10 Best Restaurants in Longboat Key

Photo Credit: Food Arena

• Address: 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Suite 101
• Website:  www.bluedolphincafe.com
• Price Point: $
• Favorite Menu Item: Breakfast wrap

Run, don't walk, to this local vision enjoyed by all in the heart of Longboat Key. The Blue Dolphin Cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch.

This no-frills cafe is ideal for a hearty meal to fuel you for the day. Breakfast is served all day, so if you wake up late (or a bit hungover), it's the perfect option.

Their breakfast wrap is a fun option, topped with house-made veggie chili. Another popular favorite is the chicken-fried steak and eggs.

If you're visiting Blue Dolphin Cafe for lunch, definitely give the Jet's Jewel of a Sandwich or tacos pescados a shot.

2. Longbeach Cafe

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker

• Address: 6836 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  www.longboatkeycafe.com
• Price Point: $
• Favorite Menu Item: Biscuits and Gravy.

This classic American family restaurant is another great option for a quick breakfast or lunch, offering a no-frills experience. For a delicious and filling breakfast, it's one of the best diner options in town.

The outdoor seating on the channel offers a stunning view of the bay, making it the perfect spot for a lovely morning meal.

Try the biscuits and gravy or Country Benedict for stick-to-your-ribs goodness. If you'd like to try a lunch option, we suggest the tuna melt or the Cleopatra salad, depending on your mood.

3. Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

Photo Credit: Bartosz Luczak

• Address: 412 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  drydockwaterfrontgrill.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Item: Red snapper sandwich

Do yourself a favor, and make reservations before heading to Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. This place is no hidden gem, and is among the most popular Longboat Key restaurants for a memorable dinner.

The view and decor of the indoor dining room create the perfect ambiance, whether you're having a romantic date night or spending the evening out with family or friends. Their outdoor dining is second-to-none.

While the menu here is spectacular, a significant draw is the bar, which offers expertly crafted cocktails and a fine selection of wines to choose from.

We highly suggest trying the citrus grouper or the red snapper sandwich. Not into seafood? Enjoy the Tuscan cream chicken dinner (also available as a pasta option). If you're looking for a starter or appetizer, try the bacon-wrapped scallops.

Considering the combination of stellar servers, mouthwatering meals, and perfect ambiance, it's hard to believe the prices aren't higher.

4. Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub

Photo Credit: Linda Hughes Photography

• Address: 760 Broadway Street
• Website:  www.marvistadining.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Item: Crab cake sandwich

We love the backyard BBQ vibes of Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub. It feels more like you're hanging out at a friend's house than dining out at one of the best Longboat Key restaurants.

Nestled under the Buttonwood trees, which are adorned with twinkling string lights, is the outdoor seating area; it also offers a stunning view and has a distinct vibe from most outdoor seating areas in Longboat Key.

Mar Vista Dockside has been a part of Longboat Key since 1912. Originally built with local stone, it evolved from apartments to a fish camp and later a pub. Renovated in 2019 to preserve its Old Florida charm, it now offers waterfront dining with boat slips, a bar, and scenic views.

The food and service are just as memorable as the ambiance. The sustainably and locally sourced menu features a wide variety of lunch and dinner options that are sure to leave you satisfied and smiling.

We are obsessed with the crab cake sandwich for lunch. For entrees, try the Bairdi crab legs or the jalapeno-glazed grouper. They also have fantastic cocktails and desserts.

5. Maison Blanche

Photo Credit: Bruce McIntosh

• Address: 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  www.themaisonblanche.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Item: Wild mushrooms stuffed ravioli with foie gras sauce

While most Florida vacationers tend to dine at the most popular seafood joints in town, going out searching for French cuisine is slightly less common.

While generally not as light as fresh fish, traditional French food provides a nice reprieve from eating grouper every day, although Maison Blanche does serve plenty of seafood dishes as well.

The resident chef, Jose Martinez, was awarded a Michelin star for his original Maison Blanche restaurant in Paris. He has crafted a three-course prix fixe menu, which means every diner pays a fixed price to choose an appetiser, an entree, and a dessert from a limited, and carefully-crafted selection of dishes.

Note that Maison Blanche is in high demand, so make reservations well in advance. There's a casual-chic dress code, and no bar; only wine and champagne are available. This is a great place to come for a celebration if you want to indulge in a pricy bottle of wine and an incredible feast.

6. The Old Salty Dog

Photo Credit: JJava Designs

• Address: 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway
• Website:  theoldsaltydog.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Item: Conch fritters

The Old Salty Dog is a beloved Sarasota institution, serving up casual coastal fare since 1985. Located across multiple spots (City Island, Siesta Key, and Venice Island), it captures a laid-back "Old Florida" vibe.

