Siesta Key is renowned for its powdery white-sand beaches, but it’s also a hidden gem for foodies and fashionistas. The best part? If you’re staying at the Sea Shell, many excellent restaurants and shops are just a short walk away or easily accessible via free transportation. Staying here is a great way to stretch your vacation dollars by avoiding rental car costs.
Check out our Things to Do page for activities or adventures, and our list of local rental agencies for Baby Gear, Beach Gear, and more!
RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS ON CRESCENT BEACH
There are so many amenities across the street from the Sea Shell on Siesta Key’s Crescent Beach that you may never need to leave our walkable beach community.
Crescent Beach Market: Catty-corner to the Sea Shell, this beloved grocery store is the anchor for this small plaza and is often the first stop for many of our guests. In addition to grocery items, they carry souvenirs and beach gear, and they have a large ready-to-eat section that includes made-to-order sandwiches and plenty of beach munchies. There’s also a coffee and smoothie bar. They specialize in gluten-free options. They are open 7 days a week.
Meaney’s Mini Donuts and Coffee House: Meaney’s is at the top of Sarasota Magazine’s list of “Nine Sarasota Doughnuts to Eat Before You Die” and Crescent Beach Market Plaza is their newest location. They also have soft-serve ice cream!
Coconuts: Not your typical T-shirt tourist shop, Coconuts sells unique souvenirs, stylish beachwear, jewelry, handbags, and more.
Daquiri Deck: Located behind the Crescent Beach Market Plaza, Daquiri Deck is a local chain specializing in frozen daiquiris and a wide variety of tropical-themed frozen drinks. The menu offers a selection of entrees, salads, appetizers, and sides. It’s also a family-friendly place to go for a meal.
Spearfish Grille: Tucked into the Safe Harbor Marina on Old Stickney Point Rd., Spearfish is just a short walk from the Sea Shell. They serve fresh, local fish, sandwiches, nibbles, and burgers. Wine and beer only; not a full bar. Live music every night.
Clayton’s Siesta Grille: Just two minutes farther on Old Stickney Point Rd., Clayton’s serves creative American cuisine with a touch of Mediterranean inspiration. Their wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and rotating specials make it a local favorite. Their holiday meals are extremely popular with visitors, particularly at Thanksgiving.
Captain Curt’s Village
Captain Curt’s Village is an institution on Crescent Beach in Siesta Key, with food, shopping, and entertainment options across the street from the Sea Shell.
Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar: It’s famous for its clam chowder, but there is something for everyone on its diverse menu. Its tropical-themed drinks, which you can get “to go” are popular with locals and visitors alike.
Sniki Tiki Bar: This outdoor tiki bar offers live music every night and has more of a party atmosphere – at least after the sun goes down.
Captain Curt’s Coffee Shop, Orange Octopus Ice Cream Co., and Tiki Trading Co. are also in this plaza. And you can rent bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards, or book a guided tour at Siesta Key Bike & Kayak.
Crescent Club Bar & Package: Next door to Captain Curt’s Plaza, Crescent Club has been a fixture on Crescent Beach since 1949. It’s a fun, casual gathering spot with an outdoor bar and drive-through-or-walk-up packaged liquor service. They don’t have a kitchen but work with local restaurants and food trucks to provide patrons with munchies and meals. They have live music nightly and a variety of themed nights.
Southbridge Mall
Continuing South on Midnight Pass Rd. the Southbridge Mall also features a variety of eateries and shops. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Sea Shell.
Anna’s Deli: One of the most popular delis in the area, Anna’s and its Surfer Sandwich have been featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Pro tip: order online and skip the long line.
Jake’s Ice Cream: Jake’s offers nearly two dozen flavors of ice cream. Plant-based, gluten-free, and nut-free ice creams are also available and they create custom flavors for special occasions.
The Green Turtle and Silver City offer souvenirs to commemorate your visit to Siesta Key. If you need to ship your treasures home or want to send something to a friend, Siesta Key Pack & Ship is right next door. Salon Siesta, the closest full-service salon to the Sea Shell, is between Anna’s and Silver City.
7-Eleven: Located between Southbridge Mall and Crescent Plaza, 7-Eleven is the minimart we all know and love and is open 24/7.
Crescent Plaza
A few more steps south on Midnight Pass Rd., Crescent Plaza has a gift shop, packaged liquor store, and even an optical boutique if you want to step up your eyewear game. But its real claim to fame is the diverse selection of restaurants – some of the most popular on the Key.
Toasted Mango Café: Arrive before you get too hungry because there’s often a bit of a wait at this breakfast/lunch spot. The food is great and the staff is friendly – there’s something here for everyone.
Miguel’s Restaurant: Specializing in French and continental cuisine, Miguel’s is a great choice for a special dinner. It’s more upscale, with white tablecloths and an extensive wine list. Want fine food but don’t want to change out of your beachwear? Order online.
