Valentine’s Day is nearly here and that means it’s time to make sure that special someone in your life will be very happy on Feb. 14 – which, if we must remind you, is this coming Sunday. To help, we compiled our annual list of great romantic restaurants in Sarasota and Manatee counties, with the focus this year on places with premium outdoor seating. And as we continue to contend with the coronavirus pandemic, we mention a few restaurants that also specialize in to-go offerings.
Keep in mind, though, that most of these restaurants offer takeout and/or curbside pickup. Simply call ahead. And if you’re dining in, reservations are highly recommended at the majority of these places. These 21 great romantic restaurants can be found from Anna Maria Island to downtown Sarasota to Venice, with locations ranging from fine dining to more casual places featuring amazing sunset views.
After spotlighting local restaurants and their cocktails for a Set the Bar week in October, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals will soon hold a similar days-long celebration for their food dishes.
The organization comprising more than 60 independently owned area restaurants will hold the inaugural Original Eats from Friday to Jan. 31, with Sarasota-based, national deli company Boar s Head serving as sponsor. The event is set to feature around 30 restaurants highlighting signature dishes, with several offering discounts and/or dish pairings.
Sarasota-Manatee Originals shifted Set the Bar from a cocktail competition night to a weeklong event at several restaurants last year due to the pandemic. The organization also presents the annual Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival, which was moved to April and May this year as it determines the best way to hold events.