10 Best Waterfront Dining Spots In Sarasota, Florida

waterfront dining in sarasota
Chandana
Chandana 
Published
| 5 min read

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.

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Dine in style by the water

2017 Sarasota Mar Vista Stone Crab 1 FRD 6870
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fred Hsu used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Chandana is a versatile writer with nearly two decades of experience in media, spanning clients across the globe. An avid traveler, she enjoys experiencing every new place to the fullest. Having...Read more

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