Ready to dive fork-first into Siesta Key’s vibrant culinary scene? This sunny paradise isn’t just about powdery white beaches and sparkling turquoise waters—it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true.
From fresh catches of the day served just steps from the shore to inventive dishes that bring a mix of coastal and diverse flavors to life, Siesta Key’s restaurants serve up the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and mouthwatering eats.
Indulge in Siesta Key’s vibrant dining scene when you book your next Siesta Key Island holiday with us.
This guide will help you discover the top Siesta Key restaurants, featuring the best seafood, casual venues, and fine dining spots.
1. Siesta Key Oyster Bar
- Address: 5238 Ocean Blvd
- Website: www.skob.com
- Price Point: $-$$
- Menu Highlights: Grouper bites, “Award Winning” wings
To start off the list, we order on the half shell. Nestled in the heart of Siesta Key Village, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar, or SKOB as it’s locally known, is where the island’s vibrant spirit comes to life.
This lively, beachy spot is known for its casual indoor and outdoor seating, perfectly complemented by live music nightly. Kick back, relax, and soak in the island vibe with a cold drink in hand.
The bar features a diverse beer selection, including craft and local beers, ensuring there’s something for every beer lover to enjoy alongside their meal. The bar’s fun and relaxed atmosphere and central location in the heart of the Siesta Key Village make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike.
Specializing in seafood, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar offers signature dishes like Oyster Rockefeller, mouth-watering grouper bites, and award-winning wings. Their island oyster happy hour from 3 to 6 pm is a crowd favorite, drawing in patrons eager to enjoy fresh oysters at unbeatable prices, with deals like $12 for a dozen.
2. The Lobster Pot
- Address: 5157 Ocean Blvd
- Website: www.sarasotalobsterpot.com
- Price Point: $$
- Menu Highlights: Lobster roll, lobster bisque
The Lobster Pot brings a slice of New England coastal charm to Siesta Key.
This family-owned and operated restaurant combines the tradition of Maine lobster with the flair of Florida seafood and a touch of Portuguese ancestry to create a unique dining experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.
The Lobster Pot stands out by offering genuine New England hospitality in the heart of Siesta Key. It serves fresh Maine lobster from Boothbay and Bar Harbor as well as seafood sourced in local Florida waters.
Signature dishes like the lobster bisque, lobster roll, and the decadent baked stuffed lobster duchess are must-tries. With gourmet salads, pastas, and fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re here for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch.
Many menu items feature homemade recipes or are prepared in-house, ensuring authentic flavors and a true taste of tradition. With generous portions, authentic lobster dishes, and seafood staples done right, it’s a go‑to spot that locals return to year after year for reliably satisfying coastal cuisine.
3. Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key Village
- Address: 5250 Ocean Blvd
- Website: www.daiquirideck.com
- Price Point: $-$$
- Menu Highlights: Coconut shrimp, fish tacos
For a spot that embodies the laid-back, fun-filled spirit of Siesta Key, the Daiquiri Deck in Siesta Key Village is ideal. Known for its bright, tiki-bar vibe and massive frozen daiquiris, this restaurant is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.
Just steps from the sand, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach with a refreshing drink in hand. You can expect an open-air, Key West–style vibe with a lively crowd, live music, and festive weekend DJ sets on the upper deck overlooking the bustling Key Village.
The menu offers a variety of delicious options, including the crab cake BLT, fish tacos, and coconut shrimp, all of which pair perfectly with their endless daiquiri combinations.
Whether it’s for the spirits offered, the food, or the lively atmosphere, the Daiquiri Deck promises a rowdy good time paired with plenty of flavor and a refreshing cocktail on the side.
If you’re looking for a lively breakfast spot, Daiquiri Deck’s dining options don’t stop there; they also have a daily brunch menu from 10 am to 2 pm, with delicious breakfast favorites with a Gulfside twist.
4. Clayton’s Siesta Grill
- Address: 1256 Old Stickney Point Rd
- Website: claytonssiestagrille.com
- Price Point: $$-$$$
- Menu Highlights: Macadamia crusted grouper, key lime pie
Just south of the Siesta Key bridge, Clayton’s Siesta Grill is a beloved destination known for its casually refined island-style bistro fare with Mediterranean-inspired creativity.
Since opening in 2004, Clayton’s has evolved from a neighborhood favorite to a go-to spot for fresh seafood, artisan pizzas, and hearty entrées, including specialty wood-fire pizzas that showcase their dedication to authentic Italian cuisine.
The warm, inviting space features indoor booths, a central bar, and an open-air covered porch overlooking the water, offering a perfect blend of views and cool breezes.
Signature dishes, like the macadamia crusted grouper served with mango ginger vinaigrette and the calamari with shaved jalapeño heat, are local standouts.
Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch of fish tacos, celebrating a special occasion like a bachelorette party, or enjoying a date night, Clayton’s Siesta Grill delivers excellent food, driven by a passion for quality and creativity in every dish.
5. Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood
- Address: 149 Avenida Messina
- Website: siestakeysummerhouse.com
- Price Point: $$$
- Menu Highlights: Filet mignon, diver scallops
Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood provides an upscale yet approachable coastal-chic dining experience in Siesta Key Village. Since opening in 2018, it has quickly become renowned for its combination of top-tier steaks and fresh Gulf seafood.
The restaurant’s design blends Key West-inspired breeziness with stylish elegance, featuring tall windows that flood the space with light and a stunning 1,000-gallon fish tank that serves as a dramatic focal point.
Comparable to other notable steakhouses like Connors Steak, it stands out for its refined atmosphere and attention to detail. The menu boasts aged steaks, hand-cut and grilled to perfection, and seafood specialties that highlight Gulf-fresh ingredients.
From diver scallops atop truffle risotto to Maine lobster tails and blackened grouper, each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to serving guests with exceptional hospitality.
Guests can also enjoy a curated and extensive wine list, featuring selections that pair perfectly with both steak and seafood. Due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating during peak times, it’s advisable to contact the restaurant for reservations ahead of time.
If you’re looking for a romantic evening or an elevated dining experience in a casual atmosphere, Siesta Key Summer House offers the perfect balance of fine-dining quality and laid-back island vibes.
6. The Cottage
- Address: 153 Avenida Messina
- Website: cottagesiestakey.com
- Price Point: $$
- Menu Highlights: Billionaire burger, short rib bites
The Cottage is a beloved gem in Siesta Key Village that blends “Old Florida” beach house charm with inventive, globally inspired cuisine.
Nestled in a restored bungalow with lush garden patios and warm wood-panel interiors, The Cottage offers a welcoming, tropically romantic setting complete with live music nightly and ample al fresco seating surrounded by palms and lantern light.
You can expect tapas and small plates like onion crusted short rib bites, salmon tartar, and lobster bisque, as well as hearty sandwiches like the billionaire burger and blackened tuna club.
The Cottage offers consistently quality dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, a diverse wine list that complements the menu, and a vibe that’s both elevated and relaxed.
For many locals and repeat visitors, The Cottage captures the essence of Siesta Key with its coastal artistry, warm hospitality, and inventive flavors, all driven by a passion for culinary excellence.
7. Walt’s Fish Market
- Address: 4144 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
- Website: www.waltsfishmarketrestaurant.com
- Price Point: $-$$
- Menu Highlights: Firecracker grouper bites and conch chowder
Just a few miles from Siesta Key in Sarasota, Walt’s Fish Market & Restaurant is a century-old institution.
Family-owned and operated for generations, it began as a humble fish market in the 1940s and has since grown into a beloved seafood destination with a full-service restaurant and lively tiki bar. The relaxed, tropical-flavored vibe is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood without any fine-dining pretense.
Daily Gulf catches are brought straight from the boat to the counter, with the option to take produce home or have the restaurant cook it. It’s one of the few places in Florida where fresh catch is served the same day it’s harvested.
Keep in mind it can get busy at peak hours as reservations are not accepted, so it’s first come, first served.
A menu highlight is the Captain’s Platter, which includes lobster tail, red snapper filet, and scallops served with garlic mashed potatoes and julienne vegetables. Don’t miss the addictive firecracker grouper bites as an appetizer.
Grab oysters at the bar, share fish bites with friends, or pick up fresh seafood to cook at home; Walt’s Fish Market invites you to enjoy Sarasota’s seafood legacy, serving the community for decades, in a no-frills setting.
8. Cafe Gabbiano
- Address: 5104 Ocean Blvd
- Website: www.cafegabbiano.com
- Price Point: $$-$$$
- Menu Highlights: Linguine pescatora, tiramisu
Café Gabbiano brings authentic Southern Italian elegance to Siesta Key, just steps from the beach. Dine in intimate wine rooms or on a climate-controlled patio where a certified sommelier curates over 200 wines to pair with meals.
This quaint yet sophisticated Italian bistro is perfect for groups ranging from intimate dinners to weddings or rehearsal receptions of up to 150 guests. Its ambiance is fitting for those seeking a true fine-dining, wine-centric Italian experience within walking distance of the beach.
Signature dishes like the linguine pescatora, featuring calamari, mussels, clams, and shrimp in white wine and marinara, showcase the restaurant’s focus on seafood-forward dishes. They serve homemade pastas and sauces, prepared in-house for authentic flavor and quality.
