Downtown Sarasota is a gorgeous, lively area popular with tourists and locals alike, offering a colorful assortment of art galleries, theaters, shops and boutiques, natural parks with recreational activities, live music venues, and plenty of diverse cuisine and restaurants. If you find yourself craving new, bold flavors, you need to try the best restaurants in Downtown Sarasota for a complete luxury Sarasota experience. Here are 14 of the hottest new places you need to try!
Meshugana Deli
Ever since its grand opening in October 2022,
Meshugana Deli has quickly risen as one of the top local favorites for authentic New York-inspired deli cuisine and catering. The Meshugana Deli incorporates Jewish flavors into its menu, creating a variety of signature and gourmet meals such as pastrami sandwiches, corned beef sandwiches, potato latkes, noodle kugel, and chicken matzo ball soup.
Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill
The iconic
Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill is famous for its fusion cuisine inspired by the rich, unique flavors of Indian food. Guests can enjoy a wide range of delicious, exciting meals, including masala wings, chicken tikka, South Indian dum biryani, stuffed naan, a variety of curries, and so much more.
Hot Chikn Kitchn
The
Hot Chikn Kitchn also opened its doors for the first time in October 2022 with a delicious selection of chicken sandwiches and Nashville-inspired chicken and waffles. Locals love their loaded fries topped with cheddar cheese and sauce, house-fried chicken sandwiches, and loaded mac and cheese bowls. Side options include seasoned fries, fried pickles, and homestyle coleslaw cheese fries.
1592 | Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
For Mediterranean cuisine with a modern take, treat yourself to the wildly popular
1592 | Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails and their wood-fired specialties. Entrees include a mixed grill platter consisting of Florida sun shrimp, chicken breast, fattoush, merguez, and bangers; grilled lamb chops served with baby bok choy, red wine gravy, and rice oregano; and grilled salmon with shrimp and octopus rice, pickled red grapes, and cilantro.
Kore Steakhouse
The
Kore Steakhouse offers a unique dining experience in that their servers do not accept tips, and reservations aren’t needed to secure a table. Inspired by Korean cuisine and culture, Kore Steakhouse offers high-quality beef, pork, seafood, chicken, and vegetables for grilling, as well as a variety of traditional Korean dishes and appetizers such as stir fry sweet potato noodles, spicy kimchi soup with pork, and black bean stir fry.
Rosemary and Thyme
Rosemary and Thyme is a quaint, everyday restaurant specializing in traditional American meals in a relaxed setting. Enjoy traditional French toast, buttermilk pancakes, omelets, and quiches for brunch, and cashew chicken stir fry, fajitas, tacos, and burgers for lunch. Make sure to book a reservation in advance!
Baker & Wife
Globally-inspired
Baker & Wife prides itself with locally sourced ingredients and artisan food in a casual cafe atmosphere. Dinner entrees include pan seared salmon, buckhead beef grilled skirt steak, mushroom rigatoni bolognese, and a selection of different oven-baked artisanal pizzas. Guests should also try one of their hand-crafted cocktails for a complete Baker & Wife experience.
KOJO
For dynamic meals inspired by modern Asian flavors, there is no better place than
KOJO. Enjoy rock shrimp tempura, broiled oysters, shrimp and pork gyoza, and even tuna pizza, or try one of their unique nori taco flavors. KOJO also offers high-quality steaks served with grilled shishito peppers, garlic chips, and the choice of a signature sauce.
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
State Street is the perfect venue for new American fare and hand-crafted cocktails, all prepared with the finest and freshest of ingredients. Their dinner menu features red curry mussels, poke bowls, marinated red beets, cheese and charcuterie boards, and cioppino. For drinks, enjoy a broad selection of wine and cocktails, including Ruby Rose, a blend of carpano bitter and rosso, rhubarb liqueur, sparkling rose, and Dante’s Inferno, a unique mix of mezcal, creme de noyaux, honey-ginger, lemon, and fire water bitters.
Circo
If you have a taste for creative Tex-Mex fare,
Circo is the best of the best. Offering a lively, relaxed space and a lounge, Circo is the prime destination for tacos, tamale cakes, southwest bowls, edamame falafels, and slow-roasted angus. Circo also offers popular side options like Mexican street corn, potato salad, classic rice and beans, and homemade churros.
Bijou Garden Cafe
The
Bijou Garden Cafe is an upscale venue situated by a beautiful opera house, famous for their selection of unique wines and Continental dishes. Indulge in luxury filet mignon marinated in a demi-glace with grilled red onions, seasonal mushrooms, and herb risotto; grilled swordfish with sauteed spinach and orzo; or a rack of lamb with a medley of roasted vegetables and salsa verde. Bijou is also open to hosting private events, including anniversary parties, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, and more.
meLange
The modern and chic meLange is the hottest spot for eclectic American cuisine you’re not likely to find elsewhere. From rabbit tacos to crispy duck spring rolls and stuffed quail to venison osso bucco, meLange prides itself on the art of culinary exploration combined with a unique creative vision to experiment with every facet of food.
Libby’s
Sophisticated and stylish,
Libby’s offers seasonal New American fare and outdoor dining with a full copper bar. Options include tuna tataki, a dish comprised of sushi-grade tuna augmented with fresh avocado salsa, crispy wontons, sesame soy ginger, and vinaigrette sauce; fried macaroni and cheese balls coated in crispy crumbs and served over a marinara sauce; and seafood a la vodka, rigatoni pasta served with fresh clams and mussels, crispy peas, garlic breadcrumbs, all marinated with a fragrant vodka sauce.
Cask & Ale
Cask & Ale is the premier destination for innovative cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and the best vibes you can find in the heart of Downtown Sarasota. Enjoy surf n’ turf breakfast tacos, double-patty burgers, coconut shrimp, and fried chicken biscuits drizzled with sausage gravy. Seasonal cocktails include the Holiday Hot Chocolate, a mix of 3 Olives Vanilla Vodka or Fernet Menta, hot chocolate, and a dollop of whipped cream, and Chai Spice & Everything Nice, a sweet blend of 1888 Rum, Orgeat, lemon, honey, Chai tea, and chocolate bitters.
Interested in buying a piece of
Downtown Sarasota real estate of your own? Get in touch with real estate agent
Judy Kepecz-Hays and her elite team of realtors with over 80 years of combined experience. Whatever you need, Judy and her team will be sure to help you meet your goals.
Connect with her today!
