With my guide to the 15 best Siesta Key restaurants, you can eat your way around the world without leaving the state of Florida.
Siesta Key is a fabulous beach destination located on the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota.
The beautiful Siesta Key area is famous for its warm, clear waters and pristine coastline where visitors can swim, sun tan, and snorkel.
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Whether you plan a solo weekend trip, a romantic vacation, or a family getaway, Siesta Key has much to offer.
For a delicious time in Florida, visit the 15 best Siesta Key restaurants serving everything from Mexican classics to modern French cuisine.
Best Siesta Key Restaurants: 15 Fresh and Flavorful Spots
1. Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill
Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill will transport you to Hawaii without stepping foot outside of Siesta Key!
In the heart of Siesta Key Village, Gilligan’s is a laid-back cocktail and tiki bar with rooftop seating.
Sip on tasty daiquiris, rum runners, and other island classics while dining on fish tacos, fried shrimp, and mouthwatering chicken sandwiches.
By day, Gilligan’s is a casual tropical paradise—at night, it transforms into a lively nightlife spot with live music. It’s the perfect spot to visit after a day spent at Siesta Key Beach!
2. The Hub Baja Grill
If you’re craving fresh Mexican cuisine, The Hub Baja Grill is one of the best restaurants in Siesta Key to try.
The Hub is famous for its margaritas, voted Best in Sarasota/Siesta Key by the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
Regardless if you opt for a cocktail, the entire menu at The Hub is irresistible—you can’t go wrong with the grouper tacos or fish and chips.
Expect live music on the outdoor patio every day of the week, and swing by for happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
3. Island House Tap & Grill
On Ocean Boulevard, Island House Tap & Grill is one of the best Siesta Key restaurants for tasty food and craft beers.
Island House serves delicious island-inspired bowls with rice, fresh vegetables, protein, and flavorful toppings and sauces.
For a heartier dinner, opt for a plate of tacos or a burger—there are several vegetarian options for those with dietary restrictions.
This tap bar and grill offers an intimate dining experience for casual date nights or grabbing drinks and apps with friends.
4. Miguel’s Restaurant
I suggest visiting Miguel’s Restaurant for a unique menu of French continental cuisine.
Miguel’s brings a slice of European fine dining to Siesta Key with elevated dishes like filet mignon, roasted duck, and tilapia.
Entrees include an appetizer, a tossed green salad, and the dessert du jour—the setting is elegant and inviting.
This Siesta Key restaurant is perfect for celebrating a special occasion or splurging on a meal out.
5. Star Thai Sushi
Star Thai Sushi is the place to beat for top-notch sushi, Thai, and Japanese food, not to mention exceptional cocktails.
Consider Star Thai Sushi for your next dinner with friends—the atmosphere is fun and lively, and the menu is fantastic.
Order a sushi boat for a delicious meal that engages all the senses, and pair it with one of the restaurant’s unique cocktail recipes.
I’ve also heard great things about Star Thai’s tempura appetizers, with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables coated in a light batter and fried until crispy.
6. Turtle Beach Grill
Turtle Beach Grill is located directly on the bay and accessible by boat for an authentic Florida restaurant experience.
This South Siesta Key dining spot has everything for a memorable night, from a dog-friendly patio to live music and an excellent happy hour menu.
You’ll love the open and friendly vibe at Turtle Beach Grill, which is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
As a bonus, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoons to explore the Gulf of Mexico on the water.
7. Cafe Gabbiano
Cafe Gabbiano is one of the best Siesta Key restaurants to impress your dinner date.
The warm and intimate decor is the ideal backdrop for a romantic pasta, steak, or chicken meal.
While there are many Italian places in the area, Cafe Gabbiano consistently ranks at the top.
There is also an impressive wine and bourbon list at this Italian cafe, and the dessert options are incredibly decadent.
8. Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Siesta Key Oyster Bar (affectionately known as SKOB) is a beloved local favorite with plenty of island spirit.
