5 New & Coming Soon Sarasota County Restaurants

We've been busy interviewing restaurant owners across Sarasota County, and here is a summary of our recent findings, from an all-day diner and modern Asian concept to family pizza.

Two newer cafes are also already serving customers.

COMING SOON

Eggs and Burgers Diner — Sarasota

Address: 7218 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

Status: Targeting November 2 for opening.

What to expect: A classic family diner replacing the longtime Crager’s Restaurant, with large portions, affordable prices and breakfast served all day.

Menu highlights: Traditional breakfast plates and smash burgers will be the focus.

Hours: Planned daily hours are 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m., with dinner potentially added later.

Who’s behind it: Ibrahim Tunga, who previously operated a similar diner concept in St. Louis.

Read our full article.

Black Kirin Modern Asian — Sarasota

Address: 3255 University Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34243

Status: Targeting late November or early December.

What to expect: A 210-seat full-service Asian restaurant replacing a former Applebee’s, with a completely remodeled kitchen and a larger indoor-outdoor bar.

Menu highlights: Chinese and Thai dishes will lead the menu, joined by select Korean and Malaysian items. Expect Thai curries, Korean rice cakes and Korean barbecue spare ribs.

Who’s behind it: Owner Rong Chen is developing the concept with an emphasis on a newer, lighter approach to Chinese cuisine.

Read our full article.

Dominick's Family Pizza — Sarasota

Address: 8317 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

Status: Coming soon. The restaurant has received its restaurant beer-and-wine license, while its public opening remains pending.

What to expect: A small family-run pizzeria with about 12 to 15 seats, built around recipes from owner John Papandrea’s late father, Dominick.

Menu highlights: New York-style pizza, Sicilian pies, strombolis, pinwheels, chicken cutlet sandwiches, housemade mozzarella sticks and zucchini patties.

Who’s behind it: John Papandrea, whose family restaurant roots trace back to his father’s career in the pizza business after emigrating from Calabria.

Read our full article.

NOW OPEN

Comptoir: The Counter Café — Sarasota

Address: 2805 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34234

Status: Now open. The French cafe opened in October and is currently operating across from Ringling College.

What to expect: A French-inspired cafe and bakery combining counter ordering with a relaxed neighborhood setting.

Menu highlights: Viennoiserie, pastries, crepes, quiche, soups, salads, baguette sandwiches, coffee and desserts.

Who’s behind it: French-born chef Gregory Desvenain and co-owner Cemantha Crain.

Read our full article.

Two Shores Cafe — Sarasota

Address: 7321 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

Status: Now open. Two Shores debuted in September and is currently serving customers.

What to expect: A neighborhood cafe introducing Uruguayan bakery and coffee traditions to Sarasota.

Menu highlights: Uruguayan pastries and breads, empanadas, sandwiches, desserts and specialty coffee drinks.

Who’s behind it: Uruguay natives Valeria Bobra and Milton Rodriguez, who handle much of the baking and preparation themselves.

Read our full article.