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.

Begin your dining journey north and work your way to our most southern barrier island with this “key-hopping” cheat sheet and roadmap of local restaurants. On every key, we’ve highlighted two distinct culinary experiences—one elevated, fine-dining destination and the other, a more relaxed, casual spot—giving you the full spectrum of options to match whatever mood or occasion strikes. 

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 Drive, Longboat Key

With 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, while watching sunsets melt from your waterfront table. Top off a meal with a spirit‐forward martini and fine desserts, such as Macadamia Nut Créme Brulée. 

Whitney's

6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

On the opposite end of the key, find a reimagined 1950s gas station turned retro beachside oasis. Whitney's delivers the ultimate laid-back, mid-century surf vibe just steps from the sand. This open-air bodega and eatery features picnic tables under the palms, open garage doors and an outdoor shower for washing off the salt from Longboat Key Beach before a pour of crisp frosé and a Florida Citrus Salad.

Lido Key

Lido Key is nestled in Sarasota’s most cosmopolitan shopping and dining district, St. Armands 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.

Crab & Fin

420 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota

A landmark restaurant on the Circle since 1978, Crab & Fin is the place to go for the freshest seafood on the island. 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. 

Columbia Restaurant

411 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota

The iconic and oldest restaurant in Sarasota, Columbia, provides a Mediterranean-style vibe and a lively, upbeat stop for cocktails and Spanish/Cuban cuisine—including its famous "1905" Salad. It's the perfect spot to fill-up after a day at the Lido Beach for a casual lunch or for a family night dinner. Outdoor patio seating is one of the best on St. Armands Circle. Once you’ve been, you know you’ll be back. 

Siesta Key

Siesta Key’s quartz-crystal, powdery sand beaches and gentle turquoise waves are world-celebrated. Having earned multiple national and international recognitions, including a spot on Tripadvisor's Top 10 Best U.S. Beaches list, Siesta Key is host to dozens of restaurants of every flavor and fashion. From loafer to sandal, you’ll never be bored with the options here. 

Ophelia’s on the Bay

9105 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota

Tucked on the quieter, south end of the island, the chef at this white-table cloth gem blends American classics with international themes to delight guests with discerning palettes and a penchant for the finest 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 different seated along Little Sarasota Bay.  

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

5238 Ocean Boulevard, Sarasota

Siesta Key Oyster Bar, fondly referred by locals as SKOB, sits in the heart of Siesta Village. The beloved "dive" bar remains a popular spot to hangout for local sports fans, vacationers and beachgoers alike. Naturally, football season packs diners in, but SKOB is a year-round pleasure for laid-back bar food, a killer oyster happy hour special, daily live music 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 that Casey Key is mostly residential, but there are a few standout dining options nearby and still on the water.

Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster Bar

482 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey

Positioned right on the water at Casey Key Marina, Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster Bar offers scenic marina views and an open, airy dining space while enjoying the freshest catches in town. Find a glass or bottle of wine from the Cellar menu before browsing locally sourced seafood served straight from their market to your plate—featuring a full raw oyster bar, hogfish snapper, pan-seared grouper and other seasonal filets. 

Evie’s On the Bay

135 Bayview Drive, Osprey

For a view of Little Sarasota Bay, Evie’s On The Bay Tiki is the perfect place to dock up on a boat day. Depending on the weather and time of year, gather around a ground-floor firepit or head up in flip-flops to the giant tiki bar. Enjoy Florida favorites like coconut shrimp and mahi tacos, as well as frozen daiquiris, live music, local stories and some of the most laidback vibes in town. 

Venice

Venice is a city island on Florida's Gulf Coast, known for Venice Beach and the sharks teeth that hide within its sand and waters. 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, cafes or wine bars with scenic culinary experiences that range from Old World Venetian to Florida coastal chic. 

Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina

968 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice

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. Surf and turf doesn't get much local or better than this, with fresh-caught seafood coming in daily and choice steaks and chops, while dessert includes the iconic key lime pie.

Sharky’s On The Pier

1600 Harbor Drive S, Venice

Perched directly on the Venice Fishing Pier overlooking the Gulf, Sharky's on the Pier captures the quintessential, laid-back Florida beach bar experience. With sprawling tiki-style outdoor decks and panoramic sunset views, it’s a favorite for sinking your toes into the sand or enjoying daily live music over Gulf-caught grouper sandwiches, peel 'n eat shrimp and frozen fruit cocktails, like the Megalodon Margarita and Tropic Turtle.

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

While technically just over the bridge in Englewood, Farlow’s On the Water is an area must. Cool Caribbean fare vis-à-vis the US Virgin Islands includes tide-to-table seafood with a fusions of Southern comfort cuisine. Savory garden-fresh ingredients show up in highlights such as stuffed shrimp, scallops and conch fritters. And don't miss out on the decadent handcrafted cocktails to cleanse your palate.

SandBar Tiki & Grille

1975 Beach Road, Englewood

Situated directly across from the Gulf, SandBar Tiki & Grille delivers the ultimate breezy, open-air island vibe. This lively beachside staple pairs live music and fire pits with a high-energy outdoor deck where you can roll straight in from the sand or dock in flip-flops. The menu ranges from slow-smoked house BBQ brisket and local grouper tacos to loaded island burgers and buckets of beer.