June 2, 2026 - Two for Dinner, our 36th wedding anniversary. (we had last been here a year ago for the same occasion.) First up - PARKING was awesome!!! we parked in their lot and had plenty of choices. yay. Second - When I had made a reservation for our special occasion I was asked "Inside or Outside" which I picked Inside. I was then ASKED "window table?" to which I happily confirmed yes that would be great. I then confirmed to my wife. 6PM, Inside, & Window seating. When I arrived I was quizzed if I had a reservation. Yes. Then I was asked did i want to dine Inside or Outside and I replied I had confirmed an Inside, window reservation. And he brought us to our inside aisle non-window table. When I asked why not a window as I confirmed - I was informed they only give them out when they are available and he can't guarantee it? I then asked "Why do you ask then when the reservation is made?" He just walked away. Probably not a good candidate for a public or customer facing role. As others have stated (and I in my first review) the staff and server experience here is highly variable. 1/10 Third - Our server was excellent and gregarious. we were seated well over 5 minutes until we able to tender a drink order, but then everything went very smoothly. The bus staff seems "nervous" and inexperienced, I had to ask twice for more water. The bread and butter was a little disappointing. one of the rolls was ok, the other either old, stale or did not sustain the heating process very well - inedible. There were two flatbread crackers in the basket as well. 3/10 Fourth - We both got a cup of seafood bisque soup. This was a smooth and flavorful soup. Chunks of seafood of various types and a little shot of sherry on the side to pour on. (my 10 year AA medal pushed it away - smile) 9/10 My wife ordered a Pompano special with scallops and the chef special vegetables and green beans. This was very substantive entree and she did bring half of it home. The fish was nicely prepared and properly cooked, the vegetables were cooked al dente and not just something on the plate - good job. The green beans so nice as a vegetarian / vegan plant based eater I am going to order them as my entree! 9/10 I ordered a shrimp cocktail as part of my main. I haven't had shrimp in a few years, and these were fairly decent. the cocktail sauce was disappointing as I am a Kelchner's horseradish and Heinz Chili Sauce kind of guy.... pink from the 50/50 mixture. The sauce here was a restaurant pack can of catsup and a splash of tabasco. yech. 5/10 Also as my main an Arugula Salad with Roasted Beets, NO goat cheese, Almonds, Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette, Raspberry Coulis. A VERY nice salad with an extremely fresh and beautiful collection of arugula lettuce, and the roasted yellow and purple beets were nicely cooked and prepared. The dressing was light and tasty and not some gloppy oil slick of goo. 10/10 Finally, our server brought us out a little keylime pie to commemorate our occasion, we were actually pretty full from the dinner and declined dessert but she brought this out and we took a few pictures!!! VERY nice touch!!! Thank you. I think the kitchen has improved over the last three reviews and last three or so years. The reservation and front desk and the service is variable and inconsistent, still. The communications and reservation situation is flawed - a reservation is between two parties - if we agree on something the expectation is we BOTH deliver (I arrive on time and pay, and the establishment seats and accommodates as per the expectation) Both should expect what was agreed to? Obviously this is all personnel and seasonally dependent here in Venice, FL, now that we enter the slow and less tourist oriented I think the employees and the patrons will be less wired and unpredictable. My wife and I have discussed a mid summer visit to the Crow's Nest - maybe for my birthday in August? read more

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Every time I go and eat upstairs, the more convincing I need to return again to the upstairs. Each time I go, something is off. Once again went with friends who are visiting, I live close by. The service was worse than before, had to flag the host down after 20mins of not being acknowledged by any server. The manager has been an issue in the past 2 previous visits. I'll continue to frequent the lounge. The servers are great and I can order the whole menu. read more

Fantastic location. Fantastic service. Delicious food. We started with stone crab claws. Great! A mushroom flatbread pizza next. Really good. Four women friends then shared two seafood dishes. Great portions. The open ravioli pasta took the prize for best part of the meal. With great college friends. Perfect reunion spot and meal for four of us! Beautiful views and a gigantic thunderstorm rolled in, then a pretty clearing and night sky. Crow's Nest is iconic. read more

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Stopped in for an early dinner on a Saturday. We didn't have reservations but were sat immediately. Service was great! I always have a lot of questions and our server helped me navigate what to get and I was happy with my choices. The free bread basket was very good, came with butter and oil and the bread was fresh. For appetizer, I got a cup of the seafood bisque which came with a sherry topper, very yummy! For my main course, I got the shrimp and grits, it was a good portion, seasoned well, and very tasty. Lastly, I finished with the chocolate mousse for dessert. It was light, sweet, and satisfying. Definitely would recommend if you are in the area! read more

