Siesta Key, Florida, is a breathtaking vacation destination that truly has something for everyone.
You can relax on the beach, explore local history, see beautiful nature, and so much more. One thing’s for sure, though: you’re bound to get hungry while you’re in town! It’s a good thing that there are so many delicious seafood restaurants near Siesta Key! Make the quick drive into Sarasota to discover some of the area’s best seafood. Here are a few of our favorite seafood restaurants, all just minutes away from our Siesta Key beachfront vacation rentals.
Big Water Fish Market
If you’re seeking out some truly fresh fish, it’s hard to get fresher than the Big Water Fish Market. Not only do they offer some delicious, prepared dishes in their restaurant, but they also have a full-scale fish market where you can pick up some fish to prepare yourself! Enjoy seafood favorites like grilled scallops, the fried oyster basket, black or red grouper, and more. They even have several delectable vegetarian options to suit the non-meat eaters in your group! Enjoy it all with a refreshing local, domestic, or imported beer.
Big Water Fish Market is located at 6641 Midnight Pass Road in Siesta Key. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Summer House
Want some of the best seafood in Sarasota in a bit more of an upscale setting? Summer House is the place to be. As soon as you step inside, you’re sure to be impressed by the welcoming staff and the welcoming, elegant atmosphere. On the menu, sample seafood options such as Blackened Gulf Grouper l’Orange, Scottish Salmon, Diver Scallops, and Colossal Lobster Tail. There are plenty of other options like steak, chicken, and chops. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive wine menu for the perfect complement.
Summer House is located at 149 Avenida Messina in Siesta Key. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Walt’s Fish Market
For more than a century now, Walt’s Fish Market has been serving up some of the best seafood in the area. If you’re staying in one of our Siesta Key vacation home rentals, you won’t want to miss this! The fish that they serve and sell here at Walt’s is caught on the very same day you buy it. That fresh fish goes into some delicious options on the restaurant’s menu, such as the grouper Rueben, Key West chowder, crab steamer baskets, fish and chips, and so much more.
Walt’s Fish Market is located at 4144 South Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Lobster Pot
The tagline for The Lobster Pot says it all: “New England tradition in the heart of Siesta Key.” The original Lobster Pot was established in Cape Cod in 1940, and the son of the first owners brought the concept down here to Siesta Key Village. Now, visitors and residents alike love the mouthwatering seafood selections, which include lobster bisque, the Maine lobster tail dinner, Ipswich clams, baked lobster mac and cheese, and others. Relax after your meal with an espresso or cappuccino! No matter what you select, you can rest assured it’s prepared fresh and made with love.
The Lobster Pot is located near our Siesta Key rentals at 5157 Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Don’t let the name of this restaurant fool you! The Siesta Key Oyster Bar is one of the best places to get all kinds of seafood near our Siesta Key beachfront rentals, serving way more than just oysters! SKOB, as it’s sometimes called, has become a favorite establishment not only for its food but also for its welcoming staff and laid-back atmosphere. Come in for dinner to enjoy live music while you dine on the Siesta Key Extravaganza, the Crab-Stuffed Lobster, Chipotle Lobster Tacos, Seafood Paella, and more. The menu has so much to offer; your only problem will be narrowing it down!
The Siesta Key Oyster Bar is located at 5238 Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to midnight.
The Cottage
The Cottage offers an ideal balance between upscale dining and a casual atmosphere, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself and your family to a great meal. Here, the chef’s team takes care to get ingredients from local farms and use the most sustainable seafood to craft mouthwatering seasonal meals. While menu options can rotate depending on the time of year, some recent favorites have included seared salmon, the lobster maki roll, bronzed black grouper, and tuna poke tostadas. They also have a large menu of brews on tap, bottled and canned beers, and several specialty cocktails for guests to enjoy.
The Cottage is located at 153 Avenida Messina in Sarasota. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar
Last but certainly not least, Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar brings that “Old Florida” feeling right to your table. While you’re here, you have to try the award-winning clam chowder, which took first place at the Great Chowder Cook-Off in Newport, Rhode Island! Besides the chowder, though, Captain Curt’s serves up oysters (of course), plenty of fried seafood baskets, shrimp, crab, and more. You can also find some of the most delicious and refreshing daiquiris that the Siesta Key area has to offer!
Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar is located at 1200 Old Stickney Point Road in Sarasota. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Michael’s on East
Since 1987, Michael’s on East has been a favorite of both locals and visitors alike. Whether you choose to dine inside the intimate and elegant dining room or take your meal outside in the breathtaking courtyard, you’re sure to appreciate the hard work that has gone into this space. The menu changes monthly to showcase local ingredients and highlight a different global cuisine, so you can return again and again to experience something new every time! Recent favorite menu options include Kingston Pan-Seared Mahi Mahi, Port-Au-Prince Jerked Pork Tenderloin, and Tortola Island Spiced Rum Cake.
Michael’s on East is located at 1212 East Avenue South in Sarasota. They are open Thursday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Plan Your Next Stay
Now that you know about some of the best seafood restaurants in Sarasota, isn’t it time you come and try them for yourself? The Cottages on the Key has tons of rentals located just moments from these restaurants, including specialty options like our Siesta Key pet-friendly rentals! Contact us today to learn more!
Book Your Siesta Key Rental With Us
When visiting Siesta Key, there’s no better place to stay than The Cottages on the Key. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a family vacation, these cottages offer spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and luxurious amenities to cater to your every need. With The Cottages on the Key, you’ll create cherished memories and have a truly unforgettable stay on Siesta Key. Browse our wide selection of Siesta Key Vacation rentals and start planning your trip today!