BEST LOCAL BREAKFAST The Breakfast Company

Order up! We’ll take four, fantastic fan-favorites for breakfast. Worth waking up for, The Breakfast Company will have you scrambling for a spot at their dining room tables as our Platinum pick. Station 400 toasted their contenders with their grit(s) and grabbed Gold. Mademoiselle Paris buttered up their breakfast regulars ensuring a Silver-platter place and The Breakfast Cottage defeated their bacon-worthy brethren winning Bronze. Sit back, decaf (relax) and enjoy Honorable Mentions Sun Garden Café and Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery.

Alizee Gagliardi (on The Breakfast Company) The Breakfast Company is my absolute favorite breakfast place. Not only is the food incredible, but they have some of the most caring and friendly team I have ever seen. Just a phenomenal experience all around. Kelly Fox (on Station 400) Their menu items are always fresh and delicious choices you can’t find anywhere else in Sarasota. Peter Williams (on Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant & Bakery) Best crêpes, best pastries, best bread. The most wonderful breakfast around. Maggie O’Brien (on Sun Garden Café) Awesome breakfast every single time. Consistently good food. Service with a smile. Lots of outdoor dining where you don’t even realize you’re next to the parking area. Inside seating is comfy and bright. Excellent music. A can’t miss experience any time you’re on Siesta Key. Nicholas Sammuel (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) Their mission of clean food and high quality ingredients truly shines through and you can taste the difference. Genuine hospitality from this small family really sets them apart.

BEST LOCAL BURGER Food + Beer

These burger joins aren’t just flipping patties—their juicy, stacked and loaded burgers having people flipping out. Sure, we’ve all had a burger—bun there done that, but these winners are doing something special and have proven themselves bun in a million (or a few hundred here in Sarasota at least). FOOD+BEER, aptly named after what they do best, piles on the Platinum winning toppings to top the list. Shakespeare’s Craft Beer and Gastro Pub grills up a Gold and Gecko’s Grill & Pub smashes it into Silver. Take a bite out of Bronze with Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ—taking home the final spot. Head over to Honorable Mentions Brewster’s Gastropub, Hamlet’s Eatery, Shake Station and The 1818 Grill for some meaty masterpieces.

Brandon Hopkins (on FOOD+BEER) The best burger you will get around Sarasota and Bradenton. Buns are toasted, yet soft. The lettuce and tomato are fresh. The pickles are the most flavorful pickles of all time. The burger is cooked to perfection. You tell them medium and it’s medium. The burger is a great cut of beef that is cooked to order like a steak. No question, the best burger in the area. T Krenn (on Shakespeare’s Craft Beer and Gastro Pub) Undeniably the best burger in town. I highly recommend the black and blue. It’s big and tasty for sure. Derek Housh (on Gecko’s Grill & Pub) Perfect every time! Raq Carlson (on Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ) We love a good burger and have struggled to find a place in Sarasota with exceptional burgers. Mouthole has met that need. The quality and the flavors are incredible. Jeff Pritchett (on Shake Station) My favorite burger anywhere. The flavor is amazing. I always get a double. Sundari Bliss (on Hamlet’s Eatery) The best.
I could live on it!

BEST NEW RESTAURANT  Arts & Central

We are creatures of habit, but when you need to break out of your lunch rut and stop ordering the same old soggy sandwich these newbies in town are worth the wait. Arts & Central places itself in Platinum followed by Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery—a Gold winner to grab your next great bite. Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ sizzles onto the food scene with Silver and Fin & Tonic dares you to break away from the old and head over to the brave new Bronze. If you dare to be different, try Honorable Mentions The 1818 Grill, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar and Rufa.

Angel Reed (on Arts & Central) A family owned and operated restaurant that has brought life back to the Rosemary District while highlighting local artists. Chase Reed (on Arts & Central) The love for their community and innovative experience has been my favorite addition to Sarasota.  Elizabeth Topp (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) Fluffy and flavorful, Focaccia’s authenticity brings joy to all that enjoy their menus. Darren Knapp (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) The most amazing restaurant in SRQ right now.  These are the best sandwiches without question—very creative. Top quality ingredients and Nick, the chef, knows how to cook! Nick and his wife are the most welcoming, nice people. Raq Carlson (on Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ) I just love that they fill a void that’s been missing in Sarasota. The burgers are phenomenal and there’s just nothing like them in town. DJ Iche(on Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ) This place has its own vibe going on. From the decor to the music playing. Definitely a unique spot. Jerusha Pfannenschmidt (on Fin & Tonic) The owners are super nice guys! Great staff, delicious food. Anne Rollings (on Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar) The Watershed Hospitality Concepts family had their hearts in this downtown project. These folks support our local farmers, fishermen and community causes. I look forward to every project they endeavor to share with our community.

