Savor Guide: 'New American' Offerings

Enjoy this complete guide to local restaurants with menus that reflect a similar "New American" style during Sarasota County’s annual restaurant week of spectacular deals on exquisite dining.

We are gearing up for a favorite time of year for foodies: Savor Sarasota! With nearly 90 participating restaurants offering special multi-course lunch and dinner menus for just $16 and $32 per person, you might need some help deciding where to go!

Why not start with taste? Here you’ll find our 2019 participating restaurants divided into a specific category for your navigational ease. New American options are highlighted below for those seeking a trendy twist on some classic favorites.

What is New American?

New American is generally a fusion style of cooking that incorporates traditional American cooking techniques (grilling, roasting, frying) and combines it with some exotic ingredients, most typically European (i.e. French and Mediterranean). We have most recently seen New American cuisine incorporate Korean and Vietnamese flavors as those cuisines continue to pick up popularity. New American cuisine is generally served in moderate to upscale restaurants.

The Restaurants

Blue Rooster

Sarasota’s top spot for enjoying live blues music with your southern fare, Blue Rooster is an awesome stop for your Savor Sarasota experience. Head on over to the Rosemary District for the chicken and waffles or bacon wrapped meatloaf, but stay for the bluesy music that rivals that of the best bars in Memphis.

Brick’s Smoked Meats

Brick’s Smoked Meats is Sarasota’s premier BBQ destination. The Texas style BBQ spot slow smokes its offerings all day long for tender, melt-in-your-mouth meats. Their super flavorful and inventive sides equally share the spotlight at this down-home downtown destination. Deviled eggs and slow smoked brisket are our favorite options for this year’s Savor Sarasota menu.

Bridges Restaurant

Located on the 8th floor of the Embassy Suites, Bridges Restaurant boasts delicious New American cuisine and stunning Sarasota views. Guests for lunch can sample their excellent burger or salmon pasta, or stop by for dinner for pan seared salmon or chicken Milanese. Enjoy the views and ambience in this beautiful hotel restaurant.

Euphemia Haye Restaurant

Tucked away in a quaint jungle setting in an historic cottage on Longboat Key, Euphemia Haye Restaurant is one of Sarasota’s most uniquely beautiful restaurants. The Who’s Who of Sarasota residents and visitors have been filling their bellies here for almost 40 years. Guests of Savor Sarasota can sample their famous roast duckling, grilled fresh fish or cannelloni, and experience the ambience of one of Sarasota’s most iconic restaurants.

Evoq

Located inside of the wildly popular Westin in downtown Sarasota, Evoq offers diners menu options with clean flavors and decor that is reminiscent of a spa dining experience. Guests can enjoy highlights like ahi tuna with fried green tomatoes or a lovely sweet potato ginger soup. Be sure to head to the rooftop bar after dining to take in the gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay while enjoying a nightcap.

H2O Bistro

In downtown Sarasota’s Hotel Indigo lies the wonderful H2O Bistro. Its classic New American menu offers comforting fare that will appeal to all diners. Visitors of Savor Sarasota can stop by for lunch or dinner to sample the restaurants tasty offerings. Pop in for mushroom bisque or crispy pork belly with gulf shrimp. If you find yourself overfull and sleepy afterwards, you can always check for a room and snooze away in one of their serene hotel rooms. Staycation anyone?

Mattison’s City Grille

Mattison’s City Grille in downtown Sarasota is the pinnacle of outdoor dining. This local spot is perfect for a meal post perusing the Sarasota’s Farmers Market on Saturdays or any other day of the week. All seating in the restaurant is open air yet perfectly temperature controlled for our hot summer days. Dinner and weekend guests can tuck in for delicious cuisine while being serenaded by Sarasota’s top musicians.

Mattison’s Forty-One

Host to one of Sarasota’s very best happy hour’s, Mattison’s Forty-One is always teeming with hungry guests. Lucky for us they are featuring a host of delicious offerings with a slight Mediterranean twist. Guests can enjoy their meals inside in the comfortable dining room, or al fresco on their beautiful patio.

Melange

Melange in downtown Sarasota is super chic, and perhaps one of Sarasota’s best kept secrets.  Chef Lan composes stunning savory dishes that are both simple and flavorful. Regulars clamor for her duck brie crepes, and the good news for us is that they are featured prominently on her Savor Sarasota menu. Be sure to stop in for a truly memorable meal.

Michael’s On East

Few restaurants in Sarasota are as recognizable as Michael’s On East. Chances are, if you’ve ever attended a charity fundraiser, or business luncheon you’ve done so in their memorable ballroom. Seize the opportunity to dine in their main dining room during Savor Sarasota and treat yourself to some crispy onion straws with white truffle and sweet & sour crispy yellowtail.

Patricks 1481

This downtown classic is best known for their good time vibes and killer happy hour crowd. When it comes to lunchtime, Patricks 1481 is also known for their famous burger, voted best burger in Sarasota for 33 years running. Stop by for lunch, and sample their famous burger on this year’s Savor Sarasota menu.

Seasons 52

The success of Seasons 52 can best be attributed to their healthy and approachable menu. With a mission to buy fresh, in-season produce and keep calories low, it’s no wonder it’s such a hit. This year guests are invited to stop by for lunch or dinner to enjoy the Savor Sarasota menu. With tasty treats like mozzarella flatbread and roasted half chicken, how could you say no?

Shore

Conveniently located on St. Armands Circle, Shore has an awesome vibe with mid-century decor and a distinctly California feel. Shore’s second-story restaurant gives guests great views of the circle while they wait for their perfectly-curated meals to arrive. Highlights from this year’s menu include truffle scented mushroom ravioli, chermoula baked Hawaiian triggerfish, as well as their awesome diner style meatloaf.

Stonewood Grill & Tavern

Located on University parkway in north Sarasota, Stonewood grill is a neighborhood restaurant. They are known for their oak grilled steaks, fresh seafood and memorable times. Their comforting New American menu offers plenty of favorites for all of your dining companions.

Tamiami Tap

A new addition to downtown Sarasota, Tamiami Tap is serving an approachable menu with excellent quality. In addition to their delicious food and coastal ambience, Tamiami Tap offers a generous selection of local beers on tap. Pop in during Savor Sarasota week for their mouthwatering burrata appetizer and prime rib for a quick and casual downtown experience.

The Rosemary

True classic American flavors are the cornerstone of The Rosemary. Dishes like crab Louie and black-and-blue chicken pasta scream high-end American comfort food, and the good news is, that’s exactly what they are offering during Savor Sarasota week. Spend your evening indulging on their menu offerings while enjoying the sites of Sarasota’s most exciting neighborhood.

Café Evergreen

Representing the Nokomis restaurant scene, Cafe Evergreen is all about delicious and healthy dining. Their vegetable-heavy menu creates stunning combinations to excite even the pickiest of eaters. They’re serving up grilled avocados, kelp noodle stir-fry and ahi tuna with shrimp all made with a decidedly healthy twist.

Lila

Lila can best be described as a spot where a vegan, vegetarian and omnivore can all come together for dinner and leave satisfied. Their comprehensive menu combines creativity and health for some truly surprising dining options. This year’s menu continues to cater to vegans and omnivores alike with mushroom barbacoa tacos, artichoke hearts of palm cakes and local flounder in a coconut milk curry. Their offerings are so delicious and healthy you’ll want to stop by twice.