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Make Dinner Plans at These 5 Beautiful Waterfront Restaurants in Sarasota

  • September 7, 2021
  • | 1:24 PM

The only thing better than eating delicious food at a great restaurant is eating it in front of a stunning waterfront view. That’s why we wanted to highlight 5 beautiful waterfront restaurants in Sarasota.

Whether you see dolphins, sharks, or lobsters, you are bound to have a breathtaking view when dining at one of these spots. Here are 5 beautiful waterfront restaurants in Sarasota.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

First on our list is, of course, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill! With stunning views of Longboat Key, this restaurant is an absolute gem. Not to mention the food is out of this world delicious. This is the perfect date night spot to take you and your person.

If you come here, you have to order the Grouper, Lobster Rolls, or Lobster Tacos. With an amazing view and even better food, this is a great spot to check out if you’re looking for someplace right on the water near Sarasota.

Hours & Location

Sunday – Thursday | 11AM-9PM
Friday – Saturday | 11AM-10PM

?412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228

Ophelia's on the Bay

Ophelia’s on the Bay is next on our list for a special reason. This is an amazing spot to grab some delicious seafood like their Jumbo Lump Blue Crab, Maine Lobster Bisque, and Filet Mignon. All of the food will make your mouth water for more and make you want to revisit before you even leave.

The atmosphere makes it another place on the list perfect for an ideal date night by the water. With dim lighting, lights lining the trees, and amazing service, you will be happy to visit Ophelia’s on the Bay!

Hours + Location

Monday–Saturday | 5PM–10PM
Sunday | 11AM–2PM | 5PM–10PM

?9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill

Get your tiki on at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill. This place will make you feel like you crash-landed on a private tropical island in the Caribbean. With fun decor and a great vibe, this place is perfect if you’re looking for an experience with your meal, especially when you come on a night that they have live music!

We love the Gator, Mahi Fish Tacos, and Popcorn shrimp from here. The food tastes fresh and the drinks are even better. If you’re looking for more of a casual dining option with lots of drinks to order, you should check out O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill.

Hours & Location

Sunday – Tuesday & Thursday | 8AM-10PM
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday | 8AM-11PM

?5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill

Next, we have Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill. This beautiful spot right in Sarasota has stunning views of the water and delicious food to go along with it. They even have great drinks and entertainment, making this a fun spot to visit.

If you do decide to make a trip out to Boatyard, we personally love the Fish and Chips, Honey Soy Mahi Tacos, and the Mahi Tacos. You really cannot go wrong with anything on this menu though.

Hours & Location

Sunday–Thursday | 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Friday–Saturday |12PM–1-PM

?1500 Stickney Point Rd., Sarasota, FL 34231

The Old Salty Dog - City Island

Last, but certainly not least is The Old Salty Dog. The Salty Dog is a Sarasota favorite and actually has three locations near Sarasota. City Island is where you are going to get your best waterfront view though!

We recommend the Hot Dog, Grouper Sandwich, and Peel and Eat Shrimp. There are so many good seafood options on this menu though and you will surely find something to enjoy by the water here.

Hours & Location

Monday – Thursday | 11AM-9PM
Friday – Sunday | 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

?1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy Sarasota, FL 34236

We hope you found a new spot by the water to eat your next great meal in Sarasota after reading our blog on 5 beautiful waterfront restaurants in Sarasota  There are so many delicious restaurants in the area, and having a stunning view makes your food taste even better.

Curated by

Giovanna Bovero

Giovanna Bovero

Giovanna is a City Manager for UNATION and author of the Stuff to Do in Atlanta City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to do in the Atlanta area, download the UNATION app and follow @StufftoDoinAtlanta on InstagramFacebook, and YouTube.

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