BEST LOCAL CEVICHE Selva Grill

These Sarasota ceviche makers have mastered how to reel in the best flavor. Think of it like sushi from south of the border—with a little more zing and zest. Voters marinated on it and picked Selva Grill as their Platinum winner this year. Peruvian Grill Sarasota keeps things fresh fileting up a Gold finish. El Ceviche squeezed their citrus and their way to a Silver situation and Aji Ceviche Bar Sarasota brings the oceanic brine to Bronze with their bowls. Don’t skip Honorable Mention Big Water Fish Market.

Gabriel Rivera (on Selva Grill) The fish is always fresh and flavorful. LeeAnne Swor (Selva Grill) My favorite restaurant in Sarasota. Always delicious, interesting food and I love the presentation. Rosy Asiain (on El Ceviche) Fresh food and authentic.

BEST LOCAL STEAK Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood

There’s no mis-steaking our readers’ love for red meat. It’s rare that we can all agree on something, but when it came to figuring out which restaurants were well done voters had a lot to filet. Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood peppers the competition with their Platinum win while Alpine Steakhouse and Butcher Shop had the crowds searing for them—taking home Gold. Michael John’s-French-American Steakhouse feasted their rib-eyes on the prize for a sirloin Silver and KOJO beefed their way up to ranks to make a cattle on the charts taking home Bronze. Honorable Mentions include Michael’s On East, Brine Seafood & Raw Bar, B&B Chophouse and Market and Mattison’s Forty-One.

Sarah Hornsby (on Siesta Key Summer House Steak & Seafood) These are the best steaks I have ever eaten. Audrey Bennett (Alpine Steakhouse and Butcher Shop) This no-frills local spot has some of the best, highest quality and most fresh cuts of steak in town. Every bite is simple and delicious allowing the flavor to shine. A total gem. Erik Jorgensen (on Michael John’s - French-American Steakhouse) Satisfaction. High quality and consistent execution. This local gem deserves every ounce of respect a prime steak earns when prepared to perfection and served with style. Shelby Eagen (on KOJO) KOJO’s steak is simply divine. Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and a true Sarasota gem. Mark Alan (on Mattison’s Forty-One) Consistently the best steak preparation that I’ve had. Never a disappointment and always a joy to celebrate any occasion there. Karina Braun (on B&B Chophouse & Market) The best meat!

BEST LOCAL INDIAN FOOD Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine

They curried enough favor (and flavor) with our readers to end up at the top. Don’t worry we won’t dal any longer. The time is pan-neer—here are this year’s picks for Indian food. Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine papa-daminated the plates to Platinum while Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill isn’t rogan-joshing around when it comes to flavor in Gold—they said vindaloo-hoo to Maharaja Indian Cuisine in the Silver spot this year. Bay Leaf Osprey brings the Bronze winning biryani to the competition. Honorable Mention Curry Station will chai again next year but head their way to give their food a man-go lassi.

Jerusha Pfannenschmidt (on Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine) My boyfriend introduced me to Tandoor on our third date. I honestly never really liked Indian food prior to my first visit. Now I am hooked! Wendy Moore (on Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill) So many options to select from—the vindaloo is fantastic. Mark Alan (on Turmeric Indian Bar & Grill) This place downtown is such a welcome edition. In the last eight years, it is the only place that seems to have taken a foothold. The food is great and the service is really outstanding. Great for pre-theatre or after dining. Elaine Glickman (on Maharaja Indian Cuisine) This may not be the fanciest restaurant but it’s one of the best! The food is amazing—just the right mix of savory and spicy and the freshest, softest, most delicious naan. The service is friendly, accommodating and kind. I am getting hungry just writing these words! Marci Reedy (on Maharaja Indian Cuisine) Hands down the tastiest Indian cuisine Sarasota has had in years! The flavor and consistency with their dishes has made it a weekly family favorite! Liliane Lykes (on Bay Leaf Osprey) Such good food and friendly people. Their Desi Thali lunch special is yummy.

BEST LOCAL KOREAN Korê Steakhouse

Our readers had a lot to jap-chae about their favorites this year and we’re going to tell you . . . soon-dae. Or now, now works too. Korê Steakhouse bibim-bap’d their way to the top taking Platinum while Charlie’s Bulgogi grilled their way to Gold. Bulgogi House Korean BBQ was ferment to be Silver and Korean Ssam Bar wants you to bul-go-gi over to try some of their Bronze winning kimbap. Help yourself to seconds at Honorable Mention Shilla Korean Restaurant.

Patrik Psson (on Kore Steakhouse) The best Korean steak house I’ve been to. Alyssa Holcomb (on Charlie’s Bulgogi) Charlie’s is by far my favorite local restaurant making my favorite meal. Charlie and Su, the owners, are as generous with their time as they are with their delicious cooking. The grilled samgyeopsal (pork belly) and veggie pajeon are a must. Everlyn Vo (on Bulgogi House Korean BBQ) Their lunch Special is such a good deal. I love their side dishes and their meat is always marinated well. Dj Iche (on Korean Ssam Bar) Best Mom and Pop Korean restaurant.

