When the light is the brightest, the best shines through. Each May, just like clockwork, the National Restaurant Association puts on a show. Not just any show, but, THE SHOW. The big one. A gathering so big that it takes one of the largest show spaces in the country to … [Read more...]
Yes, We Have Winners
Our summer giveaways are off to a BIG start. What a fantastic way to start off the summer. Thanks for the great response to our first specials board contest. We had lots of entries. Ok, I know, itÂ’s results you want. There were a wide range of guesses. Here are some of the … [Read more...]
We’ve Got A Contest Your Taste Buds Will Love!
LetÂ’s just see how well youÂ’ve been paying attention. WeÂ’re going have a little fun this summer, AND you are too! WeÂ’ve got some free food to give away from some of our great Sarasota restaurants. Sounds like a good time already, right? HereÂ’s the deal. WeÂ’re going to post a … [Read more...]
The LIST | April 2013
A brand new Sarasota restaurant leaps to the top We have been publishing dineSarasota.com online for just over eleven years now. For the past eight and a half of them we have been posting our LIST of our most searched for Sarasota restaurants. ThatÂ’s 101 monthly editions if … [Read more...]
Cinco de Mayo, A Celebration of…
Who really needs a reason for a party anyway? Who would have thought that the hard fought victory that the Mexican army achieved over the French one hundred and fifty years ago would morph into an all out margarita chugging party? Certainly not Mexican General Ignacio … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Half Shell Oyster House
ItÂ’s true. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! What: Lobster Scrambled Eggs Where: Half Shell Oyster House (1991 Main Street, 941-952-9400) Cost: $11.00 There isnÂ’t a whole lot thatÂ’s more luxurious (food wise) than lobster for breakfast. LetÂ’s face it, lobster … [Read more...]
And Along Comes Senor Siesta… | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Just when you think the dining space on Siesta Key was about as full as it could possible beÂ… Exit Taste of Asia, enter Senor Siesta. It sounds like stage directions from some obscure B flick. But, itÂ’s not. ItÂ’s culinary reality. It is part of the ever evolving (and … [Read more...]
Louies Modern, A Sneak Peek | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Classic retro feel gives way to modern American cuisine. First off, this is not a restaurant review. This is more of a coming attraction. You remember those from the movies theater. They were the precursor to the over produced trailers that you see now. This coming … [Read more...]
St. Patty’s Day Sarasota Style
There is more to the 17th just than green beer. Who doesnÂ’t love a good St. PatrickÂ’s Day celebration? Trick question. The correct answer is everybody loves a good St. PatrickÂ’s Day celebration. Or, more accurately, everyone I know. In my previous Chicago life, March 17th was … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Libby’s Cafe + Bar
Good things come in small packagesÂ… What: Cedar Wrapped Sustainable Salmon Where: LibbyÂ’s CafĂ© + Bar (1917 Osprey Ave., 941-487-7300) Cost: $22.00 DonÂ’t you just love a little mystery with your meal? If itÂ’s the right kind of intrigue it can add a whole new element to your … [Read more...]
Gumbo and Mardi Gras, The Perfect Combination | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
“People who come back from heaven all say the same thing... Try the gumbo”. Gumbo. Just say the word and watch me start to drool. Everybody has his or her favorite. And, I'm sure there are as many variations as you would care to count. But, there's only one that could get … [Read more...]
ItÂ’s that time of year once again. Time to reveal our top 100 restaurants for the year just past. What a fantastic year for Sarasota dining. WOW! A lot of great new restaurants have burst onto the scene offering a wide array of taste tempting dishes. There were some closings of … [Read more...]
https://www.dinesarasota.com/sarasotas-top-100-restaurants-2012-edition/
Forks & Corks 2013 | Best in Show | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
What more can be said about SarasotaÂ’s premier food and wine event? What more can you say about the best food and wine event in Sarasota that hasn't already been printed or spoken? Yes, there is fantastic food. And, yes there are countless cases of silky smooth … [Read more...]
Coming Your Way | Pub 32
What whiskey will not cure, there is no cure for. ~ Irish Proverb Do you like Irish whiskey? How about an expertly poured Guinness served at the correct temperature? Then 2013 may indeed be your lucky year. At the end of January, Pub 32 opens their doors on south Tamiami … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find- Mozzarella Fella
Sarasota Food Find- Mozzarella Fella The Special What: The SpecialWhere: Mozzarella Fella (1668 Main St., Downtown. 941-366-7600)Cost: Varies There is something about the word itself, Special. It just sounds out of the ordinary. It rolls off the tongue in just that, … [Read more...]
