New in Sarasota
Last updated: September 18, 2026.
Sarasota's dining and shopping scene moves fast — more than two dozen restaurants opened in 2026 alone. This is our running list of the newest restaurants, bars, venues, and shops worth knowing about, updated regularly as new spots open (and verified before they make the list).
Eat & Drink
- Sarasocial (Downtown, 1990 Main St.) — Opened September 2026 in the former Fork & Hen space on upper Main Street. Same kitchen and Southern soul cooking roots (Creole ribeye pork chop, Carolina citrus duck), with new ownership, a new chef, live music, cocktails, and an outdoor hookah space. Late-night bites run until 1:30am on weekends. Money tip: check their site for current specials before you go.
- Baldoria (Downtown, 1528 Main St.) — Opened September 2026 in the former Block 15 Cork & Craft wine bar space. Mediterranean-inspired shareable plates — tapas with Italian and Spanish twists, focaccia sandwiches, craft pastas, pizzas — from the restaurateurs behind My Mamma Italian Kitchen. The standout feature: a self-pour beer and wine wall with 24 taps, plus craft cocktails. Money tip: self-pour walls make it easy to taste without committing to a full glass.
- Kitchen Social (University Town Center, 257 N. Cattlemen Rd.) — Opened March 2026 in the former Rusty Bucket space in UTC's West District; the Ohio-based chain's first location outside its home state. A chef-driven tavern serving scratch-made comfort food (blackened shrimp capellini, teriyaki ribeye, tacos, pizzas) with weekend brunch. Money tip: the Social Hour runs 3–6pm Monday through Friday in the bar and high-top area — half off almost all starters and pizzas, $3 off cocktails and wine by the glass, $1 off draft beer.
- Alma de España (Southside Village, 1830 S. Osprey Ave.) — Opened in 2025 on the Hillview corridor. Spanish tapas and grilled dishes in one of Sarasota's most walkable dining pockets. Money tip: tapas spots reward going with a group — order a spread and split it.
- Mimi's Brasserie & Speakeasy (Southside Village, Hillview St.) — Opened in 2025 as the sister business of Lucky 8, the New Orleans-inspired spot that earned Sarasota's first Michelin Bib Gourmand designation. A brasserie up front with a speakeasy in back. Money tip: check their site for current specials.
- Chophouse285 (Englewood, 285 W. Dearborn St.) — Opened January 2026. A new steakhouse from local restaurateurs Keith and Laurie Farlow, who opened the iconic Farlow's on the Water in 2003. Money tip: steakhouses are rarely cheap — save this one for the splurge night and do the free stuff by day (see our free things to do list).
Things to Do
- The Parrot Live (975 Cattlemen Rd.) — The Parrot Patio Bar & Grill took over the former Big Top Live space and now operates it as The Parrot Live, keeping the focus on live music while reopening the kitchen and adding to the outdoor area. A solid budget-friendly night out: live music with bar-and-grill prices. Money tip: check their calendar for free or low-cover shows before paying for a big-ticket concert elsewhere — see what's on in our events guide.
Browse Sarasota tours & experiences on GetYourGuide →
Shops & Markets
- The Red Thread Atelier (Southside Village, Hillview corridor) — Opened September 2026. A modern needlepoint and craft shop from a Sarasota native, in the walkable historic district behind Sarasota Memorial Hospital. A good rainy-day browse even if you don't stitch.
- IKEA Sarasota (University Town Center, 147 N. Cattleman Rd.) — Opening soon, not yet open. IKEA's sixth Florida store: a 48,000-square-foot small-format location with 5,000+ products on display, 3,000+ items for immediate takeaway, a planning area for design consultations, the famous Swedish deli (meatballs, cinnamon buns), and an as-is section of gently used goods at reduced prices. Originally projected for summer 2026, now planned for a winter 2026 opening — no exact date announced. Money tip: the as-is section is the move for furnishing a vacation rental on a budget.
Before you shop or dine, check the coupons page — new deals land there as we find them.
Know a new spot we missed? Email hello@sarasotasavings.com.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best new restaurant in Sarasota?
It depends on the vibe: Sarasocial for Southern soul food with live music downtown, Baldoria for Mediterranean shareables, Kitchen Social at UTC for a lively tavern with a verified weekday happy hour. For something special, note that Lucky 8 — sister restaurant to the new Mimi's Brasserie — earned Sarasota's first Michelin Bib Gourmand.
When is IKEA opening in Sarasota?
A winter 2026 opening is planned for the 48,000-square-foot store at 147 N. Cattleman Road in University Town Center, but no exact date has been announced. Check IKEA's official site for the latest.
Are all the spots on this page open now?
All except IKEA Sarasota, which is marked "opening soon." Everything else was verified as open in 2025–2026 reporting. Hours and details change, so verify before you go.
How often is this page updated?
Regularly — we add newly opened spots as we verify them. Know one we missed? Email hello@sarasotasavings.com.