The meals here and unique and fun, with personal creations sure to please your taste buds. The main entrees are flavorful with fresh seasonings and cooked perfectly. The portion sizes are just the perfect size and price- with room for their delicious dessert!!! A must visit in the Sarasota area! read more

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This is the coolest restaurant in downtown Sarasota, there a menu changes regularly so you never get tired of what they have for you to eat

Been there in the past and thought it was one of the best restaurants in Sarasota. Went Christmas week and food was below average. Also had to wait 45 minutes for appetizers. If you are not going to provide bread, that is too long. Perhaps they weren't prepared for the seasonal crowds, though doubt I'll give them another try. read more

The food is always 5 stars. Me and my wife's favorite restaurant for fish. Mushroom soup is the best I have ever had. Try dining in the wine room. read more

For some reason it has taken me forever to try indigenous. Which is sort of crazy since I loved canvas cafe (previous restaurant at same location with same chef/owner) and I know some of the staff. But finally the stars worked out and the moon was in the right phase and we tried indigenous. I think the trick here is just order what ever is the special that day. The thing we ordered that were the specials were amazingly good, the things just off them regular menu were good but not of the same order of good. The special salad with dinosaur kale was excellent as was the pork belly appetizer. I could have just had more of those two and been very happy. The DC and guests fish dishes were excellent and interesting combinations of flavors, I could describe them but since these change every day what's the point? But my recommendation is to get what ever is the local catch special. Also tried the short ribs. They were good and tender and nicely braised but the gratin was under-seasoned for my taste and didn't really work. Service and wine was excellent. I would go back but probably an occasion place for me rather than every weekend kind of place. read more

I would say I'm between 3 and 4 stars when rating this restaurant. The food was good, but not so good I would return. We had the crispy duck appetizer and I had the "hook to fork" which was Cobia, my fiance had the short ribs. Everything was cooked well and the presentation was beautiful. The service was good. The short ribs were extremely tender. Everything was good, but nothing was outstanding. So I would say this is a restaurant where you will probably enjoy your meal, but I don't think you will be wowed. read more

I would like to start off with, I eat a lot of burgers at many different types of places. Great restaurant, 5 stars... I'm here to talk about my burger experience. I visited the restaurant as a party of 2, I ordered a burger, of course, and the other member of the party ordered a fish which was very similar to salmon (excellent). The burger was very OVERDONE and contained much too much sauce, even for a sauce boss. After the bill was paid.. with a 20% tip, I informed the waiter with my experience and he exclaimed: "thin patties, that's just how it is". As I mentioned the restaurant was 5 stars, burger - 1 star, response to negative opinion - 1 star. -srqburgerguy read more

Great to see chef Stephen Phelps and INDIGENOUS cited as a destination for Southeast coastal Lionfish in EATING WELL June 2019 edition. Page 95. This article credits chefs who are using delicious unusual seafood. read more

Indigenous has knocked it out of the park for us on the last 8 or 10 times we have visited... it just keeps getting better and better... The menu is innovative, locally sourced and the flavors in all dishes will not disappoint you at all... Absolutely love this place - the best dining experience in Sarasota IMHO... read more

Had a wonderful dinner earlier this week. Very creative menu. A bit too mushroom-forward for my taste, but I am told the menu changes daily. I had the fish dish with Jamaican-style vegetables. It was cooked to perfection. Service was great. Will definitely return. read more

Amazing food! Amazing atmosphere. Incredible menu! Loved the shrimp, mushroom bisque and sword fish!! The oatmeal chocolate brownie Is out of this world! read more

We had a nice night out with excellent service! The menu is eclectic and our favorite dish was the wild mushroom bisque! I also love that you can see into the kitchen and that all the dishes are freshly prepared. Our waitress was very good at discribing the food to us. I hope to visit again soon and sit outside as the weather gets cooler. read more

I've never had a bad meal while dining at Indigenous. I usually always get their specials, which are creative and bold in a town where risks aren't embraced. Feels like a restaurant that would fit in Tampa, but in our back yard. read more

We go almost weekly, with the menu staying fresh seasonally and several nightly specials it never gets old. Chef has received many accolades and deserves all and more. The only criticism I have seen that is true but not appropriate is the lack of "steak and chicken options." Chef is committed to sustainability and creativity. Please do not go expecting a prime steak filet- this is not on offer nor is that the goal. Go for a culinary experience in a sublime and casual setting. read more

Absolutely amazing as always. The food is amazing and the service is always top notch. The story behind the food is absolutely fantastic and make sure to stop by the wine cottage. read more

No reservations available, but as luck would have it, we got the last table outside. Very cute setting in an old cracker style house. We sat on the patio. Food was absolutely fantastic. Gorgeous presentation, well-explained by the waiter. I had wine (limited wine options by the glass i.e. no cabernet by the glass) and hubby had a craft brew. Everything was perfect. We managed to get out of there with 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, wine and beer for just under $90 plus tip. Not cheap, but far less than we would have spent somewhere close by.... Definitely recommend. read more