BEST LOCAL BRUNCH Mademoiselle Paris

We wish (as do our wallets) we could give it up, but we’re just a brunch of suckers for that culinary sweet spot between breakfast and lunch. When waking up at 2pm still guarantees you’ll be greeted with crispy bacon and ooey-gooey eggs—not judgemental looks for your long hours in bed. We know you work hard Monday through Friday, so on weekends, these restaurants reward you for a good night’s (and morning’s, and afternoon’s) sleep. Mademoiselle Paris’ menu is jam-packed with egg-selence winning Platinum while The Breakfast Cottage has got that griddled Gold. Toastique - Sarasota doesn’t yolk around when it comes to brunch—snagging Silver and Bronze winner FOOD+BEER knows that life batter with pancakes. Haul yourself out of bed to Honorable Mentions Sun Garden Cafe, Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery and Kolucan Mexican Bar & Grill.

Madeleine L (on Mademoiselle Paris) Amazing brunch as well as breakfast. Great cocktails and food—salty and sweet. Steven Snyder (on The Breakfast Cottage) Reuben Eggs Benedict—awesome. On the specials menu, get it while you can. Jess Alvarez (on Toastique-Sarasota) The spirit of Toastique nurtures the best in us all. Delicious, happy, and healthy. Kayla Beaty (on FOOD + BEER) Who doesn’t love quality delicious food, great service and bottomless mimosas? No one! My go-to spot. Renee Holloran-Brewer (on Sun Garden Cafe) I’ve been visiting Siesta Key and Longboat Key twice a year for the past five years. Our visits always include a couple trips while we’re there. I love the food. Favorites are cinnamon sticky buns, SG potatoes and eggs Benedict with bacon instead of ham. The waitstaff is always so friendly and accommodating every time! Can’t wait to go back again in November.

BEST LOCAL BARBECUE Brick’s Smoked Meats

When it comes to barbecue, don’t mess with these finger-lickin’ legends. Pitmasters that know how to bring the heat and flavor they are masters of the low and slow. Brick’s Smoked Meats smoked the competition taking home Platinum while Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse ribbed their way to second place with a Gold win. Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ is a sizzly Silver star and Alday’s BBQ beefed up their menus to risk it for the brisket—securing them a Bronze spot.

Chris Hart (on Brick’s) Deviled eggs, wings, brisket, burnt ends and dinosaur bones. If you don’t know, that’s just more for me (lol). Sharon Kunkel (on Stottlemyer’s) It isn’t just a wonderful place to get delicious barbecue, it also features live music including one of the area’s best jam nights six days a week. Highly recommend this local family-owned business. John Ivins (on Mouthole Smashburgers and BBQ) I have never tasted better brisket or ribs. Marge McCarthy (on Alday’s) On weekends they have filled our bellies with some of the best barbecue! Love the staff—Mr. Alday will do anything to make you happy if he can.

BEST LOCAL PIZZA Capo Pazzo Pizzeria + Kitchen

A food that needs no explanation, let’s get right into it. Tossing aside the competition this year is Capo Pazzo Pizzeria + Kitchen, a Platinum success. Solorzano’s Pizza-Webber St. gabagool’d their way to Gold and Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe perfected perfect slices for Silver. Readers burrata-it really hard, and their Bronze pick is Sal’s Pizzeria & Pasta House. Have a slice at Honorable Mentions Asaro’s Pizzeria Restaurante, Cornerstone and Company and Patellini’s Pizza.

Aimee Villella (on Capo Pazzo Pizza) Capo Pazzo makes me feel at home! This NYer was missing pizza and dreaded eating it at most local establishments as nothing compares to NY style pizza. Finally we have it here in Sarasota. All their food is delicious. I love their salads, pizza, pasta and appetizers. Fresh, delicious and authentic. Anthony Allen (on Solorzano Pizza-Webber) Amazing pizza, amazing staff. My personal favorite is the fact that the owner still remembered my name after not showing up to the store for a year. That right there shows his passion and dedication to his business and customers. Susan Szantosi (on Origin) They have a delightful staff and great selection of pizza. The best part is they are serving healthy food after 10pm and I don’t have to cook after a long day. I really appreciate that. Bob G (on Sal’s Pizzeria & Pasta House) I have been going to Sal’s for years and years. Best pizza in all of Sarasota. Great family run pizza and pasta place. The real deal. Ravi Patel (on Patellini’s Pizza) Been coming here for over 20 years and have come to know the amazing family and the pride they put into their pizza. Quality is always top notch and hands down the best pizza in SRQ.

BEST LOCAL SUSHI TIE Pacific Rim + Jpan Sushi & Grill

The rolls royce of sushi will have you tempura-arily forgetting any other type of food exists. Voters in the know thought these spots were shrimply the best. Pacific Rim and Jpan Sushi & Grill were so good readers’ couldn’t kelp but put them both in the top spot to take home Platinum. Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi had the crowd hooked and grabbed Gold while Spice Station had to wasa-bi our pick for Silver. Diners were playing koi about their final pick—Star Thai & Sushi Siesta Key took home the tuna for Bronze. Don’t miss Honorable Mentions Ichiban Restaurant & Sushi Bar and Samurai Japanese Fusion.

Joelene Fruehauf (on Jpan Sushi & Grill) Love this sushi place! The only place I absolutely love and is constantly consistent. LeeAnne Swor (on Pacific Rim) Great food, beautiful presentation, familiar faces and Vet always makes you feel special when you are a regular customer. Alice Malone (on Pacific Rim) I love their creative rolls and great appetizers. Julia Henry (on Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi) Always has the freshest fish. Never disappoints. Megan Mitchell (on Spice Station) As a local sushi connoisseur, I think Spice Station does a great job on price point, variety and presentation. Sara Meadow (on Star Thai & Sushi Siesta Key) Most friendly staff I’ve ever been around. They create bonds within the community. Jerusha Pfannenschmidt (Star Thai & Sushi Siesta Key) Geoff is awesome. He made me a signature sushi roll called Juice on the Gulf. Everlyn Vo (on Ichiban Restaurant & Sushi Bar) Owner is a very nice guy and the sushi is always made with love and it always tastes fresh. Laurie Kealing (on Samurai Japanese Fusion) Relatively new restaurant. Great food and atmosphere.

BEST LOCAL VIETNAMESE Phô Cali

For your next (seemingly always gigantic) bowl of steaming pho, find yourself a seat at these vetted Vietnamese spots. Pho Cali is a Platinum place to stack your sprouts high while Pho 101 Noodle House gets Gold. Pho Street is a hois-in for Silver followed by Bronze best Demi’s Noodle House and Tin, Viêt & Sushi Bar sharing the final place on this list. Don’t be too surprised with the name—Honorable Mention Fresca Pizza & Pasta serves Vietnamese food!

Alizee Gagliardi (on Pho Cali) Pho Cali has delicious food and is conveniently located on Main St. Cassi Checklick (on Pho 101 Noodle House) They have the best pho broth in town without a doubt, I even order an extra side of broth because I love it so much. Valerie Jefferson (on Pho Street) Delicious authentic Vietnamese food that hits the spot every time. They are friendly, accommodating, with expedient service. Sarah Hornsby (on Demi’s Noodle House) The most fresh and delicious food around, and always so nice too. Melina Adkins (on Tin, Vi) Friendly customer service and fresh pho ingredients.

BEST LOCAL THAI Bangkok Restaurant

These restaurants are simply to Thai for. Punchy, peanut-y noodles. Lucious, lime juice and basil packed curries. Lemongrass soups simply overflowing with flavor—this is the allure of Thai cuisine. There’s never a dull moment and each bite spans the flavor palate of your tongue. Created seemingly to ignite the senses, these winners are just what you need when you’re hungry and feeling Krabi. Bangkok Restaurant pads onto Platinum and Isan Thai Restaurant spring (rolls) into second place with Gold. Thai Seed had som tum special for Silver and Thai Wasabi was tom yum enough for Bronze.

Lyric Geske (on Bangkok Restaurant) I absolutely love their Pad Thai. It holds a deep place in my heart. Everlyn Vo (on Isan Thai Restaurant) Their Pork Belly Fried Rice is to die for! Amazing, friendly, staff. The food is just magnificent. Mark Alan (on Isan Thai Restaurant) Stumbled on this place one day and have been a fan ever since. I love the taste and smell of lemongrass. The way it is used in their cooking brings everything to life. Fiona Farrell (on Thai Seed) Their authentic flavors and commitment to quality create an unforgettable dining experience. There are so many dishes on their menu that I enjoy, but the duck soup is my absolute favorite.

BEST LOCAL HANDMADE PASTA Napulé

From swirly, silky strands of linguini to plump, pillowly purses of ravioli—these pasta-tively passionate pros from-scratch’d their way to the top. Hoping to make an al dente in your appetite is Napulé—a local spot that had readers making a Platinum pasta-monium over their homemade menu. La Violetta spaghetti’d the Gold and La Mucca Ballerina stretched their dough all the way to Silver. Vino Vino Restaurant asked a penne for our thoughts—and we’re thinking Bronze. Handmade pasta doesn’t stop there, Honorable Mention Tiramisu Ristorante Italiano has you covered.

