With Valentine’s Day nestled in the middle of the month, February has always been associated with love. If you are visiting Siesta Key and the Greater Sarasota area during February, it wouldn’t be complete without at least one romantic meal. Luckily, Sarasota has some wonderful restaurants that offer delicious cuisine and a romantic atmosphere that will rekindle your hearts. Here, in no particular order, are our 7 most romantic restaurants.
Website: http://cafeleurope.net/
431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
When it comes to old-world charm and delicious cuisine, Café L’Europe creates a dining experience that you won’t soon forget. Inspired by the ambiance of De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam, this restaurant strives to make a lasting impression.
The restaurant features favorites such as Dover Sole Meuniere, Potato Crusted Grouper, Chateaubriand served tableside, Lobster Bisque and French Onion soup served in a large, sweet onion. There is also a nice selection of fine wines and craft cocktails.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the piano room offers live music, so be sure to reserve your table in advance.
Website: http://www.shoogieboogies.com/
1919 Morrill Street, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Garden Room at Shoogie Boogies needs to be experienced in person to fully understand how romantic and beautiful this restaurant is. Once you enter, you are surrounded by European elegance. Many describe this place as a secret garden fairytale brought to life.
Open for lunch, their menu offers colorful plates of European cuisine, including appetizers, a main course, wine, and dessert. With excellent service and a romantic vibe that will stay with you long after the meal is finished, everyone should experience this restaurant at least once.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesday.
Website: http://dolceitaliarestaurant.com/
6551 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, FL 34231
Dolce Italia is a small, cozy place serving authentic Italian food. If your idea of a romantic night out involves great Italian food and amazing desserts, then this is the place for you. A relatively new restaurant, Dolce Italia’s owner, Tiziana, brings her authentic Italian recipes with her that were perfected in the little island of Ischia in the Gulf of Naples, and it was worth the wait.
The menu includes a wide variety of antipasti, pasta, salads, and desserts. Dolce Italia is closed on Sundays.
Website: https://www.roesslersrestaurant.com/
2033 Vamo Way, Sarasota, FL 34238
Surrounded by nearly three acres of manicured gardens and a picturesque lake with bridge and gazebo, Roessler’s has been family owned and operated since 1978 and many refer this place as their top romantic restaurant on the west coast of Florida.
Their impressive menu includes Crispy Duckling New Orleans, Snapper Poncatrain, Soy Ginger Glazed Salmon, Chicken Francaise, Louisiana Crab Cakes among others.
Through the years, Roessler’s Restaurant has been honored with accolades including Gourmet magazine, Sarasota Herald Tribune Best of The Best, Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and N.A.R.A 5 Stars. Closed on Mondays.
Website: http://www.indigenoussarasota.com/
239 S. Links Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
Indigenous opened in 2011 and has become popular with Sarasotans for its casual but classy farm-to-market concept. The restaurant prides itself in using integrity and responsibility when sourcing its ingredients, working closely with local fishermen, artisans, and farmers to maintain the highest level of quality.
Located in the historic Towles Court district of downtown Sarasota, the restaurant was restored to complement its surrounding with comfortable and sophisticated indoor and outdoor dining.
Having been voted best restaurant in Sarasota on a number of occasions, Indigenous is a dining experience unlike any you’ve ever had. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Website: https://siestakeysummerhouse.com/
149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Last, but certainly not least on our list is a restaurant located in Siesta Key. This establishment is perfect for a romantic night out and last year TripAdvisor named Summer House the 9th most romantic restaurant in the United States. A well known landmark inside the restaurant is their museum quality 1,000 gallon fish tank, spanning 14 feet.
They may have a good selection of fresh seafood, however, Summer House is famous for their steaks and they hand select cuts from the most prestigious ranches available - all seasoned to perfection and cooked on the 1200-degree Montague Grill. Also, their wine list includes over 115 choices.
The next time you are in the Sarasota area, don’t forget to take advantage of one of these romantic restaurants and lose yourself in the ambiance of fine dining with that special someone.
