This is such a beautiful spot. Sitting by the water with all the trees providing shade makes it such a relaxing place to enjoy a meal. The views are definitely the highlight. I ordered the fish tacos. They were good, but I think the fish needed a little more seasoning. The fries were really good, though. I also had a non alcoholic strawberry drink that I really enjoyed. The mojito wasn't my favorite since they used lemons, which changed the flavor a bit. Overall, I really enjoyed my visit and would definitely come back to try more dishes and hopefully a different cocktail. read more

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Such a lovely experience at Mar Vista! The Frozen Lime Lada and Spicy Bungalow were both delicious. The peel-and-eat shrimp were incredibly fresh and impressively large, and the grouper tacos were an absolute delight, packed with flavour and so fresh. Even the coleslaw was a surprising hit! The waterfront setting is stunning, and I love that you can pull up by boat, which makes the whole experience even better. Our waitress Meena was wonderful and took great care of us. Delicious food, great drinks, beautiful views, and an all-around lovely afternoon! read more

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This place was soooo good !!! Beautiful view and blackened grouper salad with Pina colada dressing!! Loved every bite and very friendly service . My family eats here every time we come to Sarasota !! read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - Blackened grouper salad with Pina Colada Dressing - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Best spot for dinner, under the trees with beautiful views of the water. We had the tuna poke bowl, short rib tacos and a delicious salad. Everything was served up by our new best friend, Douglas. Thanks Mar Vista. We'll be back soon read more

I had the grouper tacos. The choices for the grouper are: fried, broiled, slightly blackened or more blackened. I picked the slightly blackened. My husband picked the "more blackened"; his had significantly more flavor. Mine was good; his was better. I had the Cole slaw as my side. It was very good, not mayonnaisey. Our waitress was very friendly, bringing me a second glass of iced tea, with extra lemon wedges, and then bringing a third glass, just in case. I asked if there might be to-go cups, just in case I could not finish my second glass and start on a third. Yes, she brought me a to-go glass!!! read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - A picture from our table, looking out to the Bay - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

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Ashley was great! Beautiful view, excellent service, and spectacular food! I had the blackened grouper sandwich with homemade chips! read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - Table at the beach! - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Carrie, our server, was phenomenal. she was very proactive. we did not have to ask for a single thing, Carrie was on it before we even realized we wanted it. Food was good, Bairdi crab a little overcooked. I recommend eating here. read more

Our first visit here and it was great. I had the grouper tacos and they were terrific. I had the heavily blackened, other choices are broiled, fried or lightly blackened. The fish had a nice seasoned finish, but it could have been a little bit stronger. As a side you can have fries, Cole slaw or chips. I had their home made chips, very crunchy, very good. The staff were really, really friendly. read more

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The food is not great but atmosphere is awesome. The fish was really dry and so was burger. It was very average. But the seating under the trees next to the water made up for the food. The service was friendly. read more

Mar Vista was such a beautiful restaurant. The service was great and the views were unmatched! The food and drinks were just fine but definitely come for the views and vibe. Loved the oysters and tacos! Will be back again. read more

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Out of all 3 affiliations (Mar Vista, Beachhouse, Sandbar), this one is by far the most authentic Florida, by far the best staff, the best views and vibes, and really good food. We have been coming here for over 18 years, and it does not cease to amaze us. how much we continue to have unbelievable service. We have one of our favorite waitresses here who has been here for almost 16 years, Boryanna, she is amazing. She gets to wait on you, you will have a great time with immaculate service. I hope the authenticity of this place never dies, and that they do not change it too much from its lovely Florida charm. read more

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Another dinner with friends before saying goodbye for the Summer Season. Mar Vista is adjacent to Shore with a more family/laid back vibe; both on Sarasota Bay at the North End of LBK. This time the temperature was hot as jet skiers were beaching their skidoo's and coming ashore to grab a bite of food by the water. Once again, we had the best table on the beach and Christopher took good care of us. My Pina colada was the perfect quenching drink given the temperature and no one complained about their drinks. My burrata and arugula salad was nicely drizzled and I included blackened chicken ( definitely need to remember this). Others ordered seafood medley, burgers and chicken. Just as we were finishing, a front began to come in and the wind picked up so umbrellas were closed and we settled our bill. A nice casual dining experience with great views and good food, nicely presented. Worth a return visit when we return. read more

