Diners' Choice: Romantic restaurants in Sarasota / Bradenton

OpenTable

Updated March 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the most romantic in Sarasota / Bradenton? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Pietro's Italian Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (701)

$31 to $50

Italian

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Italian Restaurant& wine bar in Sarasota. Where you are a stranger only once.
His philosophy served him well with his previous Sarasota businesses. Café Gabbiano located on Siesta Key was originated by the Migliaccio family in 2003 where is four sons grew in and out of the restaurant business.
A second venture in downtown Sarasota was opened and designed by Pietro in 2012 named Casantica, a small old house converted to a quaint homey restaurant. Both restaurants are now under new ownership.
Now, this small intimate place is where I can have fun serving and meeting new friends. Benvenuti.

Top review

DeborahVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Family owned restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes, excellent wine list, friendly staff and a welcoming environment. A local gem!

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Popular dish

Lasagna Marinara

La Violetta Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1124)

$30 and under

Italian

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Intimate and designed to provide a rustic Italian experience. Buonissimo!

Top review

Pamela

Dined 2 days ago

My favorite restaurant and a new favorite restaurant for our guests. Everything was such a pleasure—from the bustling warm and welcome atmosphere, to the absolutely stupendous meal. It was a pleasure from start to finish!

Sage SRQ

4.8

4.8 (1820)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Sage is Sarasota’s premier dining destination, providing inspirational cuisine and original craft cocktails in an unforgettable setting. Award-winning Chef Christopher Covelli and his team curate seasonal menus, highlighting flavorful culinary creations from around the world. As a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient, Sage also offers an extensive wine list. Housed in the stunning historic Sarasota Times building, Sage's decor and attention to detail is mirrored in the food and service they provide. Sage's rooftop bar provides a serene setting for viewing some of Sarasota's spectacular sunsets.

Top review

ROBERT

Dined 4 days ago

We enjoyed the ambiance, the food and great service. One bonus beyond a great meal…you could actually hear one another without shouting. Highly recommend!!

Andrea's Sarasota

4.8

4.8 (183)

$30 and under

Italian

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Welcome to Andrea's Sarasota!

Top review

Luann

Dined on Feb 19, 2025

Our server, Don, was very charming and attentive. The little restaurant is set up very nicely and not over crowded like some places that over stuff tables and make you feel like you are dining on top of others. We were well paced with our salads and main courses. We have been here before and will go back.

Michael's On East

4.7

4.7 (5763)

$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

CandaceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Party of six with an array of tastes - all rated their dinners as very good- salmon, crab cakes, risotto, steaks and boullabaisse- fantastic food, drinks and service.

Ophelia's on the Bay

4.7

4.7 (6395)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding meal and outstanding service, Sheila, was great!! An enjoyable evening of absolutely great food, in a great atmosphere and thank you!

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Popular dish

Hokkaido Sea Scallops

Popular dish

Atlantic Salmon

Popular dish

Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes

Côté France

4.7

4.7 (496)

$31 to $50

French

Venice

About the restaurant

Thank you for choosing us.
Executive Chef of Côté France of 4 years, Thomas Civallero is passionate about creating an authentic French experience with homemade and traditional French Cuisine.
Our team has extensive knowledge of complementary pairings and is dedicated to providing an excellent dining experience.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 2 days ago

We had a lovely lunch, delicious Quiche Lorraine and a fruit salad. Perfect!

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Popular dish

Classic French Onion Soup

Popular dish

Scallops Risotto

Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota

4.6

4.6 (1934)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Your Sarasota Fleming's is located on the corner of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and Siesta Drive, just across the street from Westfield Southgate Shopping Center and minutes from downtown and the Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt Regency Hotels. Fleming's in Sarasota is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room or Outdoor Patio. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

DEHV

Dined on Mar 3, 2025

Food and drink were excellent Nick, our server was great!

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The Melting Pot - Sarasota

4.5

4.5 (1326)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Sarasota

About the restaurant

We are highly committed to providing a healthy and safe environment with the highest of standards for our guests and team members. Reservations are highly recommended.

We are the premier fondue restaurant where guests can enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, salads and indulgent desserts. At The Melting Pot Restaurant, we offer a dining experience like no other. A unique, interactive dining experience creating memorable moments with family and friends.

Top review

TomPVIP

Dined on Mar 1, 2025

Always great! Thanks for a great evening! We will be back!

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Popular dish

Pure Chocolate Fondue

A photo of Lavender & Blueberry White Chocolate Fondue of a restaurant

Popular dish

Chocolate Explosion

Taverna Toscana

4.5

4.5 (57)

$30 and under

Italian

Bradenton

About the restaurant

In downtown Bradenton, Florida, Taverna Toscana is led by the renowned Chef Fabio Viviani, offering an unparalleled Tuscan Italian dining experience. Our steakhouse blends Tuscan charm with modern sophistication, presenting an exquisite menu that transports you to the heart of Italy. The warm ambiance and handcrafted decor complement the authentic Italian flavors and the finest steaks, curated by Chef Viviani, a celebrated figure known for his culinary prowess and appearances on Bravo's "Top Chef." This venture, in partnership with Bradenton's entrepreneur Steve Herrig, symbolizes a commitment to culinary excellence and the revitalization of downtown Bradenton. At Taverna Toscana, we celebrate the shared essence of Tuscany and Florida: warm sun, wonderful people, and a passion for fresh, sublime food. Our indoor/outdoor dining welcomes everyone-from families and foodies to CEOs and couples-with aged steaks, homemade pasta, and crafted drinks in an inviting atmosphere that draws inspiration from Italy itself. Taverna Toscana isn't just a dining destination; it's a bold statement of culinary delight, offering a slice of Italy in Florida's friendliest city. Join us to experience the joy of Italian dining, where every visit promises an indulgent journey of taste and authenticity.

Top review

KarenVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was good and location is very nice but service was terrible and the person who brought our food had a really bad attitude. Lots of potential here for a great experience with improved service.

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