Photographed for Vibing Sarasota
Department 02 6 entries

When the night
needs occasion.

The restaurants you make a reservation for - the ones with the view, the chef who's been featured, the wine list that earns its weight.

The list

Restaurants worth the dressing-up

Downtown Sarasota $65-95/person

Selva Grill

Peruvian fine dining with Gulf Coast flair

Chef-driven Peruvian cuisine in an intimate downtown setting. Known for their wood-fired grill and creative cocktails. The perfect spot for special occasions with impeccable service and a romantic atmosphere that locals have trusted for over a decade.

Fine DiningPeruvianDowntownRomantic
Longboat Key $75-120/person

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Upscale waterfront dining with sunset views

Sophisticated waterfront dining overlooking Longboat Pass. Known for fresh seafood, prime steaks, and unparalleled sunset views. The outdoor deck provides the perfect romantic setting with boats passing by and dolphins often spotted during dinner.

Fine DiningWaterfrontSeafoodSunset Views
Sarasota $80-150/person

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse

Premium steaks and wine in sophisticated setting

Upscale steakhouse featuring USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list. Located in the heart of Sarasota with impeccable service and a refined atmosphere perfect for business dinners or special celebrations.

SteakhousePrime BeefWine BarBusiness Dining
Siesta Key $70-110/person

Ophelia's on the Bay

Elegant bayfront dining with creative American cuisine

Sophisticated bayfront restaurant offering creative American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. The elegant dining room and waterfront patio provide stunning views of Little Sarasota Bay, making it perfect for proposals, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations.

SeafoodBayfrontSpecial OccasionSiesta Key
Sarasota $85-130/person

Indigenous

Farm-to-table fine dining with local ingredients

Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative American cuisine. Chef Steve Phelps creates seasonal menus that showcase the best of Florida's bounty in an intimate, sophisticated setting that food critics consistently rank among the state's best.

Farm-to-TableCreativeAward-WinningLocal Ingredients
Downtown Sarasota $60-90/person

Sage

Modern American cuisine with craft cocktails

Sophisticated downtown restaurant known for modern American cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. The intimate bar area and elegant dining room create the perfect atmosphere for date nights, with a menu that balances creativity with approachable flavors.

Modern AmericanCraft CocktailsDate NightDowntown