Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Sarasota / Bradenton

OpenTable

Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Sarasota / Bradenton? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota

4.9

4.9 (731)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Sophie's offers globally influenced yet decidedly American cuisine in a luxurious intimate setting featuring an outdoor terrace, open kitchen and private dining area. Sophie's dining experience captures the style and elegance of Saks Fifth Avenue, with a passionate focus on outstanding food and drink. Sophie's Chef Andrew Thompson changes his innovative menu seasonally using the best locally-sourced ingredients. The menu is complemented by a selection of craft cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list.

Top review

Lynettevip

Dined on Nov 12, 2024

Lovely lunch place to catch up with friends!! Food always good!!

Roessler's

4.9

4.9 (1829)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU!
PLEASE NOTE WE CAN NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR OUTSIDE DINING, PARTIES OVER 6, OR HOLIDAYS THROUGH OPEN TABLE. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE. THANK YOU!!! 941 966 5688

Top review

Kenvip

Dined 5 days ago

We went for a birthday dinner, and as always, everything was on point, from cocktails to dessert (and thank you, Klaus). I can't say enough good things about Roessler's: iconic venue, great food, amazing bar and wine list, super service, and the nicest owners you'll come across. It always feels like you are eating in their home.

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Popular dish

Wiener Schnitzel Holstein

Popular dish

Steak Diane

The Park Grille

4.8

4.8 (239)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Discover the crown jewel of the University Park Country Club, The Park Grille, where you can indulge in gourmet dining while enjoying stunning views of the 9th and 18th greens and a serene, shimmering lake. Celebrated by Sarasota Magazine as the "Best of the Best Restaurant with a View," The Park Grille's renowned Sunday Brunch Buffet has also been honored by Sarasota Magazine, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and SRQ Magazine readers.

Dining Options:
Lunch: Open to the public daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Please note that Mondays feature a lunch buffet only.
Sunday Brunch Buffet: Available every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

**Dinner service is exclusively for MEMBERS.**

Dress Code:
To ensure an elegant dining experience, proper attire is required. Blue denim, cut-offs, tank tops, and workout attire are not permitted in the dining room.

Top review

DAVIDvip

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous for lunch! Great menu, food, and service.

Ophelia's on the Bay

4.8

4.8 (6225)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Siesta Key

About the restaurant

Ophelia's on the Bay is one of Sarasota’s premier fine dining waterfront restaurants. Enjoy beautiful vistas of Little Sarasota Bay, from the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the dining room. Or join us for al fresco dining on our open-air patio, as the dolphins and manatee swim by. Winner of many awards both locally and nationally, including an Excellence rating from Zagat as well as being listed as the number one restaurant in America in Power and Motoryacht Magazine for dock and dine. Ophelia's on the Bay has also been voted most romantic, best waterfront and best restaurant with a view by its loyal customers. The menu changes nightly using fresh and seasonal ingredients, fresh fish flown in from all over the world and specialty meats. There is certainly something for every palate! We feature an extensive wine list, specialty martinis, as well as a full bar. Family owned and operated for over 22 years, we have an experienced staff that prides itself on exemplary service.

Top review

Johnvip

Dined 2 days ago

Ophelia’s was fabulous as usual! We have never had anything but fabulous food, wonderful service & a beautiful outdoor dining experience! This is our favorite restaurant in the Sarasota area and possibly just our favorite restaurant period. Chris provided wonderful service tonight and our meal was timed perfectly by him so that we could enjoy every aspect of it! An overall beautiful dining experience!

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Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes

Michael's On East

4.8

4.8 (5556)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Serving "inspired cuisine" since 1987, the celebrated Michael’s On East restaurant takes fine dining to another level, offering award-winning cuisine and outstanding service, in an exceptional 1940s supper club atmosphere. Michael's On East has been inducted into Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame and recently received their 34th consecutive AAA Four-Diamond Award. The 350+ bottle wine list has been awarded the Best of Award of Excellence by the Wine Spectator!

Upon entering the dining room, you are immediately dazzled by the plush design and inspired décor. The restaurant’s intimate aura, along with its contemporary flare, world-class wine cellar and incomparable service, create an unparalleled dining experience.

Michael's Lounge, complete with a grand piano, is a guest favorite with its signature cocktails and award winning wine selection.

Michael’s Atrium for outdoor dining is a stunning glass-covered, plant-filled courtyard with a beautiful flowing fountain.