Big Water Fish Market: Their motto is “our fish is delish” and thousands of happy reviewers agree. Whether buying fish from the market to cook at home or eating in the dining room, you can rest assured the fish is the freshest. If you call ahead, lunch will be ready when you arrive – a great idea during the busy season.
The Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen: Naturally, this a popular St. Patrick’s Day destination, but it’s worth a visit any time of year. Traditional Irish pub food with some seafood dishes tossed in. Beer (of course!), wine and cocktails.
Lenny’z Pizza & Island Bar: Lenny’z is a newcomer to the plaza but is getting great buzz. In addition to an extensive pizza menu, Lenny’z offers salads, wraps, appetizers, wings, burgers, and sandwiches.
RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS IN SIESTA KEY VILLAGE
Siesta Key Village is a short, free trolley ride from the Sea Shell. It’s a vibrant area with many restaurants, bars, and shops – most restaurants have live music all day and late into the night. It’s a perfect place to spend a couple of hours exploring or to enjoy a night out. It’s nearly impossible to list everything the Village offers as there are over 100 businesses, but here are a few notable highlights.
Restaurants
Café Gabbiano: Take a trip to Italy without leaving the Key. With its focus on modern and traditional Italian meals – and an amazing wine list – Café Gabbiano is a must for anyone who loves the idea of dinner as an experience, not just a meal. Getting married? They get raves for hosting weddings and rehearsal dinners in their 4,000-square-foot facility. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The Cottage: The Cottage is a charming restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. They serve a mix of seafood and fusion dishes with international influences. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor seating. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flavio’s on Siesta: No restaurant round-up would be complete without a great Italian/pizza place. A favorite of the locals, Flavio’s focuses on authentic Italian food and brick-oven pizzas. The large bar is warm and welcoming. Dinner only.
Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill: Featuring one of the largest tiki bars in Sarasota, Gilligan’s is a great spot to grab a tropical drink and casual meal. They serve a variety of seafood, burgers, and beach fare.
The Hub Baja Grill: The Hub is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, large margaritas, and large portions. Tacos, sandwiches, and salads are just a few of their extensive menu options.
The Old Salty Dog: Famous for its “Salty Dog,” a batter-dipped, deep-fried quarter-pound hot dog, this local 3-restaurant chain got its start on the Key in 1985. Despite that, the menu leans heavily on more traditional seafood and American fare. Dog friendly, of course!
Siesta Key Oyster Bar (SKOB): A lively spot popular with locals and tourists, SKOB is famous for its fresh oysters, seafood platters, and casual beach vibe. They offer live music daily and happy hour specials.
Siesta Key Summerhouse Steak and Seafood: Winner of a 2020 Traveler’s Choice award, the Summerhouse earns thousands of rave reviews for being the perfect choice for a special occasion. In addition to a focus on steak and seafood, they have an extensive wine list.
Sun Garden Café: Everyone loves a breakfast/brunch spot, and Sun Garden Café has you covered. Their menu includes traditional and creative breakfast dishes. The garden setting makes for a peaceful, relaxing dining experience. Open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily.
Shopping
Beach Bazaar: A one-stop shop for all your beach gear and souvenir needs. From swimwear and sunglasses to flip-flops and T-shirts, you’ll find everything you need for a day at the beach or a keepsake from your vacation.
Foxy Lady: This trendy clothing boutique offers stylish women’s fashion, including dresses, beachwear, accessories, and shoes. Their designer trunk shows are always well-attended.
Gidget’s Coastal Provisions: This beach-inspired boutique offers unique gifts, home décor, beachwear, and souvenirs. It also has a large inventory of unique Christmas ornaments and decorations year-round.
The Sandal Factory: Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. They also carry beach wear, sunglasses, T-shirts, hoodies, and souvenirs.
Siesta T’s: If you can’t find the Siesta Key souvenir T-shirt of your dreams here, it probably doesn’t exist. T-shirts aside, they carry a large selection of other clothing items and beach equipment.
Restaurants on Turtle Beach
South of the Sea Shell, Turtle Beach is one of the three beaches that make up the barrier island of Siesta Key. It’s a smaller, less amenities-rich beach, but it’s renowned for its unspoiled, “old Florida” vibe. In keeping with its lack of development, there are only three restaurants on Turtle Beach and they’re all worth a visit.
Ophelia’s on the Bay: There are only two waterfront restaurants on Siesta Key, and this is one of them, with an expansive view of Little Sarasota Bay. Winner of multiple “best of” awards, Ophelia’s focuses on fine dining in an upscale atmosphere. Dinner only.
Turtle Beach Grill: Located in the Turtle Beach Marina, this casual, open-air eatery serves lunch and dinner daily, with live music Thursday through Sunday evenings. Dog friendly.
Turtles on Little Sarasota Bay: The other waterfront restaurant, Turtles, offers a more casual option than Ophelia’s. They’re open for lunch and dinner every day, including holidays. Accessible by boat at marker 48. Fresh food with reasonable prices.