A 2023 Sarasota Restaurant News Timeline
Let’s roll things back to the beginning of the year!
You did it! Or maybe it’s WE did it. A little assistance goes a long way in today’s crazy world. But whichever you prefer (you or we), 2023 is quickly coming to its conclusion. Boy, that seemed fast!
Yes, we’ve had a bunch of food happenings. There were openings and, sadly closings. There was also some restaurant recognition. All in all, a pretty good and active year around Sarasota.
Let’s get to it, shall we? You’re here for a culinary rundown of 2023, and we’re here to deliver. Without further ado… HERE WE GO!
DINESARASOTA’S 2023 INTERACTIVE RESTAURANT EVENT TIMELINE
JAN 2023 🥳
The Bay Leaf opens in Osprey
99 Bottles Taproom named to Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s The Best Beer Shops in the U.S.
Ibis Grill & Pub opens on South Tamiami Trail in the former Pub 32 space
Food + Beer opens in The Rosemary District of Downtown Sarasota
Meliora named Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the Tampa Times
Five-O-Donuts & St. Armands Oyster Bar named to USA Todays Top 10 New Restaurants in FL list
FEBRUARY 2023 ❤️
Tzeva opens in the Art Ovation Hotel
The Chateau, Sarasota opens in the former Roy’s space on South Tamiami Trail
Toasted Yolk opens on South Tamiami Trail 🍳
Meshugana Deli closes its Gulf Gate location AND opens a dine-in restaurant on Clark Road
The Breakfast Company opens in The Landings Shopping Center
Double Deez Chicago Hot Dogs opens in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island
MARCH 2023 ⚾
Jo-To on North Tamiami Trail closes
Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar opens at UTC 🌮
Chef Christopher Covelli receives the Briallat Award from La Chaîne des Rotisseurs of Sarasota
Malmosto Wine Shop and Kitchen opens in Southgate
Wings & Weenies closes after an almost 40-year run! 🌭
Tikka Indian Cuisine named one of Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants
Reef Cakes in Southside Village closes
APRIL 2023 🌧️
Opus Restaurant & Lounge in Gulf Gate closes
Osteria Southside opens in Southside Village
The Banyan House opens in Wellen Park
Bar Hana from the owners of Kojo opens in Downtown Sarasota
⭐ Forks & Corks returns after a two-year hiatus!
MAY 2023 🌻
Nicky’s On Palm closes
MeLange is sold to a new Chef-Owner, Jeremy Duclet
Owen’s Fish Camp announces the opening of a LWR location
The Yard House opens in the UTC area
Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar opens in The Rosemary District
So French Cafe opens in the Parkway Collections Plaza
JUNE 2023 🎓
SAVOR SARASOTA RESTAURANT WEEK! 🍴
Der Dutchman named best buffet in the country!
Vacci Pizza + Cucina opens in Bradenton 🍕
City of Sarasota proposes to make on-street dining permanent
Veg in Gulf Gate closes after more than a decade
JULY 2023 🎇
Namo Izakaya opens on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota
Beso opens on the 1st floor of The Mark (Lemon & State Streets)
Palm Avenue Deli opens on Palm Avenue in Downtown Sarasota
Nancy’s Bar-B-Que announces a move back to Downtown Sarasota 🐷
Mixon Fruit Farms announces that they will be closing 😢
Toastique opens on the 1st floor of the Mark (Lemon & State Streets)
AUGUST 2023 🚤
Erin Duggan named President and CEO of Visit Sarasota
Screaming Goat Taqueria announces a 2nd location in Osprey
Doggystyle named to PETA’s Top Vegan Dogs list 🌭
Sage earns a 2023 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award 🏆
The Public House closes its doors 🍔
St. Armands Oyster Bar on St. Armands Circle closes
Sweetberries closes after 20 years 🍧
SEPTEMBER 2023 🍁
Kolukan opens in Gulf Gate (space formerly Opus Restaurant & Lounge)
Fat Point Brewing opens in the UTC area 🍺
Osteria 500 opens in Waterside Place
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals announce a move back to January for Forks & Corks
All Faiths Food Bank named one of the best companies in the U.S. to work for
Fresh Start Cafe closes after 12 years
🌧️ Hurricane Idalia
OCTOBER 2023 🎃
Capo Pazzo opens off South Tamiami Trail. NY-style pizza! 🍕
Neat: Bar, Food, Lounge opens on South Tamiami Trail
Fuego Comida & Tequila Lounge opens on SR-70
Miguel’s on Siesta Key celebrates thier 40th anniversary 🥳
Trader Joe’s opens in Lakewood Ranch. Our 2nd TJ’s!
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse opens in Lakewood Ranch 🥩
Marcel opens on Main Street in Downtown Sarasota (former MeLange space)
NOVEMBER 2023 🦃
Pigfish opens in the new Calusa Brewing location on McIntosh Road
Fin & Tonic opens in the former Red Lobster space on South Tamiami Trail
Wolfie’s Original Rascal House opens in the former Overton space in the Rosemary District
Mouthole Smashburgers opens a brick-and-mortar restaurant on Clark Road 🍔
Baby Brie’s Coffeehouse in Towles Court closes
Patrick’s 1481 reopens after extensive remodel
Pacific Counter opens its first Sarasota location (The Landings)
Yume Sushi closes after 18 years in business 🍣
DECEMBER 2023 🎁
Michelle’s Brown Bag Cafe announces a move to Orange Avenue sometime in February 2024
Block 15 Cork & Craft opens in the former Grand Cru space on Main Street 🍷
WOW! We sure were busy this past year. All of that great restaurant stuff happening in one 12-month span. Hard to believe!
I’m guessing there are some delicious treats in store for us in 2024. Can’t wait to see (and taste) what’s just around the corner.
That’s it for 2-0-2-3! We’ll be back in your inbox in January. Hoping you have a healthy and tasty 2024. 😋
🧑🏻🍳 HEY CHEFS AND RESTAURANT OWNERS! 👩🏻🍳
We want to feature one of your recipes in our popular Make it at Home series. Drop us a line and we’ll give you the details! INFO HERE🌟
🗓️ 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 2023 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖
😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – THE CAROLINAS
🚶🏻 TASTE MAGAZINE WALKING FOOD TOURS OF BRADENTON – INFO
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. ⬇️
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Celebration – Pier 22
DEC 31 – Sharky’s New Year’s Eve Beach Bash – Sharky’s on the Pier
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Masquerade – GROVE Restaurant
DEC 31 – New Year’s Eve Gala – Selby Gardens
FEB 4 (2024) – Farm to Fillet Event – INFORMATION
🧑🌾 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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