It’s official: Sarasota and Manatee counties are becoming culinary destinations in their own right. Between January and August 2025, Sarasota alone welcomed 41 new restaurant openings, while tourist dining spending across the region surged by 17% year over year (Sarasota-Manatee Restaurant Report, 2025). That’s not just growth. That’s momentum. And with so much already on the table, what’s still to come is even more exciting.
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Some of the most anticipated restaurants in Florida are about to debut right here on the Suncoast. We’re talking celebrated Tampa imports, ambitious local expansions, and high-end experiences designed to rival anything in Miami or Orlando. Whether you’re a foodie chasing the next big thing or simply planning your next date night, these upcoming openings are worth circling on your calendar.
Downtown Sarasota is already buzzing, but the arrival of Warren will take things up another notch. This two-story restaurant overlooking Selby Five Points Park promises to be more than just a place to eat.
The concept blends Modern American cuisine with an extensive whiskey bar—think premium cuts butchered in-house and a design aesthetic described as “Warren meets Gatsby.” It’s elegant, but not stuffy. Big-city polish meets Sarasota charm.
For professionals who want an impressive space to entertain clients—or for locals planning milestone celebrations—Warren is set to become a go-to. And with the national trend showing that 64% of full-service diners now prioritize experience over price, this concept couldn’t be arriving at a better time.
Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street has been steadily transforming into a culinary hub. By fall 2025, it will welcome one of the most buzzed-about additions: Kuro Sushi.
Brought to life by the restaurateur behind JPan Sushi & Grill and Korê Steakhouse, Kuro will elevate the local sushi scene with a sleek, high-end concept. The space will seat 120, but the real gem is its exclusive six-seat omakase sushi bar, available only by reservation. Expect meticulously prepared small plates, robata-grilled skewers, and a full liquor program spotlighting Japanese whisky.
For Lakewood Ranch residents, this isn’t just another restaurant—it’s a statement. It’s proof the community has matured into a destination that attracts sophisticated, chef-driven ventures. And for diners? It’s an invitation to experience something rare, refined, and right in their backyard.
Not every anticipated opening is a white-tablecloth affair. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, a beloved Delaware-born chain, is finally arriving in Sarasota on South Tamiami Trail this November.
Known for hearty staples like the Grilled Italian and the American Wagyu French Dip, Capriotti’s also wins loyalty with its fan-favorite “Bobbie” sandwich—Thanksgiving dinner between two slices of bread, complete with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo.
Why is this a big deal? Because it fills a gap for fast, reliable, high-quality comfort food in an area where residents crave convenience without sacrificing taste. It’s casual, approachable, and family-friendly—qualities that resonate with the growing number of young professionals and retirees calling Sarasota home.
This might be the biggest culinary headline of all: two of Tampa’s most celebrated restaurants, Olivia and On Swann, are coming to the University Town Center (UTC) in 2026. Both concepts are led by James Beard-nominated chef Chris Ponte, and their arrival is a clear sign that the Sarasota-Manatee border is now considered a high-priority expansion market.
Why does this matter for the community? UTC sits right at the intersection of Sarasota and Manatee counties. By choosing this location, Ponte is blurring traditional geographic lines, positioning the Suncoast as part of Tampa Bay’s broader fine-dining conversation.
The sheer scale of investment speaks volumes. Warren alone is expected to bring dozens of new jobs downtown. Kuro Sushi is introducing a level of exclusivity that can attract affluent visitors, boosting both tourism and local spending. Capriotti’s taps into a high-demand fast-casual segment, while Olivia and On Swann will draw food enthusiasts from across the state.
All of this activity dovetails with the larger economic picture: Sarasota-Manatee is thriving. The restaurant sector isn’t just feeding residents—it’s fueling the local economy, building community hubs, and strengthening our identity as a world-class destination. For a region where Savor Sarasota generated $1.2 million in revenue from just 26 restaurants in a single month, the addition of these heavy hitters will only amplify growth.
A few practical tips for locals eager to be among the first diners:
The Suncoast dining scene isn’t just evolving—it’s leaping forward. From whiskey lounges to sushi sanctuaries, from gourmet trattorias to hearty sandwich shops, the restaurant openings slated for late 2025 and 2026 are poised to reshape how we eat, celebrate, and connect in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
For residents, this means more choices, more flavors, and more reasons to support local growth. For visitors, it’s proof that the Suncoast has firmly earned its place on Florida’s culinary map.
And for those of us watching the region grow, it’s a reminder of something simple but powerful: the best meals aren’t just about the food. They’re about the experience, the community, and the shared sense that we’re part of something special—something that’s only just beginning.