It’s Open. Eat Here, Siesta Key | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
The number three works for me. Maybe you already know this, maybe you donÂ’t. The third of acclaimed restaurateur Sean MurphyÂ’s Eat Here restaurants has opened itÂ’s doors on Siesta Key. That may be news to some of you, but, probably not many. This new addition to the … [Read more...]
The LIST | January 2013 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Finding a great Sarasota restaurant is just a click away. The new year has arrived. And, with it our first LIST of 2013. There were some great new places that opened last year. The upcoming year already looks promising. The brand, spanking new Eat Here on Siesta Key has just … [Read more...]
What Exactly is Jack Dusty? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
ItÂ’s not easy to create a restaurant that both locals and visitors will love. ThereÂ’s something about new. The new car smell. New, never worn clothes. The feeling of new. ItÂ’s knowing that youÂ’ve never experienced this EXACT thing before. ThatÂ’s what new is all about. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Sun Garden Cafe
When this hearty soup calls, itÂ’s hard not to answer. What: Curried Chicken Soup Where: Sun Garden Cafe (210 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key, 941-346-7170) Cost: Cup $2.50 There is soup. And, then there is SOUP. Real soup. Soup that has a soul. Soup that really grabs your taste … [Read more...]
Burger Time | The Village Cafe
Finding a great burger selection in an unexpected location. WeÂ’re lucky, burger-wise. Sarasota has some pretty amazing places to grab a delicious burger. HereÂ’s a short list, see if you agree. The Hob Nob Square 1 Burgers & Bar KnickÂ’s Tavern & … [Read more...]
A Sarasota Diners Manifesto
A Sarasota Diners Manifesto Expectations, reality, and some thoughts on food. Food (and dining) has become a passion. That’s not a statement of my personal view, it’s more an observation of the world as it appears. Sarasota fits nicely into that world. It has a … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Dutch Valley Restaurant
Sometimes you find food. Sometimes food finds you. What: Cobb Salad Where: Dutch Valley Restaurant (6721 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-924-1770) Cost: Small $8.25, Large $9.99 What can you say about the mighty Cobb Salad that hasnÂ’t already been said a thousand times? How … [Read more...]
The LIST | December 2012
Finding a great Sarasota restaurant is just a click away. December has arrived and with it more great opportunities to visit some of our fine Sarasota restaurants. IÂ’m sure that most people have a little holiday shopping to take care of in the next few weeks. But, letÂ’s not … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | The Broken Egg
Sometimes you find food. Sometimes food finds you. What: Cuban Roll Where: The Broken Egg (140 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, 941-346-2750) Price: $ 8.49 When most people in this town think Cuban Sandwich the reflex response is The Columbia, And, thatÂ’s natural. They do … [Read more...]
New, New, New…
ItÂ’s always great to add a few new things to your life. Restaurants come and restaurants go. It just a fact of life in that business. Sometimes, itÂ’s hard (if not impossible) to keep track of all the action. Even for us. Over the past few weeks we have added some places to … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Coyne’s Pier 28
Hey, itÂ’s time to find some great Sarasota food! What: CoyneÂ’s Famous Crab Cakes Where: CoyneÂ’s Pier 28 (8200 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota 941-921-0028) Price: $24.00 First, does the following sound vaguely familiar? Second, no, this is not a Mad Lib. Ready, here goes. … [Read more...]
Sarasota Food Find | Zante Gyros
Nothing beats discovering a great dish! What: Chicken Gyro Where: Zante Gyros (6500 Superior Ave., Sarasota, 941-404-2099, Gulf Gate) Price: $5.95 There arenÂ’t many people (at least that IÂ’ve run into) who donÂ’t love a good gyro every now and then. Obviously, it canÂ’t be … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Eat Beat | October 29, 2012
There are great Sarasota food happenings every week! You should know about them.. ItÂ’s Stone Crab season! There are a bunch of places in town that are serving up this awesome seasonal delicacy. Have a look at what the Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB) has on their plate. Grab … [Read more...]