Café Gabbiano also offers a selection of traditional Italian pizza, crafted with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection. Don’t miss the signature desserts, including tiramisu and cannoli, or join their daily wine tasting for a complete experience.
Café Gabbiano stands out as a premier destination for those looking to enjoy a taste of Italy in Siesta Key. Reservations in advance are highly recommended, as peak dinner hours and private events may affect seat availability.
9. The Hub Baja Grill
- Address: 5148 Ocean Blvd
- Website: thehubsiestakey.com
- Price Point: $-$$
- Menu Highlights: Blackened grouper fish tacos, lobster bisque
Since 2008, The Hub Baja Grill has offered fresh Latin-American inspired fare just blocks from Siesta Beach.
With indoor and covered patio seating under festive lights, regular live music, and a fun, casual energy, it’s the ideal spot for lobster bisque and their famous grouper fish tacos, featuring fresh Gulf grouper grilled or blackened and served Baja-style.
Their popular Happy Hour offers discounted margaritas, house wine, drafts with a diverse beer selection, and well drinks, making it the perfect place to relax after a day at the beach.
The Hub stands out as one of Siesta Key’s most energetic and affordable go-to spots for vibrant Baja-style cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. It’s one of many destinations that exemplify Siesta Key nightlife.
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, and you can easily order or request a table in advance online to ensure your preferred dining time.
10. Spearfish Grille
- Address: 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd
- Website: www.spearfishgrille.com
- Price Point: $$
- Menu Highlights: Catch of the day, sushi nachos
At Safe Harbor Marina on Old Stickney Point Road, Spearfish Grille stands out for its dock-to-dish ethos. This marina-side restaurant serves the likes of grouper, hogfish, and amberjack within 24 hours of being caught, ensuring the freshest seafood possible.
Expect knockout dishes like grilled hogfish with ginger-lime butter, and sushi nachos with wasabi aioli, Asian salsa, and avocado. Their Gulf-caught tacos are a specialty, emphasizing the freshest Gulf seafood that sets the menu and dining experience apart.
The authentic, market-fresh seafood concept, combined with a relaxed setting, makes Spearfish Grille a favorite for both locals and tourists.
11. Ophelia’s On The Bay
- Address: 9105 Midnight Pass Rd
- Website: opheliasonthebay.net
- Price Point: $$$
- Menu Highlights: Yellowtail snapper, Hokkaido scallops
Ophelia’s On The Bay, located on the southern tip of Siesta Key, offers a romantic and scenic waterfront dining experience.
Established in 1988, it has become a beloved destination for exceptional cuisine and breathtaking views of Little Sarasota Bay. Guests can dine in one of two glass-walled, casually elegant dining rooms, enjoying the comfort and inviting ambiance found inside, or outside on the dockside open-air patio.
Signature dishes, like the Hokkaido scallops and the yellowtail snapper with saffron-infused rice, pay homage to international cuisine with a Siesta Key flair. The restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence and its picturesque waterfront location make it a premier dining destination on Siesta Key.
This stunning establishment is popular for anniversaries, date nights, and celebrations. Many guests are seated over the water at sunset for an unforgettable dining experience. Be sure to make reservations and secure a front row seat to the dinner of a lifetime.
12. Tripletail Seafood & Spirits
- Address: 4870 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
- Website: tripletailsrq.com
- Price Point: $$
- Signature Dish: Oysters Rockefeller, crab-stuffed tripletail
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits blends nautical elegance with warm hospitality in The Landings Plaza, making it a standout dining destination in nearby Sarasota.
Known for its fresh seafood, Tripletail offers a unique menu that highlights the flavors of the Gulf of Mexico with a creative twist. Signature dishes like the crab-stuffed tripletail and oysters Rockefeller showcase the kitchen’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Alongside expertly crafted seafood plates, Tripletail is highly acclaimed for its inventive cocktails, with its range of smoke-infused drinks being a must-try. Guests can also enjoy daily happy hour specials, including discounted wine, house drinks, appetizers, and beer.
The restaurant features an upscale nautical theme and offers an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere perfect for everything from intimate date nights to lively brunch gatherings.
With attentive service and a casual yet refined ambiance, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits is a must-visit spot for those seeking fresh seafood, smooth spirits, and exceptional hospitality in the Sarasota area.
Dive Into the Delicious: The Best Restaurants in Siesta Key
Siesta Key, Florida, isn’t just famous for its powdery white sand and some of the best beaches in the world. It’s also a slice of heaven for food lovers. Each restaurant on this list offers a unique dining experience that captures the essence of Siesta Key.
A foodie-inspired vacation here means sunshine, live music, and plates piled high with local eats—perfect for those who believe great vacations should taste amazing, too. Be sure to pack your appetite when you book your stay with us at one of our rental properties.
Bon appétit!
