Sarasota restaurants featured on FoodNetwork.com

Of course we all know how great Sarasota is, but it's always validating to see outsiders appreciating our city as much as we do.

Since being named the home of the best beach in the country in 2011, Sarasota has enjoyed its fair share of accolades from national media outlets. And thanks to FoodNetwork.com, it just added another one to the list.

As part of its city restaurant guide, the television network's website recently highlighted Sarasota's culinary offerings in an article titled, "Welcome to Sarasota, Fla.: A Newcomer's Eating Tour."

Describing Sarasota as a "picturesque pocket of the Sunshine State," the article takes readers through a 12-restaurant tour of the best dining spots in town in a variety of categories, including seafood, breakfast, barbecue, Italian and more.

Among the listed restaurants were New Pass Grill and Bait Shop for a meal with a view, Selva Grill for date night and Colombia Restaurant as a local institution. Read the article here for the full listing.

photos courtesy of FoodNetwork.com