1. Ophelia’s on the Bay
Perched right on Little Sarasota Bay, this classic coastal restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with beautiful water views — a favorite for seafood lovers and romantic sunset dinners.
- Address: 9105 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242
- Phone: (941) 349-2212
- Website: opheliasonthebay.net
- Note: Perfect for elegant bayfront seafood at sunset.
2. Drift Kitchen & Bar — Lido Beach Resort
Located on the 8th floor of Lido Beach Resort, Drift offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico — ideal for a coastal dinner while watching the sunset glow.
- Address: 700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 388-2161
- Website: View Website
- Note: Upscale yet relaxed with seafood and contemporary American fare.
3. Marina Jack
An iconic downtown Sarasota waterfront restaurant with patio seating overlooking Sarasota Bay — perfect for relaxed sunset dining with boat views.
- Address: 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 365-4232
- Website: marinajacks.com
- Note: Multiple dining spaces from casual patio to fine dining.
4. O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill
A fun, casual tiki-style restaurant on the Bayfront — ideal for relaxed sunsets, tropical drinks, and grilled favorites.
- Address: 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 203-4771
- Website: olearystikibar.com
- Note: Laid-back tropical ambiance.
5. Shore — Longboat Key
A stylish open-air coastal eatery overlooking the water — perfect for dinner and cocktails as sunset colors reflect on the bay.
- Address: 800 Broadway St, Longboat Key, FL 34228
- Phone: (941) 259-4600
- Website: dineshore.com
- Note: Fresh seafood and waterfront dining.
6. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
A Longboat Key favorite right on the water, serving fresh seafood and classic coastal dishes with dockside sunset views.
- Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL 34228
- Phone: (941) 383-0102
- Website: drydockwaterfrontgrill.com
- Note: Casual vibe with beautiful bay views.
7. Jack Dusty — The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
An upscale seafood and cocktail destination inside the Ritz-Carlton with elegant marina and bay views.
- Address: 1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
- Phone: (941) 309-2266
- Website: View Website
- Note: Ideal for upscale sunset dining and cocktails.
8. The Cottage
A charming seaside restaurant in Siesta Key Village — enjoy the beach sunset, then head in for island-style dining.
- Address: 153 Avenida Messina, Sarasota, FL 34242
- Phone: (941) 312-9300
- Website: cottagesiestakey.com
- Note: Casual eats with lively island charm.
9. Summer House Steak & Seafood — Siesta Key
An elegant steak and seafood restaurant in Siesta Key Village — perfect after watching the sunset nearby.
- Address: 149 Avenida Messina, Siesta Key, FL 34242
- Phone: (941) 260-2675
- Website: siestakeysummerhouse.com
- Note: Sophisticated choice for steak and seafood.
10. Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB)
Steps from the beach and Siesta Key Village — a lively spot for oysters, drinks, and live music after sunset.
- Address: 5238 Ocean Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34242
- Phone: (941) 346-5443
- Website: skob.com
- Note: Fun, energetic post-sunset atmosphere.
🌅 Sunset Dining Tips
- Arrive 30–60 minutes before sunset for the best views.
- Make reservations early during peak season.
- Pair a beach sunset with nearby dinner reservations for the perfect evening.