Is there a better place in the country for seafood than southern Florida? Anyone who’s spent time in a Siesta Key vacation rental, local or visitor, would probably say no. Put Siesta Key up against the best of Maine or the coasts of California, and many would still give the number one prize to this laid-back, Gulf-side island.
Siesta Key has some amazing local cafes and phenomenal seafood. But don’t just take our word for it: Scan through the below six seafood restaurants in Siesta Key. Each one has its own unique way of serving up some of the best seafood in the great state of Florida.
1. Owen’s Fish Camp
Owen’s Fish Camp is more shack than restaurant with its oozing Florida charm.
Funny statuettes sit in the outdoor balcony. Peculiar vintage photos are pegged to the walls of the restaurant. True to its name, the outside patio feels more like logs around a fire. An open courtyard has a tire swing, a small play area, some stones, and thick foliage.
That said, Owen’s Fish Camp is a restaurant in name, but not necessarily in design. Owen’s has some of the best seafood around and serves it up in a no-frills style. Put Owen’s at the top of your dining list and you’ll be sure to taste fresh fish right out of the Bay – Owen’s backyard.
2. Phillippi Creek
This Sarasota seafood spot is a nice combination of steak and seafood in a laid-back atmosphere. There are no high stakes, no pressure to dress up, and no snobby air at this cozy cottage family eatery. It’s all about the food here, which includes dishes like oysters, lobster, and fresh fish.
You can find a generous daily Happy Hour from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The menu has some fun historical facts about Siesta Key, making for an amusing “did you know” evening for everyone. Speaking of which: Did you know there are 34 species of snapper around Florida alone?
3. Summer House Steak and Seafood
The Summer House emphasizes the Old Florida lifestyle with unabashed joy. The building itself is a cozy blue cottage in the historic downtown of Siesta Key. It’s a block from one of the island’s main beach access points.
There’s a clear focus on upscale, healthy dining. Options include about eight different steak selections, King Crab, Lobscargot, Gulf Maine Salmon, and the Potato-crusted Gulf Grouper. Reservations are recommended and can be made online.
4. The Lobster Pot
The Lobster Pot has a very different kind of energy compared to its upscale counterparts. While some of the top seafood restaurants have a classy atmosphere, the Lobster Pot is funky, sometimes loud, and always an absolute delight. Famous for its cornbread, stuffed Maine lobster, and sassy attitude, the Lobster Pot stands as one of the best seafood eateries on the island.
The team takes a unique strategy by sourcing much of the seafood from New England, but otherwise using local ingredients. It’s a combination like few others.
5. The Cottage
The Cottage is Japanese-American fusion restaurant in the heart of Siesta Key. Guests seeking a Japanese seafood experience will find plenty to enjoy here. The tropical melds well with its colorful attitude and inventive eats. Some highlights include Black Mussels, Tempura Shrimp, and Crab Cakes.
6. The Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Want to dine, but also have an experience? The Siesta Key Oyster Bar brings out many enthusiastic islanders and visitors ready to get as many oysters as possible on their plate. Head to the SKOB weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. for Big G’s Oyster Happy Hour, where half-rack oysters, raw or steamed, are half off. Expect tasty cocktails and regular live music to accompany your meal.
Not only do they serve some of the tastiest fish in the area, but these seafood restaurants also deliver charming décor, unique flavors, memorable experiences, and maybe even a romantic ambience.
