Prepare to be delighted and amazed by all that the restaurants on Main Street in Sarasota have to offer. Although Sarasota is primarily known for its beautiful Florida weather and of course its world-famous white sand beaches, foodies are finding that there are many epicurean delights to be found in downtown Sarasota restaurants!
Whether it’s a Sunday brunch, weekday lunch or a date night dinner, there is a restaurant in downtown Sarasota for everyone, and every craving. For those interested in something truly unique, consider the innovative “brunch burger,” topped with truly decadent “billionaire” bacon, aged cheddar, butter lettuce, fresh vine-ripened tomato, onion, and a fried egg on a bakery-fresh Hawaiian-style brioche roll.
Many restaurants feature award-winning, heart-healthy, vegetarian, locally-sourced and gluten-free options for those with special dietary needs and preferences. One crowd favorite is the St. James Salmon, a healthy portion of house-cured fresh Atlantic salmon that is cast iron-seared, then simmered in a white wine baby tomato butter sauce and served over esquite (grilled toasted corn), then topped with queso fresco, Mexican crema and charred lime.
One restaurant features “Disco Fries,” an unbelievable combination of steak fries topped with smoked pork shoulder, jalapeño jack and Gruyère cheeses and “billionaire” bacon bits. Their cheesy tots are popular with kids and adults alike, and are filled with pepper jack & cayenne, and rolled in panko before they’re fried and served with housemade malt mayonnaise.
Enjoy Sarasota’s Bar Scene
If all that food is making you hungry, head out to find one of the many downtown Sarasota bars or craft breweries creating thirst-quenching libations. If craft cocktails are more your style, head down one of downtown’s back alleys, through a couple of doors, and step into a dimly lit bar furnished with low slung velvet sofas and soft music playing in the background. Prepare to be mesmerized by expertly-trained bartenders creating delicious cocktails that light up the night. With names like the “Flaming Lamborghini,” “Bailey’s Comet,” “Backdraft” and the “Flaming Gorilla,” you’re sure to want to post those Insta-worthy shots! It’s even possible to grab a coffee or cocktail outdoors in Payne Park, in the heart of downtown.
For a special treat, visitors and locals alike can try an incredible vanilla ice cream that recently won a blue ribbon from the North American Ice Cream Association at its annual “Cone-A-Con” event.
With options galore, including take out, delivery, cozy and romantic dining, outdoor cafés, and fine dining, there truly is something for everyone.
International Cuisine Makes it Hard to Choose Just One
Sarasota is quickly becoming renowned for its world-class downtown restaurants, along with its numerous festivals and food-themed events throughout the year. Echoing the melting pot of ethnicities that abound in Florida, Sarasota’s Main Street boasts international restaurants featuring Greek, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, French, Vietnamese, and yes, even American cuisine! There definitely is something for everyone’s taste, so be sure to head to Sarasota and take your time sampling all the great restaurants and bars downtown.