$$

• Five O Donuts - I’m going to be honest - I love a donut for breakfast. Is it the healthiest choice? Nope. But is it one of the most satisfying? Absolutely. Five-O Donuts is a tiny, unassuming spot that delivers big on variety. You’ll find the classics like chocolate or strawberry glazed with sprinkles, but also wild and creative flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cheesecake, and Nana Butter (think banana + peanut butter heaven). If you're a donut lover, this one’s a must.

• Yoder’s Restaurant & Amish Village - Fun fact: Sarasota has a large Amish community, and Yoder’s is a local institution. It’s cozy, casual, and totally comforting. Meals start with warm toast and homemade apple butter - something I didn’t know I needed until I tried it. (Yes, I now keep a jar of apple butter in my fridge at all times.) The menu’s full of hearty favorites, but do yourself a favor and try the fried chicken. You won’t regret it.

• Rendez-Vous - Bakeries are kind of a big deal in Sarasota - Publix even gets a lot of local love for their baked goods. But if you’re craving an authentic French pastry experience, head to Rendez-Vous. Their croissants are massive, perfectly flaky, and generously filled. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit more than once - ideal for breakfast or a mid-morning snack with coffee.

• Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria - Their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and deliver that crispy-yet-chewy crust we crave.

  The restaurant offers a spacious indoor and outdoor dining area, perfect for casual dinners or snapping a few Instagram-worthy shots while you wait for your pie. If you're missing that NYC-style bite while in Florida, Bavaro’s is definitely worth a visit.

Must Try: Classic Margherita or their Penne vodka.

• Wicked Cantina - Looking for the best Tex-Mex food in Sarasota? Wicked Cantina is one of my go-to spots. The food is bold, flavorful, and consistently well-cooked - everything from tacos to enchiladas is packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavor.

As with many great Mexican restaurants, you'll be greeted with complimentary chips and salsa the moment you sit down (always a win). The staff here is top-notch fun, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The upbeat music and colorful décor create a lively, inviting atmosphere that makes your meal feel like a mini celebration.

• Tamiami Tap - is a laid-back, welcoming spot in Sarasota with a great indoor and outdoor dining space, ideal for everything from happy hour to casual dinners. The staff is super friendly, though service can be a bit slow at times just something to keep in mind if you're in a rush.

  The food is flavorful and satisfying, with a menu that covers everything from classic pub bites to heartier entrées. One of the best times to visit? During the holidays, when the space transforms into a cozy winter wonderland, complete with festive decorations and seasonal charm.

Holiday Pro Tip: Come during December to enjoy the decked-out décor and festive atmosphere - perfect for photos and good cheer.

If you're looking for a relaxed bar and grill with personality in Sarasota, Tamiami Tap is a solid choice.

• Brick’s Smoked Meats - The service was friendly, though a bit on the slower side—not a dealbreaker, just something to note. There’s a spacious indoor seating area, and if you’re visiting over the weekend, you might catch some live music in the evenings, which really adds to the atmosphere.

  The outdoor patio is pet-friendly, so if you’re traveling with your dog, definitely bring them along!

  And don’t skip the bacon burnt ends - they’re a must-try and absolutely packed with flavor.

  Pro Tip: Parking is limited on the street, but there's a convenient and affordable parking garage just steps away, which makes visiting a lot easier!

Sarasota adjacent picks worth the drive

First Watch - Yes, it’s a chain - but hear me out. First Watch is hands down my favorite breakfast spot, and it never disappoints. You’ll find multiple locations around town, but the vibe is always welcoming and fresh. We always start with the cinnamon sugar donut holes (just trust me), then move on to something savory like the Farmhouse Skillet my personal go-to. It's balanced, hearty, and just the right amount of indulgent.

• The Original Rainbow Cone - If you're in the mood for something sweet and cold (because, let’s be real Florida heat), head to The Original Rainbow Cone. They offer a large variety of classic and creative ice cream flavors served in cones, cups, or sundaes. But what really makes this place stand out? They sell ice cream cake by the slice - yes, slice! It's the perfect treat if you want something a little more indulgent without committing to a whole cake or stressing about it melting in the car.

  It’s a small spot with limited indoor and outdoor seating, so plan to grab your treat and maybe stroll around if it’s busy.

My pick? The Salted Caramel Mackinac Fudge. I’m obsessed. Rich, sweet, salty - basically everything I love in a dessert.

• Tandoor Indian Restaurant -I literally cannot say enough good things about Tandoor Indian Restaurant. From the incredible service to the stress-free parking and of course, the delicious, flavor-packed food this spot checks every single box.

  Whether you’re dining indoors or outdoors, the ambiance is relaxed and the staff is consistently warm, attentive, and welcoming. You never feel rushed, and the experience feels elevated without being overly formal.

  The menu features a wide range of authentic Indian dishes - everything from buttery naan and rich curries to sizzling tandoori platters. Every bite is full of flavor and clearly made with care.

• Good Liquid Brewing - If you’re heading to Good Liquid Brewing in Lakewood Ranch, here’s your heads-up: try to make a reservation if you want to sit indoors - it gets busy! That said, I almost always choose to sit outside, and for good reason: the views of the water are unbeatable.

  We’ve spotted turtles swimming nearby and even caught glimpses of large fish gliding by. It’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for enjoying a drink or two (or three 😅).

  The drink menu is stacked - so many delicious craft beer options, it’s hard not to want to try them all (and yes, we pretty much have). Whether you're into IPAs, sours, lagers, or something seasonal, there's something for every taste.

  And let’s not skip the food - their menu is full of tasty surprises and pairs perfectly with whatever you're sipping.

Pro Tip: Get a flight to sample more brews and soak in the views.

• Food + Beer - is a Florida-based franchise, and if you're looking for a spot to grab drinks, watch the game, and indulge in seriously satisfying comfort food, this place hits all the marks.

  The Sarasota location has a super chill, welcoming vibe, making it ideal for casual hangouts with friends. Whether you're in the mood for fried appetizers, a hearty burger, or a cold beer, you'll find plenty to love here.

My Go-To: The burgers are always cooked to perfection big, juicy, and absolutely delicious. I leave so full every time.

The service is consistently great, with friendly and attentive waitstaff who are more than happy to offer recommendations if you're stuck choosing. Plus, parking is plentiful, which is always a win in busy areas.

Perfect for game days, casual nights out, or weekend bites with friends.

• The Breakfast Company - There’s so much to love about The Breakfast Company - it’s quickly become one of my absolute favorite breakfast spots. I’ve come here with my husband, brought my mom, and raved about it to anyone who’ll listen.

  Let’s start with the star of the show: the Cinnamon Toast French Toast. Calling it “obsession-worthy” might actually be an understatement. And don’t even get me started on the Pineapple Upside Down Mimosas - they’re that good. I even tried to recreate them at home (and yes, you can too—recipe linked here!).

The vibe is upbeat, modern, and the dessert counter you pass while waiting for your table? Pure temptation. I’m always mentally adding something new to my “take home treat” list.

Pro Tip: Parking is easy, but this place gets busy - especially on weekends. Arrive early to beat the rush and avoid a long wait.