Reviewing the Newest Restaurants in the Sarasota Area - Part 2

Last week I reviewed five restaurants that have recently opened in the Sarasota area. This week, I’ll cover five more new restaurants that we have visited recently to help you decide which ones are worth your time, and which ones might be worth a “pass”!

World famous Siesta Key beach in Sarasota, FL

It’s hard to keep up with all the new restaurants opening here in the Sarasota area, but Laurie and I are committed to trying them all, and then letting you know which ones are worth your time and which ones aren’t!

Last week I reviewed a new Cuban restaurant that was OK but didn’t live up to all the hype. I also shared my reviews of two exciting restaurants in Lakewood Ranch, one Italian (Bar Italia) and one a seafood restaurant (Deep Lagoon) which are definitely worth a try. Finally, I shared my thoughts on two other restaurants that are definitely worth trying but probably won’t end up on your “best of the best” list – a farm-to-table casual restaurant (The Naked Farmer) and a brewery and pub (Inner Compass Brewing Company). Here are a few more new restaurants that Laurie and I think are worth your time and attention! 

Taverna Toscana

Taverna Toscana restaurant, the Osso Bucco, and the homemade meatball

This beautiful Italian restaurant, owned by celebrity chef Fabio, is located in an unassuming office building in downtown Bradenton. You have to work your way through two office lobbies to get to the restaurant, but once you arrive you are transported into a gorgeous, quiet, and elegant but modern setting. The dining room is open and airy, and the tables are well-spaced for privacy and conversing at normal levels. The open kitchen is also fun to watch! But the food is what really shines here – everything is superb, from the pecorino parker house rolls with homemade butter, to the Wagyu meatballs, to the Wagyu short rib Bolognese, to the one-of-a-kind tender ossobuco. They also age their own prime steaks, served ala carte which we haven’t yet tried but plan to on a future visit. The service is impeccable, and the wine list is inspired with a wonderful selection of Italian and other world-class wines to choose from. The absolute best Italian restaurant in the Sarasota-Bradenton area, period!

Overall Rating: Superb; Food: Superb; Ambiance: Superb: Service: Excellent; Value: Good; Cost: Expensive

Agave Bandito

Agave Bandito “secret” speakeasy, the Fueguito margarita, and the barbacoa burrito

This newest addition to the Lakewood Ranch Mexican food scene is hip, trendy, and loud! The décor is kitschy and fun, but also somehow upscale as well. They have a great selection of margaritas, all very good and creatively crafted as well. The food is top notch – large portions all made with fresh ingredients and seasoned nicely. Like all other Mexican restaurants in Florida, there is nothing remotely spicy here so be sure to ask for their homemade hot sauce to season and spice up your entrée. All of the choices – burritos, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas, salads, enchiladas, chimichangas – are available in multiple forms including vegetarian. Guacamole is made and served tableside, a nice touch. And they have a great covered outdoor patio that looks out over the water. They also take reservations, but not between 5 and 9 pm – very frustrating!! Finally, they have a wonderful speakeasy hidden away upstairs behind an unmarked door that has their own cocktail list – it’s a wonderful place to catch a drink in a trendy space either before or after dinner!

Overall Rating: Very Good; Food: Very Good; Ambiance: Very Good; Service: Very Good; Value: Good; Cost: Moderate

The Fat Rabbit

   The Fat Rabbit restaurant, the Cubano sandwich, and pretzel bites appetizer

This bar/casual eatery is located on the second floor of a building on lower Main Street in downtown Sarasota and has a decidedly modern vibe, with a focus on classic rock memorabilia. Their website characterizes the place as an upscale gastropub – I’d say that’s stretching things a bit, but I can see that might be what they ultimately aspire to be. To get there, they have a bit more work to do. Fat Rabbit has a nice bar with a solid cocktail selection, although both of the cocktails we ordered were a bit bland and somewhat weak. The menu includes a good number of appetizers, along with sandwiches, burgers, and wings. The food was good but not great – Cuban sandwich was lukewarm, while the burger was solid but nothing special. I’d choose a number of other bar/casual eateries before the Fat Rabbit (State Street, Cask and Ale, Brewsters, etc.) but it's not a bad place to stop by for a drink and appetizers if you find yourself downtown and seeking out a casual place for a quick drink and bite to eat. 

Overall: Average/Good; Food: Average/Good; Ambiance: Very Good; Service: Good; Value: Good; Cost: Moderate

Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Marlin Bar

Tommy Bahama restaurant and bar, steak flatbread, and coconut shrimp

Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar is the newest restaurant opening in the Lakewood Ranch area. It’s located at Center Pointe and includes a store along with the restaurant and bar. This one is similar to the others we have been to, and all are slightly odd on the first try until you get the hang of the place. All the seating is covered outdoor seating, and you actually have to start your order at the bar, where they take your credit card and open up a tab. Then, you get a number, pick your table of choice, and the rest is then a typical restaurant experience with a server who will bring your food and take additional food or drink orders if you wish. The menu is classic bar food with a coastal theme, and includes appetizers, handhelds, salads and bowls, and tacos. Everything is fresh and tasty, but also pretty traditional. The cocktail list has all the classics, with a focus on tropical drinks. The wine list is short but interesting and eclectic. This is a great place to visit for a casual lunch or afternoon happy hour with friends.

Overall Rating: Good; Food: Good; Ambiance: Very Good; Service: Very Good; Value: Good; Cost: Moderate

Big Top Brewing Company

Big Top outdoor bar, cocktails, and the cocky cutlet sandwich

This huge brewery in the new Fruitville Commons complex includes an outdoor beer garden, gastropub, and brewing facility. They have a great selection of pub food including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and even a few entrees. All the food we ate here was good, served fresh and hot. They also have a large selection of home brewed beers and ales on tap. This is a great place to gather for a casual lunch or dinner with family and friends – they have two large bars (one indoor and one outdoor) so you can choose depending on the weather. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area!

Overall Rating: Good; Food: Good; Ambiance: Good; Service: Excellent; Value: Good; Cost: Moderate

I hope you all enjoyed these new restaurant reviews. If past is precedent, then I will be writing another blog soon about some of the upcoming restaurant openings in the Sarasota area – stay tuned on this channel for more!