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Food was delicious. The tuna was cooked perfectly, the cheesy grits had lots of flavor and the escargot was so tasty. Lots of gluten free options on the menu. There's a great happy hour deal on drinks. We had great service and despite being busy didn't have a super long wait without a reservation. Great location as well! Absolutely love being by the water! read more

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The Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina has two floors of dining. We enjoyed our afternoon lunch and drinks on the second floor porch overlooking the Marina. And there's a pub-style tavern downstairs with a full-service marina, if you like that instead. Our waiter Dustin took care of us, making sure we had everything we needed. This establishment is upscale with a casual feel to it. Very comfortable. Our drinks were perfect and so was our meal. I would recommend the raw local oysters and raw clams, the clam chowder, the seared tuna steak, the crab claws and their classic Reuben sandwich. Wait, dont forget the chocolate flourless cake! Yummm! I would go back! read more

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What a classic and still solid choice while visiting Venice. We decided last minute on having lunch here after the farmers market. They ushered us upstairs and out to a great table with a view of the ocean. The food was great, especially the grouper sandwich, which I recommend blackened. I'll try them again soon for dinner but I have to plan ahead for that because they require reservations unless you arrive super early. read more

The front of house is very efficient. We were seated right away. Our server was very personable, attentive, and all around just great. All of the food, drinks and the Key Lime pie were amazing. Everything was well priced. View is beautiful. We will definitely be back. read more

What a wonderful view of the Venice jetty area from the restaurant! Service was truly top notch and our waiter, Dustin, was very attentive to our every need. From the appetizers to the desserts, we were most impressed by the quality and taste of our meals and won't hesitate to go back again soon. Highly recommended!! read more

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Wow! Came here 37 years ago on our honeymoon for dinner and it's still delicious! We had pompano fish and a seafood boil with clams, shrimp, and crab legs. Jamie was our server. He was very attentive without being too much. Enjoyable evening! read more

We went to Crow's Nest for dinner last night. We wanted our family to have the really nice experience of this restaurant. We've gone for lunch there many times. It was not a good experience. Service was poor. Water was one glass. No refill on soda. We ordered the special and the main course was dry fish, and mushy vegetables, luckily there was a baked potato. One of our family order a seafood boil type dinner. Small crab claws, few clams, and few shrimp. The other guests had steak. That was okay. Such a let down. Bad table, bad service and bad food. read more

The ambiance was very pleasing. Our waitress, Shelly was spot on! Our food was amazing! My wife, daughter & her husband's & myself's first time here. Was quite memorable. We'll come back. Well, it looks like I forgot to post the last review. Here's our 2nd time here. Upon walking in. The establishment is all decked out in Christmas everywhere. Looks great! The food and service again, was spot on! We were served by Jamie this time. read more

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Just gotta throw a shoutout to Cathy the server tonight at crows nest . She is just fantastic... I so appreciate her attention to detail and service . Made me feel so special after a long day at work myself . No words . Thank you girl!! The mahi is freaking incredible!! Crows nest Cole slaw my new favorite!!! My pain killer drink def killed the pain . It was my 3 year anniversary and it was so special thank you ! As always ambiance was perfect and we got an oversized booth that just added to feeling special! read more

Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina - Mahi - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

Spectacular view! Rooftop balcony, atmosphere terrific. We had chicken salad on the croissant with grapes, delicious. We had the shrimp salad, which was awesome! If in Venice, do not miss this place! Ask for Alex, he's incredible!!! read more

Service and food were enjoyable Upstairs was a good location Overall, we enjoyed the lunch meal and we're pleased with our experience read more

For last night in the Sarasota Venice area, I said to my wife out of all the restaurants we've gone to in the three weeks we've been here which one do you wanna go back to for our last night White House? Without hesitation she said the crows nest so I took her there last night and we repeated what we had the last time we split a salad and then we shared the walnut crusted salmon came with green beans and rice . For dessert I had a cup of coffee and we shared some Keylime pie, which was magnificent as usual. Everything was terrific. The waiter's name was Will and he was good the crackers and bread that we had before the dinner were also good. read more

