5 Siesta Key Restaurants on the Water

Siesta Key is a beautiful barrier island just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. Island life is always elevated when you can get around by boat. Enjoy a front-row seat to dolphins at play, spend a day out fishing in the Gulf, or anchor at one of Siesta Key’s infamous sugar-white sand beaches for a sun-kissed afternoon.

And when you get hungry during your island adventure, Boatsetter has you covered. Keep reading for a guide to five great Siesta Key waterfront restaurants:

1. The Boatyard Waterfront Bar
2. Ophelia’s on the Bay
3. Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar
4. Spearfish Grille
5. Turtle’s Restaurant

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1. The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill

If you’re looking for a casual bite before you sail into Siesta Key, The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill is a great pick. The menu features plenty of fresh fish options for those looking to experience true Gulf flavors. Popular items include the Honey Soy Mahi tacos, Fish & Chips made with tender Haddock, and the Grouper Oscar.

Outdoor seating is ideal at The Boatyard Waterfront Bar and Grill. You can choose between the covered patio or uncovered dockside seating. Look out at a picture-perfect Siesta Key sunset, and don’t forget to look down to catch dolphins on their way through the canal!

• Address: 1500 Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
• Hours: Sun – Thurs 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am– 10pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Fresh seafood
• Dockage Available: Yes

2. Ophelia’s on the Bay

Ophelia’s on the Bay is an upscale Siesta Key waterfront restaurant, perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening out. The floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air patio allow guests to take in the mangrove islands along Little Sarasota Bay.

Pro Tip: Keep your cameras ready. With the mangroves close by, you’re bound to see some dolphins and tropical birds.

As you peruse the extensive menu, feel free to ask the in-house sommelier for wine recommendations. As for food, the Escargot Ophelia prepared in puff pastry, Yellow Fin Tuna Loin, and Filet Mignon are three favorites, loved by locals and tourists alike.

• Address: 9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
• Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm–10pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Globally-inspired cuisine
• Dockage Available: Yes

3. Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar

In between Roberts Bay and Little Sarasota Bay is the Phillippi Creek. Laze along the creek and dock your boat at Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar for some casual, southern-style seafood.

For those with an adventurous palette, we recommend the spicy Cajun Seafood Gumbo. If you’re in the mood for something milder, locals praise the Grouper and Flounder (whether it’s fried, blackened, stuffed, or in a sandwich), the Jumbo King Crab, and always get a side of Hush Puppies!

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for local treasures, stop in Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar’s Island Creekside Trader Gift Shop for artisan gifts, beach toys, and beer and wine to take home.

• Address: 5353 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
• Hours: Mon- Sun 11am–9:30pm
• Reservations: Unavailable
• Type of Food: Southern-style seafood
• Dockage Available: Yes

4. Spearfish Grille

When you wade westward along the canal that follows Stickney Point Road, you’ll coast into the Safe Harbor Siesta Key docks outside of Spearfish Grille. This casual waterfront restaurant is a picturesque spot to stop in for an easygoing afternoon meal.

Enjoy the modern farmhouse décor, and street food-style plating, and get a true taste of the Gulf when you order local, fresh-caught seafood. Guests praise the blackened Hogfish, fried Hogfish sandwiches, and Grouper tacos.

Pro Tip: Step outside on chillier nights to enjoy Spearfish Grille’s custom fire pit!

• Address: 1265 Old Stickney Point Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
• Hours: Mon-Sun 11am–10pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: Fresh seafood and street food
• Dockage Available: Yes

5. Turtle’s Restaurant

If you sail south in Little Sarasota Bay, it’s nearly impossible to miss the bright green and pink building along the western shoreline, also known as Turtle’s Restaurant. Turtle’s is the perfect place to dock if you’re interested in an informal waterfront restaurant away from the main, crowded parts of Siesta Key.

Sample some coastal classics, like Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi topped with homemade pineapple rum sauce or the Gulf of Mexico Grouper. And for dessert, we recommend the signature sweet and crumbly Turtle Pie.

Pro Tip: Sunday Brunch is served from 10am – 2pm (specials start as low as $10.99).

• Address: 8875 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30am – 9pm, Sun 10am – 9pm
• Reservations: Available
• Type of Food: American Seafood
• Dockage Available: Yes

Every island adventure is better by boat! Book your Boatsetter boat rental today and experience all of these Siesta Key restaurants on the water the right way. Click here to get started.

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