Chris Hart (on Napule) Amazing! Denice Peoples (on La Violetta) The best pasta in town. Always fresh and great specials. It’s tucked away . . .so look for it! It is well worth it. Giulia Zappaterreno (on La Mucca Ballerina) Holy cow! We randomly came across this restaurant and we’re so glad we took a chance on it. Pure authentic Italian restaurant. Feels like grandma’s house! The focaccia bread is by far the best I’ve ever had. The pizza, pasta and short rib pasta were all impeccable. If you are a local, or an out-of-towner please do yourself a favor and dine at La Mucca Ballerina. The smells will win you over, but the food will 100 percent seal the deal as the greatest Italian food in Sarasota, and likely all of the east coast. S L (on Vino Vino Restaurant) Vino Vino offers a fabulous restaurant experience, with the chef giving a personal presentation describing the homemade pastas and preparation of that day’s specials. Every bite of your meal is a culinary masterpiece that melts in your mouth. Truly incredible. Michael J. Snyder (on Vino Vino Restaurant) Vino vino is my favorite authentic Italian restaurant in Sarasota for a variety of reasons starting with the delicious food but as or more important is the connection with the owner Ciro and how he makes you feel like family when you dine with them and that makes you want to keep coming back. Love Vino Vino! Ruby Brysha (on Vino Vino Restaurant) This little restaurant serves food that rivals my nonna’s. It serves authentic cuisine that is a real taste of Italian home cooking!

BEST LOCAL RAMEN FushiPoke

We are soup-er excited that our readers’ love to ramen-ticize their ramen and muse over their favorites. We are soy excited for these results and are trying hard to ramen calm. Starting off with Platinum is FushiPoke followed by Yokoso Ramen noodling their way to Gold. Namo Izakaya Ramen & Yakitori didn’t broth-er to worry—they knew they’d land the Silver spot. Mitaka Japanese Ramen House ready to bonit-go for the Bronze win.

Gina Caro (on FushiPoke) Top quality ingredients. Victoria Chai (on Yokoso Ramen) Super cute atmosphere, delicious, fresh and authentic ramen. Brittaney Johnston (on Namo Izakaya Ramen & Yakitori) I’m addicted to their ramen! The flavors are out of this world. The staff is so kind and treats you like family. Katie Thornton (on Namo Izakaya Ramen & Yakitori) I am addicted to their creamy curry ramen. It is phenomenal!

BEST LOCAL SALAD Columbia Restaurant

Crispy, crunchy, classic—the salad, loved by housewives (of the Bravo variety) and the ladies who lunch is as ubiquitous to afternoon dining as eggs are to breakfast. Rarely will you see someone munching on a bowl of lettuce before 10am and dinner is for the heavy hitters—pasta, steak, an entire roast chicken perhaps. It is at lunch that the sophisticated salad shines and this is where you should be spotted eating one. Columbia Restaurant simply the salad to have if you have one at all, Columbia restaurant is a Cuban restaurant known for its salad and that’s why it takes the Platinum spot. Gecko’s Grill & Pub is a garden-best Gold while Arts & Central and Green Zebra Café are two peas in a pod sharing Silver. Get in your greens at Bronze winner FOOD+BEER and pay a visit to Honorable Mentions The Breakfast Company, ATRIA Cafe and The 1818 Grill.

Paige Farr (on Columbia) The Columbia Salad is unlike any other, the dressing is unique and has a flavor to die for. Catherine Clouse Ferrer (on Columbia) Anyone can make good salads at home, but no one can replicate Columbia’s 1905 salad - the ambiance, the fresh ingredients, the tableside mixing. It’s the best salad because it’s a salad experience. Alyssa Holcomb (on Gecko’s Grill & Pub) Buffalo Chicken Salad. This is one of my go-tos at Gecko’s. The big portion combined with the big flavor is a must-try. Erik Walker (on Arts & Central) Best selection of unique salads available. Very creative and delicious flavors, especially the apple and fennel and the Dirty Rotten Fruit Basket.

BEST LOCAL PO’ BOY Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.

A delicacy of the bayou, this New Orleans favorite has the saints marchin’ in and over to Florida to share. The perfect answer when you can decide between the seafood plate or sandwich—this extra large fried fish (or oyster, or shrimp) sammy is as satisfying as it is satiating. Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. crawl (fish’d) their way to the top taking home Platinum while Tripletail Seafood & Spirits is a NOLA-worthy Gold. Shake Station doesn’t shrimp on the toppings for Silver and Big Water Fish Market one step French bread of the rest with the Bronze.

