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Reader SuggestionsMany commenters disagreed with our list of 10 romantic restaurants, some because they believed the food wasn't good enough, some because they thought we left off some obvious choices. We took their suggestions for this new list, which will likely serve those looking for romance as well as our original one.
6559 Gateway Ave., Sarasota, 926-0830, vizen-sarasota.com
Vizen Japanese CuisineFew local sushi spots stretch their culinary muscles, but Vizen chef/owner “Matsu” Matsunae fills a chalkboard with daily creations made from some of the best seafood around, from tender, barely smoked scallops to hand rolls tinged with international ingredients rarely seen paired with sushi. Pair that with a beautiful, spare interior and service that makes you feel pampered and you have an ideal spot for a romantic meal.
- Maison Blanche
Maison Blanche is not only one of our area’s best restaurants, it could easily qualify as one of Florida’s best dining destinations, largely thanks to the culinary talents of owner/chef Jose Martinez. His modern French cuisine is precise in a way that few chefs can manage, each dish aimed at perfection every time he puts it in the hands of a waiter, from soup to dessert, while the flowing lines of the white dining room creates a cozy nest that will make you forget everything outside the door.
2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 383-8088,maisonblancherestaurants.com
- Selva Grill
Selva’s long list of interesting takes on classic Peruvian ceviche, succulent fish, South American stir-fries, and excellent grilled meats served in the wide-open downtown space show that the restaurant still has what it takes to be a sensation. And Selva’s tight but comfy bar is still the place to go for an excellent mojito.
1345 Main St., Sarasota, 362-4427 orselvagrill.com
Euphemia HayeOwners Ray and D’Arcy Arpke have made award-winning Longboat Key restaurant Euphemia Haye a romantic destination renowned for its classically prepared foods, intimate dining rooms, extensive wine list and fabulous Haye Loft, where guests can enjoy sumptuous desserts, coffees, spirits and live music. (Sarasota Herald-Tribune photo by Dan Wagner)
5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, 383-3633,euphemiahaye.com
Cafe L'EuropeOne of Sarasota's grande dames of fine dining, Cafe L'Europe caters to people who want an old fashioned dining experience with classic service, including some dishes prepared tableside. (STAFF PHOTO/E. SKYLAR LITHERLAND)
431 St. Armands Circle, St. Armands, 388-4415, cafeleurope.net
Michael's On EastProprietors Michael Klauber and Philip Mancini have resisted the temptation to rest on their many laurels. The restaurant continues to break new culinary ground, with inspired service, ambiance and cuisine. It is rare that a day or evening goes by when Michael is not present to personally welcome you at your table.
1212 South East Ave. S., Midtown Plaza, Sarasota, 366-0007,michaelsoneast.com
Lavanda RestaurantHidden in downtown Sarasota’s Towles Court arts district, in a converted wooden building with an expansive covered veranda, is Lavanda. The food leans heavily on Continental cuisine, delicate and elegant and constructed with precision by chef/owner Dino Moon.
1938 Adams Lane, Sarasota, 366-0070, lavandarestaurant.com
RetropolitanNestled in a Spanish bungalow in Burns Court, Retropolitan serves Southern cuisine like pimiento cheese burgers and fried green tomatoes in a cozy and clubby atmosphere. (Sarasota Herald-Tribune staff photo by Thomas Bender)
437 Burns Court, Sarasota, 362-0627, retropolitangrill.com
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion CuisineYes, it’s a chain. But few local restaurants — chain or independent — can compete with the way Roy’s handles seafood. Here, fish are revered and treated right, from simply grilled filets to complex dishes influenced by the Hawaiian homeland of the chain’s founder Roy Yamaguchi.
2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota, 952-0109, roysrestaurant.com
Lan RestaurantChef/co-owner Lan Bradeen serves an incredible dinner, but the late-night menu at Lan — served until 2 a.m. Mon.-Sat. — is loaded with small plates that flirt with brilliance, like luscious pork belly, rabbit tacos, veal sweetbreads and the signature unagi pizza. All are priced around or below $10 and accompanied by a full bar thanks to Bradeen and partner Brad Coburn's Pangea Lounge next door.
1568 Main St., Sarasota, 953-7111, lanrestaurant.com
Bijou CafeSince 1986, under the watchful eye of Jean-Pierre Knaggs and his wife, Shay, the Bijou Café has come to be a favorite downtown destination, ideally situated for the business crowd at lunch and opera and theater-goers in the evening.
1287 1st St., Sarasota, 366-8111, bijoucafe.net
Derek's Culinary CasualChef/owner Derek Barnes is passionate about his ingredients, about what he can do to them, and about ways to surprise and delight his customers. The result is a restaurant where the regular menu items are more exciting than many other chefs’ specials, and the specials have a chance to blow your culinary mind.
514 Central Ave., Sarasota, 366-6565, dereks-sarasota.com
Roessler's RestaurantFrom the reader comment: "It is beautiful, the food is out of this world, and the best suitable for romance and wonderful conversations, without extraneous noise!"
2033 Vamo Way, Sarasota, 966-5688, roesslersrestaurant.com
13 more romantic restaurants
ADD A COMMENT (Limit 5,000 characters)
We disagreed with the original choices because they were obviously bad choices
The writer who posted Snook Haven and Sharkey’s on the first list I hope was fired and is out looking for another job.
In reference to Ed Martin: I agree Venice should be more represented. Allegro Bistro, owner by the Valenti’s, is one of the most lovely restaurants in Southwest Florida, with just the right lighting, food, decor and atmosphere to make it wonderfully romantic.
THIS LIST IS MORE TRUE.
Glad to see Lavanda made this list! Dino and Heidi do a fantastic job! Walking around in Towles Court is rather romantic! This restaurant is the best! Say hi to my girl Alisha while your there! She’ll be running around with a big smile on her face taking care of you. Valentines day is around the corner!
Much better list. Derek’s was great the last time I went.
This is a much better list. Food counts in a total romantic setting. I wish I could add a Venice restaurant for this list, we have a number of good restaurants,but none that strike me as romantic settings with superior food. Probably the best is the Crow’s Nest, if you can sit by the window overlooking the Intracoastal, but it is comfortable, not romantic, (to me).