Reception/Dinner Ideas in Siesta Key, FL Area

Sarah, you have a few options.

There are plenty of restaurants on Siesta Key, some fancier than others. The only 2 with waterfront views are Ophelia's on the Bay and near it another that was called Turtles (but may have had a name change). There are other restaurants right on the Key and some just off the Key. Check with Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce.

Other options are catering on the beach (before it gets dark) or maybe where you are staying has a meeting room (if you're renting a condo).

The company you hired should have suggestions.

Lido Key Beach Resort has an amazing wedding package that from what I hear is incredibly affordable and very all inclusive (food, cake, etc.).

Not sure if you are gung-ho on the Siesta Key area, but Anna Maria island also offers some amazing views and food choices. Sandbar, Beach house, Rod and Reel. There are also a lot of really cute tiki like shacks you can rent and cater food, there is an amazing barbecue caterer in the area.

If you were to cater the food, Morton's would be another option with some amazing food selections.

Yes, there are plenty of options off Siesta Key -- on the other islands and especially on the mainland.

Check the websites for the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce (I belong to all 3 chambers -- plus www.VisitSarasota.org).

So I'm actually from Sarasota and I will tell you that if you want to be on Siesta Key, you might have a hard time finding a restaurant that 1. Fits that budget and 2. Seems wedding appropriate. With that said, have you looked into some of the hotels on the key? You might get lucky there.

If you're willing to not be right on the beach, I'd suggest looking at restaurants on St. Armand's circle (technically Lido Key area). They have a lot more middle/upper scale restaurants that aren't super touristy. You can try the Columbia, Tommy Bahamas, etc. My bridal shower will be at the Beach Club Resort on Lido Key, so I know they book out rooms and serve food there for a reasonable price. (We also looked at the Hyatt and they were not expensive, either.)

Have you also looked at the downtown Sarasota area? There are lots of great restaurants there that I'm sure would accommodate you.

Finally, Marina Jack is a bit pricey, but if you want a water view it's beautiful and the food is exceptional.

Feel free to ask me any Sarasota questions! It's a gorgeous little city and the beach is beautiful! I'm sure you'll love have your wedding there

The old salty dog!!

I'm in Sarasota too. Yes, it is going to be hard finding anything cheap on Siesta Key.

I got married in Sarasota and St. Armand key was great and so were the restaurants.