Dining

Sarasota County is known for it’s beaches, but off the shoreline are a plethora of dining options to enjoy after a long day at the beach

Gourmands in Sarasota County know that, just because the area is coastal and the waterfront options abound, it doesn’t take a beachside setting to create a fabulous food-and-wine experience.

You can find a good meal any time of day in Venice's Historic Downtown area.

Venice, Florida's historic and charming downtown may date back to the 1920s, but its culinary scene is always evolving. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, there are all kinds of restaurants to tempt you at seemingly every turn—from cozy cafes and upscale eateries to late-night pubs and ice cream parlors. 

Have fun with food at these local classes and demonstrations.

A great way to get to know a place is through its food. And Sarasota has all kinds of delicious delicacies to explore, from fresh seafood straight out of the Gulf of Mexico to Amish-made peanut butter pies.

To take your tasting experience to the next level, sign up for one of the cooking classes or demonstrations offered at many restaurants and other spots in the area. You’ll not only get to sample local eats but also learn some tips and techniques to take the flavors home with you.

Try these fresh and local date-night dinners in the city of Sarasota

For my date nights, I'm always looking for an intimate place that not only has amazing food, but food that I can't cook at home. And when visiting somewhere, it's always nice to support local business and try local fare; the spirit of the region shines through the food and the people who prepare it with knowledge and love. Sarasota boasts many amazing restaurants that fulfil this criteria.

Enjoy our fun tips for enjoying stone crab: a rich, Gulf Coast of Florida delicacy

Considered to be one of the most delicious crustaceans of the world, stone crab season in Sarasota has our mouths watering! Running from mid fall until late spring, residents and tourists alike can enjoy this seafood delicacy, which has a consistency similar to Florida lobster, but with a distinctive "richness of flavor" that makes it a favorite.

In Sarasota Florida, with our seasonably mild weather, many choose to eat light meals year around. This Florida Shrimp & Avocado salad is one of those stand bys that is always light and fresh, especially when incorporating local seafood and produce.

Keeping it simple is one of the best ways to make your Florida seafood recipe the “star” attraction, especially with the sweet and flavorful taste of shrimp.

Florida has much to offer at its farmer’s markets including fresh produce of all sorts of colors, shapes and flavors.

Summertime in Florida offers an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Visiting farmer’s markets this time of year is a culinary treat with all the colors, shapes and smells of beautiful, fresh produce.  When something is in-season it’s at its peak in terms of freshness and flavor, so those are the first things I reach for when planning my meals.  Here a few that are in season through most of the summer, so keep an eye out for them!  

Sometimes called trash fish, several Gulf Coast species are readily available and priced more reasonably to buyers. They are delicious if cooked properly!

Porgy may not offer the glamour or pedigree of American Red Snapper, Red Grouper or Tuna, but in my fishing circle, we know a quality fish when we get one!

From dining and shopping on St. Armands to exploration and discovery on Lido Key’s outdoors and beaches, you can choose your own Florida’s Gulf Coast adventures.

Lido Key and St. Armand's Circle offer more one-of-a-kind Florida experiences than just beaches and daiquiris (but to be clear: it also definitely has those things covered.) There’s plenty to do besides the usual staples of beachgoing itineraries. You can enjoy upscale shopping, explore breathtaking ecological sites, savor the delicious dining stops and more.