of the Lido Beach Resort, Drift Kitchen & Bar is a great location to sip a cocktail and see the sunset over the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The restaurant specializes in "Gulf Coast cuisine" with a Caribbean flair, emphasizing fresh seafood. Savor dishes such as Tuna Poke or Macadamia Nut Encrusted Grouper.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL, 941-383-0102

Also on Longboat Key is Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, with its panoramic Sarasota Bay views from the second-story dining room. The domestic grouper sandwich on a kaiser roll is the house specialty, and the lobster bisque is as requested as the crab-and-corn chowder. Arrive by boat to Zwick’s Channel at Marker 6 and kick back.

Chart House

201 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL, 941-383-5593

Longboat Key’s Chart House lets visitors dine on the terrace while lapping up an infused cocktail and a Sarasota Bay backdrop. The menu beckons guests to sample gourmet dishes like the seared golden grouper with Parmesan risotto, the miso-maple-glazed cobia, and the chilled lobster and shrimp spring rolls.

New Pass Grill & Bait Shop

1505 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL, 941-388-3050

Locals know New Pass Grill & Bait Shop for it's excellent burgers, breakfast sandwiches, ice cream treats and more. This is a local landmark, around since 1929, to stop by before a day of fishing or boating. Fishermen can pick up live and frozen bait, rent equipment or even book a charter. Don't miss the award-winning New Pass Burger!

The Old Salty Dog

City Island, 1601B Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL, 941-388-4311

The Old Salty Dog is as casual as it comes and a primo hotspot for flip-flop-wearing beachgoers. The menu is rich with standard pub food with a view—including platters of jerk-spiced Caribbean fish tacos, Fully Loaded Salty Dogs, traditional English fish and chips, oysters on the half shell, peel-and-eat shrimp plates and heaps of conch fritters.

The Monkey Bar at St. Regis LBK, Longboat Key

St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, 1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL

Sleek, stylish and perched just steps from the Gulf, The Monkey Bar at St. Regis LBK Resort brings beachfront elegance to your cocktail hour. Expect hand-crafted drinks, light bites and next-level views under its shaded patio bar — perfect for a luxe Longboat Key lunch or sunset toast.

Waterfront Restaurants Near Siesta Key & Sarasota Bay

Phillippi Creek Village Oyster Bar

5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 941-925-4444

Seek the creek and slurp down a healthy dose of oysters at Phillippi Creek Village Oyster Bar. This restaurant, named after the creek it rests on, features a tasty selection of seafood and fried favorites, such as Oyster Nachos, Fried Gator, Clam Strips, crab cake sandwiches, steamed pots, stone crab claws (seasonal) and much more.

Ophelia's on the Bay

9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL, 941-349-2212

Siesta Key boasts Ophelia’s on the Bay, which has been a classic dining landmark since 1988. Spoil the taste buds with a tender leg of duckling prepared with cardamom-spiced apples while soaking up the open-air patio views of Little Sarasota Bay. Finish off an otherworldly meal of fresh Gulf hog snapper with a dessert of white chocolate mousse.

Evie's on the Bay

135 Bayview Drive, Osprey, FL 34229, 941-786-3890

Towering above Little Sarasota Bay with panoramic views from every level, Evie's on the Bay in Osprey serves up laid-back Gulf Coast energy from three different floors. Feast on the second-floor dining room, grab drinks on the open-air terrace of the top floor or dance the night away to live music at the breezy tiki bar on the ground level. No matter which floor you choose, you'll find a relaxed yet stylish spot to catch an iconic Gulf Coast sunset and off-the-boat drinks and bites.

Waterfront Restaurants in Venice

The Crow’s Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina

1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice, FL, 941-484-9551

The Crow’s Nest Restaurant Tavern, & Marina has been a mainstay for four decades, overlooking a glistening marina along the Venice Inlet. With plenty of room to dock your boat, pull up and wander inside to enjoy tropical drinks and nosh on seafood entrées. Downstairs dining in the Tavern boasts a casual pub atmosphere, while upstairs dining reflects a more buttoned-up approach.

The restaurant’s crab cake is loaded with crab meat and minimal filler, and the clams casino harkens to a simpler time when clams and bacon truly made everything better. The Famous Fish Sandwich has enticed patrons since 1976, the grilled Gulf red grouper is always a menu must, and the Pacific and North Atlantic oysters at the tavern’s raw bar are the freshest of waterside culinary delights.

Fins at Sharky's

1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL, 941-999-3467

Venice’s posh upstairs restaurant, Fins at Sharky’s, treats patrons to a view of the Venice Fishing Pier, a big-city coastal vibe and a menu packed with sophisticated fare. It's a polished yet beach-casual experience with a side of salt air. Fins is beloved for its premium steaks cooked to perfection in a high-grade Josper oven, inventive sushi rolls, as well as its handcrafted cocktails and happy hour promotions.

Dockside Waterfront Grill

509 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL, 941-218-6418

Located at the historic Fisherman's Wharf Marina, Dockside Waterfront Grill serves up seafood and a sunset impeccably. This local gem is a favorite amongst Venice locals and traveling boaters and fishermen. A true dock-and-dine destination, this Old Florida gem offers an open-air tiki vibe with hanging lights, live music and fresh-from-the-boat seafood platters. Easygoing maritime fun is found year-round here — and outdoor dining hugging the harbor is the only way to go.

Waterfront Dining in Nokomis

Pop’s Sunset Grill

112 Circuit Road, Nokomis, FL 941-488-3177

Pop's Sunset Grill is hard to miss if you're boating your way down Sarasota Bay past Casey Key. Right as you come under the south bridge to the key, you'll spot the massive tiki hut and a line of boats waiting for their captains to return from a delicious meal.

Almost all seating is al fresco, allowing guests to watch manatees and dolphins swim in the turquoise water, listen to live bands play classic covers or hang out around fire pits under the night sky.