Bradenton and its barrier islands boast some of the best restaurants in the area, famous for beautiful water views and fine cuisine. Downtown Bradenton offers a selection of casual and upscale restaurants, and the popular sandwich and frozen custard shop Sweet Berries. Gourmands venture to Longboat Key for swanky establishments with five-star menus. For fun beach front bars and casual seafood dishes, Anna Maria Island is the best bet. Sarasota's impressive array of bistros and upscale bars at St. Armand's Circle are also worth the trip.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
2001 Siesta Key Drive, Sarasota
(941) 358-9463
www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Since opening it's doors, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse has been raising the standard of steakhouses to a new level. Sweeping the nation with awards and accolades, it's their outstanding food, wine, and service that keeps patrons returning time and time again. Indulge yourself in the stylish, contemporary dining that is Fleming's hallmark. Some of our employee's favorite dishes include Filet Mignon with blue cheese crumbles, Beef Flemington, and Australian Pork Chops. The side dishes are as flavorful as they come - don't be fooled by seeing a macaroni and cheese selection at such a top-notch steakhouse; their Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese is like no other. For dessert, their signature item continues to be the Chocolate Lava Cake; but put your order in early as this chocolate-richness takes 20 minutes to make and is well worth every second!

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
2001 Siesta Key Drive, Sarasota
(941) 952-0109
www.roysrestaurant.com

Escape to a Hawaiian paradise through Chef Roy Yamaguchi's famous blending of European cooking techniques with fresh Asian and Pacific Rim ingredients. Not your typical dining experience, Fodor’s quoted this restaurant as being "multi-traditional dishes that seduce with the ease of a trade wind." Each evening, Roy 's presents a tantalizing range of appetizers, entrees, fresh fish dishes, and desserts. But don't let the name fool you, this establishment is not about typical Asian cuisine. Our employee's favorite selections include Auntie Lei's Aloha Roll, Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi, Hibachi Style Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and the Wood Grilled Szechwan Spiced Baby Back Ribs. If cocktails are your passion, you won't want to miss their signature Hawaiian Martini - stock full of fruity goodness and topped with a pineapple wedge soaked in vodka. No Roy 's experience would be complete without their Melting Chocolate Soufflé; a lava of rich chocolate, raspberries, and ice cream.

Sweet Berries
4500 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton
(941) 750-6771
www.sweetberries.com

Sweet Berries is a locally-owned sweet delight that offers a unique menu consisting of sandwich recipes from across the country and the best frozen custard in the industry. Using an impressive array of fresh berries and candies as mix-ins, added to a beginning of the best custard in the business, its no wonder each restaurant is hopping no matter what the hour.

The Originals
www.freshoriginals.com

With Sarasota and her Islands quickly becoming Southwest Florida's cultural capital, it was no surprise that unique dining options began popping up all over the region. In 2003, The Sarasota-Manatee Originals organized, creating an exclusive community of over 50 independently owned and operated restaurants. Each one of these restaurants is as unique as their names - offering guaranteed culinary pleasures. Visit any one, for a meal sure to kick-start your retreat to paradise.

(Visit website for individual restaurant information)

Sharky's Steak and Sea Grille
2519 Gulf Drive North, Bradenton
(941) 779-9151
www.sharkysseagrill.com

This Bradenton Beach hotspot shakes to the rafters with live bands, karaoke, and a dance floor. the bar offers the usual array of cocktails, premium liqueurs, and imported brews, and the menu features casual surf 'n turf dishes, burgers, and fresh Stone Crabs.