The Ultimate Seafood Lover's Guide to Sarasota

If you were looking for a comprehensive guide to the best local seafood restaurants, freshest catches and waterfront dining paired with ocean-fresh flavors, well then, consider this the finest catch of the day. 

From upscale anchor-and-eat restaurants to casual beachside bars, Sarasota County's seafood dining scene flows far and wide like our Gulf of Mexico waters. Whether you're craving succulent Gulf shrimp, a tender grouper sandwich, Florida-famous stone crab, blackened snapper tacos or freshly shucked oysters, our guide to Sarasota's seafood restaurants will keep you baited, hooked and coming back for more.

Siesta Key Seafood

Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar: A traditional Old Florida seafood house on the south end of Siesta Key, Captain Curt's landmark tiki bar is known for its island vibe and famous bowl of award-winning clam chowder. Dive into wild-caught seafood fare like the Gulf Grouper, Sea Scallops or signature Hogfish Dinner, paired with a cold draft beer and live music for a true taste of coastal living in Siesta Key.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB): Known for its ultra laid-back atmosphere and lively beach vibe, SKOB is a favorite group hangout for locals and drifters alike. Expect daily live music and a fun scene in the heart of Siesta Village. Feast on a variety of dive bar and seafood classics like Jumbo Peel-N-Eat Shrimp, Lump Crab Hushpuppies, Chef's Daily Fish Dip and, of course fresh oysters on the half shell (half-price during happy hour) while taking down a few pints of beer after a full day of salt and sun.

Spearfish Grille: Tucked away right at the bottom of South Siesta Bridge, Spearfish Grille offers a delightful all-outdoor dining experience under its tiki roof with fresh "caught-that-day" creations and views of the neighboring boat yard. No need to worry if there's a wait, as someone is usually posted beside the cornhole grilling up specialty oysters and serving bottles of beer for those waiting for a table. Once seated, indulge in shared apps like Conch Fritters, Crispy Fried Grouper Cheeks or Ahi Tuna Nachos, or opt for the Daily Fresh Caught Local Gulf Fish, blackened or grilled and expertly prepared.

Lido Key Seafood

Crab & Fin: Situated right on St. Armands Circle, Crab & Fin offers upscale indoor and alfresco dining with a focus on tide-to-table menu items. Indulge in Fresh Catch Selections like Whole Local Mangrove Snapper, Mediterranean Bronzini, Low Country Bouillabaisse, Caribbean Yellowfin Tuna and more fin fresh standouts, complemented by an extensive wine list and white tablecloth service in a refined yet relaxed sidewalk setting.

Speaks Clam Bar: On the other side of St. Armands Circle, find Speaks Clam Bar, known for its speakeasy-like atmosphere and Italian pasta and seafood dishes. From the Lobster Roll and Steamed PEI Mussels to the Baked Clams Casino and Shrimp Scampi Linguine, every bite is bursting with flavor and handmade with love. Catch great menu items on the happy hour and enjoy the jazzy-chic ambiance paired with a martini to end a great weekend or vacation. 

Longboat Key Seafood

Chart House: Perched at the entrance of Longboat Key, Chart House offers upscale waterfront dining with breathtaking views of the Gulf waters of Sarasota Bay. Enjoy a menu of high-end seafood favorites like the Macadamia Crusted Mahi, Black Ink Linguine Di Mare or the Wild-caught King Crab, or venture down the "Dock To Dine" section of the menu. All entrees paired with attentive service in an elegant setting. Happy hour specials from the bar seating is a great way to unwind after an all-day outing on the boat. 

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill: Also on the south end of Longboat Key, discover a beloved eatery on the bay side of the barrier island. Dry Dock is renowned for its casual dockside ambiance and delicious seafood dishes. From the award-winning Grouper Sandwich and Boathouse Tacos to Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and the Chilean Sea Bass, every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with a side of waterfront charm.

Sarasota Seafood

Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant: Located in North Sarasota, Captain Brian's Seafood Market & Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its fresh-caught seafood market and Zagat-rated restaurant. A must to kick-off your meal is Chef Brian's famous fish dip (smoked onsite). Choose from a daily selection of locally sourced seafood and have it prepared to your liking, whether grilled, blackened or fried. Then shop around to take home some Florida Stone Crab Claws or fish filets from the market to cook at home. 

