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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Sarasota

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42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Indigenous restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(966)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 29 times today
Opened in 2011, Indigenous has earned a reputation for being an inspirational and educational restaurant. For years, Indigenous has been known as one of America’s top restaurants, renowned for its passion for food, the community, and the planet. Indigenous’ menu of seasonal American cuisine changes progressively throughout the year based on peak ingredient availability. With a focus on sustainable seafood, we work closely with local fisherman, artisans, and farmers to maintain the highest quality. At Indigenous, we are always working our best to create a better food system. Owner Chef Steve Phelps has been a James Beard Foundation Semi Finalist for Best Chef South in 2014 & 2015, an Ambassador for Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force, and a founding member and Chef for the EDF Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture.
A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3627)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 70 times today
Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano is a special occasion restaurant in Sarasota, known for its authentic contemporary Italian cuisine and modern yet classic Italian style. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano awarded by the Minister of Agriculture & Commerce in Rome. Customers consistently praise the exceptional food, service, and ambiance, making it a perfect spot for celebrating special occasions. One reviewer noted, 'Made a business dinner and b-day celebration special.' Another said, 'Anniversary dinner with close friends and this restaurant was perfect!'
A photo of Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1133)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 24 times today
For parties of 13 or more please call the restaurant.*Weather may interfere with your reservation, we will do our best to accommodate you.*Out of passion, tradition, hard work and integrity, Bavaro’s opened its doors in March 2009 as the first traditional Neapolitan Pizzeria in the state of Florida. Determined to share their family recipes with the world, Dan Bavaro, his wife Anna-Maria, and their five beautiful children packed their U-Haul, left their friends and family, drove from New Jersey to Tampa, and set out to provide for others the same love, energy, and authenticity that they experience around their own dinner table.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Sarasota restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1325)
Price: Expensive
• Fondue • Sarasota
Booked 13 times today
We are highly committed to providing a healthy and safe environment with the highest of standards for our guests and team members. Reservations are highly recommended.We are the premier fondue restaurant where guests can enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads and indulgent desserts. At The Melting Pot Restaurant, we offer a dining experience like no other. A unique, interactive dining experience creating memorable moments with family and friends.
A photo of Ocean Prime - Sarasota restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(403)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 148 times today
Opening December 21, 2024, Ocean Prime is a nationally acclaimed, dynamic seafood & steakhouse from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurants located in the The Quay Sarasota. Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality. Reservations are recommended. Ocean Prime strives to provide an elegant, fine dining atmosphere. Our associates’ priority is to ensure your experience is memorable. We ask that our guests choose attire that is both polished and suited to our restaurant. THANK YOU FOR NOT WEARING: Clothing emitting excessive marijuana odor, excessively revealing clothing or exposed undergarments, or clothing with offensive language or graphics. Admittance to Ocean Prime is at the discretion of management who reserves the right to refuse service to patrons who are inappropriately dressed.
A photo of Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Sarasota restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2866)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Sarasota
Booked 79 times today
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is an award-winning prime steakhouse specializing in aged USDA prime steaks. Located in the heart of Sarasota’s pedestrian friendly downtown, Hyde Park is just minutes from Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and St. Armand’s Circle and 5 minutes from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. The restaurant offers a chef-inspired menu featuring variations of its legendary aged prime steaks, daily chef’s fresh fish features and great seafood. Award-winning menus, the extensive wine list and impeccable service are why Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is Sarasota’s favorite fine dining restaurant and top pick for intimate dinners, special occasions, family gatherings, business dinners, corporate events and small receptions. Private dining rooms available. Complimentary valet parking (with validation).
A photo of The Rosemary & Thyme restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4554)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 76 times today
Welcome to Rosemary & Thyme! Downtown Sarasota American Bistro serving traditional and contemporary dishes with an emphasis on healthy options. Savor made-from-scratch selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with fresh ingredients from regional farms.
A photo of Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5894)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 67 times today
