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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Sarasota

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Indigenous restaurant
1. Indigenous
4.7
Exceptional(902)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 28 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
2. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(3557)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 59 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
3. Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(1096)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 28 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. The Melting Pot - Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(1313)
Price: Expensive
• Fondue • Sarasota
Booked 29 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 Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Sarasota restaurant
5. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Sarasota
4.7
Exceptional(2801)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Sarasota
Booked 84 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 Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
6. Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota
4.8
Exceptional(5837)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 44 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
7. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
4.9
Exceptional(9363)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Longboat Key
Booked 170 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
8. Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
4.7
Exceptional(5506)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 40 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.
A photo of Michael's On East restaurant
9. Michael's On East
4.7
Exceptional(5622)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 33 times today
Michael's On East is a celebrated restaurant, known for its exceptional service and fine dining experience. It's often described as the perfect place for special occasions, with its elegant ambience, award-winning wine selection, and world-class service. It's not just about the food, but the overall experience, which includes a grand piano, intimate aura, and a stunning outdoor dining area. As one reviewer put it, 'This is a very beautiful restaurant and the food and service are outstanding! You don't need a special occasion to dine here, but we save it for special occasions because it wouldn't be special if we ate there every week!'
A photo of Boca - Sarasota restaurant
10. Boca - Sarasota
4.1
Excellent(1603)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 69 times today
With a cozy vibe, food you crave, and heartfelt hospitality, Boca is your kind of place - an everyday upscale restaurant where you can be yourself and enjoy great fresh seasonal creations while we work thoughtfully to make even the most simple moments extraordinary. With a fresh and seasonal approach to the classics, Boca is the food you love handcrafted with the freshest ingredients into dishes you will crave. Like the food, our Market Fresh cocktails are thoughtful, luscious, and handcrafted featuring house-infused spirits and fresh ingredients. Join us for Weekend Brunch and Bottomless Mimosas, Lunch on the Avenue or Dinner with friends that feel like family.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Boyd
    Tampa / Central Florida West •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Upon arrival we were promptly seated. Davis and David our servers did a great job. It was an anniversary dinner so added touch of a card and rose petals on the table was very nice. Beef tenderloin and American Wagyu beef tenderloins were perfectly prepared and served. I highly recommend the American Wagyu Beef if one hasn’t tried it. All staff were courteous and attentive. Couple of things that could be improved was the bar service was slow and it was quite noisy where we were seated as there apparently was a street band performing…so I don’t recommend taking a table on the south side of the restaurant. Overall excellent experience that will be recommended to others. thanks
    More info
    Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Sarasota
    •
    4.7
  • Moira
    New York City •57 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great service, professional, food was perfectly cooked. I treating vegetable mix. Fish was fresh and well prepared.
    More info
    IndigenousPrice: Expensive• American• Sarasota
    •
    4.7
  • debraVIP
    Rhineland-Palatinate •199 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Ah, the aroma from a wood-burning pizza oven!! We stepped into Italy! Loved the Limoncello pizza with the Bolognese on housemade pasta a delight. Great service!
    More info
    Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Sarasota
    •
    4.7
  • Felice
    Southwest Florida •84 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Mediterraneo never disappoints! Delicious food and friendly and efficient service. Was fortunate to have our favorite server, Amy, so everything was delightful.
    More info
    Mediterraneo Ristorante ItalianoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • Rebelee
    Orlando / Central Florida East •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 28 Dec 2024
    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
    •
    4.7

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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