Sarasota Seafood Restaurants: Where to Find Fresh, Local Favorites

Sarasota, Florida, has long held a reputation for culture. However, this coastal destination packs a punch when it comes to food, especially local seafood. Even award-winning chefs have moved to the region, helping Sarasota boast the most restaurants per capita for a small city. To narrow down the list of raved-about options, here are some top Sarasota seafood restaurants.

Sarasota Seafood Restaurants for Fresh Catches and Gulf Goodness

Owen’s Fish Camp

Owen’s Fish Camp offers more than fresh seafood. This hot spot sits in downtown Sarasota and has a Banyan tree, tire swing and Southern hospitality. Owen’s Fish Camp has plenty of seating indoors and outside; however, it stays busy. Reservations are not accepted, so plan in advance.

On the menu, select from daily fresh catches. Starters include oysters and mini lobster rolls. Then try fried seafood, market fish, Lowcountry boil, large entrees, sandwiches and salads. Seafood favorites include trout, scallops, catfish, Maine lobster, crab legs and shrimp.

Walt’s Fish Market

Ranked among the best Sarasota seafood restaurants for fresh catches, Walt’s Fish Market operates a dual fish market and tiki bar. For more than 100 years, this family-owned favorite has brought seafood to the area.

Visitors may shop from the market or eat at the restaurant. Appetizers range from calamari to gator. For the main course, select seafood cocktails, steamed oysters and shrimp, sandwiches, and house specialties. Walt’s tacos, char-grilled plate and fried baskets are always popular. Those looking for fish will find grouper, red snapper, cobia, mahi, salmon, tuna and sea bass, to name a few. Feel free to buy seafood and cook at home as well.

Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.

Duval’s also has a long-time reputation for fresh seafood. This spot focuses on a more upscale ambiance complete with wines, creative drinks and chef-inspired food presentation. Plus, they locally source most of the food.

For something small, order crab cakes and calamari. Lunchtime features fish tacos, sandwiches and wraps. However, Duval’s signature po’boy is a must. For dinner, select from entrees such as scallops rockerfeller, ocean scampi, the seafood sampler and seasonal catches. In addition, Duval’s offers family to-go meals and kits visitors can cook at home.

Crab and Fin

Crab and Fin also sources many items from area growers and suppliers, earning it a spot among the best Sarasota seafood restaurants for fresh dishes and upscale ambiance.

Yellow fin tuna, mussels and octopus are popular appetizers. Entrees include steak and seafood platters with Gulf shrimp, crab, salmon and halibut. Seafood lovers also enjoy sea bass, lobster tail, scallops and Dover sole. Additionally, Crab and Fin serves three types of caviar, oysters and special tastings.

The Old Salty Dog

The Old Salty Dog has three locations in the area – all off Sarasota’s coast. This spot welcomes visitors to enjoy fresh air and even fresher seafood in a casual setting.

Menus changed based on location. However, some items remain Old Salty Dog staples. Conch fritters and crab dip are a good place to start. Then dig into fish sandwiches, island tacos, seafood baskets, fish dishes, shrimp, and surf and turf. Catches include mahi mahi and grouper. Some locations also serve an admiral’s platter and steam-pot.

Marina Jack

Marina Jack ranks among the best Sarasota seafood restaurants for food and waterfront views. The restaurant is located on the grounds of Marina Jack, an award-winning marina in Sarasota. Or dine from the indoor dining room. Each option has their own menu.

If dining indoors, find select entrees such as jumbo crab cakes, scallops, grouper and sea bass. Those dining on the patio should try fish and chips, fried shrimp, and the grouper sandwich. If that’s not enough, small plates include fish tacos, shrimp and oysters.

KaCey’s Seafood and More

This restaurant serves seafood favorites in a casual setting. KaCey’s Seafood and More welcomes visitors to enjoy traditional favorites and international flair.

For starters, try big bang shrimp and chilled ahi tuna. Then order from the fresh fish list, which includes salmon, grouper and snapper. Dinnertime brings shrimp and grits, po’boys, mahi rueben, wild cod, and fish and shrimp tacos. KaCey’s also offers fried seafood and gumbo.

After filling up on delicious seafood, find more things to do in Sarasota. Need a place to stay? Book a Sarasota vacation rental, and enjoy all the area offers.