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Saturday evening, we invite a couple out for dinner, who lived in the area for years however, never knew of Venice's, Crow's Nest. We were greeted by Cody, our server who has the exquisite knowledge of the history, the cuisine, beverages, and assisted on guest on choosing what suited their tastes. We have been there many times and are always impressed with the menu choices. So Cody, made sure our guests were delighted with anticipation as to what was to come. Crows Nest's ambiance, views of the water inlet, boats traveling to & from made our evening even more special. What was magical, we plan to be there for the sunset which cast across the inlet splendor array of colors. Our guests had such a splendid time, from their beverages, appetizers, scrumptious dinners, we were very pleased we chose Crows Nest to entertain our dinner guests. If you live anywhere from Sarasota to Fort Meyers and you haven't been to Venice's Crow's Nest, you are definitely missing out on a gem of a fine restaurant. read more

Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

Revisited again, another very nice visit. Cozy pub, good food, good beer options, friendly attentive staff. ALWAYS on our list when in Venice. read more

Melissa and Liam are the best bartenders and provided great service and their flat breads are to die for!!

I'm torn between giving this place a 3 or 4. I'm going w a 3 bc while my husband and our friends enjoyed their meals, mine was terrible and the service was mediocre at best. Our waitress was stiff and seemed confused. She might have been a bit shy but waitressing isn't a good career choice for someone who has a hard time connecting with customers. I had a grilled grouper sandwich and was sorely disappointed. It was served with a small piece of grouper on a bun. No lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle or anything--just dry fish on a bun. I order grouper sandwiches frequently and they always come with at least lettuce and tomato. Glad I ordered cole slaw as a side bc I was able to add some flavor to the sandwich. My husband and friend ordered tuna and it did look amazing. They both declared it delicious. One of them ordered green beans as a side and they appeared to be cooked to perfection. Our other friend enjoyed his cheeseburger, fries, and onion rings. Cute place. Very very busy. Would have liked to eat outside but it was a little cold. read more

Always exceptional and fancy atmosphere perfect for birthday dinners or anniversary place! Always good service and quality seafood! My fav is the shrimp bisque (adding the vermouth)! Enjoy! read more

We sat upstairs on the patio and the views were spectacular!!! The food was phenomenal and the service was friendly and professional. My husband had to take a call & the server patently waited until the call was over to take our dinner selection. Relaxing dinner! Definitely recommend read more

Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina - View from the patio seating - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

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We're a party of four and sat upstairs with a great view. Our waitress was Carly and she was very professional, personable and did a fantastic job. Each of us ordered a different dish and everyone enjoyed their meal so I give two thumbs up for the food. If you're in the area, highly recommend stopping in. read more

My girlfriends and I had a great time sitting upstairs on the outside deck. Great location. Service was right on . Cody & Shelly were both great to chat with and provided great service. Thank you ! The food was good . Everyone enjoyed their meals . I think the mashed potatoes are instant so just ok . Thought my Grouper was a tad overcooked but tasty . Green beans were fresh and crisp . Would definitely recommend and would visit again in the future. read more

We had a terrible experience with the hostess service this evening. I called and spoke to Adella (sp?) and asked if they had a table for two available on short notice. She indicated if we got there in the next 15-25 minutes they would have one available. When we got there, she said she had given the table away to a walk-in customer. Very inconsiderate. If she did not intend to hold the table, she should have said so up front. Worst experience at Crows Nest in the 20 years we've been coming here. read more

Having been here and knowing what can be expected The ambience it's very good with great views of the inlet & boats Parking is always a challenge . I wish they had valet or a tram type shuttle firm the inlets parking area.. I little disappointed they don't have a simple accommodation for a wheelchair so you could sit by the window been to many restaurants who put a 6" elevating floor that's normally retracted . Food was excellent , we both had grouper It was cooked perfect ly and fresh veggies I also tried one crab cake as an appetites It wasn't blue crab and didn't have the sweetness of blue crab I was disappointed . Server Jamie was excellent and service is attentive and prompt Overall a good experience read more

Great view, and good seafood as of course is common in coastal Florida. Pointing out that this establishment chooses to have their point-of-sale system calculate "suggested tips" based on the TOTAL amount of the check which includes 7% FL sales tax. This improper way of calculating it is printed on the check. In the US tipping is customarily based on the subtotal of a check NOT the total which includes sales tax. The setting to have the calculation printed on the check is within a restaurant's control. read more

Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina - Sales terminal "suggested tip" calculation based on grand total which includes 7% sales tax, which isn't customarily correct. - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida

This is our go to for a great high end night out! Outstanding food, a beautiful view, excellent service. Just wish we were able to secure reservations more often because they are always booked up!! read more

Great food and service . Excellent cocktails, fresh seafood and fantastic ambiance. Strongly recommend this place

Best fried shrimp in Venice. Good size shrimp with a dusting of flour and cornmeal. Great service with view of water. read more

Always an amazing experience at Crow's Nest! The Crow's Nest never disappoints! The service is consistently top-notch, with attentive and friendly staff. Today, I enjoyed the Tropical Salad with grilled Scallops (again), which was a beautiful mix of fresh greens, mango, strawberries, toasted coconut, and their homemade, perfectly light House Ranch dressing. The scallops were exceptionally fresh and flavorful, and the bits of mango added a refreshing, tropical touch. My daughter loved it too! My partner had the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, which looked fantastic, with homemade chips that were perfectly crisp and tasty. My son went for the Crow's Nest Burger--a juicy 8oz patty on a brioche bun, complete with his choice of cheese and bacon. It's à la carte, so there's room to customize, which he appreciated - and a side of french fries. The atmosphere, especially when arriving by boat, is unmatched. With spectacular waterfront views, great drinks, and delicious food, Crow's Nest remains one of our favorite spots in Venice. Highly recommended! read more

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My favorite place to have my birthday dinner. The food is always exactly as ordered. The boats are fun to watch. The servers are very helpful in every way. read more

I stopped by Crows nest as I was craving oysters for my bday. I sat in the bar in the downstairs tavern. The Coldwater oysters were delicious , painkiller was strong and delightful, tuna entree was alright, good, but not the best I ve had (will opt out for a different entree perhaps next time, or will just have more oysters : )). When I was talking to other patrons at the bar, the bartender overheard it was my bday, so she brought out a slice of key lime pie. Sooo nice of her , and it was yummy. Looking forward to other visits to this lovely spot on the water in beautiful Venice, FL. read more

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Nice restaurant right on the water with great views. Food was very good and wine list was very good. Service excellent, little pricey but will be back for sure. read more

We walked in and the hostess, Danielle was amazing! She was dealing with a rude customer and handled it the best one could. Our server was Cory. He had a wealth of knowledge on every single plate. Cory was friendly, very helpful and accommodating. He even gave helpful suggestions for on local attractions! The restaurant was on the water but it was too dark for us to see so we will have to come back when it's lighter out to get the full experience The food was probably the best we have had in our two months being here. We will definitely be back! read more

Went to Crow's nest early on a Friday evening in mid September. No reservation, no wait for a table. There were 4 people in our party. For our party of 4 we ordered a total of 5 drinks, 1 beer, 2 starters, 1 entree, 1 extra side, and a cup of soup. The waitress, Becky seemed upset and said, "that's all" and when the next person just ordered soup, "that's all you're ordering"? She was visibly upset. She splashed drinks on the table and didn't apologize. Got one martini wrong, said she'd bring the olives and never did. The rustic tomato mozzarella salad had terrible tomatoes in it. No flavor and very little seasoning. The whole experience was mediocre at best and the waitress's attitude made it not fun at all. Over priced for the service and quality of the food. There are dozens of small restaurants that would love our business during the office season. The view was the only redeeming quality of restaurant. I can't imagine recommending it or visiting again. read more

I have never had a bad meal, a bad drink or poor service at the Crows nest . Absolutely a great place to celebrate. It's beautiful by the water and lovely atmosphere. On top of all that they have a great casual bar downstairs . It's a different menu , but real Ann attractive enjoyable place . Pick either one , you can't go wrong . read more

Had a great dinner at Crows Nest downstairs. It was busy and we had to wait. But Berry did a great job of taking names, busing tables and keeping people infoiof where they were on the list. Good food. Good time read more

Lunch was great. Grilled grouper sandwich was a nice sized piece of fish and grilled perfectly. I usually don't get potato chips but the waiter said they were fresh homemade. They were probably the best I've ever had and came with a side of French onion dip. Nice water view from the upper deck. read more

Recommend to us by the front desk at the place we were staying. Seating upstairs/outside over looking the bay is beautiful. The noise level was low which for me is a plus. They start you with some bread and three different spreads, I couldn't tell you what the spreads were as our server didn't take the time to inform us. I also had a Cesar salad which was delicious! It looks like they make their croutons in house. I ordered the lobster tail with garlic mashed potatoes and they had fresh green beans. This was my favorite dinner of my entire week vacation! Everything was seasoned and cooked very well! All in all excellent food and meh service, but I would go back here anytime! read more

Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina - Lobster Tail with garlic mash and green beans - Seafood Near Me - Venice, Florida