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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Sarasota

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16 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Indigenous restaurant
1. Indigenous
4.7
Exceptional(893)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 18 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 The Melting Pot - Sarasota restaurant
2. The Melting Pot - Sarasota
4.8
Exceptional(1310)
Price: Expensive
• Fondue • Sarasota
Booked 32 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 Baker & Wife restaurant
3. Baker & Wife
4.8
Exceptional(2033)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Sarasota
Booked 14 times today
BAKER & WIFE is a comfortable, casual cafe committed to fresh, high-quality food and driven by our passion for handcrafted cuisine and cocktails. Inspiration is sourced globally, ingredients are sourced locally.This unique perspective on comfort food is the epitome of BAKER & WIFE:simple, delicious, and it just feels good.
A photo of element: steak. seafood. pasta. restaurant
4. element: steak. seafood. pasta.
4.5
Awesome(1969)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Sarasota
Booked 28 times today
We encapsulate the best and most unique elements of world class dining. We feature pasture raised, hand-cut steaks grilled or seared to perfection, delicate, local seafood, house made pasta dishes with elegant hand crafted sauces and more.
A photo of La Violetta Restaurant restaurant
5. La Violetta Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1048)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 9 times today
Intimate and designed to provide a rustic Italian experience. Buonissimo!
A photo of Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota restaurant
6. Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota
4.6
Exceptional(1879)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Sarasota
Booked 37 times today
Your Sarasota Fleming’s is located on the corner of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Siesta Drive, just across the street from Westfield Southgate Shopping Center and minutes from downtown and the Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency Hotels. Fleming's in Sarasota is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out – we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room or Outdoor Patio. With premium Prime steak options on our Dinner Menu as well as best-in-class seafood and innovative plant-based options, we have something to offer everyone you are dining with.
A photo of Blu Kouzina restaurant
7. Blu Kouzina
4.8
Exceptional(1293)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Sarasota
Booked 15 times today
**Cash Discount Notice**Save 3.5% on your bill by paying withcash.A 3.5% Convenience fee will beadded to all sales. As an incentivefor our customers we now offer animmediate discount to customerswho pay with CASH based on ourposted discount schedule.Blu Kouzina is bringing its signature, wholesome Greek cooking to the Sunshine State after gracing for the past five years Singapore’s culinary scene. The acclaimed restaurant, born out of the founders’ passion for the food of their native Greece and their love of sharing a hearty, family meal with friends, has set up a second home in Sarasota.Fresh and quality ingredients, mostly grown organically, and sourced from well established, local producers are used in dishes that are both traditional and creatively contemporary. What remains uniquely Greek and genuine are the flavors and the scents of extra virgin olive oil, fresh fish or succulent lamb that will take you on a journey from a beach-side taverna to a rural mezze shop.
A photo of Pietro's Italian Restaurant restaurant
8. Pietro's Italian Restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(649)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 5 times today
Italian Restaurant& wine bar in Sarasota. Where you are a stranger only once.His philosophy served him well with his previous Sarasota businesses. Café Gabbiano located on Siesta Key was originated by the Migliaccio family in 2003 where is four sons grew in and out of the restaurant business.A second venture in downtown Sarasota was opened and designed by Pietro in 2012 named Casantica, a small old house converted to a quaint homey restaurant. Both restaurants are now under new ownership.Now, this small intimate place is where I can have fun serving and meeting new friends. Benvenuti.
A photo of Vino Bistro of Sarasota restaurant
9. Vino Bistro of Sarasota
4.4
Awesome(39)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Sarasota
"Uniting the world through Wine" is the philosophy at Vino Bistro, with more than 60 different varieties of wines from exotic places like Uruguay and South Africa, from steely dry to sweet and effervescent, there is a wine out there for everyone. We offer wine flights, a choice of 4- 1.5 oz. glasses allowing guests to try several wines at one sitting along with interesting foods to pair with your wine selections. Friday and Saturday evening feature live music from local musicians including jazz, rock, flamingo and classical.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine restaurant
10. La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine
4.9
Exceptional(351)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 4 times today
We welcome our guests to an authentic Italian restaurant: here we offer traditional cuisine, with a modern take on northern and southern Italian recipes. Mauro, the chef, and his wife Tina, have an huge amount of experience behind them.Mauro is from Naples, Tina was born in a little sicilian town near by Enna.He began to learn everything about the southern cuisine by his experience in Naples since he was a child, from “Polipetti alla Luciana” to “Paccheri ai frutti di mare”. Furthermore he moved in Milan and he had the chance to learn the northern cuisine, from “Risotto ai funghi porcini” to “Polenta grigliata”, one of his favourite specialties!From an ancient sicilian tradition, Tina learnt everything about the desserts by her grandmother and her mother, from “Millefoglie” to “Cannoli cake”.We hope you enjoyed reading about us. but it would be great if you would have the chance to taste our fantastic dishes! It will be an amazing experience with no

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Rebelee
    Orlando / Central Florida East •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Always a fun family experience us. I especially appreciate all the gluten free options and how knowledgeable the staff is about them. It is also nice that the managers are visible and actively helping assist the servers. Although we miss having a Melting Pot in St. Petersburg, this one is worth the drive.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Fondue• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • BarbaraVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our NEW hot spot! Always an amazing experience! Excellent service, beautiful presentation, delicious food, top notch cocktails and wine selections! We love the ambiance of this restaurant and vibe. Open air concept is so nice also! Great location... what more can I say - love love love! xo
    More info
    Bar Italia Lakewood Ranch, FloridaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Fruitville, Florida
    •
    4.6
  • TracieVIP
    Washington, D.C. Area •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We love this place !! But we would like to see more variety with the entrees - however, we have favorites, so will keep coming back. Ambience is a little lacking - clean but a lot of room for improvement - Service is always excellent - the best anywhere and the food and cocktails are prepared with care and attention to details ! Great wine list as well ;)
    More info
    Baker & WifePrice: Expensive• Global, International• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • LynnVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    One of our favorite restaurants. We were worried about them following the hurricanes but they’ve come back strong and as good as ever! The patio and outdoors have more tables, it’s all been rebuilt and repainted with the same look and charm. The food is on the pricey end but so fresh and delicious. The staff is great as always. Remember to support all of the local businesses that suffered so much loss and devastation.
    More info
    Blu KouzinaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • Lowe
    Southwest Florida •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 21 Dec 2024
    This was our first trip to Rome + Fig. Our server was exceptional and the food was great.
    More info
    Rome + FigPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Tampa
    •
    4.4

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Sarasota

Discover a culinary adventure in the Tampa / Central Florida West, Sarasota / Bradenton, Sarasota area that is truly "worth the drive." This region boasts a vibrant dining scene characterized by a rich diversity of flavors and experiences. From the authentic Italian delights found in cozy, historic settings, to modern lounges offering global tropical cuisine and retro cocktails, each restaurant promises a unique dining experience that justifies the journey. Patrons consistently praise these establishments not only for their exceptional food but also for their outstanding service and ambient atmospheres. Whether it's the allure of a 1940s supper club or the charm of a seaside dining spot with stunning views, each location offers a memorable meal that is both satisfying and enchanting. These restaurants stand out for their commitment to quality, making them top picks for locals and visitors alike. Indulge in these culinary gems where every meal is not just food, but an experience worth traveling for.

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