Dining

Nix the cooking and cleaning this Thanksgiving—the only thing you need to make is a reservation.

Want to taste fall flavors for Thanksgiving in Sarasota County without having to deal with the prep, cooking or—most dreaded—the cleanup? These local restaurants are dishing up special holiday menus for takeout or dine-in for everyone's favorite Thursday of the year.

There's so much to do in Sarasota County that it can be difficult to narrow it down, much less cram it all into a weekend. You can't, of course, but if you're only here for a few days, here's a helpful itinerary designed to give you a taste of the beaches, cuisine and culture of Sarasota, while keeping it relaxing and mostly outside.

Friday

If you arrive in the afternoon, unpack and settle in at your hotel before heading downtown. If you already live here in paradise, follow suit and start with happy-hour cocktails at the spot that fits your mood.

Trying to find a place in Sarasota that works for both your kids and your appetite? Check out these adult- and kid-friendly restaurants that will make vacation dining fun and easy. 

Going out to eat with little ones does not necessarily need to be all hot dogs, chicken fingers and French fries. Sarasota boasts plenty of dining establishments with the best of both worlds—offering something wonderful for both parents and children.

Grabbing a blanket and packing some PB&Js makes for a simple beach picnic, but what if you want to get a little more creative?

Your dream picnic can be just as magical as the ones you see on TV. Sarasota's scenery makes it simple. Enjoy a long picnic lunch in the sunshine or a quiet picnic dinner at sunset. All you need to do is make a few preparations along the way.

Thirsty for knowledge about the craft beer scene in Gulf Coast Florida? We've got your guide to Sarasota’s most hoppin’ breweries and local restaurants with a flair for pairing their bites with Florida pints.

When you're hungry for high quality but not excessive quantity, savor a variety of morsels at Sarasota's award-winning restaurants. 

Sampling hors d'oeuvres, antipasti or tapas is a playground for the palate and helps you keep some change in your pocket. Classic or trendy, indoors or out, here, good things really do come in small packages.

In search of coastal cuisine, cultural attractions, and enough sunshine to cure their lingering polar-vortex blues, a couple heads south for a week in Florida's cultural capital.

Key West is colorful and Miami is flashy, but when it came to planning a weeklong Florida vacation, my boyfriend and I didn't hesitate: Sarasota was our destination.

Take a culinary tour of the destination to experience great views and eats.

So many restaurants, so little time. That’s what travelers to Sarasota County might lament when faced with all the delicious eating and drinking options the area has to offer.

That’s why food tours are such a great way to check out the local dining scene. Tour goers get to visit several restaurants over the course of a few hours, trying out house specialties while learning more about the eateries and the area.

Get a taste of what’s cooking in Sarasota County

Sarasota County is home to award-winning chefs and 21 Zagat-rated restaurants. Among the many different types of cuisine in Sarasota County, here are just a few of our highly recognized establishments.