“Eat” listings
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Gecko’s Grill & Pub
This welcoming sports bar serves up chef-driven pub fare, sports trivia games and boob tubes galore. The spicy Boom-Boom shrimp tacos will keep your mouth sizzling, your mind sharp and your beer tab high. $$ (09/2011)
4310 State Rd 64 E, Bradenton
941-744-2664
geckosgrill.com -
J-Pan
Brazilian-born chef and owner Daniel Dokko offers an inventive take on Japanese fare in a techno-hip ambience. His Under the Sea roll, swimming with octopus, shrimp, crab and conch and topped with scallops and fish roe, is totally over the top but delicious. $$$ (09/2011)
3800 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota
941-954-5726
jpanrestaurant.com -
Brasserie Belge
This brasserie serves up classic Belgian fare, including mussels a la Leffe, which are steamed in the famed Belgian beer and finished with cream. Other must-tries are the lobster, cheese croquettes and the Belgian meatballs with fries—and save room for the wondrous chocolate mousse. $$$ (08/2011)
1990 Main St, Sarasota
941-706- 1944
brasseriebelge.com -
Nancy’s Bar-B-Q
Nancy Krohngold is called the queen of barbecue in these parts, and when you taste her pulled pork and oak-smoked chicken (bone-in or pulled), you’ll know why. Don’t leave without tasting her beloved edamame succotash and "real deal" banana pudding. $ (04/2011)
301 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota
941-955-3400 -
ROD AND REEL PIER
At the end of a long pier stretching into the effervescent green-blue Gulf of Mexico, vintage Florida awaits with killer views, memorable grub and cheap brews. Try the seafood breakfast omelet. $$ (01/2011)
875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria
941-778-1885 -
THE BIJOU CAFÉ
Smack in the heart of downtown Sarasota, this romantic eatery charms diners with fresh flowers, intimate dining rooms, an awardwinning wine list and a menu reflecting chef/ owner Jean-Pierre Knaggs’ South African and French heritage. The creamy potato gratin is the stuff of local legend. $$$ (11/2010)
1287 First St
941-366-8111
bijoucafe.net -
ORTYGIA
Tucked on a side street in the Village of the Arts, this tiny eatery serves up authentic Sicilian food inspired by the recipes of Chef Gaetano Cannata’s ancestors. Ever the welcoming, energetic host, Cannata is known for checking up on diners throughout the meal. The small yet delightful menu includes wine pairings for almost every dish. $$ (09/2010)
1418 13th St W, Bradenton
941-741-8646
ortygiarestaurant.com -
THE SUN HOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR
Schedule your meal to coincide with the sunset, when the staff hands out “green flash” shooters, picks a diner to ring the gong and joins together in song. Then dig into the Floribbean cuisine; the fresh catch is always a winner. $$$ (09/2010)
111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach
941-782-1122
thesunhouserestaurant.com -
BEACH BISTRO
If you’re celebrating an anniversary, or the fact that you’re on vacation, head to this romantic restaurant overlooking the beach. Make the most of the meal by sharing a few plates from the cheeky menu. Top off the meal with the Makin’ Bacon ice cream, “for the pig in you.” $$$$ (09/2010)
6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach
941-778-6444
beachbistro.com -
MICHAEL’S ON EAST
Michael’s On East is Sarasota’s fi ne-dining benchmark. The eclectic menu changes with the seasons, but the signature boneless Cornish game hen with sautéed greens and rosemary pesto is a necessary nosh. $$$ (08/2010)
1212 East Ave S, Sarasota
941-366-0007
michaelsoneast.com -
BREAKFAST HOUSE
In a recently refurbished bungalow and backyard garden, this weekend-only breakfast spot offers tropical dishes like “island style” pancakes, which come topped with a slice of grilled pineapple, shredded coconut and macadamia nuts. $ (05/2010)
1817 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota
941-366-6860 -
STAR FISH COMPANY MARKET & RESTAURANT
At this former fish wholesale shop, simple Florida fare—like fried grouper sandwiches—is served on a dock that juts into Sarasota Bay. $ (05/2010)
12306 46th Ave W, Cortez
941-794-1243
starfishcompany.com