7 great places to eat in Gulf Gate

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  6569 Superior Ave., Sarasota. 922-7979; tonyschicagobeef.com. (Read our Cheap Eats review of Tony's Chicago Beef.)
  

  Tony's Chicago Beef Company

  Great dogs and fresh hand-cut fries (some of the best in sarasota) are this Chicago outpost's specialties, along with seasoned Italian roast beef sandwiches dipped in jus.  (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)

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  6559 Gateway Ave., Sarasota. 926-0830; vizen-sarasota.com. (Read our review of Vizen.)

  Vizen

  Easily the best sushi in Sarasota, from traditional constructions to innovative uses of non-typical ingredients, at this serene and cozy restaurant. (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)

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  6630 Gateway Ave., Sarasota. 921-5570; panificiousa.com. (Read our review of Il Panificio.)

  Il Panificio

  The pizza here is just as outstanding as at Il Panificio's downtown location, thanks to a thin and snappy crust made with semolina flour, plus a whole host of sandwiches and heartier dishes served in the restaurant's modern and open dining room. (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)

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  2324 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. 706-2821; ohmammamiarestaurant.com

  Oh Mamma Mia

  It may look like another typical Italian restaurant, but food here has a heart, winning it a host of devoted regulars who fill the small space every night of the week. (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)

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  2336 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota. 922-2253

  Jim's Small Batch Bakery

  Opened by the former pastry chef at Michael's On East, this bakery uses natural ingredients to create exquisite pastries and breads, along with a daily selection of homemade soups and sandwiches that make it an ideal spot for lunch.  (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)

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  2637 Mall Drive, Sarasota. 925-3414. (Read our review of French Affair.)

  French Affair

  This longstanding casual French spot serves up bistro and brasserie standards along with some more elegant offerings -- nothing unique, just the food you expect, done right.  (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)

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  2647 Mall Drive, Sarasota. 923-2514; hamheavenanddevildogs.webs.com (Read our Cheap Eats review of ham Heaven and Devil Dogs.)

  Ham Heaven & Devil Dogs

  Although some of the food here is typical deep-fried bar grub, owner Rocky Rocchio also serves up a massive list of serious home-cooking, from red sauce made on the premises to the homemade soups. Rocky’s crowning glory, however, is his corned beef. Sliced thick, the superior seasoned meat melts in your mouth and makes for one of the best Reubens you’ll find anywhere. (See our Gulf Gate Page for more restaurants you might want to try.)