Robyn A. Marinelli (on Duval’s) The bread is so fresh and crispy. Every bite is an explosion of flavors. Darrell Dobey (on Tripletail Seafood & Spirits) Since day one, I fell in love with this location. The customer service - that smile and greeting at the front door, food, service, ambience are second to none. Darcelle Jacob (on Duval’s) Favorite go-to for lunch. The Po Boy is delicious! Baguette is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The seafood is fried (or grilled) and chipotle remoulade gives it just a bit of a kick! Perfect blend! YUM! Mary Beth Hamvai (on Shake Station) Shake Station is great at everything. Their staff is amazing, friendly and great service. It’s truly a local favorite hangout where you always see folks you know and just have the best time.

BEST LOCAL OYSTERS Brine Seafood and Raw Bar

These pearls will have you jumping for joy-sters. The mysterious mollusk has tantalized our tastes and captivated (boat) captains for centuries. How would an honest person describe them—ugly, dangerous to open, frankly a little (very) unappetizing to look at . . . but as most converts will tell you, after a taste of this seafood superstar and you’re transported. It contains in one tiny, blob the grand scope of oceanic flavors. One moment you’re slurping it down in your seat, the next you’re smelling the salt-water air on the beach on Prince Edward Island. It’s a sensation not many other foods can compete with. Speaking of competition, Brine Seafood & Raw Bar will have you shelling out for their Platinum product. Owen’s Fish Camp guzzles down Gold and Anna Maria Oyster Bar shucks up a Silver spot. Veronica Fish and Oyster is Bronze—off the boat into your belly. Check out Honorable Mentions Monk’s Steamer Bar Inc., Tripletail Seafood & Spirits and Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar.

Monica Desomma (on Brine Seafood and Raw Bar) I had the best oysters on the half shell at Brine. All recommendations from our waiter. They have great dirty martinis as well. Taylor Heck (on Owens Fish Camp) Owen’s has the best oyster, not just in the Sarasota/Bradenton area, but some of the best we have had anywhere. They are always fresh and offer a nice variety of options. Robert Holzler (on Anna Maria Oyster Bar) Raw to fried. Best oysters in town. Hailey Kendall (on Veronica Fish and Oyster) Great food and location. Andrea Capek (on Monk’s Steamer Bar Inc.) They are just a Sarasota staple. They still have the best prices with the freshest oysters.

BEST ROMANTIC DINNER Ophelia’s on the Bay

Love at first bite—we think it should happen here. Ophelia’s on the Bay is the Platinum pick to tell your honey you only have pies for them. Fall in lust at Gold winning Indigenous Restaurant or snuggle up with your sweet at Silver winning Mademoiselle Paris. Being with the one you love has never been more romantic (or delicious) than with a dinner at Bronze winning Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Grab a reservation and a kiss at Honorable Mentions Michael John’s - French-American Steakhouse, Michael’s On East, Beso and Marcello Ristorante.

Audrey Randall (on Ophelia’s on the Bay) The most incredible meals and ambiance. Jennifer Helenek (on Ophelia’s on the Bay) Love this restaurant for date night. Andrea Capek (on Indigenous Restaurant) This is just obvious. Vincent P (on Mademoiselle Paris French Restaurant & Bakery) They are the best! My wife and I come very often and it’s always perfect. Amazing food and service for great prices. Highly recommended. Ed Nadworny (on Dry Dock Waterfront Grill) Excellent view. Rachel Kemp (on Michael John’s - French-American Steakhouse) Best of two worlds: Steak and French cuisine. Cozy and intimate atmosphere. Wonderful wines, desserts and quaint classy bar area. Fantastic service. Sara Meadow (on Marcello Ristorante) Very intimate space with a new menu every night. Everything is cooked by owner Marcello and he makes it an experience.

BEST LOCAL DESSERT Mademoiselle Paris

Desperately seeking dessert? You deserve the decadence of these tasty delights. Mademoiselle Paris is a cream-puff Platinum while Great Heights Creamery gets tummies rumbling for Gold. Green Zebra Café sugar-capped the competition for Silver and Simply Sweets SRQ bakes a Bronze best for treats during the week. Save room for a bit of Honorable Mention Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery.

Michael Zealy (on Mademoiselle Paris) Amazing crepes. Megan Baers (on Great Heights Creamery) A hidden gem for ice cream enthusiasts of all ages, offering unique handcrafted flavors you won’t find anywhere else. C O’Connor (Green Zebra Café) Raw Pancake—signature dish is out of this world! Francesca Fago (on Simply Sweets SRQ) My absolute go-to for every celebration! Their custom cupcakes are always beautifully crafted and incredibly delicious. The quality and attention to detail are truly top-notch. Virginia Edwards (on Simply Sweets) Simply Sweet cupcakes are moist and the buttercream is exceptional. All orders are customized to your theme or colors. Simply Sweets is your one stop shop for any occasion or personal treat. Sara Meadow (on Carousel’s Soft Serve Icery) These are local ice cream trucks who run a program called Carousel’s Cares which is fundraisers for the community. They are constantly giving back and focus on bringing joy back to others. They serve dairy free soft serve ice.

