Sarasota Dining
Best restaurants in Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota has the area’s deepest dining scene, from chef-driven rooms near Towles Court and Burns Court to waterfront tables on the bayfront. These ten are our picks, each checked against its own website in October 2026. For St. Armands Circle, see our Lido Key and St. Armands dining guide.
Top 10 Sarasota restaurants
A quick editorial shortlist for visitors who want a memorable meal, a strong cocktail, or a classic Sarasota night out.
Indigenous
A refined Sarasota favorite known for seasonal Florida ingredients, thoughtful wine pairings and a polished special-occasion feel. Chef Steve Phelps opened it in 2011 and is known for his focus on sustainable seafood.
Where: 239 S Links Ave, near Towles Court · Reservations
Owen’s Fish Camp
Old-Florida character, a lively backyard vibe and Southern-style seafood make this one of the city’s signature stops. It opens daily at 4 PM in historic Burns Court.
Where: 516 Burns Ct · Menu
Selva Grill
Peruvian-inspired dishes, ceviches and stylish plating make Selva a standout for dinner downtown, with late hours on Friday and Saturday. A second location is at University Town Center.
Where: 1345 Main St · Menus and reservations
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.
A reliable pick for fresh Gulf seafood, easy downtown access and a menu that works for both casual lunches and date nights. It has been on Main Street since 2006.
Where: 1435 Main St · Menu
Mattison’s City Grille
A chef-owned downtown fixture since 2002, with sidewalk tables at Main Street and Lemon Avenue, seafood, steaks and tapas, and live music every night. The city has recognized it as a Sarasota Legacy Business.
Where: 1 N Lemon Ave · Menu
Columbia Restaurant
A Florida classic for Spanish-Cuban dishes, sangria and a timeless dining room. The St. Armands location opened in 1959 and is Sarasota’s oldest restaurant.
Where: 411 St. Armands Circle · Menu
Kojo
A sleek, modern Asian restaurant for shareable plates, signature cocktails, wagyu and a deep sake list when you want a more contemporary downtown evening. It opens for dinner.
Where: 1289 N Palm Ave · Menu
Marina Jack
Go for the marina views, sunset energy and a menu with broad appeal when you want Sarasota waterfront dining with a classic vacation feel. The Dining Room is on the second floor, overlooking the bayfront marina.
Where: 2 Marina Plaza, Bayfront · Menus
Two more worth the reservation
1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails (1592 Main St) brings wood-fired cooking, craft cocktails and a lively downtown atmosphere that works well for groups easing into a night out.
Michael’s On East (1212 East Ave S) remains a long-running Sarasota institution for classic fine dining, attentive service, live piano and celebratory dinners that lean timeless rather than trendy. It is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Sarasota dining FAQ
What is the best restaurant in Sarasota for a special occasion?
Indigenous is a favorite for chef-driven, seasonal cooking, and Michael’s On East is the classic choice for fine dining with live piano. Both are worth booking ahead.
Where can I eat on the water in downtown Sarasota?
Marina Jack on the bayfront has marina and sunset views from its second-floor Dining Room. For waterfront dining on the islands, see our Siesta Key and Lido Key guides.
Where is there live music with dinner in Sarasota?
Mattison’s City Grille has live music every night at Main Street and Lemon Avenue, and Michael’s On East has live piano in the evenings.