15 Best Lunch Restaurant In Siesta Key

On a sunny warm day, if you are looking forward to enjoying your lunch with a great view and gentle breeze touching your face and hair then you are going to love having lunch in The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill. You can get the fail in both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements.

In Siesta Key there are lots of restaurants that have a very tropical soothing environment where they serve delicious meals for your lunch. You can choose between different cuisines and different types of foods. You can even go to fine dining or go for a chill with your friends.

Best Lunch Restaurant In Siesta Key
Best Lunch Restaurant In Siesta Key

Top Lunch Restaurants In Siesta Key

In this post, I tried to suggest some great places with great menus and an enjoyable environment. Take a look, you will love to visit these places.

The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill

The menu is full of seafood dishes from American cuisine. From the start, you can try P.E.I. Mussels or Mediterranean platter. For the main dish you can go with Mahi Mahi Piccata and Blackened Redfish are highly recommended. You can also get steaks and chicken dishes if you don’t prefer seafood. If you want to keep the lunch light, you can go with soup or Salad. They also have tacos and nachos.

The Boatyard Waterfront Bar & Grill

Marina Jacks

For any fine dining experience with a great view of the Inter-Coastal waterway, you should go to Marina Jacks. Whether it is a patio or lounge, you are going to feel like you are having lunch on the deck of a yacht.

As pleasing as the environment of Marina Jacks is, the food is more delicious. The restaurant has won awards for its wine list and food. All the dishes are prepared from locally sourced ingredients. We suggest you try their Braised Boneless Short Rib, Pan Roasted Duck Breast, Braised New Zealand Lamb Shank, and Chef Dabney’s Bouillabaisse. You can even get to choose between wine, beer, or cocktails.

Marina Jacks
Marina Jacks

Turtles Restaurant

If you are a fan of casual American dining then Turtles Restaurant mends your desire. The whole atmosphere is really casual and soothing. You can enjoy the best seafood menu seating on the waterfront view. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner in this restaurant.

If you are new to the place and confused about what order for lunch you can go with Turtle Salad. You should also try Coconut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Gulf of Mexico Grouper, Filet Mignon & Maine Lobster Tail, and Shrimp & Crab Scampi. They also have desserts on the menu.

Turtles Restaurant
Turtles Restaurant

Ophelia’s on the Bay

Ophelia’s on the Bay is not only a place where you can enjoy your lunch while enjoying the breeze from the waterfront. You can watch the preserved mangrove Island from the seating area. Lots of tropical Birds are visible in the area. Also if you are not planning to go on the Dolphin Cruise then you can enjoy the Dolphin leave from the restaurant while enjoying your lunch.

Ophelia’s on the Bay
Ophelia’s on the Bay

Not only is the environment great for enjoying your lunch but also the food. Don’t forget to try their Maine Lobster Bisque, Mahi Mahi, Tartare of USDA Prime Beef Tenderloin, and Gulf Lane Snapper. They have many other dishes on the menu.

The Cottage

If you are a fan of old Florida charm then you should go to The Cottage. The whole restaurant is organized keeping the Florida charm. If you want to have your lunch outside then you will love their outside patio decoration.

the cottage siesta key
the cottage siesta key

When it comes to local favorites The Cottage comes to the top. All the dishes are prepared from local ingredients. You can enjoy a great variety of tapas in The Cottage. You can also try their sandwiches and salads. If you love seafood you have a lot of options on the menu.

Summer House Steak & Seafood

During lunchtime with your friend then you need to visit Summer House Steak & Seafood. The decoration is so much more competent even being casual that, if you want to have a romantic lunch with your partner then you can do it in the same place.

Summer House Steak & Seafood
Summer House Steak & Seafood

The food is very delicious and fresh. We ask you to try their Angus steak and chops. Their lamb shank and Scottish salmon are a must try. You can pair the meal with a great wine or a cocktail.

Spearfish Grille

Spearfish Grille is just located on the water. On the deck, the restaurant created a patio with shades. It has a happy vibe that you and your friends are going to enjoy. This place collects fish directly from the fisherman which allows you to have the freshest food.

Spearfish Grille
Spearfish Grille

In the same place along with seafood, you are going to get the juiciest steak for your lunch. If you want a light lunch, you can go with the Florida Spring Mixed Salad prepared with seasonal ingredients. You should also try their Crispy Fried Grouper Cheeks and Blue Crab and Bacon Cheesy Fusilli.

Rincón Tolteca Mexican

For a Mexican food lover like me, Rincon Tolteca Mexican is a must-visit. They have lots of Mexican dishes that include seafood in them. You can try their Enchiladas or Bistec a la Mexican. This place is quite traditional. It’s a family-owned restaurant. Dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients.

rincon tolteca mexican restaurant
rincon tolteca mexican restaurant | Photo: Restaurants In Sarasota

Café Gabbiano

Italian food can be quite homely and comforting. While you are staying in Siesta Key and craving great Italian food then you must go to Café Gabbiano. Café Gabbiano is run by an Italian family who brings Italian food to your American plate.

