South Sarasota

Businesses are popping up in south Sarasota with fervor. Three new restaurants in the southern portion of the area get our list started.

Oak & Stone Clark Road

Gastropub dining at its finest. Oak & Stone allows patrons to fill their own beers with dozens of craft options. Elevated bar food including pizza and burgers are the name of the game here.

Pietro’s Ristorante

For mouthwatering traditional Italian cuisine look no further than Pietro’s Ristorante. Sarasota legend, Pietro Miggliacio, has deemed this new spot his namesake and is serving up beautiful Italian flavors.

           
Fork My Life

Sarasota is rapidly embracing the vegan lifestyle with several vegan friendly spots making this list. Fork My Life in Gulf Gate is offering vegan baked goods made fresh daily. Cakes, pastries, pies and cupcakes. All of the flavor with none of the guilt.

North Sarasota

North of Fruitville Road in Sarasota County is a hotbed for new restaurant activity. You’ve got to try them all. You’ll be busy, but you’ll be well fed!

Leaf & Lentil

For filling and affordable vegetarian and vegan delights look no further than Leaf & Lentil. They are an awesome new addition to the vegan and vegetarian scene in Sarasota.

Reyna’s Taqueria

Arguably some of the best tacos in town, Reyna’s Taqueria is known for their authenticity and positive attitude. Everyone on the team is friendly and helpful, and the food is out of this world. Don’t forget to try the agua fresca!

Bodegon Criollo

Hurry over for the most authentic Cuban food in town and stay a little longer for dancing and live music after 7pm.

Armando’s Cocina Mexicana

Keeping the menu small helps Armando’s Cocina Mexicana execute everything perfectly. Tortilla’s are made fresh daily for that extra special touch.

Longboat/Lido Key

       

Head west toward the beaches for two new spots on Lido and Longboat Key.

The Venue

The Venue on St. Armands Circle is coming at you hot with live music, killer cocktails and burgers. They even have a milkshake bar that can be made boozy for the adventurous.

Shore Longboat Key

With a new spot on the north end of Longboat Key, Shore is serving up similar offerings to their St. Armands Circle location, but with stunning views of Sarasota Bay.

Midtown Sarasota

Always a fun culinary hotspot in Sarasota, midtown Sarasota features two new spots to dig in.

Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie

Sarasota classic Libby’s has had a major facelift and menu shift. With an industrial decor vibe and brasserie style menu, Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie's evolution has everyone in town talking.

Athen’s Family Restaurant

Athen’s Family Restaurant is indicative of the classic Greek American Diner. With Greek favorites like moussaka and American fare like grilled cheese and Rueben sandwiches, there is sure to be something for everyone. This restaurant has even earned the Food Network stamp of approval with multiple appearances on their programs from their original location in Nashville, Tenn.

Downtown Sarasota

Sarasota’s beating heart is located in the downtown district. The ever-changing landscape brings new residents and new restaurants regularly.

Daily Bird

Located on State Street, Daily Bird is about all things chicken. From chicken sandwiches, to fried chicken basket, to chicken poutine, one thing is certain, you’re going to leave full.

Sage SRQ

After a stunning remodel of a historic building downtown, Sage SRQ opened its doors to present us with equally impressive fine dining fare with a decidedly Mediterranean influence.

Umbrella’s 1296

There is truly something for everyone at Umbrella’s 1296. If you’re looking for easy breezy casual fare, select a table on the patio. Looking for something more upscale? Have a seat in the dining room for something special.

Lemon Tree Kitchen

After a super speedy concept change in the former Louie’s Modern space, Lemon Tree Kitchen has seen wild success. Catering to quick and healthy diners, this is the perfect space for a vegan, vegetarian and carnivore to come together and all leave happy.

Bavaro’s

Come for the atmosphere, stay for the pizza. Bavaro’s boasts authentic Neapolitan pizza made in a traditional wood burning oven which reaches temperatures upwards of 900º F

Siegfried’s Restaurant and German Biergarten

Siegfried’s Restaurant and German Biergarten offers traditional German cuisine and beers in a quiet neighborhood setting.

Green Zebra Cafe

A St. Armands favorite added a new location on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, serving up healthy options like fresh pressed juice, raw vegan lasagna, as well as filling sandwiches and salads.

SoFresh

Healthy options abound downtown, and the much anticipated SoFresh will continue to add to the healthy lifestyle of downtown visitors. SoFresh is known for its quick-service bowls, where guests can order, quinoa, zoodles and salads with their selection of accoutrements.

Tamiami Tap

Tamiami Tap is serving classic bar food, and serving it late. With classics like a French dip sandwich, and loaded Mac ‘N Cheese, it’s impossible to take a wrong turn. Pair your dinner with a local Sarasota brew on tap.

La Mucca Ballerina

Previously Mozzarella Fella, La Mucca Ballerina has developed a cult following in its own stead. They feature pizza al taglio, fresh mozzarella and Italian sandwiches for lunch. For dinner they heat things up with fresh pasta, and Italian classics like chicken marsala.

UTC Area

Shake Shack

The much anticipated Shake Shack in UTC is open and busy. This New York icon serves up burgers, hot dogs, nuggets and of course, shakes.

Ford’s Garage

Coming to the UTC area, Ford’s Garage offers a variety of filling burgers and cold beer.

*Boss B!tch Pizza is also new in the Sarasota area, but does not feature a storefront. This new-age restaurant concept is available via UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates.