Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Tampa / Central Florida West

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Sarasota

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Indigenous restaurant
1. Indigenous
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 The Melting Pot - Sarasota restaurant
2. The Melting Pot - Sarasota
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 The Rosemary & Thyme restaurant
3. The Rosemary & Thyme
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 Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant
4. Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
4.8
Exceptional(10728)
Price: Moderate
• Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 297 times today
Family-owned and operated for more than 116 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms. We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.
A photo of Michael's On East restaurant
5. Michael's On East
4.7
Exceptional(5716)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Sarasota
Booked 21 times today
Michael's On East is worth the drive for its award-winning cuisine, outstanding service, and exceptional ambiance. This 1940s supper club atmosphere is praised in reviews as 'beautiful', 'elegant' and 'upscale'. The restaurant's food, service and ambiance consistently receive 5-star ratings. It's also a great spot for special occasions and has a 350+ bottle wine list that's been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence.
A photo of Baker & Wife restaurant
6. Baker & Wife
4.7
Exceptional(2083)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Sarasota
Booked 19 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
7. element: steak. seafood. pasta.
4.4
Awesome(1994)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Sarasota
Booked 11 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 Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota restaurant
8. Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota
4.6
Exceptional(1916)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Sarasota
Booked 35 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. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.
A photo of Blu Kouzina restaurant
9. Blu Kouzina
4.8
Exceptional(1334)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Sarasota
Booked 37 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 Cafe Gabbiano restaurant
10. Cafe Gabbiano
4.7
Exceptional(3833)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Siesta Key
Booked 53 times today
Cafe Gabbiano is a casual fine dining restaurant in Sarasota Fl (Siesta Key). We source local ingredients and have a great blend of classic and modern Italian dishes. At Cafe Gabbiano everything is made to order as we want each dish to be fresh. All of our sauces and pastas are homemade. Cafe Gabbiano is a 4,000 sqft facility that offers intimate dining as well as larger rooms to host special occasions such as beach weddings and rehearsal dinners. We have an extensive wine list, signature crafted cocktails and a great beer list. We are open daily from 5 PM to 10 PM with Happy Hour 5 PM to 6:30 PM at the bar.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DeborahSVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Service was great , Cardinal was great. Ambience very nice and good vibe. The grill cheese was ok, sandwich over toasted/grilled and barely any cheese on it
    More info
    Rome + FigPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Tampa
    •
    4.3
  • Paula
    Southwest Florida •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The food here is always prepared well and flavorful. Our server was excellent and hardworking. He patiently answered our questions and we valued his suggestions. Our steaks were cooked perfectly and the fries were great. We enjoyed the sauce on the steak. We ended our meal with a delicious cheesecake. The ambience is pleasant and welcoming
    More info
    Baker & WifePrice: Expensive• Global, International• Sarasota
    •
    4.7
  • 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
  • Frank
    New Jersey •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dinner was fantastic our waitress Marren did a fantastic job and was very attentive. The wine service was wonderful and great choices. He started with a gnocchi special. That was wonderful. We split that with three people as an appetizer. My wife and I had the linguine Pescatore, which was fantastic. Great pasta, and loaded with seafood. Her friend had the eggplant which was wonderful. Both dishes were so filled that we took leftovers home and there was no room for dessert unfortunately. Their dessert menu is delightful and next time I will have to make room.
    More info
    Cafe GabbianoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Siesta Key
    •
    4.7
  • katyVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had another awesome evening at Blu Kouzina. After being ushered to an ideal table at the edge of the outdoor porch, we ordered their outstanding taramosalata, and saganaki with figs for appetizers. Both exceeded our expectations as usual! My husband can never resist ordering the lamb giouvetsi…and once again it was the best he’s ever had…and we eat a lot of Greek food. I had the chicken kabob…so juicy and flavorful, that I’ll probably order it again next time! Our server Ivana was wonderful and recommended an excellent Greek red to complement our meal. We’ll be back soon!
    More info
    Blu KouzinaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Sarasota
    •
    4.8

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.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo