Grocery Stores

We will be vacationing in Siesta Key (near the village) in July. Where is the closest full service grocery store ie: Publixs? In addition is there a small market on the Key that stocks incidentals (milk, bread) and where is the closest fresh seafood market?

Grocery Stores

We are arriving this Saturday, and, while I%26#39;ve already figured out where the nearest Publix is, and where Whole Foods is(thanks to you ), I sure would appreciate y%26#39;alls opinions on where to get the best, freshest, local raw seafood! You%26#39;ve never steered me wrong in 3 years, and I hope y%26#39;all know how much you locals are appreciated!!!

Grocery Stores

If you are staying by Siesta Village you can go to the Publix on the corner of US 41 and Stickney Pt. Drive (over the Stickney Pt. Bridge).

There is also one north on Osprey Ave. over the Siesta Drive Bridge.

There are places to buy groceries in the Village at the market and at the Crecent Plaza market. There are also 7-11 stores.

I buy seafood at the Saturday Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota. It is also sold at Publix, Albertsons, Barnacle Bills, Pinchers Crab, Capt. Brians (north Trail) and Walts Seafood to name a few.

~SRQgirl

SRQ Girl....Thanks so much for your helpful information. I need your recommendation for dining. Blase Cafe or Ophelias for an anniversary dinner? We both love Euphema Haye in Longboat Key.

Do either of them compare?

Regarding Italian restaurants on Siesta Key, is Bella Roma more upscale or is it a casual spot to bring three teenage boys who like to eat?

Thanks again...

I would pick Ophelias on the Bay for the special dinner. It is obviously on the water and has a nice menu. You can also dine outside.

Euphemia Haye has a different feel. Although I enjoy the menu, I don%26#39;t enjoy the ';NYC'; style table arrangements..(too close together).

Bell Roma is great for everyone. Your teenagers will have plenty od entrees to choose from.

Be aware this is summer, so it%26#39;s hot and humid......;-)

~SRQgirl

Ridgemom, if you don%26#39;t mind travelling up to Longboat, I bet you%26#39;d enjoy Pattigeorge%26#39;s. Excellent food, great ambiance, beautiful view out over the bay.

cbchrc, thanks for the recommendation regarding Pattigeorge. We had dinner there in the fall. Hubby loved his meal, mine was so-so Might have to give it another try in July.

Does anyone know if Ciao Italia in Longboat is still open? That is one of my families favorite spots. I tried their number the other night and got no answer. We will be very disappointed if they have closed.

While I have a captive audience, how far are the outlets in Ellenton from Siesta Key? Are they worth the drive?

Ciao Italia is still open as far as I know.

There is a wonderful Italian restaurant on Siesta called Bella Roma.

There is also Cafe Gabbianos.

If you are willing to drive, here are other options:

Beach Bistro (Holmes Beach, AMI)

5-one-6 Burns (Burns Court, downtown)

Bijou Cafe (downtown)

Rustic Grill (downtown)

Vernona (the Ritz, downtown)

~The Ellenton outlet mall is about 25 minutes from Siesta. There are lots of designer shops and there are deals if you know prices.

The Ralph Lauren store is a good one...

~SRQgirl

Ciao Italia should be open and, as far as I know, serving dinner perhaps 7 nights per week; I%26#39;m not sure about their lunch schedule. Some Longboat restaurants have indicated that they will be closed for several summer months (such as Harry%26#39;s), but not Ciao Italia.

If you want good Italian food, Caragiulio%26#39;s (downtown is a popular spot); informal and good prices, some outdoor tables. For really excellent Italian/Mediterranean food in an upscale environment (with higher prices to match) is Pino%26#39;s, also downtown. You can check them out on their website: www.pinos100central.com