Quick take: These are the restaurants my husband and I genuinely go back to as locals. Not tourist spots, not one-time visits, but places that feel familiar, welcoming, and consistently good. If you’re visiting Sarasota or settling in, this list is a great starting point for experiencing the food scene the way locals do.
There are some places that just keep pulling you back. Restaurants where they recognize you when you walk in, where the atmosphere feels familiar, and where the food is consistently good. The kind of places that start to feel like home.
Whenever friends or family come to visit Sarasota, they always ask the same question: “Where are the best places to eat?” As a local, that’s not always easy to answer. Sarasota has so many options. But there are a handful of spots my husband and I always go back to, no matter how many new restaurants open.
These are our favorites.
Napulé
If I had to name our number one, this would be it. Napulé has been at the top of our list for years now, and it has never disappointed. The food is consistently incredible, the service is truly top notch, and the atmosphere feels both fun and cozy at the same time.
One of our favorite things about Napulé is the upstairs seating area that overlooks the main dining room. We love sitting up there because you can look straight into the kitchen and watch everything being made. It adds to the experience and makes the restaurant feel alive.
The pastas are homemade, and you can tell. Our go-to starters are the calamari and the Caesar salad. And that Caesar salad deserves its own moment. Instead of traditional croutons, they use fried polenta squares that crunch and then melt in your mouth. It’s honestly heavenly.
We’ve tried almost everything on the menu at this point, and Napulé has stayed our favorite for a reason.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits
Seafood can be hit or miss for me. I’m picky, and there are definitely places in town that feel more like tourist traps than anything else. Tripletail is not one of them.
Tripletail consistently delivers fresh, well-prepared seafood in a polished but relaxed setting. It’s also been recognized locally with awards for Best Seafood Restaurant, Best Oysters, and Best Cocktails, which honestly feels well deserved.
If you’re craving seafood and want something that feels elevated without being pretentious, Tripletail is always a solid choice.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Since we’re already talking seafood, I had to include Dry Dock. This place is a true local gem, especially if you love being on the water.
Dry Dock is casual, relaxed, and sits right on the bay with beautiful waterfront views. It’s surprisingly easy to drive right past it on Longboat Key, but it’s absolutely worth stopping. The food is consistently good, and the setting makes it feel like a mini escape every time.
If you’re looking for good food in a laid-back, waterfront atmosphere, this is the place.
Mi Pueblo
When I want Mexican food, we’re not walking, we’re running to Mi Pueblo. It’s a longtime local favorite for a reason. The food is authentic, flavorful, and never disappoints.
And let’s be honest, chips and salsa matter. If a Mexican restaurant gets that right, you know you’re in good hands. Mi Pueblo definitely gets it right.
We love their tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. And if you happen to be there on your birthday and want a mariachi band to sing to you, Mi Pueblo will happily deliver.
Shakespeare’s Pub
We actually stumbled across Shakespeare’s Pub somewhat recently, and we were immediately hooked. I’ve never been to a pub in England, but walking into Shakespeare’s feels like what I imagine one would be like.
On a cold night, my husband and I ordered the shepherd’s pie, and it was outstanding. We’ve been back several times since and still can’t believe we didn’t discover it sooner.
If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere, comfort food, and something a little different from the usual Sarasota dining scene, Shakespeare’s is worth checking out.
Buddy’s Bagels
Buddy’s is a Saturday tradition for us. If we’re in the mood for a great bagel sandwich or want to take a dozen bagels home, this is where we go.
There’s nothing fancy about Buddy’s, and that’s part of the charm. You can count on good bagels, quick service, and leaving full and happy every time.
While We’re on the Subject of Breakfast…
The Breakfast Company
The Breakfast Company is one of our go-to spots when we want to sit down and actually enjoy breakfast. With multiple locations around Sarasota, it’s easy to fit into your routine.
They offer a wide variety of options, whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or classic. It’s consistent, reliable, and always a good start to the day.
Final Thoughts
Sarasota has no shortage of restaurants, but these are the ones that have become part of our routine. They’re the places we return to without thinking twice, the spots we recommend confidently, and the restaurants that make living here feel familiar and comfortable.
If you’re visiting Sarasota or settling in as a local, these are great places to start. And chances are, a few of them might end up becoming your favorites too.