Sidewalk dining adds to the South American feel in Sarasota
First Stop: Mexico
El Adobe Mexican Restaurant(4023 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota,941-921-7476)has everything you need to go south of the border: Mexican tile floors, overflowing baskets of chips and salsa and waiters who actually Spanish.
Further south, eat inside or out at Mi Pueblo(530 US Highway 41 Byp S # 530,Venice, 941-486-0005). Their special chocolate chili sauce, mole, is definitely worth a try.
Explore the Far East
It’s not fancy, as the folding metal chairs and paper tablecloths (crayons provided) will attest, but the Indian cuisine at Chutneys (1944 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-954-4444) in Southside Village sure is tasty. Flavors range from mild to too-hot-to-handle; you can choose two dishes from their dinner list for under 15 dollars!
For a taste of the orient, head across the street to Pacific Rim (1859 Hillview St., Sarasota, 941-330-8071). Serving up Asian cuisine in a modern atmosphere, you can watch your meal being prepared from a seat at the large sushi bar or by peeking into the open kitchen. This place is popular with those in the know, so expect to wait a few minutes for a table. Not to worry--you can entertain yourself with a tasty lychee martini at the often crowded bar.
Ask a local where to go for Thai and they’ll tell you Bangkok (4791 Swift Rd., Sarasota, 941-922-0703)--the restaurant, not the city. Though it’s in a strip mall, the décor inside will make you feel as though you’re dining in a palace, replete with silken pillows on which to sit around ornately carved wooden tables. Indulge in Thai classics like Pad Thai or pineapple curry.
…Then the East
Nellie's Deli (3688 Webber St.,Sarasota, 941-924-2705)serves up authentic Jewish deli-style food that will make you feel like you're in New York City, at the very least. With many Kosher options, this is the place to go for all of your comfort-food cravings.
Then on to Europe
The famous Columbia Restaurant (411 St. Armands Cir., Sarasota, 941-388-3987) is a must-stop for any visitor. Serving fine Spanish cuisine in Florida since 1905 (in Sarasota since 1959), it would be sacrilege not to sample their signature 1905 Salad and chilled gazpacho soup. Eat in the beautiful dining room or soak in the sun and people-watch on the patio. Don't forget to get a pitcher of Sangria!
Irish eyes are smiling at Lynches Pub & Grub (19 B N. Blvd of Presidents, Sarasota, 941-388-5550), also in St. Armands. You can feast on your favorite foods from the Emerald Isle: cottage pie, corned beef and cabbage, corned beef hash and more. Or, just order up a pint of Guinness – it’s a filling meal in itself!
Just around the circle is upscale Café L’Europe(431 St. Armands Cir., Sarasota, 941-388-4415). Dine on fine continental cuisine inside or al fresco. It’s known throughout Sarasota for its good taste, both in food and décor, and is the perfect place whether it's a special occasion or "just because."
Opa! El Greco Café (1592 Main St.,Sarasota, 941-365-2234), downtown Sarasota’s Big Fat Greek Restaurant, got a new look on the outside, but it's still just what you'd expect on the inside--portions are huge and the price is right; they serve up all your Greek favorites, including kebabs, spanakopita and gyros.
There just might be more Italian restaurants in Sarasota than in Italy itself. One restaurant that does al dente just like mama made it is Café Baci (4001 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-921-4848). If you don’t mind eating before sunset, try the early bird special – it’s renowned in snowbird circles.
Hungry for more? Try:
Peruvian
Selva Grille, 1345 Main St # D, Sarasota, 941-362-4427
Thai
Tropical Thai, 1420 Main St, Sarasota, 941-364-5775
Thailand, 2238 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, 941-927-8424
Japanese
Saga, 8383 S Tamiami Trl # 104, Sarasota, 941-924-2800
Jo-To, 5218 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, 941-346-8366
Middle Eastern
Sahara Café, 1121 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-954-1423 and 8507 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, 941-925-9520
Continental/French
Bijou Café, 1287 1st St, Sarasota, 941-366-8111
C’est La Vie, 1553 Main St, Sarasota,941-906-9575
Italian/Mediterranean
Café Epicure, 1298 N Palm Ave # A, Sarasota, 941-366-5648
