TRYLA LARSON
Guest Columunist
Tryla@lbknews.com
We have the ability to boat to numerous places to eat on Longboat Key as well as other 
locations with access to inland waters. Why do we sometimes like to boat to a restaurant rather than arrive by car?
Boating to a restaurant adds an element of adventure to dining out, and arriving at a restaurant by boat adds a unique touch of luxury to your experience. The gentle sway of the water, the savory fresh seafood, the stunning waterfront views and the convenience of docking at the restaurant’s doorstep is the perfect way to unwind and makes for a memorable and unique experience. Not to mention, in season you avoid much of the traffic that always seems to occur around dinnertime.
Here are some of the wonderful eating establishments at which we are quite privileged to dine:
Mar Vista has a nice-sized dock and is located on North Longboat Key. They have my very 
favorite Brussel Sprouts with a Ginger and Teriyaki glaze.
Next to Mar Vista we have the luxurious Shore on Longboat Key. They have plenty of boat docking space and an oh so divine Kung Pao Calamari Salad. It is delicious!
You can also arrive by boat at the popular Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Their food and drinks are very appetizing, and you will absolutely want to patronize them again and again.
If you are a member of the Longboat Key Club, you should definitely try Portofino located at the Longboat Key Moorings. It boasts exquisite Italian Dining. Perhaps stop by the Tavern and Whisky Bar at the Longboat Key Moorings for a tasty lunch.
Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar is another great food choice. Located on the water in Whitney Plaza on the North end of Longboat Key. I love the Chicken Parisian. There is always enough food for me to make two meals. After dinner you can hop down the sidewalk to Sips & Gelato. You can also stop by Sips for coffee, juice or smoothie and quick bite in the mornings. You must try their Avocado Toast on Gluten Free Bread. I Love-Love-Love it!
If you are starting off your day on the boat, you might want to try the Longbeach Café. They have a wide array of breakfast foods that are scrumptious. My favorite is sitting on the back patio area next to the water watching the kayakers paddle by while I enjoy my eggs and potatoes.
Looking for a super casual flip flops and shorts kind of place? If so, go to the Ole Salty Dog Just off the South end of Longboat Key on City Island. They have great frozen alcohol beverages and basket foods. I find myself craving their shrimp tocos with the pineapple slaw in them. I do suggest getting the bang bang sauce on the side. It is super spicy, and I love it, but a little goes a long way.
Another great place to dine is the Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar in Cortez, just North of Longboat Key by water. If you want a casual place to dine that has live music, try the Cortez Kitchen or The Bridge Tender Inn Dockside & Tiki Bar. Both can be very lively and provide excellent food and beverages.
Another favorite for lunch can be a Grouper Sandwich and Hush Puppies at the Star Fish Company on Cortez. It’s fresh as fresh can be.
Last but not least is Marina Jack and O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill. They are just South of Longboat Key on the coast of Downtown Sarasota. They always have something fun going on.
This of course is not every place in the area that you can dine by boat, but it does give you a nice assortment of choices. I suggest trying out all of them one at a time to determine your favorite. I think it would be cool if someone opened up a drive thru restaurant on the water for boaters.
