Sometimes, you just have to get away, even if that means a quick drive up the west coast of Florida. About three-and-a-half hours northwest of Miami is the charming Gulf city of Sarasota. It’s worth a visit to enjoy the top beaches in the country on Siesta Key, as well as a bit of a slower pace lifestyle than Miami offers. When you decide you need a little break from the big city life, here are five Sarasota restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy delicious food and wine and have a good time.
Pietro’s
You may miss the turn for Pietro’s if you’re not paying attention, as you wiz by on Tamiami Trail, but this family-owned Italian restaurant and bar is one of the most special Sarasota restaurants. Pietro Migliaccio and his wife, Susan, are the proprietors and always make you feel most welcomed in this little taste of Italy. Pietro brings his Italian cuisine to Florida via an illustrious career as a fine dining chef in New York City. The walls are adorned with photos of celebrities—both local and international – who have loved Chef Pietro’s cuisine over the years.
A little secret about Pietro’s is that the man himself actually has his own wine label. He makes wine in Italy and brings it home to serve in his restaurant, and it’s always worth ordering a bottle (or more). From Pinot Nero to the phenominally rich Amarone, Pietro has produced quite the lineup of his own Italian favorites. As an aperitif, ask for “Segreto di Pietro,” or “Pietro’s Secret” blend. This wine is a blend of three grapes made in a slightly passito style. A glass of Pietro’s Secret is a delicious opener to what will surely be a delectable night of Italian dining.
6115 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL
Siesta Key Wine Bar
This spot is located on the island of Siesta Key, aka paradise. Siesta Key is known for its powdery soft white sand and epic beach sunsets. But why not enjoy a glass of wine before you head out to catch those last few rays for the evening, or prior to enjoying dinner at one of the other top Sarasota restaurants? Siesta Key Wine Bar is a warm and welcoming space that may even remind you of sitting in someone’s living room. It’s a quaint wine bar with a cozy, island vibe.
The wine selection is varied with bottles from Italy, France, California, and even some of that sweet Florida wine – if you’re open to that. Owners, Melanie and Tom, are incredibly hospitable hosts.
Next time you’re running on island time, stop by the low-key and charming Siesta Key Wine Bar.
5138 Ocean Blvd, Suite C, Sarasota, FL
Veronica Fish & Oyster
For a taste of seafood with a southern flair, you must dine at Veronica Fish and Oyster, located in Sarasota’s Southside Village. The menu offers tasty dishes ranging from crab and avocado with wasabi ponzu and a crispy rice cracker, to hearty chicken and crawfish gumbo. The daily whole fish special is served Thai or Mediterranean style. And much more…
As for the wines, most of the seafood dishes pair well with the Licia Albariño, or even the Henri Bourgeois Sancerre. If you’re craving bubbles, Champagne Jeeper or Laurent-Perrier is available, along with options for Cava or Crémant de Bourgogne.
Red wine lovers can choose from a whole world of options. From Straight Shooter or Ponzi Reserve in the Willamette to Rhône blends, Malbec from Mendoza, to plenty of Napa Cabs.
The point is, Veronica Fish and Oyster offers an energizing vibe with a wide range of delicious seafood dishes paired alongside a diverse wine list ready to be enjoyed.
1830 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL
Owen’s Fish Camp
For a taste of old Florida, make sure you add Owen’s Fish Camp in downtown to your list of Sarasota restaurants to visit. Owen’s is a laid-back seafood spot right in the heart of Sarasota. It’s here that you can get a taste of that super casual old Florida living, along with freshly prepared dishes, craft beer and wine.
Owen’s is the opposite of pretension. Start with some chicken-fried lobster tail and a plate of deviled eggs with redneck “caviar.” Next, have some shrimp and grits or fresh fish, served with black eyed peas and andouille sausage or garlicky green beans.
Don’t expect a bottle of DP here, but settle in with a Sancerre with your fish. The wine list is short and quite inexpensive (especially if you’re used to Miami prices). While sitting out back in the country courtyard where the bluegrass band is playing, you’ll probably want a beer. Cocktails are also available and are the most refreshing option on a hot, sticky Sarasota summer day.
By the way, Owen’s does not accept reservations, so arrive early and bring a little patience. Grab a drink at the bar and simply enjoy a taste of an old Florida night.
516 Burns Court, Sarasota, Florida
Shore
A list of Sarasota restaurants would not be complete without a mention of this area-favorite. Shore is more of a cocktail-over-wine-type place, but they do make the best kale Caesar salad and calamari.
This restaurant is one of those places you walk into and immediately wish you had a home with the same décor and vibe. Shore has mastered mid-century coastal modern, and it’s oh so chic and inviting.
There are two locations in the Sarasota area. One in the iconic St. Armands Circle, and another larger location is on Long Boat Key. The latter has plenty of boat slips to arrive by boat and dine.
Shore’s menu consists of that aforementioned kale salad (a must), along with other smaller plates like crab cakes, shrimp ceviche, and the famous Kung Pao calamari. Bigger dishes include burgers and sandwiches, or freshly prepared fish. Don’t forget an order of the truffle fries!
As mentioned, the cocktails are really king here. Like the refreshing Blood Orange Margarita, or savory Oaxaca. Nothing is better than drinking an Original Mai Tai while watching the boats go by.
The wine list is pretty standard, and leans California. However, there are a few French gems on there such as the Baron-Foucher Sancerre, Gerbeaux Pouilly-Fuisse Vieilles Vignes, and Ségla Margaux. Columbia Valley and Willamette make an appearance on the red side, and the Champagne selection isn’t too shabby – if you are comfortable with the big guys.
St. Armands Key: 465 John Ringling Blvd #200, Sarasota, FL
Longboat Key: 800 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL
For more travel ideas for wine lovers, check out our Travel section on Wine Guide Miami.
Jacqueline is a professional wine + travel writer, radio host, wine columnist, and consultant based in Miami, FL.
She is the monthly “Vino” columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper, a guest host covering the drinks segment on Linda Gassenheimer’s podcast show, “Food, News, and Views,” and Star Wine List’s Miami Ambassador.
Jacqueline is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist & WSET 3.
