Date Night in Sarasota
By Carson B. · Updated November 6, 2026
Book dinner at Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy or Figaro in Southside Village, or Ophelia's on the Bay for the water. Pair it with a show at Florida Studio Theatre, or with a walk around The Bay at sunset.
Dinner for two
Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy has steak frites out front and a dim cocktail room hidden behind the dining room. Figaro a few doors down mixes France and Italy, Veronica Fish & Oyster is the stylish seafood room nearby, and Marcel handles French-inspired small plates on Main.
European brasserie warmth meets 1920s speakeasy glamour
With a view
Ophelia's on the Bay has been the romantic pick on Siesta Key's south end since 1988. Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton does cocktails and small bites over the bay, and Cafe Gabbiano puts Italian fine dining steps from Siesta's sand.
Craft cocktails and shareable bites with Sarasota Bay views
Make it a night out
Florida Studio Theatre runs year-round downtown, from mainstage plays to cabaret and improv. Fogartyville is the Rosemary District listening room. Check arts and this weekend on our calendar to see what's on.
Downtown's year-round theater, from mainstage plays to cabaret and improv
Rosemary District listening room and home of WSLR 96.5
Low-key and lovely
Walk The Bay at sunset, then have a glass at Le Shop Coffee & Wine on St. Armands. In the daytime, high tea at Elixir Tea House is a good change of pace.
On this weekend
Ride and Paddle at The Bay (Guided Kayak Tour)
Fri, Nov 6 · 9:00 AM · 2 dates
Kayak Launch at The Bay Park · Sarasota
Free; registration required
ex•plore: Nature at Night —Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Fri, Nov 6 · 5:30 PM
Sleeping Turtles Preserve North · Venice
Free
Questions
What's the most romantic restaurant in Sarasota?
Ophelia's on the Bay is the traditional answer, and Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy is the newer one.
What can you do on a date in Sarasota besides dinner?
See a show at Florida Studio Theatre, catch music at Fogartyville, or walk The Bay at sunset.