Best Historic Restaurants in Lake Sarasota

Sage is probably the most beautiful restaurant in Sarasota or its environs, and the professionalism of the staff is the highest level we have seen in the area. Unlike most joints which stop serving by 9:00 PM, Sage serves dinner until 10:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, with last reservation at 9:30. We walked there in 4 minutes from seeing the Ballet at the Sarasota Opera House, and I called ahead to say the performance was delayed (it was an actual world premiere). Bless them, they kept the kitchen open just for us, the last diners, and we had the best after-theatre experience since we've lived in Florida, like the old days when we lived on the Upper West Side and went to Lincoln Center.

The staff is very friendly. Cocktails are well prepared and service is excellent.

We were three couples and we all agreed that this is one of the best restaurants in Sarasota. We had an excellent dining experience in every aspect. The service was attentive and our waitress was personable. The menu is varied and everything was properly prepared and served in generous portions and delicious. We tried the Shrimp Stack, Coconut Shrimp, Spinach Dip, Spinach Salad Bar, Bouillabaisse, Black Cod, Sea Bass, Stuffed Shrimp, Key Lime Pie, Mud Pie, and several different coffees. It was a leisurely dining experience in a comfortable setting. We highly recommend it and will return.

The Italian food here is the best I’ve had in Sarasota. Cute little place that has had some Hurricane damage, but food was excellent.

We hadn't been to The Reserve since Chef Antonio took over. We were pleased with everything. The service and food were well done and the noise level was such that we could hear friends. All the food was good and of ample size. Chef Antonio ever stopped by to check that everything was ok. We definitely will return.