Lido Key
The beach features emerald-colored, clear waters and soft white sand. Want a day in paradise, come with us to Lido Key. Just a scenic drive west of Sarasota and home to one of Florida's most pristine beaches.
You can shop 'til you drop in nearby, upscale St. Armands Circle, a gentrified center of chic boutiques, fine dining establishments and snack bars. St. Armands Circle was developed by circus magnate John Ringling who used the circus elephants to haul materials from the mainland to the barrier island to construct St. Armands Circle. Ringling hoped to inspire Warrant G. Harding, who was president at the time, to buy a winter home on nearby Bird Key. Ringing named the streets on Lido Key after American Presidents.
You can read more about the rich history of Armand Circle at http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/hist.cfm . |
Lido Key is known for its eco-tourism and gulf sunsets. It's the place to go for dolphin watching and sailing. The seafood is as fresh as it can be, and the sunsets are unbeatable. 
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If you need a break from the beach and are not into shopping you may want to do a self-guided walking tour of the statues in Armands Circle. You can download a brochure that includes a map and description of the thirty-three statues at http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/statwalk.cfm.
or click on the Walking Guide picture to the left of this description. This would be a great photo opportunity so bring your camera. |
Where to Eat
There are many options for places to eat in St. Armands Circle. You may want to drop off your beach gear and grab a quick "breakfast" before you settle in for your day at the beach. Perhaps a mid-afternoon break from the sun and a drink at one of the sidewalk cafes sounds good to you. Whatever your pleasure you have a lot of choices in St. Armands Circle.
All of the restaurants listed below are in St. Armands Circle. If you are planning to check out the circle we would suggest that you print a copy of the map and take it along.
You can get a printable copy of the map by clicking on the map to the right.
All of the restaurants listed below are in St. Armands Circle. If you are planning to check out the circle we would suggest that you print a copy of the map and take it along.
You can get a printable copy of the map by clicking on the map to the right.
We don't want you to miss ANYTHING on your Reef Rovers trips so we like to point out the "must see, must eat spots". You know those well known, special places that when you return from your trip people will say "Did you eat at . . ." or "Did you see . . . " So with that in mind, many of us will be eating at The Columbia Restaurant. We invite you, our new Reef Roving friends, to join us. Eating together is an opportunity to get to know each other, hear about the day, and build memories together. No pressure, you are free to choose wherever you would like to eat, but please know that you are welcomed to join us at The Columbia Restaurant.
The Columbia Restaurant is located at 411 St. Armands Circle
(see orange section map, restaurant is on the circle.) The restaurant has been successfully serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine on St. Armands Circle since 1959. The still thriving original location in Ybor Florida opened in 1905 and is promoted as the oldest restaurant in Florida. Travel sites recommend the restaurant's famed 1905 Cuban sandwich. Said to put a smile on your face. And their world famous house salad and black beans and rice are to die for! This is the "must see, must go to" restaurant in St. Armands Circle. Visit their website at http://www.columbiarestaurant.com
(see orange section map, restaurant is on the circle.) The restaurant has been successfully serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine on St. Armands Circle since 1959. The still thriving original location in Ybor Florida opened in 1905 and is promoted as the oldest restaurant in Florida. Travel sites recommend the restaurant's famed 1905 Cuban sandwich. Said to put a smile on your face. And their world famous house salad and black beans and rice are to die for! This is the "must see, must go to" restaurant in St. Armands Circle. Visit their website at http://www.columbiarestaurant.com
Blu Kouzina is located at 25 N. Boulevard of Presidents. The restaurant offers wholesome Greek cooking. Fresh and quality ingredients, mostly grown organically, and sourced from well established, local producers are used in dishes that are both traditional and creatively contemporary. Open 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and again after 5:00 p.m. http://www.blukouzina.com
Blue Dolphin Cafe is located at 470 John Ringling Blvd. The restaurant offers interesting specials: raspberry cheese blintzes, blue dolphin seafood omelets, bluefin crab benedict, and blackened sea scallop salad to mention a few. It also offers a soup & half a sandwich special. Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and prices range from $7 - $9. http://www.bluedolphincafe.com