BEST LOCAL VEGAN Green Zebra Café

Less harm, more harmony is the way of vegan eating. For the vegetarian-curious, try a meal at one of these fan-favorites. Green Zebra Café makes vegan easy with their vitamin packed Platinum menu followed by Hamlet’s Eatery a Gold worth their greens. Lila is a pretty fig deal with their Silver spot and Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery beets the competition onto the board at Bronze. Have your greens and grains at Honorable Mentions Fam Kitchen and Ka Papa Cuisine.

Alizee Gagliardi (on Green Zebra Café) Green Zebra is an amazing restaurant. Fantastic vegan and vegetarian options, delicious food that leaves you feeling your best. Chris Hart (on Hamlet’s Eatery) Amazing brunch food from a little truck. With vegan options for everything. Pet Friendly outdoor courtyard—a Great way to support local art and business too. Susan Szantosi (on Lila) Lila offers a perfect combination of cleanliness, friendliness and delicious food. The atmosphere is always welcoming, with a staff that makes you feel right at home. Their menu is full of fresh, flavorful dishes that never disappoint, making it easy to enjoy healthy eating. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Lila delivers a consistently enjoyable experience. Camillia Brogden (on Focaccia Sandwich + Bakery) Their food is made with the highest quality ingredients and with so much thought and love behind every single item on the menu! The owners are amazing people. Suzanne Kofler (on Ka Papa Cuisine) I make a two hour trip from Bonita Springs to visit this restaurant. The food and drinks are always delicious and the atmosphere is beautiful. I’ve dined here with my family, a friend, and by myself. Each time has been a wonderful experience. Although I am the only vegan in the bunch, everyone enjoyed their meal. I always look forward to my next trip. Irene Tuttle (on Fam Kitchen) Local, healthy, homemade prepared with love and super delicious. Ian Santaella (on Ka Papa Cuisine) Ka Papa allows me to taste the difference between food that is sourced in an ecologically sustainable way. It inspired me to make dietary choices for the best.

BEST LOCAL OUTDOOR DINING Owen’s Fish Camp

Al fresco alfredo? We’ll take two. Sarasota’s sunshine makes it a crime to eat indoors some days. How can you enjoy your burger without basking in the sun! Luckily, we don’t have to answer that question often with a bevy of outdoor eateries at our disposal. Owen’s Fish Camp lets you leave your tent at home to enjoy their campsite full of Platinum winning plates. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill a Gold winner that invites you to grab lunch garden-side while Mademoiselle Paris wants you to have your cake and eat it too—a Silver spot to dine and delight outside. Dockside Waterfront Grill is an s-un-beatable Bronze best letting you mix boats with BLTs. Hang out and chomp down at Honorable Mentions Hamlet’s Eatery, Sun Garden Cafe and Arts & Central.

Jennifer Helenek (on Owen’s Fish Camp) The best seafood and best vibe. Awesome oysters from the north. Hailey Kendall (on Dry Dock Waterfront Grill) Great atmosphere indoors and out. Right on the Sarasota Bay with views of downtown. Julie McGuigan (on Hamlet’s Eatery) Nice outdoor space. Plenty of seating. Great vibe at the Bazaar! Erik Walker (on Arts & Central) Awesome welcoming patio on the boulevard of the arts. Close enough to the live entertainment without it being too loud. Great atmosphere.

BEST LOCAL SEAFOOD TIE Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant and Owen’s Fish Camp

We like our food where we can sea it—on our plate! When your next meal is just a boat ride away there’s bound to be a bounty of bests for where to enjoy fresh, local seafood. Fly-fishing into first place are Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant and Owen’s Fish Camp sharing the Platinum spot. The Maine Line Food Truck reels in yet another win, taking home Gold for their group-er friendly feasts. Brine Seafood & Raw Bar swims into Silver and Tripletail Seafood & Spirits bubbles up to Bronze. Or, head on over to Honorable Mention Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.

Jerusha Pfannenschmidt (on Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant) Locals and visitors alike love Walts. Darlene Hughey (on Owen’s Fish Camp) The atmosphere hands down! The boiled peanuts and the oysters! The cool menu full of great food. Nancy Warman (on The Maine Line) Excellent food and staff. Drew Adams (on Brine) Always has a great selection of seafood dishes. Darrell Dobey (on Tripletail Seafood & Spirits) Since day one, I fell in love with this location. The customer service, that smile and greeting at the front door—food, service, ambience are second to none. Hailey Kendall (on Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood.) Great seafood and service.

