Food and Restaurants

Sarasota  newspaper, magazine, News Events:

This page is dedicated to Foodies, those who appreciate great food and wonderful restaurants. We reach upwards of  two million readers a month, third-party documented.

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Café Barbosso

is a high-energy “New York-style” Italian-American eatery that blends culinary skill with a vibrant arts scene. 

• Signature Dishes: Popular favorites include the 10-layer eggplant, slow-simmered Sunday sauce, and the Grandma’s Meatballs.
• Creative Italian: You’ll find unique twists like lamb pizza with coconut curry and cardamom yogurt or Kumamoto oysters with yuzu mignonette.
• Portions: Diners frequently remark on the “ridiculously large” servings, often making a single entree enough for two. 
• 

• The Format: Originally launched by founder Joe DiMaggio Jr., it is now led by Chef Shawn, who presents a seasonal prix fixe menu (often 5 to 8 courses).
• Interaction: Guests watch the chef prepare courses right in front of them, making it as much a performance as a mea.
  Reservations: It is highly sought after, with waitlists sometimes stretching for months; advanced booking is essential. 
  

• Live Art: In a unique concept, local artists often set up easels inside the dining room, painting live while you eat. The finished works are frequently for sale right off the walls.
• Live Music: Musical entertainment is a regular feature, including a 17-piece jazz band that has been known to perform outside on Saturday nights.
• Service: The staff wears black tees with the playful motto: “Eat your pasta, pay your bill, mind your business,” adding to the authentic, no-nonsense New York attitude. 
  

Even though we are in Florida fresh seafood is sometimes hard to come by. Our number one rated seafood market is LostsaLobsterSarasota.com.
It is run and owned by Susanne a Floridian and local resident. Their Maine lobsters are flown in daily and they will steam them for you for $2 each, a bargain! If you have never tried Faroe Island salmon this is a must. It doesn’t have that strong salmon taste. They also have a large selection of shellfish, frozen goods, and fresh fish.

Lotsa Lobster Seafood Market in Sarasota is a New England-style seafood market known for its fresh Maine lobster and other high-quality seafood flown in daily from the North Atlantic. They offer a variety of seafood, including cod, haddock, halibut, sea scallops from Massachusetts, and local Florida favorites like grouper, snapper, shrimp, and stone crabs (in season).

While the market doesn’t offer dine-in services, they will happily steam your lobster or shrimp for take-home meals. Their 1,000-gallon lobster tank allows you to select your own live lobster. Located at 8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, it’s a popular spot for fresh seafood​(

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              Bonefish Grill has exceptional food. They are consistently on top with quality entrees and appetizers. Their menu changes with the seasons and they have
food pairings with wine, martinis, and the like. We’ve attended their 4 and 5-course pairings that have included filet, lobster, seafood linguini, brussel sprout
salads, Mahi Mahi, Salmon, and a few other dishes. Shown is their pumpkin bruelee dessert! BonefishGrill.com

Awesome baby!

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The new kid on the block is Sarasota native Tommy Lovell Jr. who owns 1818 Grill on Hillview. He bought Knicks, a very popular grill,pub in March using their ever-popular dishes and bringing on a few new ones. He is grandfather was a chef and he continues the profession after serving in the military. An ex-local rower from the famous De Manio racing teams, he shares many fond memories.

Two popular items are his 1818 burger, a full half lb, with no additives, organically fed, and absolutely delicious!! Next is the fresh grouper sandwich, a thick portion, cooked perfectly with a side of large-cut fries. Visit the1818Grill.com and support our locals and natives.

Fresh grouper, served blackened or grilled with jalapeño remoulade and lettuce, tomato, and onion with cole slaw.

An organic burger, no additives, housemade chipotle buffalo sauce with crumbled blue cheese. Absolutely delishioso!

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One of the best grouper sandwiches in the area is Pop’s Sunset Grill in Nokomis. It’s delicious, fresh and perfectly grilled.
Pops Sunset Grill is a waterfront restaurant located in Nokomis, Florida, offering stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Known for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, it provides both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic surroundings while dining. The restaurant features a diverse menu with fresh seafood, American classics, and tropical-inspired cocktails, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a quintessential Florida dining experience.

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Mark, owner of Rico’s Gulf Gate Pizza celebrates his 25th year by giving away 250 pizzas and offering discounts on other items. Congrats Mark! RicosPizzaGulfGate.com

Rico’s Pizza in Gulf Gate, Sarasota, is highly regarded for its delicious pizza, generous portions, and friendly atmosphere. Customers rave about their wide variety of pizza options, with favorites like the “Works” pizza and garlic knots. Their pasta dishes, like spaghetti with clams and ravioli, also receive high praise. The ambiance is cozy, and the staff is known for being attentive and welcoming.

Many patrons appreciate the restaurant’s casual vibe, whether dining in or ordering take-out. Their garlic knots and fried ravioli are often highlighted as must-try appetizers, and their service consistently gets positive feedback for being prompt and courteous.

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We want to give a shout-out to the Geckos of Sarasota, Clark Road, for their spectacular Super Salad with Ahi Tuna, it’s the freshest, largest, and most delicious ever!
Gecko’s Grill & Pub is a popular chain of neighborhood restaurants in Sarasota, Florida, offering a casual and family-friendly dining experience. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it serves a variety of classic American pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees, as well as an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails. With several locations across Sarasota, Gecko’s has become a local favorite for sports fans, thanks to its large-screen TVs and lively environment.

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When you want a breakfast/brunch sandwich fit for a Queen or King then Meshugana NY Deli has one of the most outrageously delicious, two egg, corned beef, cheese, YUM. It is more than enough for two people. Unfortunately, they closed shop.

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Even though we are in Florida fresh seafood is sometimes hard to come by. Our number one rated seafood market is LostsaLobsterSarasota.com.
It is run and owned by Susanne a Floridian and local resident. Their Maine lobsters are flown in daily and they will steam them for you for $2 each, a bargain! If you have never tried Faroe Island salmon this is a must. It doesn’t have that strong salmon taste. They also have a large selection of shellfish, frozen goods, and fresh fish.

Lotsa Lobster Seafood Market in Sarasota is a New England-style seafood market known for its fresh Maine lobster and other high-quality seafood flown in daily from the North Atlantic. They offer a variety of seafood, including cod, haddock, halibut, sea scallops from Massachusetts, and local Florida favorites like grouper, snapper, shrimp, and stone crabs (in season).

While the market doesn’t offer dine-in services, they will happily steam your lobster or shrimp for take-home meals. Their 1,000-gallon lobster tank allows you to select your own live lobster. Located at 8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, it’s a popular spot for fresh seafood​(

We like to add a little flavor to our Faroe Island Salmon and make our own pesto with cream cheese, fresh garlic, and pine nuts. Sides included Capri tomatoes and fresh string beans. Source Faroe Island salmon, LotsaLobsterSarasota.com