Taste + Tech = Carmel Cafe
When technology meets food the results can be delicious. I love toys. Especially tech toys. The more light and buttons, the more better. At least in my eyes. The device doesn't even have to be all that useful. I just love to play with stuff. I also love and appreciate great … [Read more...]
Menu Sneak Peek | The Village Cafe
I hope you like jammin', too! YouÂ’re in for a treat. WeÂ’ve got a little menu sneak peek for you. The Village CafĂ© on Siesta Key will be rolling out some brand new menu items a little later this year. But, youÂ’re about to be an insider. YouÂ’re lucky enough to have a first look at … [Read more...]
How To Build The Perfect Sandwich
The pursuit of perfection is a noble cause. Even when itÂ’s just a sandwich. A quick history lesson. Does the name John Montagu ring a bell? No. Well, how about his more popular moniker, the 4th Earl of Sandwich? Yes. Now youÂ’ve got it. Since the 18th century when The Earl … [Read more...]
James Beard Dinner | Maison Blanche Style
If you didnÂ’t happen to make it to NYC, this is the next best thing. So, you couldnÂ’t make it out to New York City this past June for the BIG James Beard Foundation dinner featuring our very own Chef Jose Martinez. Well, here is some news that will get your attention. October … [Read more...]
The Missing SKOBwich? | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Sometimes great items never make the REAL menu. Have you ever walked into a place, sat down at the bar (or table) and looked over at another persons plate to see what theyÂ’re having? Of course you have. We are all naturally curious, especially when it comes to our … [Read more...]
South Philly Comes To The South Trail | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
A dose of brotherly love comes to SRQ. There are a bunch of great sandwich shops here in Sarasota. Each one touts their own specialty. Some feature regional favorites, some offer a more generic cross section of sandwiches. A lot of places offer a Philly cheesesteak. Only … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Best Restaurants | September 2012
I just ripped August off the wall calendar and Labor Day 2012 is in the books. Fall might not “officially” be here, but, itÂ’s looming for sure. HereÂ’s a nice benefit of living in paradise. At this very moment, you are not outside in the garage trying to locate the snow shovel. … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Top 5 | Week of August 27, 2012
SummerÂ’s nearly gone. But, our local dining scene keeps on chugging along. HereÂ’s a look at your favorite Sarasota restaurants of the past week. Enjoy! A little summertime bonus, just for you... … [Read more...]
Your Seat At The Table.
Getting a seat at your favorite Sarasota restaurant has never been easier The Sarasota restaurant scene has gotten more and more competitive over the years. IÂ’m not talking about restaurants competing against one another. IÂ’m talking about hungry diners competing for a limited … [Read more...]
It’s Famous For A Reason
This is not going to be a deep philosophical Sarasota food post. I know youÂ’re used to that here. Hope you're not disappointed. This one is quite simple. Actually, it can be condensed into two words. Famous Italian If you havenÂ’t been to the Main Bar Sandwich Shop in awhile, … [Read more...]
Chicago Beef, The Little Joe’s Way
The hunt is half the fun (at least). IÂ’m always on the prowl for a great Chicago beef sandwich. Guess what? Found another one! Little JoeÂ’s Italian Beef on South Tamiami Trail. ItÂ’s a recent addition to our restaurant scene and theyÂ’re serving up some pretty authentic Chicago … [Read more...]
Adult Education, Island Style
Who said learning canÂ’t be fun? Class is now in session. IÂ’m going to teach you a new word today. Some of you may know it. But, I feel fairly confident that for most of you (and me) it will be an addition to your already extensive vocabulary. Ready. Here we go. Falernum - … [Read more...]
Forks & Corks: A Food and Wine Spectacular | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
In todayÂ’s frenetic news driven media world there's a rush to be first. First out with the big scoop, first to hit the web with a breaking news flash, first in a race to be first. I guess the timing of this post doesn't fit with any of that. Since January 29th, I think every … [Read more...]
Savory Is The Perfect Word
I love food that has a history. Even if itÂ’s not my history. I always marvel at the sheer volume of stories that can be told through food. It might take the form of a frequently re-lived family tale that is rooted in a particular dish. Or, it may be a meal that triggers … [Read more...]
When They Say Eat Here, They Mean It
Another piece is added to downtown SarasotaÂ’s culinary landscape. Busy. Big city. Buzz. Those are some words that flashed through my head the minute I first walked in the door of Sean MurphyÂ’s new Sarasota dining destination, Eat Here. When youÂ’re a local culinary legend … [Read more...]
