Local restaurants dish up an assortment of international cuisine

Skip the hassle of airports and long flights. A culinary odyssey awaits in our area’s islands in the sun.


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Sarasota’s keys are worlds of their own, where restaurants draw inspiration from global gastronomic traditions. 

With a food scene rivaling major cities, island dining is a passport to cultural adventure. A short drive can transport you to the authentic flavors of distant lands. 

Here are five spots to kick off your culinary odyssey.


Maison Blanche

If You Go: 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; 383-8088; TheMaisonBlanche.com

Building on the success of José and Victoria Martinez’s original Parisian restaurant, Maison Blanche has offered fine dining with a distinctly French flair since 2002. José, the executive chef, wouldn’t have it any other way. “Our menu isn’t confined to one region,” he explains. “We draw inspiration from across France, blending tradition with a touch of creativity.”

Chef José Martinez’s philosophy of cooking revolves around the essence of ingredients.
Photo by Rod Millington

One of the restaurant’s standout dishes is the Dover sole, or sole meunière, a classic that famously captured Julia Child’s heart. In true French fashion, sole meunière lets the natural flavors of the fresh fish shine, enhanced by sauce Grenobloise — a tangy, savory blend of capers, lemon juice, butter and parsley. Other house favorites include the mushroom ravioli, the bright tomato tart and the tender red snapper. For a more substantial option, the short rib is always a crowd-pleaser. 

Chef José’s culinary philosophy revolves around the essence of ingredients. “It’s about getting to the heart of each item,” he says, “whether it’s a carrot, potato, or lobster.” This heartfelt commitment extends to the wine list, which boasts an enticing assortment of French wines. From crisp whites to rich reds, each vintage is selected to complement the restaurant’s lovingly crafted dishes.

Kick off your French feast with the bold, raw elegance of beef tartare — a dish that sets the tone for a night of indulgence.
Photo by Lori Sax
What’s for dessert?

No meal at Maison Blanche is complete without dessert. Their chocolate soufflé is nothing short of a spectacle. Golden, airy, and perfectly risen, it makes a dramatic entrance to the table. A side of crème anglaise adds the final layer of indulgence.


Café Gabbiano

If You Go: 5104 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; 349-1423; CafeGabbiano.com.

Located in the heart of Siesta Key, Café Gabbiano serves up an authentic taste of southern Italy, courtesy of co-owner Marc Grimaud, a master sommelier; head chef Paolo Di Costanzo, who hails from the island of Ischia near Naples; and a team of fine dining experts. They all share a passion for Italian cuisine, blending classic recipes with contemporary twists to create unforgettable dining experiences.

“Our approach is grounded in family recipes and a commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients,” says Grimaud. “We make all our pastas in-house, age our steaks on-site and craft rotating specials using locally sourced ingredients. Our attention to detail shines through in every dish.”

Café Gabbiano’s head chef Paolo Di Costanzo hails from the island of Ischia near Naples.
Photo by Lori Sax

So, where to start? Grimaud suggests diving into a homemade ravioli appetizer, like the slow-braised ossobuco ravioli or the succulent cold-water lobster ravioli. For the main course, entrées like locally caught grouper and house-aged steaks stand out; each dish is created with seasonally inspired preparations. Want to end on a sweet note? Try a decadent chocolate lava cake or classic tiramisu, complemented by a selection from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list. With over 180 wines and two in-house sommeliers, Café Gabbiano boasts a cosmopolitan wine collection that spans the globe. Grimaud recommends lesser-known gems like the bold Italian red Taurasi or the Florida-exclusive Porter Family Vineyards Cabernet. 

“At Café Gabbiano, our philosophy is simple: If you’re not happy, we’re not happy,” says Grimaud. “We strive to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere with exceptional food, drink, and service.”

For heartier appetites, try Café Gabbiano’s Allen Brothers dry-aged NY strip served with seasonal vegetables and Parmesan risotto.
Photo by Lori Sax
The perfect meal at Café Gabbiano

Start with homemade ravioli — either the slow-braised ossobuco, featuring tender veal shank in Bolognese sauce, or the cold-water lobster ravioli, with lobster and potato filling in a vodka-style pink sauce. 

For entrées, try the locally caught grouper, with a daily-changing preparation, or the house dry-aged Allen Brothers steaks, aged in-house for a minimum of three weeks, served with seasonal vegetables and Parmesan risotto.

For dessert, the homemade chocolate lava cake or tiramisu are must-haves.


Star Thai & Sushi 

If You Go: Star Thai & Sushi: 230 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key; 217-6758; StarThaiSushiSiestaKey.com.

