If you are vacationing in Florida, there’s a good chance that you will be dining on seafood at least a few times while you are here. Lobster has always been a seafood favorite. Lobster belongs to the group of crustaceans and their meat is sweet and delicate. The texture is firm and chewy, making it a premium restaurant experience. Luckily, Sarasota has some restaurants that know how to prepare this sea creature just right. Here is our list of Sarasota’s best restaurants for lobster.
1212 South East Avenue, Sarasota 34239
(941) 366-0007
Since 1987, Michael’s on East has been known for their legendary hospitality and impressive menu. Their 1940s supper club atmosphere adds to the dining experience. If you love lobster, you must try their Lobster Pot Fridays. This special is available every Friday and includes two 1-1/4 lb. live Maine lobsters, mussels, clams, new potatoes and corn on the cob. They will even supply you with a signature bib to wear.
170 University Town Center Dr., Suite 103, Sarasota 34243
(941) 702-9652
https://www.seasons52.com/locations/fl/sarasota/sarasota/4540
This restaurant features seasonal menu ingredients so that each dish is at its peak of freshness. Entrees are oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (no fryers here) so they are naturally lighter and more flavorful. They specialize in seasonal favorites like wild Alaskan salmon in the summer and Florida stone crabs in the winter. However, one of their most popular dishes is the filet mignon and Maine lobster tail plate, served with roasted asparagus and marble potatoes.
412 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key 34228
(941) 383-0102
Dry Dock has won OpenTable Awards in 2019, 2020, and 2022, and is recognized as one of the 100 Best Al Fresco Restaurants in America, one of the 100 Best Most Scenic Restaurants in America, and one of the Best 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining. Needless to say, if you are looking for a romantic waterfront restaurant, look no further than Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Their Maine lobster tails are a favorite with tourists and locals alike. They also serve delicious salads, pasta, and, of course, all types of seafood and steaks.
29 N Boulevard of Presidents, St. Armands Circle, Sarasota 34236
(941) 232-7633
Speaks Clam Bar pays homage to the Italian clam bars that populated New York City nearly a century ago. It maintains the fun-loving spirit of the speakeasy while serving some of the best Italian food in Sarasota. However, this article is about lobster and Speaks knows how to serve it up with style and flavor. You can choose from lobster bisque, a buttered lobster roll (hot), or a Maine lobster roll (cold), as well as lobster & shrimp lasagna. They also offer plenty of soups, chowders, seafood baskets, Italian pastas and seafood dinners.
5157 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key 34242
(941) 349-2323
https://www.sarasotalobsterpot.com/
This small, quaint restaurant is big on flavor when it comes to lobster. Here, they are masters at serving it up any way you like it, from whole Maine lobster, Maine lobster tails, lobster rolls, baked stuffed lobster dutchness and lazy dutchness. They also offer a variety of seafood dinners as well. The Lobster Pot also prides itself on friendly and attentive customer service.
3501 South Tamiami Trail, Ste. 1165, Sarasota 34239
(941) 260-3232
https://www.connorsrestaurant.com/sarasota-fl-steakhouse.html
Best known for its steaks, Connors also serves up a wide selection of seafood. Of course, their cold water lobster tail (single or twin) is a fan favorite. The tails are grilled over mesquite wood grills and served with grilled asparagus. If you love cold water lobster tail, this is definitely the place to go.
Many places in Sarasota serve up great seafood, but there are only a few that serve lobster in a truly remarkable way. These restaurants listed above prepare lobster in a way that will make your dining experience one to remember.
