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On the beautiful gulf coast of Florida is Siesta Key. The locals love this stunning waterfront town, and tourists flock there to experience beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and enchanting atmosphere.
If you’re thinking about heading to Siesta Key, you won’t have a shortage of fantastic places to eat. Finding the best Siesta Key restaurants beforehand can save you time when hunger strikes as you plan your trip.
10 Best Places to Eat in Siesta Key
Whether you’re craving Italian, seafood, or something else, there’s something for everyone in Siesta Key. Here are ten of the best restaurants in Siesta Key.
Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Right off of Siesta Key Beach in Siesta Key Oyster Bar. This is a casual spot offering delicious seafood, American cuisine, and cold drinks. The patio has great outdoor seating, and there’s live music played frequently.
They have half off oysters during happy hour, a weekend brunch service, and one of the best atmospheres you’ll find in Siesta Key. Some of their most popular dishes are their fish tacos, fish and chips, burgers, and cajun po’boys. There’s also a kids menu if you’re traveling with children.
The Old Salty Dog
Another casual dining option in Siesta Key is the Old Salty Dog. It’s a British-style pub where you can get a cold beer and plenty of fried food. After a long day at the beach or on the water, it’s the perfect restaurant to visit when you don’t feel like getting dressed up.
They have outdoor seating and live music almost every night. If you’re planning on dining here, you can expect dishes like conch fritters, fish gumbo, fresh salads, lobster rolls, and their famous “salty” hot dogs.
Cafe Gabbiano
If you’re craving Italian food, then a visit to Cafe Gabbiano is a must. This fine-dining Italian restaurant features an intimate, warm, and rustic setting. You have to check out their lengthy wine list when you eat here. It’s awe-inspiring, and you can order flights of wine if you want to sample several of them.
As far as the food goes, they have all your favorite Italian classics. For starters, you can build a cheese and meat plate. Some entrees on their menu include chicken parmigiana, lobster ravioli, and tortellini.
The Cottage
There’s no shortage of seafood restaurants on Florida’s gulf coast, especially Siesta Key. The Cottage is a relatively casual spot but features American and Japanese influences. The decor is tropical with an elevated look.
It’s open for lunch and dinner daily and is yet another place to hear live music every day. The menu features appetizers, sandwiches, entrees, salads, and side dishes. Popular items include their beef short ribs, Siesta seafood scampi, and the sushi rice salad.
Clayton’s Siesta Grille
If you’re looking for a great restaurant in Siesta Key that the locals love, it’s Clayton’s Siesta Grille. It opened in 2004 and has been serving some of the best food in the area ever since. The atmosphere is welcoming and casual.
Clayton’s is known for its elevated seafood, brick oven pizza, and varied American dishes. People love their garbanzo meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, and their seared crab cakes. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu to find the perfect drink to pair with your meal.
Miguel’s Restaurant
Miguel’s Restaurant is a French fusion restaurant on the beach. They serve upscale French and continental cuisine that’s worth trying while you’re in town. This restaurant is pretty affordable, yet the atmosphere resembles a fine-dining restaurant with white tablecloths and servers in bowties.
They offer an early bird special from four to six pm that includes an appetizer and entree for a special price. Dishes you can expect to see include roast duck, lamb chops, veal piccata, and vegan options upon request.
Sun Garden Cafe
One of the best breakfast and family restaurants in Siesta Key is Sun Garden Cafe. It’s a go-to breakfast spot for locals and visitors before hitting the beach or venturing out for another activity. Sun Garden Cafe features a breezy patio with beach decor and a friendly atmosphere.
They’re open for breakfast and lunch, but it is their breakfast that’s award-winning. Everything you could want for breakfast is offered, from pancakes to sandwiches, omelets, and more. Some of the most popular dishes include the shrimp benedict and Ashley’s avocado toast. A mimosa or bloody mary goes well with any meal.
Big Water Fish Market
Eating at a fish market may seem odd, but in Siesta Key, Big Water Fish Market is more than just a seafood market. There’s a small restaurant that’s worth checking out if you want to visit one of the freshest and best seafood restaurants in Siesta Key.
The restaurant is super casual, and the owner is involved in every aspect of the business. He wouldn’t serve anything that he wouldn’t eat himself. The walls are blue and feature beach decor at every corner. Their fish tacos and key lime pie are must-tries when you’re here.
Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar
Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar is another casual hotspot in town that’s famous for its tiki bar and clam chowder. Don’t worry, though, as they have more than just clam chowder on their menu.
This bright blue restaurant has some fantastic beach-themed cocktails and other American dishes that you’ll love. You’ll love sitting at the tiki bar sipping on a cold local beer and eating chicken wings or nachos after a long day.
Village Cafe
Last but not least is Village Cafe. The restaurant’s been open since 1995 and is popular with the locals. This breakfast and lunch spot has a casual and friendly vibe, with all your favorite classic American dishes.
Their breakfast menu is filled with eggs, bacon, oatmeal, and other classics. For lunch, there’s fresh salad, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, and more. The best part is that you can order breakfast all day! Well, until they close at two in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts
With plenty of delicious places to eat in Siesta Key, you don’t need to worry about going hungry on your beach vacation. If you’re ready to experience one of the best beach destinations on Florida’s gulf coast, book your stay today.
Featured Image Credit: Hotel Photos via Flickr CC2.0
