Posted on November 12, 2024

A Taste of What’s New in Sarasota’s Harborside Dining Scene

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Sarasota Bay, a remarkable transformation is underway along the waterfront. With the recent opening of Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton and the eagerly awaited arrival of Ocean Prime before year’s end, Sarasota’s harborside is poised to become a culinary destination like no other. These new restaurants promise to delight discerning palates with their innovative menus and stunning vistas. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, join us as we dive into the new flavors coming to downtown Sarasota.

Tapas and Cocktails with a Californian Twist

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, a longstanding resort on Sarasota’s harborside, has introduced Rufa. Located adjacent to its famed Jack Dusty restaurant, the chic al fresco dining and lounge experience was designed to showcase Sarasota Bay views from every seat. Rufa offers a relaxed ground-level seating area and an elevated bar with the property’s most stunning vistas. Diners will find a full list of imaginative cocktails and a Baja California-inspired menu with fresh, local ingredients. The tapas-style shareables include lobster tostadas, beef tenderloin tacos, grilled octopus, al pastor chicken skewers, and more.

Elevated Surf and Turf Dining

Restaurant chain Ocean Prime will open its much-anticipated Sarasota location at the end of December in the heart of Quay Sarasota. Ocean Prime founder and chief executive officer Cameron Mitchell has owned a home in Sarasota for 20 years. He calls this Ocean Prime, the brand’s 19th location, a “passion project.”

“It’s all about location, and Ocean Prime Sarasota is in an incredible location,” Mitchell says. “I’ve always wanted to open a restaurant here, but I was waiting for the Quay, specifically. When you think about the hotel rooms, condos, proximity to the bay, the amazing neighborhoods nearby and the walkability, I think it’s a blessing that we’ve waited this long.

The 9,500-square-foot Ocean Prime restaurant will offer a refined dining experience with two bars, two private dining rooms, and outdoor terraces on each level. With 19 other locations nationwide, Ocean Prime is renowned for its elevated seafood and steak menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, and indulgent desserts—all crafted with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. Menu highlights include a smoking shellfish tower, sea scallops with parmesan risotto, and New York strip steak with garlic shrimp scampi, complemented by a Wine Spectator-awarded wine list.

Additional Dining Planned for The Quay

Cordelia, a mixed-use complex on Sarasota’s harborside, is seeking a fine dining restaurant to anchor its retail offerings. The 12-story building includes 14,000 square feet of ground-floor space for three commercial businesses and one restaurant. While tenants have yet to be announced, the focus is on attracting established brands and securing a premier dining venue.

New Residences on Sarasota’s Harborside Spark Excitement

Exciting new dining venues are just a glimpse of what’s unfolding in Sarasota’s harborside district, The Quay. Encompassing 14 acres beside the Boulevard of the Arts, this burgeoning neighborhood is poised to offer an elegant blend of luxury residences, upscale retail, boutique hotels, and more—all gracefully situated along the scenic Sarasota Bay. Among the district’s most eagerly awaited highlights is The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay, a luxury condominium supported by the Ritz-Carlton’s global standard of service. Site preparations began last spring, and construction is now in full progress with piling and foundation work well underway.

Exemplary Amenities and Services

With the guiding motto of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen,” The Ritz-Carlton’s renowned, personalized service will define life within the condominium tower. It will be complemented by a range of amenities, including a private kitchen, a rare feature in residential condominium design. The kitchen will offer gourmet menus delivered directly to residences or throughout the community’s amenities. The Lobby-level Social Club Room offers a space for casual gatherings, while the Formal Social Room provides an elegant venue for private events. The elevated waterfront terrace boasts breathtaking Sarasota Bay views from the resort-style pool, spa, and gathering areas. Additional amenities include a dog park with a pet washing station, the Waterfront News Café serving coffee daily, and a Board Room ideal for business meetings.

Private Harbor Club for Wellness and Relaxation

The building will seamlessly integrate into a vibrant harborside campus. Developer Kolter Urban has announced that nearly 20,000 sq. ft. within the residential buildings will be dedicated to the Harbor Club. This exclusive amenity campus will offer world-class entertainment and wellness features for Members and owners at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Sarasota Bay. Developed alongside the phased residential construction, Phase I will include a Wellness Center with a sauna and steam rooms, invigorating Vitality Plunge Pools, and personalized spa treatments. Theater-style screening rooms and unique gathering spaces will cater to all generations. For those seeking adventure on Sarasota Bay, an onsite dockmaster will manage access to the marina day docks, providing launches for kayaks and paddleboards, bike rentals, and arranging sunset charters.

Phase II of The Harbor Club will be located in the future west tower. The expansion will introduce a second fitness studio, complete with a dedicated movement studio, cardio room, and two private training rooms. Families will also find new entertainment options, including a theater-style screening room, a gaming room with casino-style and simulation games, and a Kids’ Club with an enclosed playroom. A Sunrise to Sundae Beverage Bar is also planned, featuring smoothies and coffee by day and sweet treats in the evening.

Incomparable Sarasota Bay Living

Demand for these 78 grand waterfront residences has been exceptionally high, reflecting the excitement surrounding one of the most distinctive Ritz-Carlton residential collections in the country. With construction underway and delivery anticipated in 2026, the community is already buzzing with energy as buyers recognize the unique appeal of this one-of-a-kind offering.

To learn more about this exclusive residential offering or explore its floorplans visit TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com or call 941.499.8704 to schedule a private preview. The Sales Gallery is conveniently located within The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota’s hotel lobby near the Grand Ballroom.