Savor Sarasota Upscale & Fine Dining Guide

We are gearing up for our favorite time of year: Savor Sarasota! And this year is especially significant, as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of this chef-led culinary adventure around our award-winning eateries. With a variety of cuisines—from Peruvian and French to New American and Mediterranean—you'll be able to taste your way around town in no time. 

To help you navigate Sarasota's more upscale or higher-end establishments, here's a fine-dining guide to capture the best value among our 2025 participating restaurant partners. 

What to Expect During Savor Sarasota 2025:

Michael's on East outdoor courtyard

Savor Sarasota is more than just an annual dining event. It's a celebration of Sarasota's diverse culinary landscape – from the barrier islands of Longboat Key, Siesta Key and Lido Key to the downtowns of Venice, Sarasota and Englewood.

With over 50 participating restaurants and top chefs offering special multi-course lunch and dinner menus for just $25 and $45 per person, you might need some help deciding where to go!

Best part is – Savor Sarasota will be extending its usual two-week span to 20 days for its 20-year anniversary. That means more time to sneak in a few extra lunch outings with the girls or dinner dates on the town. Try to make reservations ahead of time at the following participating restaurants:

Fine-Dining Partner Restaurants to Reserve:

Selva Grill – Downtown Sarasota & UTC

When pondering the meals at Selva Grill one word comes to mind, beauty. Their Peruvian fusion cuisine is absolutely fantastic, but beyond that, it’s a work of art. Artistic sauces surround perfectly seasoned dishes for a visually stimulating experience. Guests of Savor Sarasota can eat with their eyes and their stomachs with intricately prepared dishes, sizeable craft cocktails and elegant decor – in both the Main Street Downtown Sarasota location and its newer University Town Center (UTC) location.

Rufa – Sarasota

At Rufa, elegance meets Gulf Coast flavor inside the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Sarasota. The resort's coastal-chic, alfresco restaurant blends elevated tapas and shareable plates with imaginative cocktails and unmatched sunset views on the bay. Delivering a fine dining experience that’s as artful as it is indulgent, expect also a top-shelf wine and tequila-mezcal menu that'll take the evening to the next level. 

Café on St. Armands – Lido Key

Located on St. Armands Circle, the newly renovated and reimagined Café on St. Armands now serves modern Mediterranean cuisine in a hip yet elevated space that brings European taste to Sarasota's shores. Enjoy a variety of small plates, fresh dips and shareable bites with bold flavors and a warm vibe. 

Michael’s On East – Sarasota

Few restaurants in Sarasota are as recognizable as Michael’s on East, which continues to set the gold standard for upscale dining. Chances are, if you’ve ever attended a charity fundraiser or business luncheon here if you're a local. Seize the opportunity to dine for lunch or dinner in either their main dining room or romantic outdoor patio. During Savor Sarasota, treat yourself it's award-winning wine list, globally inspired menu and old-world ambiance. 

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse – Downtown Sarasota

Head downtown for the Hyde Park dining experience. Downtown Sarasota’s only traditional steakhouse, Hyde Park boasts plush decor and a super-friendly staff. If you're craving classic steakhouse decadence, Hyde Park delivers in style and timeless sophistication. With premium aged cuts, luxe sides and an old-school cocktail program, this is the place to wine, dine and impress.

Café Gabbiano – Siesta Key

Just steps from the powdery sands of Siesta Beach and in the heart of Siesta Key Village, Café Gabbiano offers rustic Italian fare in a charming villa-style setting. Family-owned and wine-focused, it's beloved for its housemade pastas, fresh seafood specials and relaxed elegance that transports you straight to Tuscany.

MarcelDW – Downtown Sarasota

A new star on Main Street, MarcelDW fuses French brasserie charm with Sarasota’s modern dining scene in a small, intimate setting. Think: duck confit with a Florida twist, craft cocktails with a hint of drama and sophisticated interiors that make every dinner feel like a special occasion. 

San Marco of Venice – Downtown Venice

San Marco brings a touch of Northern Italy to historic downtown Venice with handmade pastas, thoughtfully paired wines and white-linen table cloths. Known for its romantic charm and timeless recipes, this is the spot where rich risottos and big, bold cabernets steal the show.