Blue Dolphin
5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive
941-383-3787

This is a great place to visit on Longboat Key.  Hannerle eats here often and she can't seem to stop ordering B.L.T.'s and potato salad for lunch, however everything is great.  They have award-winning breakfasts served all day in a very pleasant atmosphere.  Open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 3:00pm. 

Chart House
201 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-5593 
http://www.chart-house.com/

Offering a creative fresh seafood menu, this local favorite features stunning views of New Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. Inside you’ll find a rich and inviting atmosphere featuring exotic woods and original art, all in an airy, contemporary setting. For fine dining in a casual and relaxed atmosphere, visit the Chart House. Sunday through Thursday 5pm - 9pm, Friday and Saturday 5pm - 10pm.

Café on the Bay
2630 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-0440
http://www.cafeonthebay.com/

Try their “Fried Chicken Salad” Hannerle thinks it is wonderful. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Café on the Bay offers diners views of the marina and bay in an elegant yet casual setting. As a sister restaurant of the world class Café L’Europe, the extensive menu has something for everyone. 7 days a week. Lunch 11:00am-3:00pm; Dinner 5:30pm-9:00pm weekdays. Dinner Friday and Saturday 5:30pm to 10:00pm. Sunday Brunch 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Ciao Italia
941-383-0010

A real trattoria on Longboat Key, and a good place to get pizza. From Linguine with fresh clam sauce to veal scaloppine marsala. The most delicious antipasto you’ve ever had, plus succulent brick oven pizza. Lunch 11:30am-3:00pm, Dinner 4:30pm-10:00pm. Located in the Centre Shops.

The Colony Restaurant
1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-5558 
http://www.colonybeachresort.com/

If you are walking the beach be sure to stop at the Colony’s new Monkey Room for lunch, it has been renovated and it is beautiful. They still have superb contemporary Continental cuisine in the award winning Dining Room, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. 

The cuisine is a gourmet’s delight, offering guests an original and lavish menu. The extensive wine cellar has received national and international praise. Don’t forget to dress for dinner and reservations for the dining room are necessary.

Casual dining 5:30 - last seating at 9:00pm, Main dining room opens at 6:00pm, the Monkey Room is open from 11:30 - 2:00pm for lunch and 7:00pm - 9:30pm for dinner. The Patio is open from 11:30pm - 8:00pm. Entertainment every evening!

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
941-383-0102

This is a favorite dining spot of Hannerle's and the food is always great. They feature casual indoor and outdoor patio dining with spectacular views of Sarasota Bay. Popular with locals, the Dry Dock specializes in serving fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico.

They serve one of the best grilled Grouper sandwiches on Florida's west coast. You may order from a variety of sandwiches, salads and pasta at lunch. For dinner, you can still order something light, like a burger or grouper sandwich or you may be tempted to order a complete entre. Along with their fresh fish catch of the day, crab cakes, grilled shrimp scallops, steamed live Maine lobster, stone crab claws and center-cut steaks are among the more popular entres served in the evening.

Lunch is served from 11:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Saturday. Dinner is served from 4:30-9:00pm, Monday-Saturday. Dinner on Sundays from 4:30-9:00pm, November-April.

Euphemia Haye
5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-3633 
http://www.euphemiahaye.com/

The food is always fabulous, be sure to make a reservation or stop by and visit the Haye Loft for dessert. An eclectic atmosphere of art and antiques creates the setting for award-winning cuisine. Everything has been chosen for your pleasure and to make your dining experience a most memorable one. Classic preparations of roast duck, prime peppered steak, Caesar salads, homemade pasta & seafood. Upstairs, The HayeLoft Lounge and Dessert Room touts top-shelf spirits & cordials, appetizers, and outrageous dessert displays. The dining room serves from 6:00pm-10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 - 10:00pm, the Haye Loft is open from 6:00pm-11:00pm.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens
525 St. Judes Drive, Longboat Key
(Reservations are suggested for the Dining Room)
941-383-0777 
http://www.harryskitchen.com/

Hannerle stops by the deli for take home all the time. The salads are fabulous and don’t forget to try Harry’s Brownies – they are wonderful. Harry’s is a cozy Florida style restaurant serving Continental classics and inventive seafood. The restaurant offers a full bar as well as an extended selection of beers from around the world. Harry is especially proud of his award-winning wine list and tempting wines by the glass. The adjacent gourmet deli offers complete dinners, delicious sandwiches, salads and party specialties to take-out. The deli has fine wines, gift baskets and has been catering to Longboat Key since 1979. 7 days a week. The Deli is open 11:00am-7:00pm; the Dining Room is open for Lunch 11:00am-2:30pm and Dinner 5:00pm-9:30pm, Sunday Brunch 10:00am-2:30pm.