The menu features classic seafood and pub fare in a relaxed waterfront setting. It's a go-to for visitors and locals seeking flavorful food, friendly service, and a breezy beachside encore.

Between its amazing sunset views, prime spot right on the water, lovely service staff, and delicious eats, you can't go wrong at The Old Salty Dog. Though there may be a wait, it moves quickly, and it's well worth it.

You can expect classic dishes on the menu with everything cooked to perfection. Try the conch fritters, City Island Wings appetizer, or the grouper fish dinner. Though technically in Sarasota, this restaurant is just a stone's throw away over the New Pass.

7. Lazy Lobster

Photo Credit: Foodio

• Address: 5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  www.lazylobsteroflongboat.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Item: Lobster scargot

Lazy Lobster of Longboat Key offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience, blending coastal charm with upscale cuisine. This restaurant has become a local favorite, known for its fresh seafood and inviting atmosphere.

Signature dishes include lobster thermidor, lobster mac and cheese, and big bang shrimp, complemented by a curated wine list and tropical cocktails. The space boasts a modern coastal design, featuring a chic bar and private dining areas, making it the perfect spot for both casual meals with your favorite people and special occasions.

Particularly if you're visiting from a region that doesn't have the fresh seafood advantage that Florida has, Lazy Lobster is a popular favorite. Guests here really love their early bird specials for lunch, which are quite affordable, especially considering the quality of the food and service.

We love the lobster bisque and lobster scargot, but if you're not a fan of fresh lobster, no problem. The pork ribeye and chicken marsala are both excellent choices. Regardless of what you're in the mood for, the food here is consistently excellent. You can't go wrong!

8. Whitney's

Photo Credit: Kravets Misha

• Address: 6990 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  www.whitneylbk.com
• Price Point: $$
• Favorite Menu Item: Breakfast bowl

Whitney's is a vibrant, beachside eatery housed in a repurposed 1950s Chevron service station, blending retro charm with modern coastal vibes.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Whitney's offers a laid-back atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and a bodega stocked with beach essentials. Whether you're grabbing a bite after the beach or enjoying a weekend brunch, Whitney's captures the essence of beachside fun.

Best known for their epic brunch, the team over at Whitney's serves up delicious food in a relaxed, retro beachside environment that's sure to please. The swaths of tropical flowers and palm trees only add to the fun, colorful ambiance.

Try the breakfast bowl for a hearty start to the day, or the indulgent pancakes with strawberries and maple syrup. From their all-day menu, we love the red curry snapper or the fish tacos.

9. Chart House

Photo Credit: Mironov Vladimir

• Address: 201 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  www.chart-house.com/location/chart-house-longboat-key-fl
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Item: Macadamia nut grouper with mango relish

Chart House Longboat Key offers a refined waterfront dining experience with panoramic views of Sarasota Bay. The menu features a blend of fresh seafood and prime steaks, including specialties like macadamia nut grouper and miso sake-glazed black cod.

Whether you're seeking a romantic dinner or a celebratory gathering, Chart House provides a memorable setting. Despite being a chain restaurant, it's a popular place to go for consistently great food and service.

The menu offers a diverse array of seafood, land, and vegetarian options, ensuring that everyone in your party can satisfy their palate.

10. Euphemia Haye Restaurant & The Haye Loft

Photo Credit: Lanista

• Address: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive
• Website:  www.euphemiahaye.com
• Price Point: $$$
• Favorite Menu Item: Noisettes of beef Madagascar

Euphemia Haye Restaurant is without a doubt the gold standard of fine dining in Longboat Key.

The ultimate date night locale, Euphemia Haye has an intimate and cozy ambiance, perfect for special events, coupled with food that leaves you wanting more and friendly, attentive service. It hits the mark on all fronts. Be sure to make reservations in advance, as you won't want to wait.

We suggest the fried green tomato fusion for an appetizer. For entrées, it's a toss-up between the noisettes of beef Madagascar with a delicious cream sauce and the Key West snapper with key lime-jalapeno beurre blanc.

Discover Your Perfect Spot for Dinner in Longboat Key

No matter if you prefer casual dinner and drinks or luxurious feasts, Longboat Key has restaurant options to suit you. With this extensive list of delicious restaurants on Longboat Key, from budget-friendly to fine dining, you're sure to eat well while on vacation.

If you want to sleep well, be sure to check out our  Longboat Key vacation rentals right on the beach and find the perfect home for your stay.