“Savor Sarasota” Starts Today at Restaurants

One of the perks for Sarasota foodies is the first two weeks of June when dozens of Sarasota restaurants participate in “Savor Sarasota” – showcasing the city’s diverse culinary scene and to encouraging people to explore new restaurants which they might not ordinarily visit.

Since June, 2003, the well-received event was created by the Sarasota Restaurant Association. In its early years, Savor Sarasota was a relatively small event with only a few dozen participating restaurants. However, the event has grown in popularity over the years and now features more than 50 restaurants. Savor Sarasota has also become a major economic driver for the city, generating millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses.

It’s truly a great bargain for foodies. Restaurants participating in lunch service will offer a two-course menu for $25 per person and three courses for $40 per person for dinner service. As in years past, many restaurants will also offer upgrades to their prix fixe menus, including wine pairings or specialty dishes.

Sarasota is known for its diverse culinary offerings of ethnic restaurants and independently-owned restaurants that feature the finest food on the Gulf Coast. There’s something for everyone: Portuguese food (Amore Italian & Portuguese & Italian Cuisine), to modern, traditional and international cuisines—fish, vegan and vegetarian, from steaks to seafood.

The success of Savor Sarasota has inspired other cities across the country to create their own restaurant weeks. Today, there are hundreds of restaurant weeks taking place in cities large and small. Savor Sarasota has helped to put Sarasota on the map as a foodie destination and has made the city a popular choice for culinary tourism.

Here is a brief timeline of the history of Savor Sarasota:

2003: Savor Sarasota is first held in June.
2005: The event grows to include over 50 restaurants.
2010: Savor Sarasota attracts over 100,000 diners.
2015: The event generates $10 million in revenue for local businesses.
2020: Savor Sarasota is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Savor Sarasota returns in a modified format.
2022: Savor Sarasota returns to its traditional format.

Savor Sarasota is a beloved event that has helped to put Sarasota on the map as a foodie destination. The event is a great way to sample the best of what the local cuisine has to offer and to support local businesses.

Here are just a sampling of some of the restaurants that are participating in Savor Sarasota 2023:

1 Gourmet (Rosemary)

• A Spring of Thyme (Southside Village)

• Amore Restaurant (Downtown) – – see video of Chef/Owner Tito creating one of his specialty dishes

• Andrea’s (Southgate)

• Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria (Downtown)

• Bevardi’s Salute! (Downtown)

• Bijou Garden Cafe (Downtown)

• The Bistro at The Concession Golf Club (Bradenton)

• Bohemios Tapas Restaurant (Clark Rd.)

• Cafe Gabbiano (Siesta Key)

• Cafe Evergreen (Nokomis)