
Irish AND American cuisine. Great live music. Yes, they have bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage and fish and chips.. But they also have an arugula salad! That's variety!
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Fantastic authentic Mexican cuisine. They're open late on the weekends! (2AM). Try the Menudo soup!
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This is the former Umbrella's/Roast/First Street Chop House location. Creative and traditional sushi. Plus a few "western" items for the non-sushi folks in your crowd. The Sashimi Orgy (for two) is a great way to sample the sashimi portion of the menu!
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Ama La Vita is all about creating memories. Owners Danny and Tricia believe that food and wine are best enjoyed with friends and family. Try the spicy Chicken Scarparello or Gnocchi Bolognese. All of their desserts are handmade!
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Great sushi and Japanese style cuisine. They also serve some traditional Chinese dishes. There is something for everyone on Humay's menu.
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Homemade pizzas and more! Lots of combinations to choose from, or make your own signature pizza! Try the garlic knots!
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Nicky's is a throwback to a different dining era. Live piano music and a classic restaurant atmosphere add to the experience.
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Great Asian cuisine in a fantastic location, the former Louies Modern. So, parking is super convenient at the Palm Avenue garage. Dim sum, bao buns, sushi, and more. Can't miss!
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Are you craving a hot dog from your hometown? Wel,, this is the spot for you. Lots of fantastic regional hot dog favorites are featured at DoggyStyle. I've never had Philly Style hot dog but it sounds delicious. Great shakes too!
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The name says it all here. Philly, Philly and more Philly. It is one of three Sarasota area locations (Lockwood Ridge & ST RD 70 - 34TH St. Bradenton).
They've got a pretty intimidatingly large menu of cheesesteaks, hoagies and more. Using fresh Amoroso rolls to make their sandwichs. Try a garlic bomb!!

New in 2020. Bourbon and tacos. That's their thing. They've got a nice selection of some unusual taco combos. Try a Cubano or how about a Nashville Hot Tofu? A little something for everyone here.
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The former El Greco. Transformed and updated. A super nice menu of Mediterranean and Greek Cuisine. A light and bright atmosphere make for a lively dining experience. They still have a great avgolemono soup!
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Super creative Mexican cuisine. Try the duck confit flautas. Great margarita's!
New dinner menu expected Dec 2020

German restaurant AND beer garden. I think it's the only German beer garden in Sarasota. Sit inside or out. They have a pretty full German menu indoors. Outdoors, long table and German "bites".
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Great handmade pizza! Have to try the Tre-Carne. YES, that means 3 meats. The atmosphere is bustling. That's what a pizza place should be like. They also serve a full menu of more traditional Italian cuisine.
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99 Bottles is essentially a taproom. They do offer a good selection of bar snacks/munchies. But, in reality, this place is ALL about the beer. A fantastic selection too! If you're looking for something other than a Bud Light (and who isn't), then this is the place for you!
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Sage serves a nice menu of seasonal dishes. That means a rotating menu. After (or before) dinner be sure to check out the rooftop bar. A great way to enjoy a drink and the beautiful Florida weather!
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Great place to enjoy a local craft beer or some delicious happy hour bar bites. Good deviled eggs. Also, try a Downtown Club! Live music coming soon.
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Great downtown place to catch your favorite game. Serving local craft beer and handmade cocktails. A full menu of "sports bar" type food. They have corn dogs!
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If you're a fan of poke, then this place is right in your sweet spot. Lots and lots of options for constructing your very own, personal poke bowl. If you like playing with flavor combos, then Fushipoke is a home run for you!
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This is a traditional, big city steakhouse. Great aged steaks and chops. They also serve a whole roasted suckling pig for 4-6 people. That's is something to try for sure. A nice wine list rounds out the Element experience.
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This new (2017) Sarasota restaurant is located in the Westin Sarasota. There's lots to choose from here. A nice selection of appetizers. Seafood stands out on the dinner menu. Sticky Salmon or Blackened Grouper are both great choices. Try the BBQ Lamb Ribs for an appetizer.
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Brick's Smoked Meats cranks out some of Sarasota's best BBQ. A convenient downtown location. Next door to the State Street parking garage. That means NO downtown parking hassle. Pitmaster Mark Gabrick puts out a delicious brisket! For years Mark's brisket was only available at the Saturday downtown farmers market. But, now you can treat yourself everyday. Great side dishes too!!
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Authentic Korean cuisine. The location is just north of downtown Sarasota. So, it's a little out of the way, but, worth it. Try any of the Bulgogi dishes. They're always a hit for sure. Sushi is good and affordable. $2, 2 piece sashimi is a real deal!
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Casual "rustic" atmosphere. From the same chef/owners as downtown's Pomona. Lots of small plates. Mostly vegetable dishes. They source their ingredients from local organic farmers if available.
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Farm to table, that's their thing. Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. A big menu to choose from for lunch, brunch & dinner.
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Love the feel of this place. Casual, but, big city at the same time. You could easily imagine this place in Seattle WA. Baked lobster mac & cheese”. You could eat the whole menu!
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Interesting imported and local beer on tap. Selection is always changing. In the summer they feature local chefs cooking outside. Dishes paired with equally great beer.
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When downtown started it’s upscale restaurant renaissance Selva was at the head of the parade. Great ceviche, tapas and Peruvian cuisine. Always lively atmosphere.
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Located right in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Great authentic Italian cuisine. Nice outdoor dining space. They have their own winery in Italy!
