Sarasota is a beautiful stretch of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coastline. People usually come here for business and pleasure activities. Its sugary white sand beaches with turquoise blue water attracts visitors from all over the globe. Some of the most beautiful attractions in Sarasota Florida include the botanical gardens, aquarium, Siesta Key Village and restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the water.
All that vacationing and sunning on the beach is bound to leave you starving and wishing to unreel Restaurants on the Water in Sarasota Florida. There are many great Restaurants in Downtown Sarasota Florida and other places throughout the city. But sometimes you want to be right on the water with views as lovely as any fresh seafood or artistic vegan dish.
Top 5 Restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the Water
If you are seeking for restaurant on the water with delightful cuisine then you are on the right spot. We have arranged a list of Top 5 Best restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the water.
- The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill
- Pop’s Sunset Grill
- Ophelia’s on the Bay
- O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
- Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill
The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill is located on the Sarasota side of the Intracoastal Waterway near south Siesta Key bridge. It is a fun place known for laid back lunch, dinner and cocktails paired with “island nachos.” This restaurant offers a cozy inside bar, indoor dining area and an open air deck with the best interior that open to the waterfront. From a great selection of seafood, specialty cocktails and mouthwatering desserts. You will love this place and want to visit more and more.
The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill only opened for lunch and dinner. Their menu features a great selection of salads, soups, tacos, sandwiches and more. They serve popular dishes like honey soy Mahi tacos, jambalaya, black bean salsa and chicken nachos. This restaurant also offers kids meals including dishes such as butter noodles, bowtie marinara, fish and chips. Don’t forget to keep a room for dessert and must try their chocolate peanut butter cake.
Pop’s Sunset Grill
If you’re seeking for some waterfront upscale dining on your trip look no further than Pop’s Sunset Grill. It is one of the Gulf Coast’s favorite waterfront dining landmarks and famous around the locals and visitors alike. This restaurant is hard to miss if you are boating your way down Sarasota Bay past Casey Key. When you come under the bridge you will definitely spot the enormous Tiki hut and line of boats parked and waiting for their captains to return from a delicious meal.
Pop’s Sunset Grill features outdoor seating with an open air concept that allows visitors to watch manatees and dolphins swim in the water. Visitors can also haunt around fire pits dispersed on the opposite side of the restaurant. Their menu consists of salads, soups, seafood, burgers and beverages. They serve Michelada, Pop’s Bloody Mary and Cold Smoked Bacon. Enjoy a nice meal or refreshing beverage while listening to classic live music.
Ophelia’s on the Bay
If you are looking for some waterfront dining experience on your trip then Ophelia’s on the Bay is the best option. It is one the amazing restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the water with glass walled dining room or the outdoor patio. Relish delicious meals feature freshly caught local seafood artfully curated into palate. Their delicious cuisines include dishes such as Alaskan Halibut, Paella de Marisco and Crunchy Tempura Shrimp as appetizers.
In this restaurant reservations are must especially for an outdoor table so you can take in the sea breeze and be one with the water. Must stop by between 5 and 6 pm for the daily hour deals served in the bar and lounge. Ophelia’s on the Bay opens for dinner and Sunday brunch making it a great spot for chilling out with friends and family.
O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
Located right on Bayfront Park by sister restaurant Marina Jack this finest restaurant features fresh seafood and frozen drinks. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill is one of the casual and pet friendly restaurants in Sarasota Florida. It is a fixture in Bayfront Park near downtown Sarasota and offers a most welcoming tropical retreat. Its outdoor picnic and high top tables are all set in a cool layer of sand where you can trench those flip flops.
Their menu features a wide selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill offers wraps, salads, fish sandwiches and a vast range of wine. Here you can enjoy seafood classics such as fried shrimp or grilled Mahi Mahi. You can also try margaritas and cheeseburger while listening to the great live music.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is located off of Gulf of Mexico Drive in Longboat Key. It was recently named one of the “100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America for 2019†by OpenTable. This restaurant is popular for serving fresh seafood dishes such as grouper tacos and grouper sandwiches. They have Sarasota County’s very best lobster roll. These lobster rolls grilled to perfection and served on a classic split roll will make any New Englander homesick.
Aside from their lobster rolls this restaurant also serves Crispy Calamari, Oysters Rockefeller and Bacon Wrapped Scallops. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill also has a variety of sandwiches to suit everyone’s taste and wonderful pasta dishes brimming with fresh flavors.
Bottom Line
Restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the water are best in every facet. From delicious meals to the waterfront location and unique interior. You will love these Restaurants on the Water in Sarasota Florida and want to visit again. Their perfectly cooked meal with perfect seasoning will squeeze out all of your cravings. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill’s Crispy Calamari and Oysters Rockefeller will delight your taste buds and you want to have it more and more. Their casual, family friendly seating with live music along the beautiful waterfront views will give you some unforgettable memories with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the Water require reservations?
Yes some popular restaurants do require reservations just like in Ophelia’s on the Bay. During peak season this restaurant requires a reservation for an outdoor table if you want to take beautiful waterfront views.
What are the top 3 restaurants in Sarasota Florida on the water?
There are many best restaurants in Sarasota on the water. But top 3 restaurants according to me are given below:
- Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
- Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
- Ophelia’s on the Bay
