Restaurants

Question

We are staying at Lido Beach Resort for 4 nights, beginning on Mother's Day. After much research, I have a list of a few restaurants I would like opinions on: Fiorella, Italian; Antoine's, French, Michael's on East, Seafood; and the restaurant at our resort Drift Kitchen. Thank you in advance.

Answer

Sarasota has a wonderful dining scene, and the restaurants on your list each offer something a little different, so it’s a great mix. Since you’ll be staying at Lido Beach Resort over Mother’s Day, expect restaurants to be busier than normal, but all of these choices are well-regarded for quality, consistency, and service.

Below is a detailed look at each place, what they’re best known for, and what type of experience you can expect.

Fiorella (Italian) – Fiorella is known for refined, modern Italian cuisine with an intimate feel. Expect handmade pastas, well-executed classic sauces, and seasonal specials. The portions are generous but not heavy, and dishes tend to be thoughtfully plated rather than rustic. It’s a great choice if you want a quieter, more romantic dining experience. Service is usually very attentive, and many diners praise the wine list for being well-curated rather than overly large.
Antoine’s (French/Belgian-influenced) – This small, chef-driven restaurant is a local favorite for its personal service and high-quality French and Belgian dishes. Their seafood preparations (especially mussels in various broths) are extremely popular. The atmosphere is cozy and feels more like dining in a European bistro than a big restaurant. If you enjoy rich sauces, expertly prepared proteins, and well-balanced flavors, this is a standout. Reservations are highly recommended because the dining room is small.
Michael’s on East (Seafood & Fine Dining) – A Sarasota institution, Michael’s on East offers a classic upscale dining experience with consistently strong service. While it is well-known for seafood, the menu is diverse, with steak, global-inspired dishes, and an extensive wine program (it’s one of the most award-winning wine lists in the region). Expect a polished dining room vibe, live piano music on some evenings, and a more formal ambiance than the others on your list. If you’re celebrating Mother’s Day or want a more elegant evening out, this is an excellent choice.
Drift Kitchen & Bar (at Lido Beach Resort) – This restaurant benefits from its panoramic Gulf views, which can be spectacular at sunset. While resort dining can sometimes be hit or miss, Drift is generally seen as one of the better on-property restaurants in Sarasota. The menu has a mix of seafood, steaks, salads, and modern American dishes. It’s convenient, the atmosphere is upscale-casual, and it works particularly well if you want a relaxing meal without leaving the resort. Many guests enjoy breakfast here too because of the view.

If you want variety during your stay, each restaurant offers a different type of experience, so your list is already well balanced. For a special Mother's Day dinner, Michael’s on East or Antoine’s would be the top choices for elevated dining. For a relaxing beachfront evening, Drift Kitchen is hard to beat. And for a cozy, flavorful Italian night, Fiorella is a lovely option.

Since it’s a holiday weekend and Sarasota is busy in May, booking reservations as far ahead as possible is strongly recommended. You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices—each offers its own charm depending on the evening and the mood you’re looking for.

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