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Nothing fancy, just great food. First trip to a Vietnamese restaurant? No worries, the staff will help you through the menu. Try the pork & shrimp Vietnamese pancake.
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Burgers! That’s what most people think of when they think of Patrick’s. And, they do have a great one. The homemade chicken pot pie is fantastic. Good adult bar scene.
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Fresh baked goods and coffee in the morning, sandwiches in the afternoon. Same afternoon menu as Main Bar Sandwich Shop. Live music including an “open mic” night.
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The setting is pretty hard to beat. Right on Sarasota Bay. I mean, right on it! Super casual food and drinks. This is a Florida setting if there ever was one.
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Excellent sandwiches. Like no other in town. They put some combinations together that you would never dream of. And, they work! Great daily specials. Quick downtown lunches.
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You’ve got to be a little adventurous the first time. Nothing to look at from the outside. Looks can be deceiving! Fantastic Columbian and Cuban dishes. No frills atmosphere.
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I think The Melting Pot is Sarasota's only fondue place. They do a good job too! Lots of options and it's generally a good experience. Not cheap. But, fun for a special occasion.
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They have a book in advance “Chef’s Tour”. If you’re adventurous, it’s a great night of dining. Also serving a menu of Champagne cocktails. Kids under 12 are not allowed.
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A great place to catch a pre or post movie pizza. Directly across from the Hollywood 20. But, more than just pizza. The veal chop milanese is always a hit!
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Right in the heart of downtown. All outdoor dining. It has a lively, adult bar scene. Menu includes brick oven pizzas and NY cheesecake. Live music too. Lemon & Main Streets.
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Classic Sarasota. Right on the water. If you’re looking for that spot that screams FLORIDA, this is it. Excellent sherry & crab bisque and super fresh local seafood.
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Never had a Famous Italian sandwich? Bummer. You should hustle right down to Main Bar and correct that. Lots and lots of great sandwich selections. Soups too!
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This place has some delicious and creative menu items. Love the Shiner Bock braised short ribs. Great burgers too. Comfortable outside dining space.
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One of the top sushi places in town. Creative sushi offerings expertly prepared. Now in a larger downtown, Main Street location. Reservations for parties of 6+.
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What you would expect from a Ritz-Carlton restaurant. Top notch Ritz service and great food. It’s pricey, but, you’re at a Ritz. Dine outdoors for stunning water views.
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Famous for downtown pizza by the slice. One of the best pizza places in town for that. Try the meatball parm sub. Also, great, fresh baked bread.
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Downtown Sarasota’s only real steakhouse. It’s got that “big city” feel to it. I’m sure you know what I mean by that. Great wedge salad. Also, lobster mac & cheese side.
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This casual dining chain started here in Sarasota. The Main Street store is one of their first locations. Healthy options for both lunch and dinner. Lots of Sarasota area locations. Check their website for more location details.
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Known for great fresh, local seafood. A fantastic upscale dining experience! Voted best seafood and best sandwich by Sarasota Herald Trib readers 7 years running! Free delivery to the downtown Sarasota area. It runs Mon-Sat: 11am-Close and Sun: 4pm -Close. You can get more shuttle info at: www.duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com/shuttle
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They advertise “Authentic Indian” and admittedly it’s pretty good. Lots of good stuff on the lunch buffet. Lots & lots & lots of choices. The Lamb Rogan Josh stands out.
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Located in the Sarasota Hyatt Hotel. And, pretty good for "hotel food". An upscale menu filled with lots of fresh, delicious choices.
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Downtown tradition. Make no mistake, this is a coffee shop. Counter stool and all. Before Facebook, this is where you did your local social networking! Probably still can.
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Clasico Italian Chophouse, located right at the corner of Main & Palm in the heart of downtown Sarasota. A brand new menu (2020) featuring Italian favorites and contemporary American cuisine. A great place to catch a later dinner. The kitchen is open until 11PM!
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Would you like to take a trip to a French cafe without leaving Sarasota? A quick hop downtown is all you need. The Biarritz baguette sandwich rocks! Just my opinion.
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A downtown casual Italian dining tradition. Everything you would expect. Lasagna and linguine with clams are both standouts. They serve good pizza too!
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Located in Payne Park in downtown Sarasota. They feature locally sourced ingredients for their dishes. Organic products are used whenever possible. A great place for a leisurely lunch in a unique setting.
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The corner of Main & Palm is hot! Lots going on right there. And, Epicure is in the center of the action. Great pizzas. Outdoor dining is a must. Open late night. Gelato.
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Coffee + breakfast sandwiches + lunch sandwiches + salads. Great spot for a quick, causal coffee stop. You can catch a sandwich before the matinee show across the street at the Hollywood 20.
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Small, quaint, downtown breakfast spot (as the name would suggest). Traditional breakfast items. It's cozy and a great break from some of the places that try way too hard to be cute.
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Casual pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads. The Italiano Sandwich is pretty great. Also, kids can make their own pizzas every Monday night. That could be fun (or crazy)!
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One of Sarasota’s best known upscale restaurants. Bijou stands for excellent service and delicious dining. Great downtown location. The shrimp piri piri always rocks!
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New in 2015. Straight from Siesta Key Flavio brings some of his best Italian influences to the old Divino space. Brick oven pizza also is a BIG hit.
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Delicious, homemade Italian and Portuguese cuisine. They also feature Early Bird dinners for two. They also have a great wine list available! Make an online reservation through OpenTable.com. Live music each night from 6-9pm
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