February has always been considered the month of love, and nothing beats having a romantic dinner, whether it’s on Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or any other special day. Celebrating your love over a delicious, and memorable, dinner is nearly as old as time itself. This year, try one of these romantic restaurants in Sarasota for a wonderful night out on the town.
roesslersrestaurant.com
2033 Vamo Way, Sarasota, FL 34238
Situated on nearly three acres of manicured gardens and a scenic lake, many locals and travelers view Roessler’s as the most romantic restaurant on Florida’s west coast. Family-owned and operated since 1978, their award-winning menu includes crispy duckling, snapper Pontchartrain, bouillabaisse, center-cut filet mignon, and veal sweetbreads.
euphemiahaye.com
5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key, FL
There aren’t many restaurants located in a historic, wood cottage that’s nestled in tropical foliage, but there aren’t many restaurants quite like Euphemia Haye. All foods are made-to-order and their breads, stock, sauces, dressings, and desserts are all handmade on the premises. Their fish is caught daily and the beef is trimmed and chopped in-house. Specialties include roasted duckling, Euphemia’s prime peppered steak, and Key West snapper.
This will be one romantic dinner that you won’t soon forget.
siestakeysummerhouse.com
149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Considering that TripAdvisor named the Summer House the 9th most romantic restaurant in the United States in 2020, it certainly deserves a place on our list. This restaurant is synonymous with Siesta Key, and is a favorite for couples looking to enjoy a memorable evening out. Summer House prides itself on serving the finest hand-selected steaks from all-natural and self-sustained ranches. However, if seafood is to your liking, then try their colossal lobster tail or blackened gulf grouper L’Orange. As you dine, you may find yourself mesmerized by their 14 foot long, museum-quality fish tank that provides breathtaking aquatic life.
shoogieboogies.com
1919 Morrill Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Garden Room at Shoogie Boogies, a Traveler’s Choice award winner, is the essence of European elegance. This restaurant is definitely one of the most beautiful and romantic restaurants in Sarasota. It has been described as a secret garden fairytale brought to life.
Open for lunch only, the European-inspired meal consists of appetizers, a main course, wine and dessert.
cafeleurope.net
431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
Inspired by the ambiance of De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam, this restaurant is all about old world charm and delicious cuisine. Dine on appetizers like gulf shrimp cocktail, escargot, oysters Rockefeller and caviar. For entrees, try French grouper, Osso Buco and Atlantic salmon. There is also a wonderful selection of wines and hand-crafted cocktails.
The piano room offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to reserve a table in advance.
dolceitaliarestaurant.com
6551 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
Dolce Italia serves authentic Italian recipes and desserts that are as good as any Italian restaurant you will ever visit. It’s a small, cozy place that is perfect for an intimate, romantic dinner for two. The restaurant is filled with old-world charm and incredible dishes like chicken scaloppini, lasagna Emiliana and linguini with clams or shrimp.
The menu includes a wide variety of antipasti, salads, and desserts.
If you feel Cupid’s arrow piercing your heart, taking your loved one to a romantic dinner is always a smart move. Fine dining, the perfect setting, and outstanding service will go a long way to creating a night neither of you will ever forget. Please be sure to check each website for more information. Reservations will almost always be necessary and it is wise to book as far in advance as possible.