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Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Longboat Key

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26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bridge Street Bistro restaurant
1. Bridge Street Bistro
3.9
Excellent(1513)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Anna Maria Island
Booked 14 times today
Bridge Street Bistro is a 2nd and 3rd floor space above the Island Time Bar & Grill at the corner of Bridge Street and Gulf Drive. We feature stunning views of the Gulf from our beautiful bay windows and outdoor deck on our 3rd floor. Our ambiance is inspired by the dinner houses of the "Rat Pack" era and you will find music to match on the speakers from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Enjoy the delicious fresh seafood and hand cut steaks from Chef David Thompson's team in our Kitchen. We have an extensive wine list and craft cocktails to pare with the experience. Jennifer Mallard's service team will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.Elevator service is available and there is parking in the resort designated for our guests, please see a parking attendant. Come experience Bridge Street Bistro one the highest rated restaurants on the island and winning TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Award for 6 years running!
A photo of Dry Dock Waterfront Grill restaurant
2. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
4.9
Exceptional(9297)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Longboat Key
Booked 112 times today
The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a “polished casual” restaurant over looking Sarasota Bay. We are located at the south end of Longboat Key behind the gas station. We are north of St. Armand’s Circle, and minutes from downtown Sarasota. Best known for Local Fresh Grouper and Red Snapper. Enjoy the second story dining area with a panaramic view of the bay, or enjoy dining outdoors on our dockside patio.
A photo of Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota restaurant
3. Columbia Restaurant - Sarasota
4.8
Exceptional(10498)
Price: Moderate
• Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 191 times today
Family-owned and operated for more than 116 years, Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the dining room.Join us for century-old family recipes like Paella "a la Valenciana," Roast Pork "a la Cubana,"and fresh seafood specialties. Don’t miss Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad®, prepared with our delicious, freshly-made dressing, a 100-year-old family recipe of fresh garlic, oregano, wine vinegar and Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Be sure to sample a fine Spanish wine like Montecillo or Campillo. Relax outdoors on our patio, or inside our Mediterranean-style dining rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and family heirlooms. We are a sister to the Columbia in Tampa's Ybor City, founded in 1905. Children's menu available. Open 365 days a year, including all holidays.
A photo of Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota restaurant
4. Selva Grill Downtown Sarasota
4.9
Exceptional(5808)
Price: Expensive
• Latin / Spanish • Sarasota
Booked 50 times today
Selva offers innovative, intricately prepared dishes, plated and presented as works of art. Selva has earned raves from allover the world, including from the New York Times, which write that Selva is “serving possibly the best food in Sarasota,”and that “everything on the menu is worth trying.”
A photo of PIER 22 restaurant
5. PIER 22
4.7
Exceptional(5942)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Bradenton
Booked 44 times today
PIER 22 is Bradenton's historic waterfront destination. For over four decades, our restaurant has been the go-to spot for fine dining, stunning Manatee River views, and a modern and classic menu that will leave a lasting impression. We take pride in our from-scratch approach to cooking and believe that cuisine is an art form that should be shared with our guests. Our skilled chefs craft every dish with passion and elegance, ensuring each plate is bursting with rich, indulgent flavors.Indulge in our menu favorites like the Jumbo Lobster Tail, Pork Osso Bucco, and Prime Rib, all of which are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're joining us for a special occasion or a night out with friends, we promise a memorable dining experience that will leave you wanting more.Join us for a taste of excellence and indulge in our award-winning cuisine, served with breathtaking views of the Manatee River.
A photo of Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Sarasota restaurant
6. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse - Sarasota
4.6
Exceptional(2754)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Sarasota
Booked 62 times today
Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is an award-winning prime steakhouse specializing in aged USDA prime steaks. Located in the heart of Sarasota’s pedestrian friendly downtown, Hyde Park is just minutes from Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and St. Armand’s Circle and 5 minutes from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. The restaurant offers a chef-inspired menu featuring variations of its legendary aged prime steaks, daily chef’s fresh fish features and great seafood. Award-winning menus, the extensive wine list and impeccable service are why Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is Sarasota’s favorite fine dining restaurant and top pick for intimate dinners, special occasions, family gatherings, business dinners, corporate events and small receptions. Private dining rooms available. Complimentary valet parking (with validation).
A photo of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant
7. Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
4.7
Exceptional(5485)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Sarasota
Booked 33 times today
We are an eclectic eatery with a passion for stunning seafood, superb service, fine wine, and creative cocktails.We are committed to serving only the freshest dishes to our guests. We receive fresh fish daily from our local suppliers and filet everything in house to ensure the best possible quality.Together with our unique menu, our focus on excellent service allows us to deliver a one-of-a-kind dining experience in downtown Sarasota. Every menu item is prepared to order to allow for customization and personalization of each dish and to ensure you are getting the freshest possible meal.Voted Sarasota's Best by Herald Tribune Readers:Best All-Around Restaurant (2019-2023)Best Seafood Restaurant (2016-2023)Best Sandwich for our renowned Po' Boy (2016-2022)Best Lunch (2020-2022)Thank you, Sarasota!For parties of 8 or more, a gratuity of 18% will be added to the check.