SKOB feels like a small, low-key pub, but don’t let the casual setting fool you—the wings and burgers at this bar are award-winning.
Plan to visit SKOB for happy hour to score a dozen oysters for $12, one of the best deals in Siesta Key.
You can also grab Sunday brunch at SKOB, which includes a complimentary breakfast cocktail and tasty breakfast classics.
9. Summer House Steak & Seafood
Indulge in an unforgettable surf and turf experience at Summer House Steak & Seafood on Avenida Messina.
Summer House is an upscale yet unpretentious eatery serving fresh local seafood and high-quality Angus steaks.
Everything at Summer House is divine, from the mouthwatering lobster bisque to the Wagyu sirloin, scallops, and more.
The coastal chic vibe at this steak and seafood restaurant is adorable, with blue-and-white theming reminiscent of summer.
10. The Old Salty Dog
A visit to Siesta Key would be incomplete without dining at The Old Salty Dog, a popular spot among locals and tourists.
The Old Salty Dog has been a Florida staple since 1985 and is famous for its relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
Whether you’re craving coconut shrimp, gumbo, a po’boy, or tacos, The Old Salty Dog has something for everyone to enjoy.
Salty Dog is excellent for couples and groups thanks to the extensive menu of reasonably priced seafood favorites.
11. Daiquiri Deck
With two locations in Siesta Key, Daiquiri Deck is considered one of the best Siesta Key restaurants for fun and unique cocktails and delicious seafood bites.
Daiquiri Deck serves many delicious alcoholic drinks inspired by the Florida locale, but the frozen daiquiris can’t be missed.
Regarding food, expect familiar options like lobster rolls, poke bowls, and fried fish baskets with hushpuppies.
Come to Daiquiri Deck for the drinks, but stay for the tasty offerings, live music, and good times.
12. Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar
Sample the best local flavors at Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar, an exciting bar in a shopping center called Curt’s Village.
Couples, friends, and family will love the vibrant, beach-inspired decor—the perfect backdrop for weekend karaoke nights.
This seafood bar serves wild-caught crab and oysters and boasts a world-famous clam chowder recipe.
Captain Curt’s Village is also home to a tiki bar, coffee store, ice cream shop, bike and kayak rentals, and a gift shop. What’s not to love?
13. The Cottage
Shake things up for your next meal out on the town at The Cottage, an American and Japanese fusion restaurant.
The Cottage offers classic Florida charm with a modern twist—the chefs are passionate about mouthwatering food, which is evident in every bite.
I suggest trying the tapas menu to taste various dishes ranging from crab cakes to short ribs and ceviche.
These tasty bites pair perfectly with The Cottage’s cocktail, wine, and beer selection.
14. Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar
If you’re craving authentic Italian pizza, you’ll love grabbing a meal at Flavio’s restaurant and bar.
Brick oven pizza is the star at Flavio’s, with many handmade cheese, meat, and vegetable pies.
For those wanting a different option, Flavio’s also specializes in fresh pasta, meat entrees, and a delicious assortment of starters to share with friends.
Regardless of what you order at Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar, your tastebuds will thank you!
15. Big Water Fish Market
I had to give Big Water Fish Market on Midnight Pass Road a shoutout—while it’s in Sarasota, the 15-minute drive is worth it.
This seafood restaurant specializes in wild-caught local seafood, and the freshness is evident in every bite.
The atmosphere at the fish market is quaint and cozy, with nautical decor served alongside draft beers and flavorful dishes.
Everything at Big Water is delicious, from the clam chowder to the seared tuna and inventive fish sandwiches.
Save room for dessert to try Mama’s Key Lime Pie, the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Those were my picks for the best Siesta Key restaurants—I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry now!
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FAQs
Siesta Key is a Florida island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota.
Siesta Key isn’t the most budget-friendly destination in Florida, but you can save by traveling with friends to split the cost of lodging, transportation, and food.
Consider Miguel’s Restaurant or The Cottage.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
