Trending restaurant interior on Florida's Gulf Coast

Weekly Feature

What's Hot
This Week

The can't-miss new restaurants, beach bars, and hidden gems across Sarasota, Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, and Bradenton. Fresh picks every week.

01 — This Week's Picks

Week of October 13, 2026

01 | Sarasota

Mitchell's Food and Wine

1660 Main Street, downtown Sarasota (the former Lucile Pizza & Wine Bar space)

Downtown Sarasota's next big table arrives this week: Mitchell's Food and Wine, opening mid-October at 1660 Main Street in the space that housed Lucile Pizza & Wine Bar. Owners Ryan Boeve and Mark Baldwin keep the pizza but expand the menu into a broader selection that pays homage to Boeve's earlier kitchens, Pomona Bistro and Zoria. Expect an interactive room where chefs deliver food and chat with guests, dressed in Art Deco and mid-century modern style.

Why now

It is opening week, and downtown tables don't get fresher than this. Go early in the run, before the word spreads and the reservation list fills.

New OpeningPizza & WineDowntown Visit Website
Mitchell's Food and Wine in Sarasota
02 | Venice

Agave Bandido

Downtown Wellen, Wellen Park, Venice

Downtown Wellen's newest star is Agave Bandido, a Mexican-inspired kitchen and tequila bar with hand-painted murals, part of the district's 44,000-square-foot Phase II expansion that debuted this spring and summer. It sits in the heart of Venice's fastest-growing new neighborhood, steps from Grand Lake.

Why now

Wellen Park is the most talked-about new address on the Gulf Coast, and Agave Bandido is its freshest dinner table. Go now, before the winter season crowds the district.

New OpeningMexican KitchenTequila BarWellen Park Visit Website
Agave Bandido in Venice
03 | Osprey

Five Nine Grill & Tavern

1092 South Tamiami Trail, Blackburn Point Plaza, Osprey (the former Bay Leaf space)

The Bradenton favorite made its Sarasota County debut in Osprey this August: Five Nine Grill & Tavern opened August 10 at 1092 South Tamiami Trail in Blackburn Point Plaza. It is a locally owned American gastropub serving scratch-made comfort food, burgers, brunch, lunch and dinner, with a classic-cocktail bar at its center.

Why now

Osprey has a new neighborhood hangout, and it is still in its first season. Stop in for burgers and a classic cocktail before the snowbirds discover it.

New LocationGastropubScratch Kitchen Visit Website
Five Nine Grill & Tavern in Osprey
04 | Nokomis

Pelican Alley

1009 Albee Road West, Nokomis, on the Intracoastal at the south bridge to Casey Key

Nokomis's Old Florida classic deserves the spotlight: Pelican Alley has anchored the Intracoastal at the south bridge to Casey Key since 1981, in a historic building that dates to 1903 and was lovingly rebuilt after Hurricane Irma. The seafood chowder, broiled grouper, and dynamite shrimp have a following, and Wednesday and Friday nights bring live music.

Why now

Fall is the season for waterfront dinners, and Pelican Alley's deck is one of the most underrated seats in south county. Go on a Friday for live music and the sunset over the water.

Hidden GemWaterfrontEst. 1981 Visit Website
Pelican Alley in Nokomis
05 | Bradenton

The Spotted Rabbit Gastropub

1830 59th Street West, Bradenton (near Blake Hospital)

West Bradenton's rebranded steakhouse is the talk of the neighborhood: The Spotted Rabbit Gastropub took over the former Modern Chop Steakhouse near Blake Hospital, keeping the steakhouse soul while adding an eclectic gastropub menu of fresh local seafood, wild game burgers (elk, lamb, wild boar), and a serious draft beer list.

Why now

It is still in its rebrand glow, and Yelp reviewers are calling it one of the hot new tables in Bradenton. Go for the filet and a draft beer, and see what the buzz is about.

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The Spotted Rabbit Gastropub in Bradenton

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03 — Explore More

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Know a Hidden Gem We Should Feature?

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