Grilled Cheese Takes Center Stage
The humble grilled cheese gets a necessary elevation. ItÂ’s supposed to be all about the burgers. And, mostly it is. When you have the word burger prominently featured in your name it had better be. But, what happens when a alternative menu item is as good as the featured … [Read more...]
10, 9, 8… Our Countdown Continues
And, onward we go. Last week we revealed ninety of the 100 top Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com for 2011. Now itÂ’s time to get to the next five. I feel a little like Casey Kasem here, no long distance dedications pleaseÂ… 10 – Yume Sushi 1537 Main Street Sarasota, … [Read more...]
Sarasota’s Top 100 Restaurants
UPDATED FOR APRIL 2015 We know you want to know where to go. And, we're here to help you out with that. Each and every month we update our top 100. From Seafood to Indian, Peruvian to bar food. Here are the TOP 100 Sarasota  restaurants. RANK RESTAURANT 1  Derek's Rustic … [Read more...]
Our Most Popular Posts: November 2011
November was gone in a flash. ItÂ’s almost hard to believe how quickly 2011 has been flying by. And, we all know whatÂ’s just around the corner. Yes, the holidays of course, but, also SEASON! The streets will soon be filling up with visitors from all over the world looking to bask … [Read more...]
The Rise of the Rookies
ThereÂ’s no other way to say it. The new kids on the block are making an impression on Sarasota diners. In this weeks top five there are four restaurants that have opened within the past few months, including two that have open in the last couple weeks. Only SolorzanoÂ’s is there … [Read more...]
Coming and Going
Things change. That much we know for sure. Image Courtesy: Jennifer Woodard Maderazo There have been lots of changes to the Sarasota restaurant scene in the past few months. WeÂ’ve been adding and deleting places from our database at a pretty good clip. Just in case you havenÂ’t … [Read more...]
The Weekly: Solorzano’s, Seven Hills and Duval’s
Old favs and new entries make up this edition of the WEEKLY. When Morocco closed over in the Buccaneer Plaza on South Tamiami Trail, I thought “why canÂ’t a place make a go of it there?”. ItÂ’s not a bad spot really. They have parking, signage, and an easy in and out from the … [Read more...]
Happy Thanksgiving
Is there a better day than Thanksgiving Day? I think not. From our table to yours, have a happy and thankful Thanksgiving Day. … [Read more...]
Forks and Corks U: More Than Wine 101 | Sarasota Restaurants Journal
Trying to de-mystify the wine world is a noble pursuit. Image courtesy of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. © Peter Aker. When I went to college back thirty years ago, course offerings were pretty unimaginative. OK, boring. There was your usual complement of core classes, … [Read more...]
Libby’s Rolls Out Some New Tastes
Can “new” really compete with some old favorites? Not surprisingly, yes! The menu. The concept seems benign enough. If you walk into any restaurant, in any city, you will at some point be faced with some choices. Your options may be written on a white board mounted on a nearby … [Read more...]
The Weekly: Yoder’s, Munchies and Solorzano’s
Another week down. ItÂ’s a quick slide to the holiday season and the end of 2011. ItÂ’s probably a good time to order that fresh Thanksgiving turkey. WeÂ’ve got a bunch of great places here in Sarasota to do that. I better remember to add that to my to-do list. While IÂ’m busy … [Read more...]
Fleming’s Steakhouse: Lump Crab Louis Wrap
I was flipping through a pile of old images from some of our Sarasota restaurants and came across some from a FlemingÂ’s Steakhouse photo shoot I did a while back. This is their Lump Crab Louis Wrap. I had forgotten what a great appetizer it was. I thought I would dust off a … [Read more...]
Solorzano’s, Munchies 420 and Roadside Ribs
2011 continues to fly by so fast that it looks like a blur passing you on Tamiami Trail. Week #44 is in the books and youÂ’ve been searching for restaurants on dineSarasota.com. Would you like to know what is getting the most looks? Of course you would. HereÂ’s our most search … [Read more...]
Market Time!!
The Siesta Key Farmers Market is in full swing each and every Sunday. You really should head on down to the DavidsonÂ’s Plaza in the heart of Siesta Village for a cup of coffee, socializing or just to pick out some fresh fruits and veggies for the week. Looks great, right? … [Read more...]
