Sometimes, the time is right to splurge. While luxury hotels can be prohibitively expensive, a night out at a premium restaurant can often conquer that desire to partake in the finer things in life. When you feel like kicking it up a notch, these fine-dining restaurants in Sarasota will make you feel like you are on top of the world.
431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota 34236
(941) 388-4415
Inspired by Europe’s finest bistros, Café L’Europe boasts an experience like no other, and it is hard to argue with 50 years of five-star experience behind the iconic restaurant. For 2023, Café L’Europe has reimagined the interior as well as new dining menus, including scratch-made dishes using local, sustainable ingredients. Their menu features longtime favorites like Lobster Bisque soup and French Onion Gratinee served in a large sweet onion. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the potato-crusted grouper or the braised beef short rib. They also have a large selection of award-winning wines.
9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key
(941) 349-2212
Ophelia’s specializes in classic American cuisine with international flavors and the freshest ingredients possible, including Florida-grown fruits and vegetables, along with fish flown in daily. This romantic seaside restaurant has been featured on MTV’s “Siesta Key” and has won numerous culinary awards. Breathtaking views make for one of the most romantic dining spots to be found anywhere.
1212 East Ave. South, Sarasota 34239
(941) 366-0007
Set in a 1940s supper club atmosphere, Michael’s on East takes fine dining to another level. The restaurant received its 34th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award in 2023. In 2009, Michael’s on East was one of only ten restaurants in the nation to be inducted into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame. Their steaks are hand-cut, USDA Certified prime, and aged a minimum of 25 days. Their seafood is always fresh and meticulously prepared. Lobster Pot Fridays has always been a great way to celebrate the end of the workweek.
1100 North Tuttle Ave., Sarasota 34237
(941) 331-1400
https://www.antoinessarasota.com/
Antoine’s serves artisanal continental cuisine in a cozy and sophisticated environment. Their mussels are considered the best on the Gulf Coast and are prepared in 10 different ways. They also serve hard-to-find Steak Tartare, seared salmon, black grouper filet, and a unique twist on Beef Wellington. They proudly prepare everything in-house and just may have the best fries in Florida.
1345 Main Street, Sarasota 34236
(941) 362-4427
The New York Times has stated that Selva is “serving possibly the best food in Sarasota,” and that “Everything on the menu is worth trying.” This restaurant is beautifully elegant and the Nuevo Latino cuisine is uniquely delicious. The best way to describe the Nuevo Latino menu is classic Peruvian favorites fused with American style, intricately prepared, and presented as a work of art. It truly is an experience rather than a meal.
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or another milestone, dining at one of these luxury restaurants makes a statement, and it just might be an experience that you and your loved ones never forget.
