Sarasota is well-known among gourmands as a city with flavor. With a wide variety of award winning restaurants and fun casual eateries, there's something to please every palate. Southside Village is the best place for hip restaurants, and people watching, while St. Armand's Circle boasts some of the area's oldest and most respected establishments. For picnics on the beach, stop at Morton's Gourmet Market, where you can pick up delicious made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and mouth watering baked goods.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
2001 Siesta Key Drive, Sarasota
(941) 358-9463
www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Since opening it's doors, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse has been raising the standard of steakhouses to a new level. Sweeping the nation with awards and accolades, it's their outstanding food, wine, and service that keeps patrons returning time and time again. Indulge yourself in the stylish, contemporary dining that is Fleming's hallmark. Some of our employee's favorite dishes include Filet Mignon with blue cheese crumbles, Beef Flemington, and Australian Pork Chops. The side dishes are as flavorful as they come - don't be fooled by seeing a macaroni and cheese selection at such a top-notch steakhouse; their Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese is like no other. For dessert, their signature item continues to be the Chocolate Lava Cake; but put your order in early as this chocolate-richness takes 20 minutes to make and is well worth every second!

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
2001 Siesta Key Drive, Sarasota
(941) 952-0109
www.roysrestaurant.com

Escape to a Hawaiian paradise through Chef Roy Yamaguchi's famous blending of European cooking techniques with fresh Asian and Pacific Rim ingredients. Not your typical dining experience, Fodor’s quoted this restaurant as being "multi-traditional dishes that seduce with the ease of a trade wind." Each evening, Roy 's presents a tantalizing range of appetizers, entrees, fresh fish dishes, and desserts. But don't let the name fool you, this establishment is not about typical Asian cuisine. Our employee's favorite selections include Auntie Lei's Aloha Roll, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Hibachi Style Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and the Wood Grilled Szechwan Spiced Baby Back Ribs. If cocktails are your passion, you won't want to miss their signature Hawaiian Martini - stock full of fruity goodness and topped with a pineapple wedge soaked in vodka. No Roy 's experience would be complete without their Melting Chocolate Soufflé; a lava of rich chocolate, raspberries, and ice cream.

The Bijou Cafe
1287 First Street, Sarasota
(941) 366-8111
www.bijoucafe.net

You'd never suspect that the elegant downtown Bijou Cafe was formerly a gas station. Now beautifully remodeled, the Bijou greets hordes of loyal locals and appreciative food critics who come for the refined Continental fare. A stone's throw from Sarasota's theatre district, the restaurant is also a favorite pre-show spot for opera goers. Two patios allow patrons to dine al fresco.

Zoria
1991 Main Street, Sarasota
(941) 955-4457
www.zoria.net

Arguably Main Street's finest restaurant, Zoria dishes up exquisite and eclectic Continental cuisine. Food critics and gourmands love Zoria, as do chic locals, who people watch from the outdoor tables while enjoying fancy cheese and fine wines.

Two Senoritas
1355 Main Street, Sarasota
(941) 366-1618
www.twosenoritas.com

Two Senoritas is a staple in Sarasota as being a family restaurant dedicated to serving the finest of foods and atmosphere of Mexico in the area. In addition to the classic sizzling fairs of enchiladas, quesadillas and fajitas - this restaurant is known for it's larger-than-life margaritas, generous portions of food, and quick service. Their piping-hot flour tortillas are homemade daily, and you won't find a fresher salsa around. Some of our employee favorites include Shrimp Chipotle, Poblano Chicken, and the Sizzling Fajitas. If you're feeling adventurous, order up their famous Fish Tacos with sour cream sauce - a rare delicacy appreciated only in a seafood town.

Mattison’s Steakhouse
1 North Lemon Avenue, Sarasota
(941) 330-0440
www.mattisons.com

When Chief Paul Mattison began his local quest for culinary superiority, his main ingredients involved distinctive food, memorable environments, and exceptional customer service. With four indoor/outdoor delightfully different restaurants located throughout Sarasota, each experience at Mattison’s guarantees to be a savory one.

The Originals
www.freshoriginals.com

With Sarasota and her Islands quickly becoming Southwest Florida's cultural capital, it was no surprise that unique dining options began popping up all over the region. In 2003, The Sarasota-Manatee Originals organized, creating an exclusive community of over 50 independently owned and operated restaurants. Each one of these restaurants is as unique as their names - offering guaranteed culinary pleasures. Visit any one, for a meal sure to kick-start your retreat to paradise.

(Visit website for individual restaurant information)

Cafe Epicure
1298 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota
(941) 366-5648
www.sarasota-italian.com/epicure

Located in the artsy Palm Avenue district, Cafe Epicure is a popular gathering place for locals, who sip Italian wines and people watch from the outdoor terrace. Inside, it's a Euro-styled patisserie, and full-service restaurant specializing in fine continental cuisine.