Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Sarasota / Bradenton

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants 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!

Roessler's

4.9

4.9 (1863)

$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

KathleenVIP

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Always a wonderful dining experience at Roessler’s! Marshall is the best! Thanks for always providing the best food and the best service! We will be back again and again.

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Popular dish

Wiener Schnitzel Holstein

Popular dish

Steak Diane

Sage SRQ

4.8

4.8 (1759)

$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

RIchard

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent quality. Non generous food portions for the price.

Selva Grill University Town Center Sarasota

4.7

4.7 (1971)

$31 to $50

Latin / Spanish

Lakewood Ranch

About the restaurant

Selva offers innovative, intricately prepared dishes, plated and presented as works of art. Selva has earned raves from allover the world, including from the New York Times, which write that Selva is “serving possibly the best food in Sarasota,”and that “everything on the menu is worth trying.”

Top review

Carolyn

Dined 1 day ago

If you are looking for perfection Selva Grill at UTC is where to go. Superb food preparation and a staff that truly cares about their customers. We have never been disappointed! The scallops are phenomenal topped off with Pot Of Mousse for dessert! Enjoy!

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The Reserve by Chef Antonio

4.7

4.7 (266)

$31 to $50

American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Leave us a note for OUTDOOR sitting if avalible.
Join Chef Antonio at THE RESERVE by CHEF ANTONIO!
New and exciting menu offering sea and land delicacies, served in a cozy, intimate space nestled within the charming, historical former home of the Ringling family. Come and enjoy the vibrant fusion of American culinary tradition with the colorful flavors of Southern European cuisine.
Call now for reservations 941-362-4220.

Top review

Vivi

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Excellent!!! The only glitch is our veal chop came out raw, so we had to wait a bit. They were busy the service was a little slow.

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By Patrik Pettersson at Kompose

4.7

4.7 (110)

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Experience a culinary voyage like no other, at Patrik Pettersson's restaurant, tucked away in the refined Kompose Hotel. Celebrated for his innovative fusion of classic flavors and cutting-edge techniques, Chef Patrik Pettersson promises an unforgettable epicurean journey. Immerse yourself in our rotating five and seven-course tasting menus, meticulously crafted to captivate your palate with every bite. With a menu that evolves every three weeks, each visit unveils a fresh symphony of flavors and culinary artistry. Reserve your table now and elevate your dining experience at Sarasota's premier destination for gastronomic excellence.

Top review

JudithVIP

Dined 3 days ago

This may have been our best meal at By Patrik Pettersson. There were some new dishes on the menu - which is always changing - but the Vension was new and outstanding - melt in your mouth wonderful! The Branzino was great - and I don't like fish but I loved this dish! He had a new wine for us to try which was perfect with our dinner. I don't know where he finds them. All and all, I don't know how Patrik will top this dinner! The service is always wonderful and the people are always friendly but not overly so. Looking forward to our next meal there! Thanks for another wonderful experience at this hidden gem!

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Experience

Five and Seven-Course Tasting Menu

Experience

Wine not Wednesday:Diablo Paso Wine Tasting Dinner

Experience

Valentine's Day 5-course Dinner

Fleming's Steakhouse - Sarasota

4.6

4.6 (1889)

$31 to $50

Steak

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. With premium Prime steak options on our Dinner Menu as well as best-in-class seafood and innovative plant-based options, we have something to offer everyone you are dining with.

Top review

TerryVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great steaks. Our waiter David was wonderful. We had a great experience.

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JPAN - University Town Center

4.5

4.5 (215)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lakewood Ranch

About the restaurant

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF TRADITIONAL JAPANESE DISHES ALONG WITH MIND-BLOWING SUSHI AND KITCHEN CREATIONS. LET OUR EXPERIENCED AND INNOVATIVE CHEFS DESIGN A MAGNIFICENT MEAL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALL WHILE BEING IN THE CARE OF OUR LIVELY AND HOSPITABLE STAFF. WHETHER IT’S TRADITIONAL FARE, SUSHI OR TEMPURA YOU CRAVE, WE CAN HANDLE YOUR HUNGER AND GIVE YOU SEVERAL REASONS TO KEEP COMING BACK FOR MORE!
We have a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running later than 15 minute after your reservation time.

Top review

DianeVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Everything we ate was well prepared and tasty. We had wonderful miso soup, seaweed salad, the Godzilla roll, edamame and salmon sashimi. Have eaten here multiple time and each time more than satisfied!

Taverna Toscana

4.4

4.4 (46)

$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

Karen

Dined on Dec 26, 2024

short rib bolognese was the best ever, anywhere! filet w risotto also a winner. french onion soup was five star as well. overall a great experience.

element: steak. seafood. pasta.

4.3

4.3 (1980)

$31 to $50

Steak

Sarasota

About the restaurant

We encapsulate the best and most unique elements of world class dining. We feature pasture raised, hand-cut steaks grilled or seared to perfection, delicate, local seafood, house made pasta dishes with elegant hand crafted sauces and more.

Top review

DeborahVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Elements is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always good, and the service is excellent. I always request to sit in the main dining room because it is quieter and a little more cozy than the other dining area.

Georgie's UTC

3.8

3.8 (775)

$31 to $50

American

Lakewood Ranch

About the restaurant

Welcome to Georgie's UTC, where high quality meats and fresh caught seafood meet in Sarasota. Join us for an amazing ambiance that consists of live entertainment, exquisite wines, craft cocktails, and amazing food from our culinary director Chef Ryan Milito. Our Cocktail program is second to none as we have recruited talent from Gramercy Tavern in New York as well as Nantucket. We also have made it our initiative to bring Value to our customers by making prices lower than our competitors with a better quality of product.

Top review

Christina

Dined 3 days ago

Everything from service to the food were great! Loved it!

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Popular dish

Gulf Grouper

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