Shamrock Pub Brings On The Q
Everybody loves a great summertime BBQ. Summertime is BBQ time. Well, actually in the Sunshine State, almost any time is BBQ time. But, letÂ’s not get all hung up on that. To help you get your fill this season, The Shamrock Pub is putting a brand new twist on the same old … [Read more...]
Libby’s Cafe + Bar Rolls Out Special Craft Beer
Summer and beer. They go together likeÂ… (insert your own song lyrics here). But, itÂ’s true. Summer and beer do go pretty great together. ItÂ’s either the step up in outdoor temperature or our increased activity level. IÂ’m not sure exactly, but, I do know that a cold beer is pretty … [Read more...]
Spyder Broussard and The Polo Grill Boil It Up
You donÂ’t have to be a rocket scientist to know an amazing food find when you see one. Four years goes by in the blink of an eye. ThatÂ’s how long Tommy Klauber of the Polo Grill and his good friend (and relative) Spyder Broussard have been treating East County folks to an … [Read more...]
Celebrate Bastille Day Mattison’s Style
If you canÂ’t arrange a trip to Paris for this years Bastille Day celebration, WeÂ’ve got a nice alternative plan for your celebration. How about a short trip over to MattisonÂ’s Forty One for their special Bastille Day menu? Chef Paul Mattison and his culinary staff are planning a … [Read more...]
Can’t Get Enough Prix Fixe? Hillview Grill Has You Covered
Savor Sarasota is over. Now all youÂ’re left with is that down in the dumps, no prix fixe menu, empty feeling. Fear not! There are lots of restaurants around town that are continuing the Savor Sarasota spirit. Over in the Southside Village neighborhood, the Hillview Grill can … [Read more...]
Brasserie Belge Offers Burgers To Celebrate Independence Day
Did you ever think you would be chowing down an all American burger at a Belgian restaurant in Sarasota on the 4th of July? Well, truth be told, I hadnÂ’t considered the possibility either. Until now. Things have changed in Sarasota. Our restaurant community has exploded with … [Read more...]
An Inside Look At The Restaurant Show
Over the years IÂ’ve associated Bob Marley with a lot of things. Coffee was not among them. Every year at this time in May, you can find a whoÂ’s who of the restaurant trade all gathered in one place. Chicago Illinois. More specifically, McCormick Place. ThatÂ’s the site of the … [Read more...]
Brunch Should Be More Than Just A Meal
Contrary to popular belief, brunch is not just the awkward meal between breakfast and lunch. When I was growing up brunch was a BIG deal. Even today, itÂ’s place as a meal is still special compared to your standard breakfast, lunch or dinner. But, itÂ’s not quite the event that … [Read more...]
The May 2011 LIST Explodes With New Entries
The May 2011 list is out and itÂ’s loaded with surprises. IÂ’m not saying the inclusion of any of these great Sarasota restaurants left us dumbfounded, theyÂ’re all fantastic places to dine. What caused us to raise an eyebrow (or two) was the shear number of new additions. 8 new … [Read more...]
The Concept of New and a Sarasota Restaurant Tradition
Sometimes always looking for the latest things obscures your view of the best things. YouÂ’ve seen it. I know you have, because I have. A hand written note. A fancy, digitally produced graphic. Or, just blank butcher paper over a storefront window. All of the above say the same … [Read more...]
Have A Quick Peek At Nancy’s Menu
WhatÂ’s currently the hottest ticket in town? If youÂ’re thinking Sarasota Film Festival, you may want to reconsider. How about a pulled pork sandwich? ThatÂ’s right, pulled pork (or brisket). NancyÂ’s Bar-B-Q has “unofficially” opened and has lots of locals waiting in lines for a … [Read more...]
When Is A Scallop More Than A Scallop?
A good riddle can be as satisfying as a great dish. They both leave you wanting a little more. When I was young I had the same collection of books that most kids growing up in the early sixties had. Lots of Dr. Seuss and the like. Seuss was great, donÂ’t get me wrong. There are … [Read more...]
The Worst Kept Secret In Sarasota
IÂ’ll keep this brief (because frankly, itÂ’s a little embarrassing for me). Do you see that mound of mouthwatering BBQ? Do you know what that means? NancyÂ’s Bar-B-Q is officially/unofficially open for business! But, you probably already knew that. ItÂ’s called a “soft” opening … [Read more...]
