Yes, Sarasota Is Known for Its Seafood!
Consuming tasty food triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the brain reward system. This results in a pleasurable sensation, which motivates us to continue eating the food to experience the same feeling.
SRQ Food Scene
Food is more than just a source of energy for our bodies. It also provides us with pleasure, comfort, and a sense of connection. Being a "foodie" and enjoying the culinary world is not only acceptable but also beneficial for our well-being.
Photo: Dry Dock Waterfront
Lobster Pasta, Dry Dock Waterfront
Dry Dock Waterfront is voted as #1 restaurant in U.S by Travel Leisure. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a beloved gem on Longboat Key, renowned for its "excellent food and service. This casual bayfront staple with seafood specialties, a dockside patio & fish-themed decor. is truly a must visit.
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Location: Longboat Key, FL
Website: Dry Dock
Pick: diethood
Lobster Roll, Old Salty Dog
If you can’t get enough of this lobster roll. You're in for a treat. Old Salty Dog has one of the best in town. No matter where you live, this lobster roll will make you feel like you’re on a coastal vacation. This lobster roll will bring a seaside vacation to your mouth.
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Location: Longboat Key, FL
Website: Old Salty Dog
Photo: Tide Tables
Seafood Basket, Tide Tables & Marina
Casual seafood eatery overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, with a marina & outdoor tiki bar. They cut their fresh fish daily on the Dock and customer can have it served Fried, grilled or blackened. Their Chef makes all of their sauces, seasonings and desserts from scratch!
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Location: Bradenton, FL
Connect: Tide Tables
Photo: Speak Calm Bar
Speak Clam Bar, St. Armands Circle
Step back in time at Speaks Clam Bar and experience the charm of early 20th-century New York. Indulge in our homemade pasta, specialty seafood, and classic cocktails, all in our unique Prohibition-era ambiance.
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Location: St. Armands Circle, FL
Website: Speak Clam Bar
Photo: Chez Boodparset
Paella, Columbia Sarasota
One of my top dishes is Paella, a traditional Spanish recipe that features saffron-infused rice and can be with seafood or other ingredients. The key to its delicious flavor is the use of Sofrito, a blend of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers.
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Location:: Sarasota, FL
Website: Columbia
Photo: Chez Boodparset
Kung Kao Calamari Salad, The Shore Longboat Key
It's spicy, sweet, and tangy;it's perfect. This Kung Pao Calamari salad from the Shore is my go to salad for a quick lunch. This dish is studded with crunchy roasted peanuts, spicy chilies, and perfectly blend with slightly sweet and savory sauce.
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Location: Sarasota, FL
Website: The Shore
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Photo: Istock
Thai Crab Meat Fried Rice, Spice Station
Thai crab fried rice is prepared using Thai jasmine rice, whereas Chinese fried rice is made with regular long grain white rice or a combination white rice. Additionally, Thai fried rice is typically flavored with fish sauce, while this aromatic jasmine rice is seasoned with garlic and chilies, and mixed with scrambled egg, crabmeat, and scallions.
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Location: Sarasota, FL
Website: Spice Station
Photo: Istock
Grilled Shrimp Over Vermicelli, Pho 101
Vietnamese Grilled Shrimp Vermicelli Bowl is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare. It consists of rice noodles, fresh vegetables such as lettuce bean sprouts, carrots cucumbers, cerlantro, basil, scallions, and grilled shrimp, all served with a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for any time of the day and is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Location:: Sarasota, FL
Website: N/A
Photo: Big Water Market
Lobster Roll, Big Water Market
Make your weekend one to remember at Oak & Stone! With the beautiful weather almost all year round, here, you can enjoy the rooftop view, great food, cool drinks and chill out all summer long.
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Location: Siesta Key, FL
More Info: Big Water Market
Photo: Stock
Shrimp and Grits, The Beachhouse Restaurant
The grits are soft, buttery, and often cheesy, with a savory, bacon-studded sauce surrounding them, and lots and lots of shrimp. Every time, I visit this place, I'm in heaven.
I love everything about Shrimp and grits. It's nourishing, hearty, and flavorful.
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Location:: Bradenton, FL
Website: The Beach House
Photo: Wix stock
Walt's Fish Market
Walt’s is the ONLY Sarasota market and restaurant, and one of few in Florida and the entire country, to sell you fish and other seafood literally caught the day you buy it.
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Location:: Sarasota, FL
Website: Walt's Fish Market
Photo: Chez Boodparset
The Lobster Lava, Star Thai & Sushi Venice
Tempura might change your mind about sushi. There's a science to creating that irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth crunch that makes already good food taste that much more delicious. This is why is tempura so good. Tempura batter is traditionally mixed in small batches using chopsticks for only a few seconds, leaving lumps in the mixture that, along with the cold batter temperature, result in a unique fluffy and crisp tempura structure when cooked.
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Location:: Bradenton, FL
Website: Start Thai Venice
Explore Sarasota's Lifestyle Abundance