Experience Englewood’s Culinary Scene

The southernmost reach of Sarasota County is home to one of Florida's finest hidden treasures: the quaint, historic village of Englewood. You won't find skyscrapers and gridlock traffic here, and the seasons are quiet. 

Located just off the beaten path among the majestic live oaks, sabal palmettos and sea grapes that characterize classic Old Florida landscapes, Englewood is a one-of-a-kind town with a food scene to match. Discover beautiful waterfront restaurants, farm-to-table eateries and diverse wine bars and breweries.

Restaurants on the Water

Photo courtesy of Farlow's on the Water

Farlow’s on the Water is a tropical, Caribbean-inspired eatery serving fresh catches including ahi tuna, mahi and mangrove snapper, as well as USDA prime meats, accompanied by scenic waterside vistas and near-nightly live music. Try the black grouper tacos, topped with kiwi pico de gallo and mango remoulade.

At Lighthouse Grill and Tiki Bar, grab a seat on one of the Adirondack patio chairs at sunset for prime views of the water. Chefs smoke ribs, brisket, salmon and more daily on the in-house smoker, with their signature oak wood blend giving it a deliciously smoky flavor.

Sandbar Tiki & Grille offers daily live music and daily happy hour at the bar. Start with the smoked wings seasoned with house rub or coconut shrimp served with piña colada sauce, then dig into a lobster roll or signature Sandbar Po’Boy.

Landy’s Restaurant serves Floridian cuisine at its finest. The menu offers Key West calamari, steam pans filled with snow crab, mussels or Cherrystone clams, plus hand-cut steak and pork.

The Waverly is the move for a more upscale date night, where farm-to-table specialties include peel-and-eat shrimp, Faroe Island salmon and a 36-hour braised short rib.

Bonus: While not directly waterfront, Lock ‘N Key Restaurant & Pub is just steps from Englewood Beach, with a casual atmosphere and a gorgeous outdoor patio. Opt for house specialties like Southern seafood boils and hand-breaded platters, or catch your own dinner and let the chefs do the rest with their Hook-N-Cook program.

Downtown Restaurants

Englewood's heart is the historic downtown area along Dearborn Street, where charming shops, boutiques, wine bars and art galleries await. Explore the local arts and culture scene, discover unique finds and soak in the salt-aged, "Old Florida" ambiance.

Looking for a quick-and-easy, yet still healthy, breakfast? Stop by Sip Sip Hooray, Garden Cafe for fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, like the refreshing Sweet Julio, with bananas, oranges and vanilla.

Mango Bistro is a great spot for salads, paninis and wraps made with all-natural, antibiotic- and hormone-free ingredients. The Parisian wrap layers grilled chicken, French brie, crispy bacon and blueberry honey, or opt for a lighter portobello melt with tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil pesto. Diners can sit inside in a colorful, art-filled dining space or grab a table on a breezy outdoor patio.

Englewoods on Dearborn brings electric live entertainment and upscale European cuisine to the heart of the town. Start with lollipop lamb chops, then enjoy specialties like schnitzel and goulash. Just a short walk away is Chophouse 285, a steakhouse with walk-in dry-aging rooms, a Himalayan salt wall and a custom wood-burning grill. The signature steaks are the stars, hand-cut and wet- or dry-aged, served with a baked potato and finished with cracked salt.

Bonus: Located just off Dearborn Street is Artur’s Restaurant, known for traditional Polish dishes like pierogi, stuffed cabbage and bigos, a hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, smoked kielbasa, tender pork and savory spices.

Beer & Wine Scene

This coastal community is also home to something much less expected: a modern little beer-and-wine scene.

At the stylish Vino Loco, guests can sit inside or outside and sample wines by the taste, glass or bottle. The lengthy wine list includes vintages from Spain, Argentina, Chile, Portugal, Italy and California, and a well-stocked shop at the back lets customers who like what they drink pick up a bottle or two to take home. To go with the wine, the tapas menu includes a wide variety of regular options, such as bruschetta, freshly made hummus, sautéed shrimp and Spanish-influenced dishes like boquerones and albondigas.

Rumours Wine Bar pours 25 wines by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle. The wine list offers a well-rounded mix of crisp whites, refreshing sparkling wines and approachable reds from Europe and beyond. Look for selections like Austrian Grüner Veltliner, French White Burgundy and Spanish Garnacha. Specialty drinks include the Rumours’ Spritz and an excellent espresso martini.

A little farther from Englewood, you’ll find UnWINEd Wine Bar & Eatery. Here, wine lovers can explore selections from around the world, including a bright South African Chenin Blanc, refreshing Portuguese Vinho Verde and classic Spanish Tempranillo. For something a little richer, try the 10-year Kopke Port.

In nearby Port Charlotte, make your own wine or sample a few at The Gilded Grape Winery, whose list is dominated by global whites and reds, plus a few fruity and dessert options. Standouts include a rich Italian Amarone with deep cherry and dried-fruit notes, and an aromatic German Gewürztraminer with hints of tropical fruit and spice.

You can find breweries in nearby Punta Gorda. The Icehouse Pub is an authentic English pub and restaurant with extensive taps, from favorites like Stella Artois to local brew Coppertail Brewing Co.’s Night Swim, a chocolate-forward American porter from Tampa, Florida, with a 6.2% ABV. At Village Brewhouse, Florida brews are well represented, with options like Cigar City’s citrusy, hop-forward Jai Alai IPA and Fort Myers Brewing Company’s refreshing Belgian-style Boat Story. And Peace River Beer Company is a family-friendly brewery with 20 of the finest craft beers, plus authentic Thai food and sushi.

Specialty Grocers

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves strolling the aisles of a specialty food shop, don’t miss Reid's Health Foods. The store has been a family-run community staple for 50 years. Shelves are stocked with health foods, vitamins, candles and pet foods, and the staff know their inventory well enough to point you in the right direction.

Island Court Seafood is an unassuming little seafood shack selling fresh fish right off the boat, handpicked and examined for freshness, size, weight, color and texture.

Englewood Farmers Market

For those who love farm-fresh produce, Englewood Farmers Market is one of the most popular around. Here you can meet area farmers, taste samples and stock up for the week.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Thursday, October through May, the market in Old Englewood Village becomes a cornucopia of fresh produce, prepared foods and local, fresh seafood.

Vendors line both sides of Dearborn Street where visitors can purchase an assortment of goodies. Fresh guacamole, citrus, cheeses, olive oil, honey, vegetables, herbs, breads and pastries fill vendor tents. But bring your appetite, because cooks smoke barbecue, stir fresh Spanish paella and craft other assorted international treats, including German and French baked goods, Mexican fare and Indian cuisine.

Restaurant Week

Let's Eat! Englewood is the town’s annual restaurant week, offering three-course dinners for $42 and two-course lunches for $22 at participating restaurants around the community. It typically runs in mid-to-late September.