Luxury dining is an experience that can create lasting memories. Sarasota has a great culinary scene with several restaurants in town committed to making top-notch dishes and providing excellent service. These places embrace the finer things in life, and their customers appreciate every detail that goes into the meal presentation. Find them all on our list of the best upscale restaurants in Sarasota for luxury dining.
This upscale restaurant nestled in a Downtown Sarasota cottage is serious about seafood. Chef/owner Stephen Phelps focuses on getting the freshest fish and regionally-sourced seasonal vegetables.
Some of the favorite dishes here include the Mote Marine's farmed sturgeon, short ribs, and lamb. Even their grass-fed red beef burger is a gourmet entree that's demanding to be tried.
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Selva Grill is one of the hotspots on Main Street, and people flock here for their ceviche plates. After you start the night off with some signature ceviche, move down the menu to share some tapas with your group or dive into one of their Latin-inspired entrees.
One of Selva's most popular dishes is the arroz con pato, which is a duck breast atop rich green pea beer risotto. Their skirt steak and salmon Chileno are also highlights on the menu.
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Michael's on East has picked up a slew of national awards since opening in 1987 and is Sarasota's only AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant. From the minute you walk through the door, the mood is set with an elegant dining room that's a throwback to a 1940s supper club.
This upscale restaurant is the place to be in town to get the best contemporary American cuisine with succulent steaks and seafood dishes. Michael's has an extensive wine cellar as well that can perfectly compliment any meal.
Every city needs a classic French restaurant, and Maison Blanche fills that category for upscale locales in Sarasota. Chef/owner Jose Martinez has been serving his specialties in this relaxed, formal space for over 15 years.
Maison Blanche has a devoted group of repeat customers that keep coming back for the in-house baked baguettes and chocolate truffles. They make an excellent ribeye in addition to other French standards.
With dark walls, no sign above the door to mark its presence, and no walk-ins allowed, Puccini's delivers an exclusive vibe despite its strip mall location. They also come through with delectable Mediterranean eats with great made-from-scratch sauces.
Each evening, you can expect to see around a half-dozen regular menu items and several specials to choose from. Bring cash or a check with you because Puccini's does not accept credit cards.
Treat yourself to a great night out on the town at one of these upscale restaurants in Sarasota promising exquisite cuisine and a luxurious ambiance.
Find more restaurants in Sarasota by registering on 941area, your free guide for the Sarasota and Bradenton area.
Cover photo courtesy of PxHere
