My honest local picks for waterfront sunsets, date nights, casual seafood, and weekend brunch on Florida's Gulf Coast — from downtown Sarasota to the Venice pier.
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The Ritz-Carlton's marina restaurant and where I take out-of-town guests. Order the seafood tower and the Siren cocktail, and sit outside for the bay views.
Jack Dusty
Sustainable seafood in a tiny historic cottage in Towles Court. The chef is a James Beard nominee and the menu changes constantly, so ask what came in fresh. My pick for anniversaries.
Indigenous Restaurant
Old Florida fish shack charm in Burns Court. Pimento cheese biscuits and the blackened fresh catch, live music in the courtyard while you wait. No reservations, so go early.
Owens Fish Camp
Twenty years of authentic Vietnamese on Main Street. Steak pho with a rich broth, plus tofu and spring roll combos for the vegetarians in the group.
Phở Cali
My brunch spot. Creative breakfast and lunch served all day in the Rosemary District, including pancake flights.
Station 400
Casual burgers downstairs, dressier seafood and steaks upstairs with South Jetty views. The special-occasion waterfront spot in Venice.
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Right at the Venice Fishing Pier with open Gulf views, tropical drinks and shrimp scampi. The classic toes-in-the-sand sunset dinner.
Sharky's On the Pier
Downtown Venice Italian that locals book again and again. Reliable pasta and well-cooked fish. Reserve ahead on season weekends.
Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch
Relaxed marina dining at Fisherman's Wharf, generous portions, and a grouper sandwich worth ordering. Easier to get into than Crow's Nest.
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Pizza, pasta and Italian entrees on Venice Avenue. Squash ravioli, eggplant parmigiana and tiramisu are the standouts.
Made in Italy
Polished steak and seafood at The Quay with big Sarasota Bay views. Save room for the warm butter cake. Celebration dinners and client dinners.
Ocean Prime - Sarasota
Creative contemporary plates, serious cocktails, and a rooftop. Downtown energy without the chain-restaurant feel.