A photo of Indigenous restaurant
8. Indigenous
4.7
Exceptional(890)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sarasota
Booked 13 times today
Opened in 2011, Indigenous has earned a reputation for being an inspirational and educational restaurant. For years, Indigenous has been known as one of America’s top restaurants, renowned for its passion for food, the community, and the planet. Indigenous’ menu of seasonal American cuisine changes progressively throughout the year based on peak ingredient availability. With a focus on sustainable seafood, we work closely with local fisherman, artisans, and farmers to maintain the highest quality. At Indigenous, we are always working our best to create a better food system. Owner Chef Steve Phelps has been a James Beard Foundation Semi Finalist for Best Chef South in 2014 & 2015, an Ambassador for Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Blue Ribbon Task Force, and a founding member and Chef for the EDF Coalition for Sustainable Aquaculture.
A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
9. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(3531)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Sarasota
Booked 29 times today
Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano is a special occasion restaurant in Sarasota, known for its authentic contemporary Italian cuisine and modern yet classic Italian style. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano awarded by the Minister of Agriculture & Commerce in Rome. Customers consistently praise the exceptional food, service, and ambiance, making it a perfect spot for celebrating special occasions. One reviewer noted, 'Made a business dinner and b-day celebration special.' Another said, 'Anniversary dinner with close friends and this restaurant was perfect!'
A photo of Sage SRQ restaurant
10. Sage SRQ
4.7
Exceptional(1734)
Price: Expensive
• Global, International • Sarasota
Booked 12 times today
Sage is Sarasota’s premier dining destination, providing inspirational cuisine and original craft cocktails in an unforgettable setting. Award-winning Chef Christopher Covelli and his team curate seasonal menus, highlighting flavorful culinary creations from around the world. As a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient, Sage also offers an extensive wine list. Housed in the stunning historic Sarasota Times building, Sage's decor and attention to detail is mirrored in the food and service they provide. Sage's rooftop bar provides a serene setting for viewing some of Sarasota's spectacular sunsets.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Briana
    Atlanta Metro •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined today
    The service was amazing! Everyone was so warm and welcoming!
    More info
    Columbia Restaurant - Ybor CityPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Tampa
    •
    4.8
  • LindaVIP
    Tampa / Central Florida West •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Best Red Snapper on the island. Grilled is never overcooked!
    More info
    Dry Dock Waterfront GrillPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Longboat Key
    •
    4.9
  • ClaudiaVIP
    Southwest Florida •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent dinner at Bridge Street Bistro last night. Our server/bartender was awesome. Blackberry martini was one of the best drinks I’ve ever had. Seafood Cobb salad was loaded with crab. Everyone loved their dinners. I was shocked that all of Bridge Street was fairly quiet the Saturday before Christmas. Hopefully people will come and support AMI!
    More info
    Bridge Street BistroPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Anna Maria Island
    •
    3.9
  • WFBfoodieVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The atmosphere is noisy but fun! Food is very good….just ordered something that was a bit too high in sodium for me. Service was good except we had to ask for water twice and it didn’t arrive until we were halfway finished with our entrees. To be fair, it was very busy. Also I ordered a drink that was described as using fresh fruit juice but it tasted more like simple syrup
    More info
    Columbia Restaurant - SarasotaPrice: Moderate• Spanish• Sarasota
    •
    4.8
  • LaurenVIP
    Los Angeles •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My boyfriend and I have heard nothing but good things about Selva. We decided to do dinner and we were not disappointed. We started off with some drinks, the espresso martini is an absolute must there! We had the empanadas as an appetizer. One was spinach and one was beef, both were amazing and flavorful! For dinner I had the skirt steak with truffle risotto (I subbed the sweet plantains for the risotto). My boyfriend had the short rib with asparagus and couscous risotto. He loved the short rib and asparagus, the couscous risotto lacked a bit of flavor but was still good mixed with everything. Overall, we were incredibly happy with the food and the service! We can’t wait to go back and try more from their menu!
    More info
    Selva Grill Downtown SarasotaPrice: Expensive• Latin / Spanish• Sarasota
    •
    4.9

Discover best special occasions restaurants in Longboat Key

When searching for the perfect dining spot for special occasions in the Tampa, Sarasota, and Longboat Key areas, a selection of exceptional restaurants awaits to make your celebration unforgettable. These establishments are renowned for their sophisticated ambiance, gourmet cuisine, and impeccable service, ensuring every dining experience is extraordinary. Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or another significant event, these restaurants offer diverse culinary delights ranging from local seafood specialties to international gourmet dishes. The dining scene in this region is vibrant and eclectic, catering to both traditional and contemporary tastes, making it a perfect destination for food enthusiasts. Each restaurant provides a unique atmosphere, from romantic garden settings to elegant indoor dining areas, tailored to enhance your special occasion. By choosing to dine at one of these esteemed locations, you are guaranteed a memorable meal that will complement your celebration beautifully.

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