Where to Dine on Each of Sarasota's Six Keys

Sarasota’s keys are strung like a pearl-white necklace flowing down our piece of Gulf Coast shoreline. Each key is accessible by a span of uniquely arched bridges. And each island has its own vibe and culture, so it’s little wonder that dining experiences vary, too. From formal feasts with a glamorous white tablecloth flair to more lively and energetic high dive feels, there’s a land or lure pleaser for every taste and reason to gather.

To support you in your goal to be fully prepared for the full-blown Savor Sarasota 20th anniversary experience this summer, we’re providing a progressive “key-hopping” cheat sheet and roadmap of local restaurants to tempt your taste buds. 

Begin your dining journey north and work your way to our most southern barrier island – by the end, you'll have your "must-go back" favorites. 

LONGBOAT KEY

Accessed by Lido Key to the south and Anna Maria Island to the north, Longboat Key stretches nearly 20 miles in length along the Gulf of Mexico. A resident’s paradise, visitors take to the island to enjoy warm swims and strolls along the key’s long shoreline. Restaurants, so many picturesque and waterside, give the island the feeling of a vacation not far from home. 

Chart House 

201 Gulf of Mexico Drove
Longboat Key, FL 34228 
(941) 383-5593

With soothing and panoramic views of gorgeous Sarasota Bay, the classy and upscale Chart House has just the right seafood or steak dish to complement appetites with atmosphere. There’s a dish by sea or shore for every diner’s desire, from happy hour bites to a robust menu worthy of a romantic night out, watching sunsets melt as stars make their appearance from your waterfront table. 

Euphemia Haye

5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, FL 34228 
(941) 383-3633

Named to honor his grandmother, Les Buntin opened Euphemia Haye in 1975. It is frequently voted one of Sarasota’s "most romantic restaurants" set in a quaint, island cottage. Dining a la carte downstairs is an eclectic affair set in a garden with twinkling lights. Upstairs in the Haye Loft guests gather for award-winning desserts and a classic tavern scene with top-shelf cocktails. Whether you venture up or down (or both), Euphemia is more than dining, it will spark your palette and capture your heart.

LIDO KEY

Lido Key is nestled in Sarasota’s most cosmopolitan shopping and dining district, St. Armand’s Circle, and is connected to the city of Sarasota by the picturesque John Ringling Causeway Bridge. Boasting soft white mounds of sand and natural, forested areas to the north end and south end, Lido is a locals' paradise.

Columbia Restaurant

411 St Armands Circle
Sarasota, FL 34236 
(941) 388-3987

The iconic and oldest restaurant in Sarasota, Columbia, provides a Mediterranean-style vibe and a lively, upbeat stop for cocktails and Spanish/Cuban cuisine. It's the perfect spot to fill-up after a day at the beach for a casual lunch – just a short stroll from Lido Beach – or for a reserved romantic or family night dinner. Outdoor patio seating is one of the best on St. Armand’s Circle. Once you’ve been, you know you’ll go back…very soon. 

Crab & Fin

420 St Armands Circle 
Sarasota, FL 34236 
(941) 388-3964

A landmark restaurant in Sarasota since 1978, the Crab & Fin is the place to go for the freshest seafood available. Whole fish arrive daily by air from all points in the world. The culinary team takes pride in making sure that every cut is made in-house. The attention to detail is impeccable, the wine list spectacular, and the live piano or guitar playing just adds to the upscale serenity. 

SIESTA KEY

Siesta Key’s quartz-crystal, powdery sand beaches and gentle turquoise waves are world-celebrated. Voted #1 Best Beach in the U.S. and #4 in the World in 2025 by Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™, Siesta Key is host to dozens of restaurants of every flavor and fashion. From stiletto to sandal, you’ll never be bored with the options on Siesta. 

Ophelia’s on the Bay

9105 Midnight Pass Road
Sarasota, FL 34242 
(941) 388-4441

Check Nick Redell is a master of reinvention who blends American classics with international themes to delight customers with discerning palettes and a penchant for the finest and freshest fruits, vegetables and fish Florida has to offer. Indulge in a fine bottle of wine and save room for homemade desserts at Ophelia’s on the Bay, where surf-and-turf entrees just hit differently seated along Little Sarasota Bay.  

