The LIST – March 2024
We’ve got plenty of new restaurants and old favs!
⏰ It’s That Time of Year! Here’s a gentle reminder. We would just hate to see you waste any of the valuable daylight you’ll be getting back. Don’t forget to “Spring Ahead” one hour on SUNDAY, MARCH 10 @ 2AM. It would be a shame if you missed your reservation!
Yes, it’s March already. Yes, 2024 is sailing by at a pretty good clip. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. How is this happening? It feels like I’m listening to an audiobook on 1.5X speed. So weird.
New restaurants? Is that what you said? I thought I could hear that. Not to worry. We’ve got some new places for you to explore this month.
The spots we’ve added during the past month really show off some of what the Sarasota restaurant community has to offer. They span a pretty good spectrum of styles, feels, and cuisines. Let’s dig into it! 🍴
🆕 The New Kids on the Block. We’ve put together a nice March foursome for you. Let’s tee it up! ⛳
Arts & Central (611 Central Ave. (941) 306-2356)
Brand new Rosemary District upscale casual dining. Their tagline is “A Backyard Restaurant.” I’m not 100 percent sure what that means. They do have a great big outdoor dining space. Maybe that’s related?? Anyway, the menu looks delicious, and I’m pretty certain they’ll be packed! – MENU HERE!
The Wooden Rooster (1564 Main St. (941) 953-7111)
Breakfast, lunch, or early dinner (they close at 5PM). One Wooden Rooster here and one up in St. Pete. The menu leans heavily on their love of crepes. Want a crepe “your way”? “Build” your very own. Or pick from that same list of sweet and savory ingredients to create the sandwich or salad of your dreams. 🥖 – MENU HERE!
Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery (2300 Bee Ridge Rd. (941) 924-2268)
It’s all about the bread here at this new Sarasota sandwich destination. The freshly baked focaccia bread makes these handheld creations really stand out! In case you missed last week’s FIRST LOOK featuring Focaccia, READ IT HERE.
Mangia Che È Bueno (3846 S Tuttle Ave. (941) 922-5778)
The name itself sets this new Italian restaurant apart. They tout their Paninis and Pizza (about a half dozen versions of each). Mix in a nice selection of Arancina, and you’ve got Mangia! 🍕 – MENU HERE!
That is a FULL helping of new restaurant info!
💁♂️ So, a favor. If you happen to check out any of those four new places, drop us an email and let us know what you thought of your experience. We always look forward to your take on things.
📈 THE LIST
🚀 We can tell it’s “Season” just by the number of people researching restaurants and reading articles on the dineSarasota.com website (Oh, I know YOU can tell by the street traffic. 🚗). We appreciate you! We’ll keep growing the site. You keep clicking! 🖱️
HERE WE GO!
#5 The Mable (2831 N. Tamiami Trl. (941) 487-7373)
First, they have a great burger! (READ OUR BURGER PIECE HERE) Second, it’s just a fun, borderline divey place to hang out. Right across from the Ringling College of Art and Design. Yes, there are college students there. And, yes, there are non-college students there. Go ahead, hang out with the cool kids! 🍔
#4 Florence and the Spice Boys (4990 S. Tamiami Trl.)
The next four places have been pretty entrenched in our Top 5 for months. Florence kicks things off at number four. Falafel, hummus, shawarma, and lots more tasty treats from the other side of the planet.
#3 Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen (6641 Midnight Pass Rd. (941) 952-3070)
🍀 March is Shebeen’s time to shine. YES, St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. They have a full lineup of Irish music and dancers set to celebrate the day (SEE THAT HERE!). OH, you can also feast on corned beef and cabbage AND toast with a Guinness! 🍺
#2 Osteria Southside (1812 S. Osprey Ave. (941) 361-3200)
You need to make a trip to Osteria Southside just for The Sunday Sauce! If you haven’t had this, why not? Slow simmered meatballs, sweet & hot sausage, pork rib, and braciole in San Marzano Sauce over rigatoni with fresh ricotta and garlic bread! Get it for one ($24) or two ($42)!
#1 Beso (30 S. Lemon Ave. (941) 279-2999)
Beso tops the March LIST. Small plates (tapas) are made for sharing and for experimenting. The smaller portion lets you try something new without the commitment of an entree. Go ahead, be a culinary adventurer!
➡️ THE BEST OF THE REST
Sarasota still likes deli! Wolfie’s is just outside of the Top 5 at number six. They’re followed by the brand new Arts & Central (see above) and last month’s number four, Bar Hana. I guess a lot of you out there are craving German food because at nine is Grandpa’s Schnitzel! The Alpine Steakhouse comes in in the ten spot!
🗒️ HERE’S THE COMPLETE LIST OF THE TOP 25 FOR MARCH 2024!
📘 A great big THANK YOU to all of you who bought our 2024 Sarasota dining book last month. We really appreciate the support. If you purchase one, we can promise you’ll get a fantastic local dining resource that you can hold in your hand and that doesn’t need recharging! If you still need one, HERE’S A LINK TO PURCHASE THE 2024 EDITION.
Let’s wrap this one up! As usual, we’ve curated some stories from our talented local food writers for your consideration. Enjoy!
~ LH
📰 IN THE NEWS –10 INTERESTING STORIES!
1️⃣ Prime Downtown Sarasota Spot Leased for High-end Whiskey-centric Eatery
2️⃣ These Are FL’s Best Restaurants, New Ranking Says
3️⃣ Selby Opens Garden-to-table Restaurant The Green Orchid
4️⃣ The ‘Set The Bar’ Cocktail Competition Is Returning in April
5️⃣ ‘Outback Steakhouse Shaped My Career as a Food Writer‘
6️⃣ Cafe Arts Adds a Jolt of Caffeine to the Rosemary District
7️⃣ Michelin Adds 6 Tampa Restaurants to Florida Guide
8️⃣ New Definitions Approved for Sarasota Restaurants and Bars
9️⃣ Arts And Central Adds a Creative Flair to the Rosemary District
🔟 High-end Whiskey-centric Eatery Leases Downtown Sarasota Spot
🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD EVENTS 🗓️
Here are some upcoming local food events that we think you might find interesting. All you need to do is make that reservation. We’ve provided you with a link to more info.
⭐⭐ If you have an event, we’d like to help you spread the word. Let us know! (EMAIL IT)
📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2024 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖
😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – TOKOYO
WEEKLY POP-UP KITCHEN EVENTS – 99 Bottles Taproom & Bottle Shop
Yes! Things are finally starting to pick up a bit in the local food event department. Our calendar is filling up little by little. ⬇️
MAR 15 – Papa’s Pilar Rum Dinner – Pier 22
MAR 16 – Grand Tasting Brunch – Florida Winefest & Auction
MAR 22 – Austin Hope Wine Dinner – GROVE Restaurant
MAR 23 – The 30th Annual Tropical Nights: A Pirate’s Life – INFORMATION
MAR 31 – Easter Brunch – GROVE Restaurant
APR 12 – Porter Winemaker Dinner – Cafe Gabbiano
🧑🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO 🌾
EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS
EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS
THIRD THURSDAY NIGHT – RADD Night Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS
EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS
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