Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano
Italian
Longtime Sarasota favorite for authentic Northern Italian cuisine, fine wines, and elegant dining.
$50–$80 per person
1970 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Explore Sarasota
Where the Locals Eat
Sixty years of eating around Sarasota, distilled into a shortlist. From white-tablecloth Italian to a proper Chicago beef — these are Tracy's picks.
Tony's Chicago Beef
Chicago-style Sandwiches
Authentic Chicago-style Italian beef & dogs with the whole windy-city flair — roasted beef in gravy, loaded combos, and nostalgia served hot.
$10–$20 per person
6569 Superior Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231
Cuba 1958
Cuban
Stylish Cuban restaurant offering vibrant flavors, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere inspired by Havana.
$35–$60 per person
1766 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Rosemary & Thyme
American Bistro
Farm-to-table bistro serving refined American dishes with healthy, seasonal ingredients.
$50–$70 per person
411 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Brine Seafood & Raw Bar
Seafood / Raw Bar
Upscale casual eatery highlighting seafood classics and a rotating raw bar with oysters and coastal favorites.
$35–$60 per person
2250 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Seafood / American
Laid-back waterfront spot on Longboat Key offering fresh grouper, seafood, steaks, and beautiful bay views.
$31–$50 per person
412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB)
Seafood / Bar & Grill
Energetic, beachy oyster bar with live music, fresh oysters, cold beer, and cocktails — casual and fun for groups.
$20–$40 per person
5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
Summer House Steak & Seafood
Steakhouse / Seafood
Elegant yet relaxed steakhouse with seafood flair, featuring prime cuts, fresh fish, and cocktails.
$50–$80 per person
149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL 34242
MVP — My Village Pub
American / Pub fare
Siesta Key's go-to sports bar, known for its vibrant atmosphere, 40+ TVs, local draft beers, and comfort-food favorites like burgers and chicken tacos.
$20–$40 per person
5200 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Prices are approximate and change; hours and menus vary seasonally. Links open Google Maps for hours, menus, and directions.
Let’s talk
Want a neighborhood you can walk to dinner from?
Downtown, Gulf Gate, Siesta Village, St. Armands — Tracy knows which streets put the best tables within strolling distance.
Call or text 813-267-1312