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

5238 Ocean Boulevard
Sarasota, FL 34242 
(941) 349-2212

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, fondly referred by locals as SKOB, home of the Bears, was the dreamchild of “Jack Daddy” from Chicago. The family brought that dream to life and SKOB continues to be a beloved sports "dive" bar of choice for Chicago Bears fans and any other football team known to man. Naturally, football season packs diners and beachgoers in, but SKOB is a year-round pleasure for laid-back bar food, seasonal oysters and island-inspired drinks. The wait, if there is one, is well worth it.

CASEY KEY

The narrow island of Casey Key, and the neighboring towns of Nokomis and Osprey, are part of Sarasota’s more hidden and lesser-known areas. Locals call Casey Key “one of the most beautiful islands you’ve probably never heard of,” with extra-blue water and an old-Florida feel. The more isolated, exclusive enclave means fewer dining options, but that certainly doesn't mean they're less than.

Evie’s On the Bay

135 Bayview Dr.
Osprey, FL 34229 
(941) 218-6114

For a stunning view of Little Sarasota Bay, Evie’s On The Bay offers an array of seating and settings for casual waterfront dining. Tailor your dining experience from a gathering around a ground-floor firepit to a private upstairs sit-down with a panoramic view or a stool and flip-flop tiki bar. Whether you come by land or boat, Evie’s is more than a restaurant, it’s a Sarasota tradition for many occasions.

Pop’s Sunset Grill

112 Circuit Road,
Nokomis, FL 34275
(941) 488-3177

Expect a casual and fun tiki hut vibe, boasting signature cocktails, local brews and a menu of beach-inspired burgers, sandwiches and classic Gulf Coast seafood dishes at Pop's Sunset Grill. The longtime restaurant and bar is set against a lively music scene along the Intracoastal Waterway, where boats throughout the week and weekend anchor up to dine in. Island stops don’t get more entertaining than this!  

VENICE

Venice is a city island on Florida's Gulf Coast known for Venice Beach and its Venice Fishing Pier. The historic area offers activities aplenty, from boating, fishing and surfing to pedaling on miles of bike trails. Once you’ve whipped up an appetite, tuck into one of many local restaurants with scenic and mouth-watering culinary experiences of every design. 

Fin’s at Sharky’s

1600 Harbor Drive South
Venice, FL 34285 
(941) 999-3467

Directly on Venice Beach overlooking the coveted fishing pier, Fins at Sharky’s pairs creative culinary creations with magnificent views of aqua-blue waters and people-watching to boot. As a premier steakhouse with a rotating, seasonal menu that includes Gulf-caught seafood and sushi, the coast never tasted better – especially paired with a craft cocktail and one of our iconic Gulf Coast sunsets. 

Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina

968 Tarpon Center Dr
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 484-9551

The Crow's Nest remains a Venice landmark and waterfront fixture since the 70s. Depending on your mood or occasion, head upstairs to the fine-dining room for wonderful views and a more upscale menu, or stay downstairs in the tavern for a bit more of a casual vibe. Surf and turf doesn't get much local or better than this, with fresh-caught seafood coming in daily and choice steaks and chops.

MANASOTA KEY

Regarded as a natural sanctuary with a friendly old Florida vibe, Manasota Key is an 11-mile island south of Venice and the last stop of Sarasota's keys. Boasting warm waters, fewer crowds, quiet locales and friendly hospitality, Manasota may be the furthest from the city of Sarasota, but worth every minute to get there.

Farlow’s On the Water

2080 S McCall Road
Englewood, FL 34224 
(941) 474-5343

Cool Caribbean fare vis-à-vis the US Virgin Islands includes tide-to-table seafood with a Southern twist. Farlow’s On the Water is a Manasota must. Prepared to be teased by savory garden-fresh ingredients, like parsley, basil and rosemary, as well as decadent handcrafted cocktails. It’s enough to make the mouth water every minute and mile out to the coastal town of Englewood.  

Mango Bistro

301 W Dearborn Street
Englewood, FL 34223 
(941) 681-3500

While not technically on the key, Mango Bistro is just a quick drive onto Manasota Key if you're planning a beach day. Start your morning with a healthy breakfast—from paninis and crepes to burritos and toasts—plus all the natural smoothies and craft coffees to fuel you for a long day in the sun. This local gem takes its namesake seriously—being off Mango Street—with a bright yellow exterior featuring a giant mango mural that leads you to a fun atmosphere, artful gifts and world music.