Isabella’s Eatery
6836 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-0689

The breakfasts here are wonderful, try their homemade biscuits. This cozy restaurant located in Whitney Beach Plaza at the north end of the island is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Evening hours are for private functions and parties. Diners can choose from a varied and eclectic menu or from a dazzling array of daily specials. All are homemade and guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Monday- Saturday 7:00am-2: 30pm Sunday 8:00am-1:00pm.

Island Juice & Java Deli-Cafe
3174 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-387-8783

They have wonderful fruit smoothies here, Hannerle has tried them all. “Experience the taste of Longboat” is the saying of the Island Juice & Java. This charming gourmet deli/coffee shoppe/ice cream parlour caters to health conscious dieters as well as dessert lovers. You will be delighted by the large selection of breakfast, lunch, snack and dessert items. Eat in, take out and catering. 7 days a week 7:00am - 5:00pm.

Maison Blanche
2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive
941-383-8088

Maison Blanche offers a taste of European sophistication with a distinctive local flair.  While the recipes come from across the ocen, the ingredients are often from right down the street.  Every dish is a house specialty, prepared with French flair and panache. If your tastes run elsewhere, you won't be disappointed either.  Each meal is a work of art, including such specialties at veal, duck, lamb and rabbit.  Of course, you can always opt for their mouth-watering prime rib if you crave the classics.

Mar Vista
760 Broadway, Longboat Key
or by sea to Marker 39
941-383-2391
http://www.marvista-restaurant.com/

Hannerle's parents first visited the Mar Vista in 1957, it has gone through many changes, however, it still remains a Florida classic. The Mar Vista is a dining treat that is fast disappearing in Florida. This Florida classic possesses the kind of charm that can only be acquired over many years of fostering warm hospitality in an incredible setting. Dating back to 1911, the restaurant sits directly on Sarasota Bay overlooking Sister Key. Guests can dine indoors or outside on the open air deck and enjoy Florida fresh seafood and steaks. 7 days a week from 11:30am-10:00pm.

Mattison's Steakhouse
525 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
941-387-2700
http://www.mattisons.com/

Mattison's has become a local favorite. The lobster bisque is fabulous. They are a classic Steakhouse and Winecellar featuring a varied menu including prime aged beef and market fresh seafood. Sumptuous old world charm will greet guests in the mahogany paneled fireplace room and elegance and the white glove treatment will be apparent.

This is one of the most beautiful restaurants in our area. Ask them about their “Jazz Nights”. Hannerle recommends making reservations. Tuesday-Saturday 5:00pm-9:00pm and Sunday 5:00pm-9:00pm.

Maureen's Palm Grille
5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-7774
http://www.restaurantmaureen.com/

Chef/owners Steve and Maureen Horn welcome you to the resaurant. Specialties include osso buco, rack of lamb, bouillabaisse, currant braised short ribs, northern Italian pasta dishes, ultimate steak burger, and the freshest Florida fish and shell fish. Sarasota Style Magazine 2000 says, "Modern, memorable cuisine". Zagat 2001 says, "Shining star in the Sarasota dining constellaton. No lunch. Always closed on Monday. Dinner is served 5:00pm - 10:00pm Tuesday - Sunday. Sunday Breakfast is served 8:30am - 12:30pm.

Moore’s Stone Crab
800 Broadway, Longboat Key
941-383-7796
http://www.stonecrab.net/

Stone Crabs, Stone Crabs, Stone Crabs! Need I say more? Moore’s is celebrating their 31st year on north Longboat Key. It is the oldest seafood restaurant under the same ownership on Longboat Key. Of course going during Stone Crab season is the best, but all year they will provide you with Florida fresh seafood. With a casual, kid friendly atmosphere and great view of Sarasota Bay. 7 days a week, 11:30am-9:30pm.

Nosh-A Rye
23 Avenue of the Flowers, Longboat Key
941-387-9300

A New York style deli, where you can dine inside or on the open-air deck. Specializing in Corn Beef Sandwiches and Homemade Rye Bread and Bagels. Carry out service available. 7 days a week 8:00am-8:00pm.

Pattigeorge’s
4120 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-5111 
http://www.pattigeorges.com/

This is a stylish waterfront restaurant that offers a wide range of menu choices, influenced by Thai, Indonesian and South American cuisine. You can enjoy the cuisine that only PG’s can bring together. PG’s offers guests a way of eating designed to please modern palates. They offer beautiful bay views, full bar and fine wines. 7 days a week, 5:30pm-9:30pm.

Sunset Bar & Grill at the Hilton
4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
941-383-2451 |
http://www.longboatkey.hilton.com/

If you are walking along the beach, stop in the Hilton resort at the Sunset Bar & Grill. It is great “Island Style” dining with fabulous views overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Breakfast and Lunch is served on the deck and the Sunset Grill specializes in steaks and seafood. 7 days a week, 7:00am-10:00pm.