BEST LOCAL MEXICAN Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina

Do Sarasotan’s have a favorite Mexican restaurant? Enchila-duh! There’s enough torta-lly amazing tacos in this town to feed all of Florida. Where should you take your date when you can’t make it to Tulum? Head over to another town—Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina Platinum pick for this year’s best. Kolucan Mexican Bar & Grill tajins business with their black beans and seasons their way to Gold. Poblanos Mexican Grill & Bar says elo-te to Silver and Mr. Tequila Authentic Mexican Restaurant arroz to the occasion to take Bronze. Say hola to Honorable Mentions El Toro Bravo Restaurant, The Grasshopper Mexican Restaurant & Bar and Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill.

Chris Hart (on Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina) Everybody feels like family. They stay consistent for 25 years! And they know how to throw the best parties in town. Lyric Geske (on Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill) This Mexican food is just the best! It is so darn authentic and tasty. Karina Braun (on Poblanos Mexican Grill & Bar) The best food. Rebekah Grant (on Mr. Tequila Authentic Mexican Restaurant) We’ve been going here for years and it has always been speedy service with yummy food. Mark-Alan (on Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill) I love this place. The food is excellent. The service is great. I’ve been there many times and will continue.

BEST LOCAL ITALIAN Cafe Barbosso

Bruschetta-about-it we’re not changing our minds about these absolute bangers on the Italian food-circuit. You can Rome around town all you want looking for somewhere better but you can trust our readers. Cafe Barbosso was top of the polpette—taking home Platinum. Napulé wins the grana-padano Gold while Osteria500 and Mediterraneo share one strand of spaghetti for Silver. Caragiulo’s Italian American had readers bowled over their Bolognese giving them the Bronze best. Hungry for more? Honorable Mentions Vino Vino Restaurant and La Mucca Ballerina have more pasta in store for you.

Marge McCarthy (on Napulé) O-M-G! The best Italian and they will do anything to make customers happy. Taylor Heck (on Osteria500) 10/10 food, drinks and atmosphere. Not your ordinary Italian American restaurant. Towanda Redmond (on Osteria500) I have never had a bad meal at Osteria500. The pasta dishes are amazing and the branzino is the best around. Great people, great ambiance. Fiona Farrell (on Mediterraneo) Mediterraneo is ALWAYS our go-to Italian restaurant. We love to sit at the pizza bar and chat with the chef while enjoying a bottle of our favorite Italian red. A true Sarasota gem! Angie Calderon (on Caragiulo’s Italian American) From the food to the service to the beautiful decoration, I just love this restaurant. Carmen Mehl (on La Mucca Ballerina) This direct-from-Rome family operated restaurant serves the most delicious authentic farm-to-table dishes. They are warm and welcoming—you will not go away uncharmed.

BEST LOCAL FISH MARKET Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant

These places are slammin’ salmon and grillin’ grouper like there’s no tomorrow. With a backyard that doubles as a grocery store—there’s no shortage of fresh fish floating around the Sarasota shores. Their catch of the week made them our readers’ catch of the year. Pike-ing into Platinum is Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant followed by Detwiler’s Farm Market—gulping their gills for the Gold. Owen’s Fish Camp sword-fished their spot into Silver and Big Water Fish Market said branzi-no to our other contenders closing out the competition.

Juli Snaer (on Walt’s Fish Market Restaurant) When you want a terrific seafood meal or want to take some home to cook yourself, Walt’s is the place to go. Their specials are the bomb. Denice Peoples (on Detwiler’s Farm Market) Fresh, always. Wendy Moore (on Owen’s Fish Camp) Love the old Florida feel and the food is delicious. Mel Haddow (on Big Water Fish Market) Fish is always fresh and delicious. I love taking people from out of town here when they visit.

BEST LOCAL FOOD TRUCK The Maine Line Food Truck

If you can catch them at the stop light you’ve got a shot at lunch! These moveable feasts ferry around town doling out dollops of deliciousness like a meal-order mailman. When they’re not speeding down the highway you can find them parked and ready to plate your next great meal. A long way from home The Maine Line Food Truck boasts boat-worthy selection of seafood from up north securing them a Platinum win down south. Hamlet’s Eatery has got the grub for Gold and Purple BOl sells its Silver-winning wares window-side. Cornerstone and Company and Smokin Momma Lora’s BBQ Mobile share the road and their title of Bronze best this year. Hear all the commotion about Honorable Mention Clean Plate Club SRQ.

Nancy Warman (on The Maine Line) Best lobster roll this New Englander ever had! Melvin Acevedo (on Hamlet’s Eatery) Chef Mitch is absolutely amazing! Everything that I have tried the flavors are on point. From homemade focaccia bread for sandwiches to his homemade crepes, everything is amazing! Mark Alan (on Hamlet’s Eatery) You cannot stop at The Bazaar without stopping at the food truck! The food is good, affordable and consistent. Barbara Hayo (on Purple Bol) Simply the best! So tasty and made with super healthy ingredients. Sharon Mcgillicuddy (on Cornerstone and Company) Not only has fantastic pizza, but their truck is truly unique. They make any event that much cooler!