Dining Hotspots in Sarasota, Florida

Despite the fact that Sarasota is a medium to small city along the Gulf Coast, it is widely recognized as one of the cultural hotspots in the state of Florida. Hundreds of thousands of visitors head to the city each year in order to relax on the beautiful beaches, go shopping and dine in the incredible local restaurants. Unfairly, this state doesn’t have a great reputation for its culinary landscape, but cities like this are turning that imagine around. With fresh seafood, progressive culinary professionals and a desire to embrace new food trends, the city is a great place for food enthusiasts to travel.

Pacific Rim

Diners who are interested in exploring the tastes of the Asian Pacific will want to visit Pacific Rim, the leading Asian restaurant in the city. Starters include Thai spring rolls and Chinese dumplings, but there can be no doubt that the highlight of the menu is the extensive sushi and sashimi selection. The fatty tuna, flown in specifically for the restaurant from suppliers in Japan, is some of the best sashimi available in the entire state. Pacific Rim also boasts a full bar, and it can be a fun and lively place to visit on weekend nights.

Darwin’s on 4th

Peruvian cuisine is quite hard to find in the United States, and it is nearly impossible to find Peruvian cuisine done in an upscale way. At Darwin’s on 4th, Chef Darwin Santa Maria works hard to recreate Latin favorites with some of the freshest and most luxurious ingredients available. The result is a menu full of exotic and still refined entrees, desserts and appetizers. Some of the favorites include chili spiced shrimp, butter poached lobster tacos, a classic Peruvian ceviche and raw octopus served sashimi style.

Andrea’s

Local foodies know that when it comes to Italian cuisine, the best place to visit is Andrea’s. This restaurant is so popular primarily because of its chefs, an Italian couple who start the day by shopping in local markets for the freshest ingredients. The menu gets based on what it available that day, so the best option for diners is simply to enjoy the full chef’s tasting menu, a series of small dishes highlighting the skills of the culinary staff. The food is rustic Tuscan fare, but it is presented in a beautiful and creative way.

Boatyard Waterfront Grill

The food offered at the Boatyard Waterfront Grill may be fantastic, but what diners will remember most is the incredible view from their table. When sitting in the outdoor patio of the restaurant, you can see out over the Intracoastal Waterway, making an ordinary meal seem truly special. The menu is international, with selections from Asian cuisine, Italian favorites and plenty of American staples. The staff are incredibly attentive, and they work hard to ensure that every guest has a memorable experience at the restaurant.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse

When you’re in the mood for steak, there is no point in ordering a mediocre dish. Instead, head to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse to indulge in some amazing steaks, many of them served up with shrimp or lobster tails for an extra treat. This restaurant is especially popular for business meetings at lunch and romantic dinners at night. While you can choose from pasta dishes, salads and seafood, there is no question that the best offerings on the menu are the variety of steaks.

Dining in Sarasota can be a real treat for serious foodies. Any one of the restaurants listed above would make an exceptional place to enjoy a meal while visiting Florida.

If you are interested in preparing yourself for a culinary career, check out the cooking schools in Sarasota and many other cities across America at Cooking Culinary Arts Schools.