Why Sarasota is One of Florida's Best Food Cities

Sarasota County's dining is a vibrant medley of cultural heritage, diversity and a deep appreciation for fresh, local ingredients. While bigger Florida cities might get the buzz, Sarasota steadily holds its own with a culinary scene that rivals the best. From island tiki bars to white-tablecloth dining and everything in between, Sarasota proves that great food doesn’t need a big-city zip code to shine. 

Come explore our Zagat-rated restaurants, James Beard-recognized chefs, year-round foodie festivals and a community that loves to eat well.

Home to Award-Winning Chefs

Cafe Gabbiano Chef preparing daily homemade pasta

Sarasota’s culinary scene continues to earn applause on the statewide and national stage, boasting a collection of award-winning restaurants and celebrated chefs. 

From Zagat-rated dining rooms to James Beard Award-winning and nominated culinary talents, the region is no stranger to acclaim. Local chefs frequently make headlines in prestigious food publications—locally, regionally and nationally—earning recognition for their creativity, use of fresh Florida ingredients and commitment to excellence. 

Chefs here come from all over the state, country and world—landing on Florida's Cultural Coast® to connect and contribute to our ever-evolving foodie cities.

Culinary Range

Dining at Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.

Sarasota’s dining scene serves up flavor in every form—whether you’re barefoot and snacking on a lobster roll at a beachside pavilion or dressed to the nines for white-tablecloth fine dining. This Florida foodie haven is home to an impressive spectrum of cuisines and ambiance, from buzzing hotel bars and busy waterfront restaurants to quiet Amish eateries serving hearty comfort food and scratch-made pies. 

Indulge in globally inspired menus at trendy bistros or family-held recipes from French bakeries. Find locally sourced ingredients at pizza parlors or Gulf Coast-caught seafood at fish market hangouts. Venture to upscale steakhouses, farmers markets and everything in between. Whether you’re craving grouper tacos with water views or a gourmet tapas in an intimate cafe, Sarasota’s rich culinary landscape has a plate for every palate.

But what about to wash it all down? Let local bartenders mix you up a cocktail at one of our laid-back tiki bars, snazzy speakeasies or at Sarasota's only rum distillery. Coffee aficionados will find our coffee shops roasting and brewing artisan blends, while oenophiles and craft beer lovers can sip their way through cozy wine bars and microbreweries. 
 

Food Festivals Year-round

The Ringling Courtyard, where Forks & Corks takes center stage

• Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival is a multi-day annual event in January, presented by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, a community of over 60 locally owned, independent restaurants. The festival includes interactive food and wine seminars at various area venues and a Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum courtyard. 
• The Originals also hosts an end-of-year event in December at The Bay Park, dubbed Taste of The Bay. The food festival takes place along Sarasota's beautiful waterfront, and showcases specialty dishes from local restaurants. Food and drink tickets allow you to cash in for a taste of whatever looks good to you from each table. Here's your chance to meet the owners and chefs behind some of your favorite restaurants!
• For a weekend of food truck delights and live music, head to Englewood Food Truck Rally & Music Festival, taking place every March at Pioneer Park. This free event features a diverse lineup of food trucks of just about every type of cuisine. Enjoy live performances from talented musicians and explore a marketplace filled with arts and specialty products.
• Eat Local Week, organized by Community Harvest SRQ, features a series of events in October focused on homegrown food and farming. Enjoy farm and garden tours, farm-to-fork dinners, workshops, educational programs, community discussions and hands-on activities. By the end of the week, you'll want to make more conscious food choices and support local agriculture in your day-to-day diet.
• The annual Venice Italian Feast & Carnival invites pizza and pasta lovers to experience the rich traditions of Italian culture at the Venice Airport Festival Grounds every February. Enjoy authentic cuisine, live music, carnival rides and family-friendly activities that'll work up an appetite. 
• Kick off the new year with a flavorful celebration at the Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival. This annual event at the Sarasota Fairgrounds combines coastal bites and freshly prepared seafood, plus live music and artistry all weekend long.
• Also at the Fairgrounds, experience the vibrant rhythms and flavors of the islands at the Sarasota Reggae & Food Festival in March. This free, family-friendly event celebrates reggae music and delicious dishes—from jerk chicken and tropical smoothies to seafood and sweet treats.
   

Annual Restaurant Week

Dining family style at Café on St. Armands

Each year, Sarasota County celebrates its famed Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week during the first two weeks of June. During this time, visitors experience exclusive multi-course menus from dozens of participating restaurants. 

These specially curated menus allow you to sample a variety of dishes and flavors while taking advantage of some great deals. Whether you're craving classic comfort food, international cuisine or contemporary creations, Savor Sarasota has something to satisfy every palate and preference.

And this year marks its 20th anniversary celebration – which means extra days of extra savings! Get social with #SavorSarasota and don't miss out.