Innovation and Invention Hits The Sarasota Food Scene
Why isn't there an acceptance of creative cuisine the way there is an acceptance of ordinary cuisine? That should be fixed. Those of you who know me personally or who visit dineSarasota.com on a regular or semi-regular basis know one thing. I don't like to write restaurant … [Read more...]
Is This The Best Goat Cheese Salad In Sarasota?
I thought I had seen or eaten just about anything that could contain or be made with a piece of goat cheese. I was wrong. The menu description is so invitingÂ… “Two warm goat cheese pillows encased in puff pastry on a bed of romaine, apple and nuts. Honey vinaigrette. A house … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #1 Munchies 420 Cafe
The drum roll please... I guess that's a little much considering the name of our #1 restaurant is in the title to this post. Yes, that's right, Munchies 420 Cafe is #1 on our list for 2010. Congrats to them! OK, I think right off the bat we should dispense with all of the … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #2 Owen’s Fish Camp
And then there were two... OK, it's not nearly as suspenseful as a good murder mystery, but, it's all I've got. #2, one of the best new restaurants to have opened in Sarasota in a while. And, I'm not just saying that. It's true. I mean, before this thing opened people were … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #3 The Old Salty Dog
1, 2, 3... That's all that's remains. Clocking in at #3 is a Sarasota restaurant that offers two, count 'em two, great locations. And, each one has it's own distinct character. #3 The Old Salty Dog Adults, kids, families, locals, tourists, just about everybody hits "The Dog" at … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #4 Yoder’s Restaurant
We're heading in to the homestretch with our final 4! Our next place is a Sarasota tradition of sorts. It's located in the Pinecraft neighborhood. That's a part of Sarasota that doesn't really get tons of press. Looking for some classic Midwest comfort food? Then a trip to … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #5 Trader Vic’s Island Bar and Grill
A taste of the tropics out by the interstate? What? Well, that's exactly what you can expect when you make a stop at our #5 most searched for restaurant of 2010. #5 Trader Vic's Island Bar and Grill Trader Vic's Island Bar & Grill serves up exactly what you would expect. … [Read more...]
Forks and Corks: The Originals Hit It Out Of The Park!
Food and wine events around Sarasota are about as common as dolphin sightings in our clear blue gulf waters. These festivals all vie for our attention, dollars and palates. Not that there's a bad one in the bunch mind you. But, now we have clear winner in the race for our … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #6 Solorzano’s Italian Restaurant
Seems like Sarasota is fully stocked with an abundance of Italian restaurants. But, how do you sort out the truly memorable places from the ordinary pasta houses? #6 on our list isn't any ordinary pasta house. #6 - Solorzano's Italian Restaurant Solorzano's has Sarasota … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #7 Morocco
How about something a little different? That's exactly what you can expect from the next restaurant on our list. We're extremely lucky here in Sarasota when it comes to the diversity and variety of our dining choices. After all, it's not every community that has a fantastic … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #8 Cafe Gabbiano
Now things are moving at a pretty good clip. All the way up to #8. It's out to beautiful Siesta Key for our third and so far highest ranked Italian restaurant on the Best Of 2010 list. #8 Cafe Gabbiano Located right on busy Ocean Boulevard, Cafe Gabbiano has been serving … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #9 First Street Chop House
The hits just keep on rolling along. Clocking in at #9 on our 2010 Best Of list is another great downtown spot. If you're in the mood for a fantastic cut of meat that is perfectly cooked then your going to love the next stop on our climb to number one. #9 First Street Chop … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #10 Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant
We're halfway home! You've seen 11 through 20, now it's time for the dineSarasota LIST Top 10 for 2010. #10 brings us out to beautiful Lido Key. #10 Sand Dollar Rooftop Restaurant At the top of the Holiday Inn Lido Beach is where you'll find this longtime Sarasota favorite. … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #11 Wild Hog Barbecue
BBQ, Barbecue, Bar-B-Q. It doesn't really matter how you say it, our #11 for 2010 puts it all out there.  And I mean all. #11 Wild Hog Barbecue If you're looking for some great BBQ here in Sarasota you need look no further than north Tamiami Trail. This Sarasota smoke pit has … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #12 Shakespeare’s English Pub
