Shopping & Dining Guide to University Town Center and Waterside Place

Sarasota’s University Town Center, also known as UTC, is a district where visitors and locals find themselves at the center of it all. From big-brand retail stores and local boutiques to fitness/wellness services, seasonal events and restaurants of every price point and cuisine style, UTC is ever-growing and evolving as one of Sarasota County's favorite shopping, dining, entertainment and lifestyle destinations. 

The district’s 200+ retailers and 80+ eateries can feel a bit overwhelming, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Head to UTC having a bit of background knowledge of what to expect, how to navigate and where to go depending on what you're looking for. 

A bit further east in Lakewood Ranch on the water’s edge of Kingfisher Lake, find the brand-new social town center known as Waterside Place. The open-air environment concept allows you to soak in the Florida sun while you get your steps in, discovering a multitude of locally owned businesses for shopping, dining, pampering and socializing. 

Shopping at University Town Center & Waterside Place

Discover new-to-you retailers, as well as your tried-and-true favorites, between UTC and Waterside Place.

Shopping at UTC

The Mall at UTC features approximately 880,000 square feet of retail space—including designer name brands of the national and international department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Dillard's, not to mention more than 150 stores and distinctive retailers not found anywhere else in the local area. Expect a diverse mix of trending fashion from such stores as H&M, American Eagle, Athleta, Lululemon, Francesca's, Free People, Lilly Pulitzer, Michael Kors, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Fabletics and many more. Pick up makeup, haircare and other products at popular retailers like Sephora, Bath & Body Works, LUSH and MAC Cosmetics. You’ll also find lifestyle retailers: Apple, Tommy Bahama, Warby Parker, Crate & Barrel and Fit2Run, The Runner’s Superstore, to name a few. Throughout the beautifully built mall, find plenty of cozy areas to sit down and relax in between your marathon shopping spree. 

Beyond The Mall, around the Town Center, is a one-stop shopping destination for recognizable brick-and-mortar storefronts that encompass this consumer mecca—making it all too easy to spend an entire day here sorting through racks and discovering treasures to take home. From Barnes & Noble, REI, ULTA, Old Navy and DSW Shoe Warehouse to Home Goods, Dick's Sporting Goods, Nordstrom Rack, Home Goods and TJ Maxx, all your favorite big boxes can be found for your everyday needs. 

Shopping at Waterside Place

At Waterside Place, browse stylish local boutiques, salons and specialty shops, including the trendy women's boutiques Marmalade and Monkee's. Treat yourself to beauty and wellness services from Modish Salon, Mancave at Waterside, PAINT Nail Bar, Shore Rejuvenation Day Spa & Boutique, Bay Area Aesthetics and more. Florida Provisions is another great shop stop to load up on beach or boat day gear or apparel, while simultaneously picking up a 6-pack of Florida craft beer and gourmet snacks. 

Restaurants at UTC & Waterside Place

From fast-casual to fine dining and everything in between, whether shopping solo, with a group of friends or bringing the entire family along, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, sweet snacks and anytime treats at both UTC and Waterside Place.

Where to Eat at UTC

Within The Mall, find upscale dining, casual eateries and food specialty shops with over 20 dining options. Standouts include The Capital Grille, The Cheesecake Factory, Brio Italian Grille, Cinnabon, Rise Pies Handcrafted Pizza and Seasons 52. 

Around the Town Center, test your decision-making skills by being tempted by a mix of well-known state-wide and country-wide names such as Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Shake Shack, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Blaze Pizza, Crumbl Cookies, Bonefish Grill, Rocco's Tacos, Glory Days, Keke's Breakfast Cafe, Poppo's Taqueria, Fresh Kitchen, Bento Asian Kitchen and so many more. If you'd rather try the more locally owned and beloved restaurants you've likely not heard of (if you’re visiting from out of town), opt for Post Kitchen & Bar, Georgie's Garden Cafe, Oak & Stone, Selva Grill, Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe, 3Natives Acai & Juicery, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Scullers Draft House, Ford's Garage, Mademoiselle Parisian Bakery & Café and Anna's Deli.

Where to Eat at Waterside Place

At Waterside Place, local favorites range from healthful and delicious to decadent and indulgent. Be sure to put Good Liquid Brewing Co., Kore Steakhouse, Kilwin's, O&A Coffee and Supply, Duck Donuts, Agave Bandido, Deep Lagoon, Osteria 500 Italian Restaurant and Forked at Waterside on your list when heading here for either a quick snack or full-fledged meal. And on Sundays, enjoy the Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch, taking place all year-round on Sundays at Waterside Place. Stroll the scenic streets and taste dozens of local food vendors—from fresh-baked biscuits, beignets and empanadas to Philly cheese steaks, artisan ice cream and smoked barbecue. 

There really is no shortage of options for you and whoever's tagging along with you. Between The Mall, University Town Center and Waterside Place, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch have undoubtedly everything for every taste, style and desire!