It's hard not to notice when rockstar restauranteur Mark Caragiulo and his team launch another hotspot and hit a home run. That’s the case with Veronica Fish and Oyster. Even if you can’t score a table on any given night, there’s usually a seat open, or opening up, at the bar. Rather then give you the full story, here is an abbreviated and coveted version of must-order food and beverage menu items.

Inside, the atmosphere lends a lively buzz amidst a timeless classic yet modern feel. The marble-top bar, furnished with both arm and foot rails and high-back barstools, invites you to get comfortable and stay awhile. With a menu centered around fish—just as the name implies—a must-order item is the redfish on a half shell with chili lemon butter, blue lump crab and watercress, finished with fine herbs. Another winner is the wood grilled grouper, served alongside lobster giardiniera and confit fingerling potatoes. To start, a fine selection of crudo (think Italian sashimi) is offered; try the king salmon accompanied with kimchi puree, mango and avocado.

Fall for the Resolution, a perfect aperitif, made with St. Germaine, grapefruit, lemongrass vodka and Americano. While some drinks are sure to remain staples—see the charred jalapeño margarita—look for Veronica's seasonal cocktails on tap. A well-thought-out wine list, heavy on white selections, offers a mix of both Old and New World wines sure to please any oenophile’s palate. A handful of carefully selected local beers rotate on the taps and by-the-bottle selections offer local and nonlocal varietals including IPAs, ales, pilsners and ciders.

Veronica Fish and Oyster, 1830 South Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-366-1342.