In the mood for some bangers and mash? Or, how about some fish and chips? If that style of cuisine is what your craving, then, your going to really love #12. This place serves those traditional English pub dishes and lots more. #12 Shakespeare's English Pub Aside from … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #13 Voocaray
There's something going on in Gulf Gate. It's turning into a crazy, eclectic culinary scene over there. It seems like all kinds of new places have either opened or are in the process of opening. Good places too. Take our #14 for example. In the past few months, people have … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #14 Braza Brazilian Steakhouse
If you're a meat lover then this type of place is all you. There is enough beef, pork, lamb and chicken here to satisfy even the hungriest carnivore. And, it's not just shear quantity, it's good too! #14 - Braza Brazilian Steakhouse The Churrascaria restaurant concept has … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #15 Pegasus Greek Restaurant
OK, I'm not exactly sure what's going on over at our next place. It seems to make our year end top 20 each time. It's not flashy. It's not fine dining. And, you don't hear everyone talking about it as one of the "hot" Sarasota restaurants. So what gives? Why are so many of you … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #16 Kumo Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
A new entry on our year end list. This outstanding Japanese restaurant has it covered from both ends of town. Whether you're down in Venice or up in University Park, great Asian cuisine is close by. #16 - Kumo Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Let's face it there are tons … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #17 Blu Smoke Island Grill
Out to Siesta Key we go. OK, when you think Siesta Key the first thing that comes to mind isn't necessarily barbecue. I'm I right? Well, that may be changing. There's a fantastic BBQ place right in the heart of Siesta Village. #17 - Blu Smoke Island Grill Tired of seafood? … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #18 Sangria Tapas Bar
Downtown finally makes the list! I knew the would eventually. There's too many great places to eat in downtown Sarasota for at least a few spots to make our countdown. Number 18 has been around Main Street for a little while now. They started out small. When they first opened … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #19 Broccolini’s Restaurant and Catering
It looks like it's Gulf Gate 2, the rest of Sarasota 0. At least for the moment. Our number 19 restaurant from 2010 was another Gulf Gate location and another Italian restaurant as well. Boy, that's an eerie coincidence. #19 - Broccolini's Restaurant & Catering Broccolini's … [Read more...]
The LIST Best of 2010: #20 Oh Mamma Mia!
2010 is behind us and itÂ’s time to reveal which Sarasota restaurants were the most popular with our website visitors during the year just past. WeÂ’re going to bring them to you one great restaurant at a time. LetÂ’s get started! #20 – Oh Mamma Mia! Located in Gulf Gate, Oh … [Read more...]
Square 1 Burgers & Bar Opens in Sarasota
Move over Hob Nob and Five Guys, Sarasota has a brand new hamburger joint and it's called Square 1 Burgers & Bar. Newly opened at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail (just across from Sarasota Memorial Hospital), Square 1 has a fantastic looking menu of burger choices. And, I mean … [Read more...]
The LIST – December 2010 (#73)
WeÂ’ve had bunches of new places open up over the past six months or so. These new Sarasota restaurants have been making a big showing on The LIST. Even with all of these new places to dine around town, some old Sarasota favorites make this months rundown of the most searched for … [Read more...]
The LIST Weekly – November 15, 2010 (#46)
Here's the update for this week. The Top 5 most searched for Sarasota restaurants on dineSarasota.com. You have some great taste! … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Gratuitous Food Foto of the Moment (#3)
Coming soon to downtown Sarasota. Nancy's BBQ. We can't wait to enjoy Nancy's great food in her new permanent location! More details soon. … [Read more...]
dineSarasota Gratuitous Food Foto of the Moment (#2)
All of a sudden Gulf Gate is turning into the newest Sarasota dining hotspot. This is what you can expect at Veg. … [Read more...]
I Have This Camera…
Sometime around the beginning of 2010, I decided that dineSarasota.com needed some better food photos. Not that the shots I was posting were horrific or embarrassing, but, I thought that the great food that was being prepared in our local restaurants deserved a little better … [Read more...]
Ragin’ Cajun
Our list of the most popular restaurants on dineSarasota.com is out for September 2010. It seems like Sarasota has developed a taste for New Orleans fare. Two of our creole/Cajun inspired restaurants have made this months list. And one of them, the newly opened Voocaray, comes in … [Read more...]