Top 5 Restaurants to Get Local Seafood

Siesta Key may be known for its breathtaking crystalline sand beaches, outdoor attractions, and stunning Gulf of Mexico views, but for many visitors, it’s all about the impeccable local seafood.

Siesta Key is small enough to keep everything within a short drive or even a walk, so you can dip into Siesta Key Village for plentiful dining options near many vacation rentals or venture down to the southern end for some spectacles on the water. Below are five phenomenal Siesta Key seafood restaurants you have to experience.

Seafood Platter

1. The Lobster Pot

Location: 5157 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242-1674

The Lobster Pot is an acclaimed lobster shack founded by a family from Massachusetts who sought to bring their knowledge of Northeastern lobster cuisine to Florida’s west coast. What the Lobster Pot lacks in grand size and spaciousness it makes up for in offering some of the best lobster dishes in the area.

The lobster is exceptional. A premiere menu option is the quarter-pound Maine Lobster. Guests can also opt for a multitude of sandwiches, including cod and Mahi, as well as fried or broiled sea scallops.

The Lobster Pot is open from 11:30 to 9 pm every day. Due to the small size of the Lobster Pot, you may want to call ahead at 941-349-2323 for reservations. Locals love it, and you are bound to as well.

2. Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar

Location: 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

Captain Curt’s is the definitive oyster bar for Siesta Key. The restaurant is held up by its spectacular tiki bar and its affordable prices.

Captain Curt’s has one specific item that locals will order just about every day: the clam chowder. It is an exceptional delight, enough for some to claim that it’s the best in the world.

Guests will also have access to an outdoor bar and open patio, where a live music performer is almost always playing some beach-themed jam Captain Curt’s is also open every night for some late drinking after the beach – until 2 am weekdays and weekends.

3. The Cottage Restaurant

Location: 153 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL 34242

The Cottage Restaurant is a low-key and tropically themed beachfront restaurant made for seafood foodies. This farm to table restaurant utilizes local foods whenever possible, preparing them expertly.

Menu-wise, a top item of choice is undoubtedly the Lobster Bisque. Plenty of other items await for seafood aficionados including tuna tacos, crab cakes, tuna poke, ceviche, black mussels and other delicacies, as well as a small selection of land fare. The restaurant is open 11 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekend nights.

Seashell Net

4. Gilligan’s Island Bar

Location: 5253 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242-3310

Capturing its name from the classic comedy series, Gilligan’s Island Bar is pure beach eating with a casual vibe if you’re looking for something a bit more laid back. The tiki-styled American pub café offers a full bar in a family friendly atmosphere during the days, as well as a balanced land and seafood menu for those in your group who prefer either option.

Gilligan’s likes to add some fun to the menu. For example, the Pineapple Teriyaki Mahi Mahi Sliders take this traditional fish and give it a summery edge with the juicy pineapple that works quite well. Wash it down with refreshing icy margaritas and strawberry mojitos. Other seafood options include a salmon BLT, fish tacos, shrimp platters, fish dinners, calamari, peel and eat shrimp, and mussels marinara.

Though Gilligan’s Island is family friendly during the day, the evenings can turn into more of a nightclub past 10 pm. Local DJ’s can be found on many weekends, alongside Gilligan’s late night happy hour. You can contact Gilligan’s Bar at 941-346-8122.

5. Daiquiri Deck

Location: 5250 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key, FL 34242-3309

The Daquiri Deck screams American beachside cuisine. Its introduces guests to a number of fish and chicken wraps, gator bites, coconut shrimp, and other American seafood staples. You can also take advantage of a generous and extended happy hour, which runs 3 pm to 7 pm every day.

The Daquiri Deck is open late, to 2 am every night, and opens its doors at 11.

Siesta Village is a showcase for a wide range of extraordinary seafood restaurants. If you are confused as to where to go or can’t find a consensus among the group, try one of these popular options which are sure to please.

Contact Us

Peppertree Bay Association
6056 Midnight Pass Road
Sarasota, Florida USA 34242


T 941.349.7777
F 941.346.0371

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