Duval's Fresh Local Seafood

Duval's Fresh Local Seafood: Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Duval's is a culinary hotspot known for its innovative seafood creations using the highest quality ingredients from both local fishermen and farmers. Feast on appetizers like Siesta Key Calamari, Seafood Bruschetta and Coconut Curry Mussels before diving into dishes like the Scallops Rockefeller, Ocean Scampi and Lobster Mac & Cheese. Pair with a glass of fine wine while people-watching passersby on Main Street. 

Kacey's Seafood & More: With two locations in Sarasota, Kacey's offers double the dining experience with a focus on affordable seafood and family-friendly service. Find crispy-gold favorites like the Fried Shrimp Basket, Fried Clam Strips and some of the best Fish & Chips in the area, served with classic sides and homemade sauces for a satisfying meal.

Tripletail Seafood & Spirits: Down U.S. 41, find a strip mall hidden gem in The Landings. Tripletail Seafood & Spirits offers coastal-inspired cuisine and innovative craft cocktails as well as a fantastic daily happy hour which includes the Fish Cakes and Tuna Tartare. Otherwise, indulge in a vast selection of seafood dishes, from Coconut Shrimp Salad and Smoked Bourbon Oysters to their signature Tripletail fish, seasoned and sauteed to perfection. 

Englewood Seafood

Farlow's on the Water

Farlow's On The Water: Situated on the shoreline of Ainger Creek in Englewood, Farlow's on the Water offers a picturesque setting with a southern twist on saltwater fishes. Enjoy Caribbean-inspired dishes like the St. Croix Crab Cake, Anguilla Hog Fish, Barbados Mussels, Southern Style Triggerfish and the house specialty, Martinique Cobia, paired with island vibes and southern hospitality for a memorable dining experience.

Landy's Restaurant: A local favorite just a few minutes from Englewood Beach, Landy's Restaurant is known for its classic seafood dishes and family-owned charm. Taste unique appetizers on the beautiful garden patio overlooking the water, like the Dynamite Shrimp, Seafood Lemon Drop or Turf N Surf Board. Entress from the sea include the Catch of the Day, Manasota Mahi, Orange Crusted Grouper and the Seafood Platter, served with a side of Southern hospitality and Old Florida nostalgia.

Venice Seafood

Crow's Nest Marina Restaurant

Crow's Nest Marina Restaurant: Overlooking the marina in Venice, Crow's Nest offers fine dining with a relaxed waterfront ambiance. Wine in hand, toast to some Raw Bar options for your first course, like Gulf Oysters, Top Neck Clams, Classic Shrimp Cocktail and the Seafood Tower. Or skip right to the main course to fill up on the Deep Fried Captain's Platter, Open-Faced Seafood Ravioli or Walnut Crusted Salmon, accompanied by panoramic views and impeccable service for a true ocean-to-table dining experience.

Dockside Waterfront Grill: Located at Venice's historic Fisherman's Wharf Marina, Dockside Waterfront Grill offers panoramic views and fresh seafood in an authentic Old Florida setting. Feast on fun Snack & Share items like the Crab Mango Stack or Lobster Lollipops before having a bowl of Fishcamp Chowder. Finish strong with a Lobster Roll or Boom Boom Grouper Wrap while watching the boats cruise by and sipping on a frozen daiquiri.

Fins at Sharky's

Fins at Sharky's: Located adjacent to Sharky's on the Pier, at the entrance of the Venice Beach Fishing Pier, Fins offers a refined dining atmosphere with an unparalleled view and focus on coastal cuisine. Go for more flavor with char-grilled specialties like the Spanish Octopus, Faroe Island Salmon or Pacific Mahi Mahi. Top it all off with an island-style craft cocktail and enjoy front-row seats to the daily sunset show.

Pop's Sunset Grill: Situated on the waterfront of Nokomis (just north of Venice), Pop's Sunset Grill offers stunning views of the inlet and a laid-back, tropical tiki bar setting. Boaters and diners alike can dock up and dine on comfort dishes like Beer Battered Fish Platter, Coconut Shrimp Platter, the Famous Grouper Reuben or Marker 10 Fish Tacos, while soaking in the sunset and enjoying live music on the outdoor deck.