The Best Restaurants in Sarasota

1. Kojo

Ramen meets Southern comfort at Kojo, a Japanese-inspired restaurant that’s anything but conventional. Wood-fired ramen, pork belly buns, and a cool vibe make this the spot for anyone who wants a global twist in a place where flip-flops are still acceptable.

2. Meliora

Chef Drew Adams, previously at James Beard-nominated Mintwood Place, brings the heat at Meliora, where the menu changes daily. Whether it’s bone marrow or octopus a la plancha, this is the place where Brooklyn meets Sarasota in a culinary love affair, minus the pretension. They’ll even let you park your beach cruiser outside.

3. Owen’s Fish Camp

Hidden behind some serious banyan trees, Owen’s Fish Camp gives you upscale seafood with Southern charm. There are porch swings, fried green tomatoes, and a whole lot of folks pretending they’re at a family reunion with a Michelin-star chef. It’s casual, but in the kind of way that feels deliberate.

4. Bijou Garden Café

When you want old Sarasota but without the old part, head to Bijou, which somehow keeps up with the times after all these years. The Euro-inspired menu includes classics like duck confit and bouillabaisse that have been updated just enough to remind you why the place is still thriving.

5. Element

For a more swanky Sarasota night, Element is where Michelin-star experience (from Chef Nils Tarantik) meets wood-fired steaks and pasta so good it will make you rethink all your carb decisions. This is Sarasota’s power-dining scene, but without the neckties.

6. Indigenous

Chef Steve Phelps, a James Beard semifinalist, takes sustainable seafood to another level at Indigenous. The menu changes based on what’s fresh, and the focus is on local ingredients, making this a Florida-forward dining experience you can feel good about—ethically and gastronomically.

The Complete Guide to Sarasota

By Brady Jonas

Sarasota’s food scene has evolved beyond the fried grouper era—now there’s a whole world of inventive flavors. If you're looking for something new and exciting that doesn’t scream “old Florida,” here’s a list of spots where the chefs are doing more than just frying fish.