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All things Siesta Key. Stories, news, and event information about Sarasota, Florida's beautiful beach.
Dine Out In Style on Longboat Key
One of the best parts of vacation is eating out, experiencing local cuisine, and tasting the flavors of the area. When you visit Florida’s Gulf Coast, that means a blend of the freshest seafood, farm-fresh ingredients, and ethically-sourced regional favorites. While Siesta Key is full of excellent dining options, the professionals at The Best Western Siesta Key understand the excitement and fun of day-time excursions to nearby areas. Longboat Key is one such hidden gem, just a few minutes from Siesta Key and full of enticing dining opportunities. Here, we’ll highlight some of the best eateries on Longboat Key so you can choose one or several spots to dine while exploring even more of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Image from Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant
Experience a piece of local history when you stop by the Mar Vista Restaurant. Located on the north end of Longboat Key, Mar Vista was originally built as a pub, lodging house, and fish camp for fishermen stopping by the area. Today, this elite restaurant maintains much of its historic charm, with outdoor seating, delicious meals, and sustainable practices. The owners of Mar Vista believe in being good stewards of the environment, from recycling oyster shells to composting, backing Red Tide research to serving only sustainable fish species, Mar Vista is committed to upholding the environment in which it thrives.
Lobster Dinner
Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key
Located right on Gulf of Mexico Drive, the Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key offers traditional and creative surf-and-turf meals in a family-friendly environment. Indoor and outdoor seating provide a variety of options for all guests, with an inviting terrace that allows you to soak in the sun and enjoy the Gulf breezes. Experience Florida’s favorite seafood dishes, or try something new from the menu. Planning to return frequently? Become a member of the Lazy Lobster and reap even bigger rewards.
Romantic Dinner
Euphemia Haye
One of the area’s most extraordinary restaurants, Euphemia Haye serves up an amazing dining experience. Owned and operated for 20 years by Chef Raymond and D’Arcy Arpke, this romantic cottage aesthetic includes the Haye Loft, an up-scale lounge and dessert room on the second floor of the restaurant. Experience international culinary masterpieces while gazing at the tropical garden studded with twinkling lights. Euphemia Haye is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
Dinner Views
Charthouse
A vacation in and of itself, the Charthouse Restaurant offers gorgeous views and even better meals. While the outdoor terrace sits along the edge of Sarasota Bay, the indoor dining room features giant windows to allow you to experience the view no matter where you are in the restaurant. Enjoy specialty drinks, limited edition menu items specially designed for upcoming holidays, and delicious mainstays at every meal. Just across the bridge from St. Armand’s Circle, the Charthouse stands as a landmark at the south end of Longboat Key.
Image from Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
One of the best al fresco dining experiences in the area, the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill brings the beauty of the beach to your dining experience. This award-winning menu features primarily seafood options (though there are several steak, chicken, and vegetarian options) sourced locally and from the Gulf of Mexico. Listed among the top 100 Best Al Fresco Restaurants in America and among the top 100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America, you know you’re in for a treat when you stop by the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.
Image from Whitney’s on Longboat Key
Whitney’s
The newest little brunch hot spot on the island, Whitney’s on Longboat Key features an enticing mix of eclectic menu items for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Creative, modern culinary treats include something for everyone. Located at the north end of Longboat Key, dining can be indoor or at the outdoor bodega. This is a great spot for lunch after a morning at Whitney Beach, or a fabulous dinner locale after watching the sunset across the street.
With so many incredible dining options up and down the island of Longboat Key, it’s easy to decide to spend the day exploring the island. The difficult part is choosing which restaurants to experience first! To learn more about the great dining options on Longboat Key, talk to the local experts at The Best Western Siesta Key when you stay with us. We’re happy to share our favorite experiences with you and point you in the right direction.