On an island? In a house? Watching sunset? With your spouse? We think Dr. Seuss would have a rhyme or two about dining in Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. When it comes to eating, the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast is a serious rival to any glitzy big city. We just offer it all up with less stress and more pleasure – and some sugar-white sand and warm Gulf water.
For the chef at heart
Lakewood Ranch has a brand-new Viking Cooking School, where you can take classes in a wide range of cooking topics – farm to table, cooking with kids … even cooking for dogs! Check out the awesome calendar of classes.
For romance
Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key has been voted locally as the most romantic restaurant around. On a larger scale, it has been recognized by Zagat as among the top 1% in the nation and has won multiple Golden Spoon awards, among other accolades. The restaurant is housed in a historic cottage, and the setting is intimate and upscale. Downstairs in the restaurant, order the roast duck – it's divine. After dinner and wine, head upstairs to the Haye Loft for music and some of the best desserts around. Hearts will be won – trust us.
For a killer sunset
There's no better place than Anna Maria Island if you want to watch a sunset with your drinks or meal. The Sandbar on the island's north end or the Beachhouse on the south end both have live music, cold beverages and a spectacular vantage point. Your toes can actually be in the sand as you dine during sunset. Though not on the sand, Bridge Street Bistro is on the top floor of a three-story converted house. Here, you can dine on the outdoor terrace and watch the sun disappear into the Gulf.
For fresh seafood
Here on the Gulf Coast, fresh seafood is a must for at least one of your meals. Cortez is a historic fishing village where you can actually purchase fresh fish from the fish mongers, or have it already prepared at Star Fish Co. or Cortez Kitchen. On Longboat Key, we like Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub and Moore's Stone Crab Restaurant. The former has waterfront dining on Sarasota Bay (you can even pull up your boat); the latter is a go-to during stone crab claw season (Oct. 15-May 15).
For the locavore
OK, you get a pass if you didn't know the term for someone who prefers to eat locally grown and produced food. But if you consider yourself a locavore anyway, we suggest checking out FreshOriginals.com, a website for restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee Counties that focus on fresh, local ingredients. You'll see that your options are many.
On Anna Maria Island, The Waterfront Restaurant prepares a mouthwatering array of Florida seafood. In the Bradenton area, Ortygia serves Sicilian specialties, while the popular Anna Maria Oyster Bar will satisfy your craving for the tasty mollusk. The Broken Egg in Lakewood Ranch is popular for its breakfast, brunch and lunch selection. The restaurant has two other locations in Sarasota and Siesta Key; all three are generally packed during operating hours. On Longboat Key, your options include Ciao! Italia and Harry's Continental Kitchen, among others.
For the indecisive
Despite our thoughtful suggestions, you still can't decide where to eat? Then we suggest heading to St. Armands Circle. Located just south of Longboat Key, St. Armands is a walkable circle of shops and restaurants that will certainly have something for any mood. Here, you can go a little bit upscale at the Crab & Fin or Cafe L'Europe (“upscale” being relative, of course; around here, resort casual is pretty dressed up). Go international at the very popular Columbia Restaurant. Party at the martini bar and dance the night away at 15 South Ristorante Enoteca. Or just plop down in a chair on the terrace of any number of super-casual restaurant/bars, such as Cha Cha Coconuts or Daiquiri Deck. Afterwards, grab a coffee at Starbucks or an ice cream at Ben & Jerry's, or window shop at all the local boutiques.
