Best Restaurants 2026

Chef Chompoonuck “Joy” Dilbert Brings the Flavors of Thailand to Sarasota

“I do love Thai food. But I also dream about when I can eat Cheetos or have carbonara pasta.”

02/03/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Simply the Best

The Best Restaurants in Sarasota

Our list of the 33 most fabulous restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee.

02/03/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Oh La La!

Creative Cocktails Reign at Mimi's Brasserie & Speakeasy

Sneak through the dining room after 5 p.m. for the full speakeasy experience.

02/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Bundle Up

This Weekend Is Going to Be Real Cold in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

There may be a chance of snow flurries on Saturday, Jan. 31, with cold temperatures continuing through Monday, Feb. 2

01/29/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Zōtō Sushi's Adjoining Sister Restaurant, Yūgen, Will Open Valentine's Week

The multi-course Japanese kaiseki restaurant will feature only 10 seats and two reservation seatings.

01/27/2026 By Lauren Jackson

The Wheel Deal

D&R Automotive Is Moving to the Limelight District Next Week

The beloved 58-year-old business will relocate to a large new auto shop with plenty of paved parking.

01/22/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Education

Florida's School Voucher Program Is in the Hot Seat Again

Among other problems, between $1 million and $2 million dollars went to scammers who created fraudulent accounts for fictitious students in order to receive funds.

01/21/2026 By Megan McDonald and Lauren Jackson

Chop Chop

There's a Brand New Steakhouse in Englewood

Owners Keith and Laurie Farlow's newest restaurant, Chophouse285, offers prime steaks on Englewood's historic Dearborn Street.

01/14/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Block Party

The Butcher's Block Is Hosting Its 13th Annual Grand Tent Tasting on Jan. 24

The legacy shop is celebrating its 59th anniversary with loads of wine from around the world.

01/12/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Smart City

Meet the Innovators and Professionals Shaping Our AI Ecosystem

A diverse and steadily growing group of innovators—from architecture and education to law and venture building—are immersed in the region’s emerging AI world.

01/04/2026 By Brian Hartz, Susan Burns, and Lauren Jackson

The Other Downtowns

Looking for New Downtown Districts to Explore? Try These Five Nearby City Centers

Within an hour of Sarasota’s Main Street, we found five downtowns, each with its own rhythm and its own kind of welcome.

01/04/2026 By Lauren Jackson, Susan Burns, and Kim Doleatto

Mediterranean Magic

Stella's Greek Cuisine May Be a Hidden Gem, but It's Worth Seeking Out

Though Stella’s dining room is diminutive, its flavors are huge, thanks to the restaurant’s namesake chef and owner Stella Raphelli.

01/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Your New Sushi Spot

Zōtō at University Town Center Offers an Elevated Sushi Experience

From the moment you step inside the restaurant, the relationship between dark and light evokes a yin and yang that carries through to the menu.

01/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Walk This Way

Dogs Inc. Provides Those in Need With Trained Guide, Service and Companion Dogs

Dogs Inc. serves people from all over the U.S., pairing them with their perfect pup at no cost, complete with lifetime training, veterinary care and nutrition needs.

01/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Who's In Store

Lessons From Plant Whisperer Jen Zak

Zak is the owner of Salt Your Soul, a plant and gift shop that opened in 2022 in south Sarasota.

01/02/2026 By Lauren Jackson

Keep It Together

Our Tips for Responsible Drinking for New Year's Eve

It's New Year's Eve and the Champagne is bound to flow. Enjoy a round, but stay safe tonight by following these tips.

12/31/2025 By Lauren Jackson

Best of 2025

Our Top Food Stories of 2025

This year, we covered everything you need to know about Sarasota's local farmers markets, the numerous ways agriculture is shaping the local food scene, how restaurants are recovering from last year's storms, and more.

12/22/2025 By Lauren Jackson