Eat It Up: Dining in Sarasota County

Sarasota County is home to award-winning chefs and 21 Zagat-rated restaurants. Among the many different types of cuisine in Sarasota County, here are just a few of our highly recognized establishments.

Wine about it

The Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Tavern in Venice, Florida, boasts more than 950 selections of wine and has been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the “Best Of” Award of Excellence. North on Tamiami Trail in Sarasota is Roessler’s Restaurant, another restaurant recognized by Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. True wine enthusiast might also flock to downtown Sarasota and visit The Bijou Café, which claims the largest collection of South American wines in Florida.

Romance and fine dining

Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key is known as one of America’s Top 200 Most Romantic Restaurants. On St. Armands Circle, Café L’Europe has received Sarasota Magazine’s Best Elegant Restaurant Award. On the mainland, Mattison’s Forty-One and Mattison’s City Grille continue to win Florida Trend magazine’s Golden Spoon Award year after year. Last but not least, Michael’s On East is Sarasota’s only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant.

Amish Home Cooking

In addition to award-winning chefs, Sarasota’s Amish and Mennonite communities offer two outstanding restaurants with outstanding pies. Both Der Dutchman and Yoder’s restaurants are the epitome of casual, home-cooked dining and are perfect family-friendly restaurants. The Amish pies have been recognized as some of the best in the country.

Foodie celebrations

There are numerous food-based festivals throughout the year in Sarasota. Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week during the first two weeks of June offers a multi-course culinary experience at more than 60 restaurants. Let’s Eat, Englewood in the fall also celebrates dining, with multiple restaurants offering special menus. Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, a multi-day event by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, includes food and wine seminars at various restaurants. The Whiskey Obsession Festival showcases more than 200 spirits to taste, ranging from the elegant to the sublime. Finally, the Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash in Venice brings award-winning pitmasters to Venice.