Star Thai & Sushi is the place where artful sushi and bold Thai flavors meet. This Siesta Key gem is known for fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation and a welcoming vibe. Its vibrant Thai dishes and sushi rolls are pretty to look at. And they taste just as good as they look. 

Star Thai & Sushi’s rolls are edible works of art — almost too beautiful to eat.
Courtesy image

The menu’s Thai selections are full of punch and personality. With its creamy coconut milk base, the roasted duck curry is always a crowd-pleaser. The rich, tender duck meat is perfectly balanced with Thai spices, fresh bell peppers, bamboo shoots and basil. Craving hot and savory? The hibachi scallops are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, seared to perfection — and drenched in a smoky, spicy hibachi sauce. The Hurricane Snapper gives a taste of a calmer climate to local storm survivors. It’s deep-fried with tempura eggplant, veggies, and topped with a green curry sauce that will, well, blow you away.

Sushi and sashimi lovers will find plenty to love here, too. The showstopping Drama Queen roll is packed with spicy tuna, avocado and tangy eel sauce — bold flavors that demand attention. Want to turn up the heat? The Red Hot Chili Pepper roll will set your taste buds on fire with spicy tuna, crunchy jalapeños, and a bold, tangy sauce.

Whether you’re dining inside or soaking up the Florida sun (or moonlight) on the patio, Star Thai & Sushi always shines. Their laidback mix of tasty Thai and Japanese cuisine and stellar service will keep you coming back.


Miguel’s Restaurant

If You Go: Miguel’s Restaurant: 6631 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key; 349-4024; MiguelsRestaurant.net.

For over four decades, Miguel’s Restaurant’s menu has artfully blended classic French cuisine with continental influences. The vision of Miguel Garcia, a chef originally from Málaga, Spain, continues to thrive under the care of his sons, Gabriel and Daniel Garcia. Opened in 1983, Miguel’s is more than a restaurant; it’s a tribute to a culinary pioneer and the traditions he cherished.

Miguel’s Les Escargot Bourgogne comes with toasted crostini and imported French snails prepared in garlic butter, fine herbs and brandy.
Photo by Heidi Kurpiela

Miguel’s enduring success rests on three pillars: outstanding food, immersive dining experiences, and stellar service. Signature dishes include the 20-ounce chateaubriand, a tender USDA prime center-cut filet, and the slow-roasted duck, a perennial favorite. Their gourmet cuisine is complemented by an exceptional wine list curated by Gabriel Garcia, who is not only the executive chef but also a trained sommelier. “Gabriel’s wine selections are unique,” Daniel says. “His passion and knowledge ensure that our vintages stand out.”

While Miguel’s menu reflects innovation, it remains rooted in tradition. Standout items like the rack of lamb and Chicken Champagne have been mainstays since day one — always staying true to Miguel Garcia’s original recipes. “Chef Gabriel has elevated the menu, but we’re still faithful to our father’s vision,” Daniel emphasizes.


Lynches Pub & Grub

If You Go: Lynches Pub & Grub: 19 N. Boulevard of Presidents, Sarasota; 388-5550; Lynches.pub.

Lynches Pub serves up a classic comfort: Irish cottage pie with rich sirloin gravy, mashed potatoes and a golden, baked topping.
Photo by Lori Sax

Irish eyes are smiling, and so are everyone else’s. This local favorite serves up a mix of Irish charm, hearty meals, a welcoming vibe and a menu of Irish and American classics. Fish and chips are a crowd favorite, but the real star is the traditional Irish cottage pie — ground sirloin in rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms both body and soul. To wash it down, there’s a lovingly curated selection of Irish staples and international brews, from smooth Guinness draught to Smithwick’s and Harp, plus over 100 whiskeys for a proper toast. Sláinte!

author

Marty Fugate

Marty Fugate is a writer, cartoonist and voiceover actor whose passions include art, architecture, performance, film, literature, politics and technology. As a freelance writer, he contributes to a variety of area publications, including the Observer, Sarasota Magazine and The Herald Tribune. His fiction includes sketch comedy, short stories and screenplays. “Cosmic Debris,” his latest anthology of short stories, is available on Amazon.

author

Su Byron

Su Byron has worked in the regional arts and cultural world for the past 25 years as a writer, an editor, and a public relations and marketing specialist. For 12 of those years, she was the co-publisher of the Sarasota Arts Review, a monthly arts and entertainment newspaper. Su is a freelance writer whose regular columns and articles appear in a host of regional and national publications.

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