Always excellent. Wild mushroom soup is a must ! Great swordfish dish tonight with an interesting pork belly rice. Really yummy with a slight spicy kick. Wines are always top notch as are the creative desserts. read more

Went for 6pm dinner for my husband's birthday and it really was a disappointment. We sat at one of 3 tables in a tiny dark room and were served by the bartender. No bread, crackers or anything was served with our soup, it just came in a small bowl, not even on a plate, but mushroom soup was very good. We both ordered fish, Cobia and Grouper. We waited so long for the fish that I was sure they must have forgotten about us. When our meal finally arrived it was again served in a bowl, not even on a plate. The Cobia was dry,overcooked, and overpriced. I was hungry though so I tried to enjoy it, I really did. Finally I looked at my husband and said this fish is not very good. He said, "neither is this grouper!" All we wanted to do was get OUT of there and save our birthday evening. So I stood up and went over to the bartender and asked for the bill. Meanwhile someone served my husband some ice cream or sorbet and I asked is it good? He said , it tastes really weird and I'm never coming back here." We literally ran out laughing at how bad it was and went to Sage Restaurant. We sat at the bar and had a fabulous Manhattan or two and creme brûlée! Alas, my hubby's birthday meal ended happy. read more

We are foodies & are not easily impressed & this was one of the best dining experiences of our lives! The food is incredible! Fresh, sustainable, creative. Every bite was a delicious experience. Seriously! Every single thing that we put in our mouths we had to share because it was just so phenomenal. A great wine & beer selection. From the quaint & romantic atmosphere to our kind & professional waiter, Chad R... this place was absolutely perfect. I cannot say enough. Spectacular. Definitely a MUST try! read more

Get the mushroom bisque whatever you do!!! Adorable place. Loved the wine room. Friendly staff and creative food that is super fresh. We both ordered the fish special and it was awesome. Definitely going back when we are in the area again. read more

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Great place! Nice atmosphere! Food is carefully prepared and with lots of love towards the ingredients. read more

Week of the 9th of May, 2016. Basically ordered just appetizers since those usually are the specialties of higher end restaurants. Ordered the mushroom bisque, parmesan beignets, florida rock shrimp po'boy, and pork belly, What stuck out to me the most was the mushroom bisque which I enjoyed and would recommend. I wasn't too impressed with the other dishes but my partner seemed to enjoy them all. He also took delight in the homey feel that the restaurant gives as a house. Overall it was a good experience and I'm sure others would enjoy themselves here. read more

Three of us ate here last night after a passable meal last year. The front room was so dark that diners at all tables complained but the management would not turn up lights, nor provide candles. We all used cell lights to read the menu and see our food. A seeing-eye dog might have helped. Acoustics were horrible, too. Appetizers were good, but we had the most pretentious waiter in recent memory who rhapsodized about the food but did not explain it clearly., then served entrees luke warm after a half hour wait . Two entrees were passable but forgettable, shrimp and ceviche .The burger was horrible beyond belief. Mc Donald's would not serve two dry, burnt, flavorless little hunks of tough meat. Free dessert samples were not an adequate compensation for a mediocre meal. Indigenous is clearly a place in love with it's own hype and cuteness with a few good dishes, good superficial intentions, but inadequate concern for its patrons. or for the overall quality of its meals. . If you like food that isn't precious or need to see your dinner and your companions, stay away read more

Just had an anniversary dinner here and loved it! Delicious food, creatively prepared, wonderful attentive service in a lovely cozy atmosphere. We will be back...thanks for a nice experience read more

We took our friend from out of town to Indiginous tonight. Food was awesome, however will NEVER go back there! Angela, the server and manager refused to serve more than 1 bottle of wine, as they assumed we had been drinking before we got there, which was absolutely NOT the case! I had sparkling water and said I was designated driver, but that made no difference. Since when is 1 bottle too much at a restaurant for 2 people?After trying to bring reason to this unreasonable decision, they still refused! This has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Sarasota, but this ridiculous decision will keep me from ever going back. read more

I come to Sarasota every year for business, and this is easily the best restaurant I've visited in the city. We sat on the beautifully sparse porch overlooking a very quant section of town. We were seated immediately and walked through the highlights of the menu. Upon recommendation we tried the Lobster Bisque. Holy Wow. Amazing. Perfect balance of mushroom and pepper. Stellar. Also took recommendation on a perfect Italian wine. Just incredible. It didn't stop there, as our main course came out (Chard with a Five Spice sauce) I was blown away. This place did not disappoint. Certainly, will return next year. read more