Café Gabbiano
Café Gabbiano

They have a lot of authentic Italian dishes along with pasta and antipasti. Their Branzino is one of the must try dishes. You can also try their Costolette di Vitello Parmigiana, Allen Brothers Filet Mignon, Pollo Mamma Lucia, Salmon Sole Mio, and more.

The Seafood Joint

When it comes to the freshest seafood then your must go place is The Seafood Joint. Not only does it serve fresh food but you can even get raw fish. Sometimes you can choose the raw fish and ask the Chef to prepare it for you.

The Seafood Joint
The Seafood Joint

Actually, the menu is so good that almost everything you can think of is on the menu. It is a place you are going to enjoy with your friends and family. They serve a huge portion of food that you can share. We ask you to try their Fish or Shrimp Tacos, Snow Crab Cocktail, Gulf Shrimp Plate, Smoked Mahi Fish Dip, Snow Crab Cocktail, and more. If you want you can take out fish and chips to enjoy at the beach.

Clayton’s Siesta Grille

For quality time with your friend, I always suggest you go to Clayton’s Siesta Grille. The whole restaurant is decorated with artistic Paints and local collectibles. Just because the restaurant is casual doesn’t mean you can’t have upscale dishes.

The place is full of delicious food. They have American and Japanese dishes. The menu is quite enriched with seafood and beef. If you are confused about what to order, here are some suggestions. You can try Flash fried calamari, Tempura Rock Shrimp, Braised beef short rib, Crusted Grouper, and more.

Clayton’s Siesta Grille
Clayton’s Siesta Grille

If you are a vegetarian or vegan do not worry, they also have dishes like Garbanzo meatless loaf, Mozzarella Burrata, Macaroni and Veg Cheese, and more. Which makes it a perfect place to hang out with your vegetarian friends.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar

Siesta Key Oyster Bar is a happy place for seafood lovers and especially for the oyster lover. It is a very casual place but the whole view of the waterfront atmosphere makes it unique. In this place, you can get Fried, baked, or grilled oysters.

Siesta Key Oyster Bar
Siesta Key Oyster Bar

The place also offers Happy Hour between 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for oyster lovers. The dishes are sold at a 50% discount. You must try their Chipotle lobster tacos. It’s a local favorite dish. All in one it is a great place to enjoy beer or wine with your friends or your partner.

Pop’s Sunset Grill

Enjoying your lunch in a tropical place with a cold breeze touching your face is always soothing and comforting. Especially when you are on a budget and want to have delicious food then we suggest you pay a visit to Pop’s Sunset Grill.

Pop’s Sunset Grill
Pop’s Sunset Grill

Here are some of our suggestions. If you are looking for a brunch then I ask you to go with egg sandwiches or benedict. You will also have lots of other options for launch that you are going to love. So if you are touring with your student friends then pay a visit. You might even get a discount.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a great place to enjoy a fine lunch. The places are always filled with people so we suggest you make a reservation. Even if you haven’t you can enjoy their bar.

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

On the menu, you will get several seafood pasta, tacos, wings, and steaks. We suggest you try Seafood Linguine, Seafood Linguine, Bacon-Wrapped Scallops, Prince Edward Islands Mussels, and more. You can even get to enjoy a raw oyster platter.

If you want to go for something lighter you can try their salads or soups. It is a great place to go on dates or with family.

Island House Tap & Grill

If you are looking for a great Mexican dish for your lunch then you can go to Island House Tap & Grill. The place is quite cheap and you can find authentic homemade Mexican dishes. Their Island House Bowls are quite feeling and tasty.

Island House Tap & Grill
Island House Tap & Grill

They also have tacos and nachos are great. Even though most of the dishes are seafood based you can still find some vegan options. They also have a kids’ menu and some non-alcoholic beverages. This means you can visit the place with your family and have a good time.

Are the Siesta Key restaurants open at night?

Yes, the Siesta Key restaurants are open till midnight. Some bars are even open till 2:00 a.m. If you are looking for a late night dinner we suggest you go to the Village. Some of the restaurants are open till 12:00 a.m.

Is food allowed on Siesta Key Beach?

There are lots of concessions along the beach of Siesta Key. You can even carry food from restaurants. But you must not carry anything on glassware because it is not allowed.

What is the nicest part of Siesta Key?

Beaches are the nicest part of Siesta Key. But if you enjoy food more than beaches then go visit the Village. There are hundreds of shops and restaurants.

Final Words

Lunch on Tropical Islands with seafood is always soul soothing. And when you have a great environment with delicious foods your vacation is completed. In this post, we try to pick the 15 best lunch restaurants in Siesta Key. We choose these restaurants depending on their ratings, environment, and food quality. We hope you have a great meal and some relaxing time.

Marina // Travel Enthusiast

Marina is a travel writer and beach enthusiast with years of experience exploring the world’s most stunning coastal destinations. With a degree in tourism and certification as a PADI scuba diving instructor and lifeguard, Maria has the expertise to provide valuable insights into beach safety, water sports, and ocean conservation. Her travel guides and articles on beach destinations have been published in top travel magazines, and she has worked with tourism boards and hotels to promote responsible travel practices. When she’s not writing, Maria can be found surfing, paddle boarding, or lounging on the beach with a good book.

Leave a Comment