Cafe L’Europe is located at 431 St. Armands Circle. This restaurant continues to be considered Sarasota’s “Original” Fine Dining Restaurant.The property was originally owned by John Ringling and used as his real estate office, was occupied at the time by Columbi’s Italian Restaurant. Café L’Europe became one of the first restaurants in Sarasota to specialize in continental cuisine. The Café L’Europe vision and namesake were inspired by the classic European ambiance of the popular L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam. Among other dishes the restaurant serves Brandied Duckling, Dover Sole Meuniere, Chateaubriand served table side and Lobster Bisque. Open for lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., early dining special: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., dinner: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. http://cafeleurope.net
ChaCha Coconuts is located at 417 St. Armands Circle. This restaurant boasts a carefree island atmospheres, casual dining with a tropical twists. There is a savory selection of seafood, sandwiches and other island-style fare. There is both outdoor dining and an indoor dining area. There hours are not posted on their website. http://www.chacha-coconuts.com
Crab & Fin is located at 420 St Armands Circle. The Crab & Fin boasts the freshest and most unique seafood available. All their fish arrives each day by air and is cut from whole fish in house. If you want the cultural experience of fresh seafood this may a place you want to try. They do have a lunch menu and are open from 11:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. http://crabfinrestaurant.com
Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar is located at 325 John Ringling Circle. The restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and a selections of frozen daiquiris. There is both a raw bar and a full menu. The full menu includes clams, mussels, peel-and-eat shrimp, snapper ceviche, tuna and mango tartare, and king drab legs. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. http://www.daiquirideck.com
La Creperie Caffe is located at 419A St. Armands Circle. It serves authentic French cuisine while providing superb customer service. They offer sweet and savory crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as sandwiches, paninis, salads and more. They also serve a variety of beverages, which include coffee, tea, wine and beer. Oh what a fantastic breakfast or lunch! Open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. http://www.lacreperiecaffe.com
Lynches Pub & Grub is located at 19B North Boulevard. The restaurant serves Irish cuisine. Chris and Ethna Lynch opened Lynches Landing on Longboat Key in December 1986. After 17 successful years on the island, the sisters decided to bring the spirit of Ireland to St. Armands Circle in February 2003 and changed the name to Lynches Pub & Grub. In March 2015, Jason and Lisa Burns purchased Lynches Pub & Grub. Chris and Ethna Lynch opened Lynches Landing on Longboat Key in December 1986. Their mission is to carry on their tradition of serving authentic Irish food and drink in a fun environment.Open 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. http://www.lynches.pub
Madison Avenue Cafe and Deli located at 28 Boulevard of the Presidents. “The Best Sandwiches on the Circle." The serve breakfast and lunch. They serve breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, salads, soups, vegetarian sandwiches and salads, bagels and pastries, including homemade cannelés, baked fresh for you every day. Even if you don't plan to eat there you may want to stop in and get some cannelés to take home. They have daily specials $8: Monday – MadDay, Tuesday – TunaDay, Wednesday – WrapDay, Thursday – PaniniDay, Friday – SandwichDay, Saturday – SaladDay. Open 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
http://www.madisoncafesarasota.com
http://www.madisoncafesarasota.com
Shore Diner located at 465 John Ringling Blvd. Shore Diner is a mid-century Floirda beach cafe that utilizes local farms to create fresh choices. Organic recipes are their specialty, all served in an open air dining space. http://dineshore.com/#our-story
Surf Shack Kitchen located at 323 John Ringling Blvd. Offering a variety of foods from salads, wings, ribs, tacos and burgers. The restaurant offers roof top dining, you would need to call to see if it is open during the day or if the roof top is in the evenings only. There is something for everyone. Open for lunch at 11:30 and dinner at 5:00. http://www.surfshackkitchen.com
Tommy Bahama located at 300 John Ringling Blvd. Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar is ideal for lunch, dinner or Happy Hour, it features a second-story dining room with sweeping sunset views. This is their only Island location where the restaurant and store are under different roofs... but fear not! Their relaxed apparel is available to shop just a few steps away in the Pink Quadrant at 371 St. Armands Circle. Opens at 11:00 a.m. http://www.tommybahama.com/TBG/Stores_Restaurants/Sarasota.jsp
Venezia located at 373 Armands Circle. You will be able to enjoy their comfortable surrounding and art work as you eat. The Venezia offers a wide selection of pizzas, pastas, paninis, salads and entrees. Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.venezia-1966.com
Just think - while your friends up north prepare for fall,
you will be sinking your toes into
Lido Key's sugar, white sand. Try not to make them too jealous!
you will be sinking your toes into
Lido Key's sugar, white sand. Try not to make them too jealous!