Simply the best restaurant in town. Mushroom bisque is off the charts delicious,my kids and I tried the beignets and we were blown away ,the sweet and the savory packed a perfect taste combination. We had the My Uncles burger. So good with the sauce and bacon jam. Wow! The Shrimp Wafu Garlic noodles may have been our favorite the flavors were satiating. And lastly the Hook to Fork selection was perfectly cooked over a bed of delicious crunchy greens. As always this place impressed. Impeccable professional service. Atmosphere is relaxing and the vibe is chill. Don't miss out on this tucked away gem. read more

Food is good, but this place has become WAY overrated, as many places do in Sarasota. Too many tourists who are in "vacation mode" and people who come from places that don't have good food overrate! This place is a classic example. They have an attitude about it....no changes from the menu.....this is not a 5 star tasting menu in NYC!! read more

I don't understand how this place isn't rated 5 stars. We've eaten here 5 or more times and every time it impresses. Wonderful food, great atmosphere, service that's attentive, helpful and not invasive. Most importantly the food is wonderfully simple yet with complex flavors and there is always a highlight. Truly a wonderful restaurant. read more

Love the ambiance, really excellent wine selection, and attentive, friendly service. My appetizer which was the "ocean crudo" daily special was off the charts delicious. My entree was the only spot that came up a little short. It was good, but not great - it was a little bland. I forget what it was called, but it's the cauliflower, pappardelle, cheese casserole which is a staple on the menu. I think their forté may be fish bc my friend ordered the Red Snapper special and it was amazing. I'd definitely give it another shot, and like I said the ambiance is really intimate & cozy. If you're looking for a romantic spot for a drink with a date, hit the "secret" bar in the back. read more

Excellent chef-driven restaurant featuring sustainable food choices in a relatively limited, but well presented menu. Parmesan honey beignets to start were delicious, and the fish choices that night (wild caught swordfish and farmed cobia) were perfectly cooked. Outstanding dining choice in downtown Sarasota! Call for reservations. read more

Wonderful wine menu! Had Illumination sauv blanc and began with the pork belly. AMAZING! We ordered the snapper and cobia specials. So buttery and simple. I love when the chef puts an Asian twist on the dishes. We'll be back! read more

Had dinner at this restaurant last night with friends there were four of us. While the atmosphere is very nice, cozy. The food is overpriced and the portion size is a minimal. My dinner was the shrimp approximately 6 to7 pieces of medium-size shrimp with very small sliced potatoes the flavor was very lemon forward and too much butter typically the flavors should blend as to not only taste lemon and butter rather a flavor of blends that just taste good.. The cost was $30. My husband had the salmon, he said it was average and it was on top of a few sides again very small potion of sides. I believe the cost of the salmon was $34. We did not even receive a slice of bread or a roll. We did enjoy the mushroom bisque $8. but a small portion. I can appreciate what the owners trying to do with sustainable food but they need to kick it up a notch with a bread basket at these prices and need to increase the size of the side orders that come with the dinners. I can barely call them side dishes they were so minimal. read more

Healthy, local & unique menu. Very good wine too! We loved Zinky. The staff is very friendly.

Great restaurant with an adventurous​ menu. You can count on Indigenous to make something unique that stands out above the choices of other restaurants​. Kudos! read more

This is such an amazing restaurant! I went with my family on New Year's Eve, and enjoyed their special menu. The wine pairing was amazing, and the food was superb. Definitely try the short ribs if you get a chance. Enjoy! read more

The Inside is very cramped,three tables in the foyer,i felt like i was sitting on someone's lap. I couldn't take it so we moved outdoors, We were much happier with the room and the atmosphere there, The Parmesan beignets were wonderful and so was the Mushroom Bisque although it was not the best i have ever had. Wait staff was professional , explained the specials in details and although i wanted to try the lion fish that was on a previous menu it was unavailable i had the Shrimp Bolognese, My daughter had the vegetarian special. Both were very good..We shared a Rosemary Apple Bake with a jalapeno ice cream i didn't get any rosemary but the ice cream was intriguing. It is definitely a place to try. Spent years being a chef at some top notch restaurants in the area and a transplanted clevelander Steve Phelps definitely had a gem on his hands. read more

I had dinner at indigenous last sat and i cant wait to go back. The food, the service and the atmosphere were all outstanding. One of the best meals i've had in a very very long time! Go! read more

Indigenous Restaurant - New American Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Food is excellent! Creative and well prepared! However...the air circulation in the main dining room is stifling when the kitchen is cranked up. Note: reserve a table outside if the weather is nice. Also, the music selection was inappropriate for fine dining...more suited to the bus boy than the customers. Hostess could have been a little more friendly. She acted like the customers were a pain in the ass. A real shame, because this restaurant could be so perfect on every level. read more

My favorite restaurant in Sarasota. Love what they stand for clean local fresh sustainable food. Every meal I have had has been tremendous! The space is so beautiful in a cute artsy nieghborhood . You will not be disappointed! read more