Sarasota, FL

Eating out in Sarasota, FL

With Spanish and Native American influences, it's no surprise that Sarasota offers a varied and interesting dining variety. Whatever your tastes and whatever your budget, Sarasota has a place to match.

Gourmet

Café L'Europe uses old-world techniques to recreate gourmet delicacies from the European Continent. Innovative recipes build on fresh seasonal ingredients with the chef's years of culinary mastery for a flawless result. 431 St Armands Circle, Sarasota.

Highly Recommended

Beach Bistro takes advantage of Sarasota's bounty of fresh seafood and serves it in an elegant yet relaxed setting for your ultimate enjoyment. Rest assured of a great dinner, because it was awarded the title of "Best Food on the Gulf Coast" by Zagat restaurant guide! 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach.

Local Flair

Ophelia's combines local seafood and a waterfront setting to capture the essence of Florida dining, enhanced by artistic presentation of its dishes. The Executive Chef is so enthusiastic that with a special request a day or two in advance, he will create a custom meal for you! 9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key.

Romantic

The Bijou Café combines the two thingthe French do best, romance and gourmet cooking. You are welcomed past a trellis of plants and flowers into French Renaissance luxury. The food ranges from traditional French to spicy Cajun, and ne strays from fantastic!1287 First Street, Sarasota.

Going party in Sarasota, FL

You'll find your preference among out-till-morning clubbing nights or an evening at the symphony. The younger crowd tends to stick the area around the Quays, while high-class entertainment can be found in the Gulf coast's downtown art center. Of course, you might just want to spend a romantic evening strolling on the moonlit shore.

Downunder Jazz Bar and Bistro

The best jazz in town every night is found here. Everyone from be-boppin' hipsters to young sophisticates gather to sip wine and martinis and talk the night away amid the sounds of the crooning musicians.

The Emphasis

This 60s-style coffeehouse with nightly entertainment and outstanding desserts (as well as a full menu), appeals especially to nightowl intellectuals. Innovation and creativity flow freely, so an average night here is usually a mentally far-out experience.

In Extremis

With nights of heart pounding music and an explosion of light and sound, this club keeps you dancing 'til you drop.

Cha Cha Coconuts

Get into the Latin spirit with a night of salsa and merengue, or whatever moves you can handle to the beat of cool Latin mixes.

Patrick's

Sometimes you just can't beat a good strong ale at the local watering hole, and in Sarasota, this traditional Irish pub is the place to get it. Everyone is welcome, even families, and the Irish coffee is the best in town.

The Sarasota Opera

To balance your bar-hopping nights, take in some culture at this acclaimed and recently restored 1926 opera house, where divas and their leading men belt out classic tales of woe and revenge.

The Also Theatre

The region's leading theatre companies stage performances from the classics to contemporary tales with the dramatic enhancement of turn-of-the-millenium technology.

Common events in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota Film Festival

In celebration of the power of film, this festival highlights independent as well as mainstream and films. January.

Jazz Festival Week

In honor of the birth of jazz in the southern US, the Jazz Club of Sarasota hosts a week of free concerts and educational exhibits about the style. Since this is one of the biggest jazz clubs in the world, it attracts some of the most influential people in jazz to participate. April.

Sarasota Music Festival

Fans of the classics have 3 weeks of activities to enjoy their fill of music by top chamber musicians. June.

Summer Sizzler

Close out the summer with unbeatable performances of dance and theater, as well as experimental routines. September.

Sarasota Pops at Sunset

Set against the ocean and a dazzling Florida sunset, this fund-raising event for the community youth programs is always a success. Attractions include daytime children's exhibits, musical petting zoos, and clowning entertainment. By sunset you'll enjoy an inspiring round of chamber music. October.