Romantic dinner ideas (Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice: home, live, restaurants)

[Oobie119]

Alrighty...we're looking for two places... One for seafood, where we don't have to throw our wallets in, but a nice place, not seeing flip flops and cut offs while we eat. Were trying to stay away from the key and main street, in search of quiet.. celebrating 8 years this weekend : ) Were thinking of Ophelia's, but the prices are a bit high.

After dinner we'd like a quiet, martini bar atmosphere...lounge like with comfy seating..somewhere we can relax with a drink in a nice atmosphere...maybe even outdoors, but avoiding the key or downtown Sarasota. Those places are normally fine, but not for an anniversary. We are willing to drive anywhere..

Even though I'm a local, and have been for 6 years now (Yikes), we have our favorite spots and just don't get out much to find new ones..l

[gettinoutofjersey]

roys

[TamRE]

My stepdaughter lives in Sarasota. They go to Roy's or Marina Jacks for their anniversary.

Here is a link to the Sarasota Restaurant Guide - Sarasota Florida Restaurants and Dining Guide - All Restaurants in Sarasota, Florida and Dining Search Engine for Sarasota, FL Siesta Key Restaurants, Longboat Key Restaurants, Lido Key and Venice, Florida Restaurants

[Rushmore]

I have to admit, for a chain, Roy's treats you very well and is a really nice evening. It will cost you about as much as Ophelia's, but I think the food is actually better. When you book, let them know it is an anniversary, and you'll likely get a nice dessert and a photo. If you do that, though, don't get the prix fixe, obviously.

Roy's Restaurant - Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine - Sarasota, Florida Location & Hours

Their sushi appetizers are amazing, by the way. In fact, the entrees are out of whack with the appetizers, price-wise, so I would suggest just telling them you're doing a tapas-style meal, and ordering a bunch of the excellent apps, especially the pork spare ribs.

A little cheaper and a nice ambiance is Morel, which is not a chain, a nice small room, and sometimes you actually see people dressed for dinner. The food has been very good every time we have gone. Ask about their specials.

Morel Restaurant

If you like sushi, I cannot more highly recommend Vizen in Gulf Gate. Again, not a casual place, and the food is AWESOME. The picture on the home page is a good idea of what we're talking about. The guy makes an effort. Click "About Vizen" for some nice shots of the interior and you'll get the idea.

VIZEN Japanese Cuisine | Japanese Restaurant Sarasota, Florida

Happy anniversary!

[Karen and Jim]

Happy Anniversary, Oobie and hubby!! We still don't live down in Paradise, so can't offer to tell you any nice places to celebrate your 8th, but......you'll probably have a super time no matter WHERE you go! Have fun!

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Oobie119

Alrighty...we're looking for two places... One for seafood, where we don't have to throw our wallets in, but a nice place, not seeing flip flops and cut offs while we eat. Were trying to stay away from the key and main street, in search of quiet.. celebrating 8 years this weekend : ) Were thinking of Ophelia's, but the prices are a bit high.

After dinner we'd like a quiet, martini bar atmosphere...lounge like with comfy seating..somewhere we can relax with a drink in a nice atmosphere...maybe even outdoors, but avoiding the key or downtown Sarasota. Those places are normally fine, but not for an anniversary. We are willing to drive anywhere..

Even though I'm a local, and have been for 6 years now (Yikes), we have our favorite spots and just don't get out much to find new ones..l

Have you ever eaten at Pier 22? GREAT food, wonderful seafood, beautiful location on the Manatee River. The food is all fresh and/or local. One of my favorite places.

Bradenton Restaurant and Catering | Waterfront Dining, Patio Bar, and Event Space | Pier22

We went there for our anniversary last year. Happy anniversary to you two!

[Oobie119]

Thanks everyone!! Pier 22 sounds nice.. How is the attire, and the prices??

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by Oobie119

Thanks everyone!! Pier 22 sounds nice.. How is the attire, and the prices??

Prices run the gamut, and they are not bad at all, especially compared to some of the other suggestions in this thread. I guarantee you the food is REALLY wonderful, for fresh seafood it's some of the best I've ever had. As for attire, I have seen very casual to fairly dressy, so it's not formal at all. There are several dining rooms, plus a covered bar patio (informal) and two outdoor terraces. Pier 22 is one of my absolute favorite places to eat anywhere in the area.

Enjoy!

[mrs.cool]

We haven't eaten at Pier 22, but we've had drinks on the outside terrace. LOVED IT!! I would vote for it too, although we've also been to Marina Jack's. Pier 22 is a little "fancier" imho.