Top review

Carolvip

Dined 3 days ago

We had another wonderful dining experience at Michael's on East, and because of the delightful weather we enjoyed our meal in the lovely outdoor atrium beneath the twinkling lights We decided on the monthly Epicurean menu, so this month we enjoyed menu options inspired by the cuisine of South Africa - what a treat! We always enjoy the regular menu options, but it is so special to be able to enjoy flavors from around the world as an alternative. The food, as always, was freshly prepared to order and every bite was delicious. The recommended wine pairings made the perfect match The service at Michael's on East is always wonderful, and this time was no exception - so many thanks to Freddy, Katie and the rest of the team for a wonderful service that added greatly to our enjoyment of the evening.

Lila

4.7

4.7 (1178)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Lila (pronounced lee-lah) means creative play. Lila is a spontaneous, playful, organic, healthy, mostly vegetable restaurant which does serve sustainable meats.

Top review

carrievip

Dined 4 days ago

Our local book club got together here this week. We are a large group and there was something for everyone - including those who are vegan, vegetarian AND gluten free. Food is excellent.

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Popular dish

Mushroom Burger

Libby's - Sarasota

4.8

4.8 (3914)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Open in Sarasota since May of 2019, the Libby's space is open, modern & minimalist. Delicious menu items, sophisticated wine and daily specials are at the core of all that we do! Cozy bar area, weekday happy hour specials, and a private dining room are some of the unique features at our Sarasota location.

Top review

Richardvip

Dined 1 day ago

Love everything we eat there! Great service too! Just love this place♥️

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Popular dish

Chocolate Decadence Cake

Riviera Dunes Dockside

4.4

4.4 (924)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Palmetto

About the restaurant

Beautiful award-winning waterfront restaurant at the Riviera Dunes Marina in Palmetto next to the convention center. Featuring fresh seafood and other creative dishes in a casual setting, often with live music. Varied menu, affordable and with something for everyone.

Indoor and outdoor seating available. Our large patio is on the water at the marina and offers views of beautiful boats and sunsets. In addition to our reservable area is our large outdoor bar space with 1st come, 1st serve seating.

Inside are two dining rooms, another bar and a reservable "Captains Room" that seats 20 (Call for reservations on this)

We can accommodate groups of most sizes but please call for groups of 8 or more.

Top review

Myrnavip

Dined 7 days ago

Great view huge patio on water. Attentive staff. Great food not pricey for water view. Loved my seafood Cobb salad with shrimp and lobster

PIER 22

4.6

4.6 (5877)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Bradenton

About the restaurant

PIER 22 is Bradenton's historic waterfront destination. For over four decades, our restaurant has been the go-to spot for fine dining, stunning Manatee River views, and a modern and classic menu that will leave a lasting impression. We take pride in our from-scratch approach to cooking and believe that cuisine is an art form that should be shared with our guests. Our skilled chefs craft every dish with passion and elegance, ensuring each plate is bursting with rich, indulgent flavors.

Indulge in our menu favorites like the Jumbo Lobster Tail, Pork Osso Bucco, and Prime Rib, all of which are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're joining us for a special occasion or a night out with friends, we promise a memorable dining experience that will leave you wanting more.

Join us for a taste of excellence and indulge in our award-winning cuisine, served with breathtaking views of the Manatee River.

Top review

Kiara

Dined 2 days ago

Everything was just perfect, tuvieron un detalle muy bonito en poner una nota por nuestro aniversario and the food was absolutely amazing, I’ll be back

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Kona Grill - Sarasota

3.7

3.7 (1385)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Welcome to Kona Grill Sarasota at the Mall at University Town Center. Kona Grill is a classic American Grill with great steak and seafood - complemented by the best choice of sushi and margaritas at any grill in America. Kona Grill features a global menu of contemporary American favorites, award-winning sushi, and specialty craft cocktails in a polished, casual atmosphere. From brunch & lunch to dinner & happy hour, the restaurant offers a range of freshly prepared dishes from the grill, seasonal menu items and fan-favorite dishes across all dayparts. Kona Grill offers both indoor and outdoor patio dining at all its locations, $3, $6, $9 happy hour offered weekdays & NEW weekend brunch, guided by a passion for quality food and exceptional service.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 1 day ago

Great menu. Service great but we had to wait 45 minutes for our dinners

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Experience

Sushi Sundays at Kona Grill

Experience

Taste of Kona: 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu

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