Selva offers innovative, intricately prepared dishes, plated and presented as works of art. Selva has earned raves from allover the world, including from the New York Times, which write that Selva is “serving possibly the best food in Sarasota,”and that “everything on the menu is worth trying.”
A photo of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(9513)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Longboat Key
Booked 210 times today
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a “polished casual” restaurant over looking Sarasota Bay. We are located at the south end of Longboat Key behind the gas station. We are north of St. Armand’s Circle, and minutes from downtown Sarasota. Best known for Local Fresh Grouper and Red Snapper. Enjoy the second story dining area with a panaramic view of the bay, or enjoy dining outdoors on our dockside patio.
A photo of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5578)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 60 times today
We are an eclectic eatery with a passion for stunning seafood, superb service, fine wine, and creative cocktails.We are committed to serving only the freshest dishes to our guests. We receive fresh fish daily from our local suppliers and filet everything in house to ensure the best possible quality.Together with our unique menu, our focus on excellent service allows us to deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience in downtown Sarasota. Every menu item is prepared to order to allow for customization and personalization of each dish and to ensure you are getting the freshest possible meal.Voted Sarasota's Best by Herald Tribune Readers:Best All-Around Restaurant (2019-2023)Best Seafood Restaurant (2016-2023)Best Sandwich for our renowned Po' Boy (2016-2022)Best Lunch (2020-2022)Thank you, Sarasota!For parties of 8 or more, a gratuity of 18% will be added to the check.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JeremieG
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Lovely time. Always a nice experience being at the Melting pot. I didn't realize the fix menu for valentine had extra fees in it depending on probably the dessert. It is a bit pricey for it, but the ambiance makes up for it!
    More info
    The Melting Pot - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Sarasota
    4.6
  • SteveVIP
    Orlando / Central Florida East •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great food & vibe on Valentine’s Day. Glad to see some meat choices on the menu!!
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    Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    4.5
  • ElaineVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Ocean Prime has wonderful food and service. Rebecca was awesome! It was our anniversary and we were greeted with a glass of complimentary champagne when we entered. We sat in the outside section that is covered and has screens, ceiling fans and heaters for all types of weather. I’m not sure how warm it would be on a warm summer evening, but it was perfect last night. The noise level where we were seated was fine, but as we left we noticed the noise inside was quite loud. There were alot of people at the bar which probably contributed to that. As a senior, I’m not sure sitting inside would be pleasant for those that may have difficulty hearing. Our view was good but they are beginning to construct a large condo building right next door to the restaurant. So I have concerns about the view while they continue to build and am unsure what it will look like when the construction is complete. And while everything was almost perfect, the price is also out of this world. For 2 people to have a couple of drinks, one appetizer, 2 mains with sides and 2 desserts, and parking, the price was almost $500 before tip. All that said, it was a wonderful anniversary dinner. Thank you Ocean Prime!
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    Ocean Prime - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Sarasota
    4.7
  • Bradford
    Greater Boston •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Indigenous continues to be our favorite restaurant in Sarasota. We have been 5 or 6 times now and it is consistently excellent. Food is delicious and is comes from a variety of sources. Always fresh and tasty. The service is extraordinary. Although we are only seasonal residents of Sarasota, dinner at Indigenous is always a must for us.
    More info
    IndigenousPrice: Expensive• American• Sarasota
    4.7
  • LindaVIP
    Greater Boston •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had tickets to McCurdy’s comedy and saw that Mediterranean was nice and close so we decided to try it out. We’ve been here four years ago, but haven’t been there recently. We were pleasantly surprised at how good the food was and how quickly we were able to get in and out for our show.
    More info
    Mediterraneo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
    4.8

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Sarasota

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion in Tampa, Sarasota, or Bradenton? Our curated selection of restaurants in these vibrant Central Florida West locations offers a diverse array of dining experiences ideal for making your celebrations memorable. From authentic Italian fare and contemporary American cuisine to unique fusion dishes, each restaurant is known for its exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. Whether you're planning an intimate anniversary dinner, a birthday bash, or a business gathering, these dining venues provide the perfect setting with their warm ambiances and inviting decors. The dining scene in these areas is rich with options that cater to every taste and occasion, emphasizing quality and a welcoming environment. Customers often highlight the special touches like private dining areas, live entertainment, and exceptional hospitality that make each visit unique. With such a variety of choices, you're sure to find a restaurant that not only meets but exceeds your expectations for any special occasion. Make your next celebration extraordinary with a dining experience in Tampa, Sarasota, or Bradenton, where culinary delights and festive atmospheres await.

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