The Most Exceptional Local Restaurants on Longboat Key

Your next trip to Lido Key is sure to be one you never forget! Lido Key is an incredible vacation destination where you can simply relax and leave your worries back home. No matter what you’re interested in doing, from golfing to sunbathing to visiting museums and more, it’s all right here for you in Lido Key.

When you’re vacationing in the Lido Key and Longboat Key area, you’re in for a trip full of gorgeous beaches, fascinating nature, and delicious food. Longboat Key restaurants, in particular, are some of the best that Florida has to offer, each with its unique menu and intriguing atmosphere. When you’re staying in one of our Lido Key rentals, be sure to take the time to visit Longboat Key and check out these phenomenal dining experiences. 

Euphemia Haye Restaurant & Haye Loft

Established in 1975, Euphemia Haye was founded on the promise of providing outstanding service, a warm atmosphere, and a unique menu featuring only the best local ingredients. That promise still stands today. Once you step into the restaurant, you’ll be welcomed to a tropical garden paradise that’s ideal for a romantic dinner or a memorable night out with your family. In addition to the restaurant itself, this site is also home to The Haye Loft, an award-winning lounge and dessert room located just upstairs.

Chef Ray carefully designed the menu, who combines his classical training with an innovative perspective to provide mouth-watering American and global cuisine. Start with an appetizer like the shrimp egg roll or chef’s pate, then move onto main courses like the roasted duckling, New York strip steak, veal du jour, or Key West snapper. For dessert, be sure to sample the southern pecan pie or chocolate mousse!

Euphemia Haye and The Haye loft are often home to weekly live music and event celebrations throughout the year. If you’re in town for a holiday like New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, try to get a table and enjoy a one-of-a-kind dining experience!

Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

If you’re seeking a truly unique waterfront dining experience, visit Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. This establishment has been named among the 100 most scenic restaurants in America and the 100 best al fresco restaurants in America! Once you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere and treated like royalty by the friendly staff.

The menu includes all the seafood classics you would expect during your Florida getaway. Start with appetizers like lobster bites or peel and eat shrimp, then choose an entree like Florida grouper, salmon, or the sea scallops dinner. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, they also have land options and an extensive kids’ menu.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant

Looking for something slightly more casual but just as authentic and delicious? Head to Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub. This eatery has been serving guests since the early 1900s and remains a popular restaurant even 100 years later. You’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic meal steps away from the restaurant’s private beach!

You can find a wide range of seafood dishes you simply won’t find anywhere else on the menu. Unique starters include the Mar Vista tater tots or Gamble Creek Farm squash blossoms. Then you can move on to handheld options like the Nashville Hot Fish or the chivito sandwich. Specialties like the Kung Pao Avocado or tuna poke bowl should not be overlooked! Finish your meal with a delicious slice of pumpkin cheesecake or Key lime pie made fresh in the bakery.

Mar Vista often holds events throughout the year and frequently serves as a wedding venue. One of their most recent popular events has been a virtual baking demonstration with their Head Baker Teddy!

Lazy Lobster

Don’t let the name fool you; at The Lazy Lobster, you’re in for an upscale beach dining experience. Every aspect of your meal has been considered with care, from the friendly staff members to the welcoming atmosphere to the unique and thoughtful menu. No detail has been spared to provide the ultimate meal!

The menu here truly offers a little bit of everything and combines ingredients you would never have expected. Start with the lobster escargot or scallops and hummus before moving on to a soup or specialty salad. Handhelds like the lobster soup and sandwich combo or seafood favorites like the Creole shrimp mac and cheese are sure to delight any palate! They also have several non-seafood items for those who prefer a land option.

Keep in mind that The Lazy Lobster maintains a resort casual dress code. Shorts, jeans, and t-shirts are all welcome inside the dining room, but tank tops and swimsuits are not permitted. More relaxed clothing is allowed on the Outdoor Terrace.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens

seafood dinner on Longboat Key

Established in 1979, Harry’s Continental Kitchens is proud to offer global coastal cuisine for every meal of the day. The atmosphere couldn’t be more relaxing thanks to the stunning garden setting, and the friendly staff will do everything they can to make your meal unforgettable. You can either dine inside or choose to take your meal out onto the alfresco patio.

Local seasonal flavors are always the inspiration for the menus at Harry’s Continental Kitchens. For your dinner selections, start with options like the Spanish tapas or crispy volcano roll. You can move on to a soup or salad before selecting a classic entree like the filet of beef or Harry’s famous crab cakes. Finish your meal with a slice of peanut butter pie or the cheesecake of the day for the ultimate ending!

Harry’s Continental Kitchens hosts holiday events throughout the year for occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your seat!

The Maison Blanche

With a name that translates to “white house” in French, The Maison Blanche offers one of the most sophisticated dining experiences on Longboat Key. Between the luxurious decor, careful attention of the staff, and delectable offerings on the menu, it’s evident that every detail of your meal will provide a dining experience like none other.

Chef Jose Martinez has crafted a unique menu inspired by the best local ingredients. Start with appetizers like roasted octopus served with red peppers or the farm-raised caviar, then move on to entrée selections such as the king salmon, natural prime filet mignon, or sweetbreads. Popular dessert options include the lemon custard served with blackberry coulis or the warm apple tart. If you can’t quite narrow it down, choose from the prix fixe menu!

At The Maison Blanche, reservations are not required, but they are certainly advised on weekends and holidays.

La Norma

La Norma’s tagline says it all: “Italian food made by Italian hands.” If you are interested in an authentic Italian dining experience, this is the place to be! You’ll immediately realize that this restaurant is built on a passion for the Italian culinary tradition.

Begin your meal with classic Italian appetizers like the bruschetta Dello chef or antipasto tradizionale. Then, decide between dinner entrees like Pollo alla parmigiana, scaloppine al marsala, ravioli alla vodka, and more. You can also choose pizza options like a Margherita or vegetarian variety. Finish your meal with a classic Italian dessert like gelato or tiramisu!