Shopping & Dining

Shopping in Sarasota

From Florida-style fun to chic elegance, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Sarasota’s eclectic collection of specialty shops. Browse one-of-a-kind treasures in over 100 boutiques in St. Armand’s Circle, a world-famous shopping destination in a setting with definite continental flavor. Or enjoy gallery hopping on historic Palm Avenue and at Towles Court to see artists at work in their studios. The boutiques on Pineapple Avenue in the downtown district, in Southside Village and in budding Rosemary, Gillespie and Rosemary districts are a blend of new world and vintage collections. University Town Center has the area's largest mall with more than 150 stores and restaurants including Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vitton, Michael Kors and Tesla. Nearby open air shopping centers offer a wide variety of national chain shops including PGA Superstore, Nordstrom Rack and Bed, Bath and Beyond. If shopping is your pleasure, there is a little something just waiting for you to discover in Sarasota!

Dining in Sarasota

Sarasota’s wide selection of restaurants is sure to please the palate. Feast on fresh, local seafood and farm-to-table fare amongst elegant dining rooms; patios with sweeping views of the Gulf; or cozy, stylish cafés. A throng of farmer’s markets, bakeries, specialty markets, and delis provide ample flavor for delicious, home-cooked meals. Sarasota boasts one of the largest collections of extraordinary independently owned restaurants in the country. The Sarasota Originals offer 60 selections to enjoy waterside dining with sand between your toes, or ultra-epicurean experiences at award winning restaurants. Whether your appetite craves Italian, Peruvian, Asian flavors or global tastes of another kind, Longboat Key, downtown Sarasota, and Southside Village shine with their variety to choose from. Lakewood Ranch and University Park offer nearly every national and regional quick-service, casual and fine dining chain you can imagine.

Ask for my personal favorites – I am always happy to share the spots where I know I will be warmly greeted and enjoy an outstanding evening with family and friends.