Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant

I have been going to Mar Vista occasionally for over 13 years. They offer a unique environment outside dining underneath the mangrove trees which I have not been able to replicate anywhere in the Sarasota or Tampa bay area. With the recent renovations and prime location on the intercoastal water I’d highly recommend this place to everyone!

I know I give high marks to most of the places I review, but I never review my bad experiences because it might have been an off day for the restaurant. Mar Vista was definitely an "on" day, the food was delicious, the setting was superb, and our waiter was great. It helps that it's located right on the water with a great view and their outside patio is shaded by a wonderful array of flora. We were there for lunch and everyone loved their meal, especially the Grouper Sandwiches. Great place to go especially if you're staying on Long Boat Key, but well worth the drive from the mainland if you aren't.

This place was great for lunch, eating at a wrought iron table on the shaded patio near a big twisty old oak tree hung with lights, the calm green sea just a few feet away. The best crab cake I've ever had and that's what I order in every seafood restaurant (and I'm from Boston). There's a bar but I think the food prices discourage the Spring Break crowd - not too expensive but not cheap bar food. Large really good crab cake sandwich with cole slaw was like $14. Classy but laid back, no loud music to shout over, just the quiet waves and people talking. Reminded me of old New Orleans a bit. We had our four-year-old with us but she was the only kid I saw there. Average age of 60 I'm guessing. Nice, calm, quality but reasonable prices. Highly recommended.

Fantastic approach from the dock. Seated under a sprawling shade tree to be presented with a full menu for lunch. The food was fantastic! You can taste they source great, fresh ingredients and the service was over the top. @brentrivers_photography