Situated in sunny Florida, Sarasota offers you a wide range of attractions and pristine beaches. Tucked away near the southern tip of the Tampa Bay Area, this city is home to Sarasota Bay as well as quite a few barrier islands. A hub of art and culture, Sarasota has plenty of performing art venues with musicals, dance, and circus events happening in the city on a regular basis. One popular attraction is the Ringling Museum with its collection of more than 10,000 interesting artifacts. The botanical gardens, aquarium, Siesta Key Village, and Big Cat Habitat are just some of the outdoor attractions you can check out when you need a break from the beaches. All that sightseeing and sunning on the beach is bound to leave you starving and wishing to unwind with a leisurely dinner after a busy day. Find out which are the best waterfront dining spots in Sarasota, Florida below.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Lido Beach Grille
Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico through the huge windows at this elegant restaurant. Specializing in modern Gulf Coast cuisine with a Carribean twist, this beautiful restaurant is open for dinner every day of the week. Make use of happy hour to savor your favorite beverages as you watch the sunset over the horizon from your comfortable spot at the restaurant.
Lido Beach Grille
Address: 700 Ben Franklin Dr. Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: Lido Beach Grille
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 5pm – 10pm; Sun: 8am – 10pm
2. Ophelia’s on the Bay
Come unwind with us (and this view ?) this weekend!
Posted by Ophelia's on the Bay on Saturday, 27 April 2019
Enjoy stunning views of the water from the glass-walled dining room or the outdoor patio. Relish delicious meals featuring the freshest of seafood as you look upon the tranquil Little Sarasota Bay. This restaurant opens for dinner and Sunday brunch making it a great spot for chilling out with friends and family.
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Address: 9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key
Website: Ophelia’s on the Bay
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 5pm – 10pm; Sun: 11am - 2pm
3. Marina Jack
Choose to dine at one of two waterfront dining areas at this charming restaurant. Head to the second-floor dining room with its award winning wine list and fine dining ambiance. The dinner menu consists of a wide selection of steaks, pastas, and seafood. Make your way to the outdoor patio where the bar and grill are located if your taste buds crave sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Marina Jack
Address: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: Marina Jack
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm (daily)
4. The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill
An ideal spot to enjoy some casual dining by the water, this restaurant sits right next to the Siesta Key South Bridge. Enjoy views of the water from all three dining venues here – the banquet room, dining room, and the reef bar. Featuring seafood specialties and mouthwatering desserts from a variety of cuisines, this restaurant also offers live entertainment throughout the week.
The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill
Address: 1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, FL 34231
Website: The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11:30am – 9pm; Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 10pm; Sun: 11:30am – 9pm
5. New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
Posted by Randy Venable on Tuesday, 8 July 2014
This quaint bait and grill shop has an old school vibe and offers delicious sandwiches, soups, and sides such as fries for you to nibble on. Sit by the water and enjoy their famous burgers that are cooked-to-order. This eatery also has a kids’ menu that the little ones are sure to enjoy.
New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
Address: 1505 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: New Pass Grill & Bait Shop
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
6. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
This is why we love to live and work here! April weather is perfect for days spent at Olearys, come see for yourself... ? #sarasota #sunshine #relax #waterfrontdining #enjoy #florida #youcanfindmehere
Posted by Oleary's Tiki Bar & Grill on Tuesday, 23 April 2019
Enjoy dining in the ocean breeze with the sand tickling your feet at this casual restaurant with a tiki bar setting. This pet-friendly place is located on Island Park on the city’s Downtown Bayfront. They accept walk-ins and kids are sure to enjoy the outdoor dining right on the water with a menu featuring varieties of burgers.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Address: 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 8am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 8am – 11pm
7. Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
Seafood Paella. Meet me at The Creek!
Posted by Phillippi Creek Restaurant & Oyster Bar on Tuesday, 7 May 2019
This cozy family restaurant offers indoor as well as outdoor dining with water views. Enjoy excellent oysters and other seafood at the restaurant which also has happy hours. With its wood interiors and nautical theme, this restaurant is a cozy favorite spot that has been around for a dozen years.
Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
Address: 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
Website: Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10:30pm
8. The Old Salty Dog
Jones farm thick-cut cherrywood smoked bacon BLT! We’ll have one ready for you upon arrival today!
Posted by Old Salty Dog City Island on Monday, 22 October 2018
With indoor and outdoor seating, this dog-friendly restaurant uses fresh ingredients sourced locally. All the kids meals here are served on a collectible Frisbee. You can look at Sarasota Bay as you enjoy your meal at this lovely restaurant featuring delicacies such as house-made crab dip to go with your tortilla chips, conch fritters, and a variety of steamed or raw seafood.
The Old Salty Dog
Address: 1601 B Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: The Old Salty Dog
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 11am – 9:30pm; Fri – Sun: 7am – 9:30pm
9. Turtles Restaurant
Posted by David Palmer on Thursday, 15 December 2016
Sitting on Little Sarasota Bay, this lovely restaurant offers great views of the water from the indoor and outdoor seating areas. Featuring fresh seafood and other cuisine at affordable rates, this restaurant offers early bird specials and happy hour as well as a Sunday brunch buffet. Enjoy dinner delicacies such as orange pecan chicken, potato-crusted Boston haddock, and salmon pasta among others.
Turtles Restaurant
Address: 8875 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
Website: Turtles Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 9pm; Sun: 10am – 9pm
10. Jack Dusty
TONIGHT at #jackdustysrq we have a beautiful Seared #Cobia over a panzanella salad with a scallion and parsley dressing and finished with a balsamic glaze. #dinnerspecial #fresh #jackdusty @ritzcarltonsarasota
Posted by Jack Dusty on Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and sip on an exotic cocktail as you look at the beautiful views from the marina at the Ritz-Carlton. The choices on the menu at this elegant restaurant have an innovative twist with emphasis on local seasonal ingredients. From the raw bar to the New England clam chowder to apple-brined pork chops and fried snapper, you are sure to find something you like here. Finish up with mouthwatering desserts like ice cream profiteroles.
Jack Dusty
Address: 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr., Sarasota, Florida 34236
Website: Jack Dusty
Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 7am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 7am – 11pm
Dine in style by the water
Good food becomes great food when it is complemented by the excellent ambiance of the restaurant and panoramic views. Head for one or more of these best waterfront dining spots in Sarasota, Florida during your next visit.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