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Six of us came o4:00 on a Saturday and the place, which is in an exquisite location, is not packed. We sat outside under the mangroves and shade. It's beautiful. And they have fans going throughout. Zach was our waiter and quickly brought us water and the menus but then disappeared for 15 minutes. Not a great start to our early dinner. Because of the expected slow service, we ordered drinks, apps and entrees all at the same time. I had a rum runner which was okay. Apps came out - no plates (which we had to request) - but the calamari and crispy fries were delicious. I had the risotto with blackened swordfish. Tasty. Just the right amount of seasonings and portion. Others plates were equally well appointed and all enjoyed their meals. read more

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We are New Yorkers who came down to visit with friends. They took us on a beautiful boat ride to this establishment, with both indoor and outdoor tables. We chose the indoor cause there were fans and the air conditioning did hit us. The place is very nice and clean and outdoorsy. Small gift shop and open bar. We docked and were just in awe of the beautiful scenery and weather. Our server Luis was very nice and professional. He didn't rush us and was patient with our party of 4. I had ordered the Hogfish and Chips. Never had hogfish before but let me tell you, it was probably one of the best I've ever had! It was so light and crispy and flaky, all in the same bite. Served with just enough tartar and malt vinegar for the battered fries. The perfect meal for my perfect day read more

Fantastic place on a quiet area of the beach where you can watch the boats & kayaks sitting under some very cool trees in the sand. There are several fans deployed to keep you cool! Our server Zach was chill & informative about the menu. We enjoyed some drinks & had the calamari with a unique dipping sauce based on coconut. I liked it although my husband prefers a spicy marinara sauce. He had the chicken sandwich - was ok - kind of dry with the tasty homemade potato chips. I had the peel & eat shrimp - delish with a side of broccolini. We enjoyed it immensely & will be back! read more

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Party of 13 for an 88th birthday party and every single one of us loved the food! The atmosphere is amazing. Hubby and I loved it before it was remodeled since the Hurricane and now it's even better! Service was absolutely fantastic too! Will be back many more times. Highly recommend! read more

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service was amazing and Melinda was so personable and took such good care of us. Food and drinks were also delicious!!!

The fish tacos were amazing. They were loaded with blackened fish! The pub burger Wes so delicious. It had a charbroiled flavor. The fries were also delicious. The atmosphere is fun. We went by boat. This is a great place for great food, service and ambiance. read more

Poor service just like the sister restaurants. Requested dessert for birthday guest and never even brought it out. Just the check though we were the first clients there. Ignorant staff. Front desk lady was blissful tho read more

Such a pretty setting, delicious food, and good service! Any time we're in an area, and we are sure to visit Mar vista! read more

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I ate here for dinner with my cousins on vacation and every single item was 10/10. We ordered the clam chowder, ceviche, sweet and spicy shrimp, and mixed green salad as the appetizer and every item was mouth watering. We had the crab legs and tuna pole as our entree. The crab legs were harty and cooked perfectly and came with slaw and fries. The tuna poke was fresh and flavorful. Our service from Elijah was 10/10. We also got the fresh spicy margarita and you can taste how fresh it was. No mixer just lime juice and tequila. This was the best part of our entire vacation and have not shut up about the food and experience since we left. Definitely recommend if you are in the area. read more

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Recommended to us by Captain Bam's Jungle Float. Amazing views. We walked in with out a reservation on a Sunday and were seated on the sand. It was hot out that day but the fans keeps us cool. Ordered the jalapeño glazed grouper and the Fish and chips. Excellent food, excellent service. Hope to come back next time we are in town. read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - beachside table, JALAPENO GLAZED GROUPER, BEER BATTERED HOGFISH AND CHIPS - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Would love to see view during the day. Sitting outside was so nice with amazing water view and a dock you are able to walk on. Food was good - prices a bit steep but all of Long Boat Key is higher than some other locations. Staff and service from valet to waitress and host were just great. Sit outside as bar and indoor area were a bit bland so worth the wait if there is one. read more

Deeeeeelish crab legs and perfectly crunchy fries! My friends also loved the jalapeño glazed grouper! read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - BAIRDI CRAB LEGS - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Oh my word. I hadn't had made to order chowder~ until Mar Vista. Fresh red shrimp from the gulf. Really remarkable! And the Blackjack sandwich on a hot dish with fresh warm chips was amazing. Jerry, the bartender, is a delight! read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - Made to order chowder and Blackjack sandwich with warm chips and amazing dill tartar. - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

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Fantastic food! Our party enjoyed jalapeño grouper,red snapper special, seafood trio and market salad special. Service was outstanding as always, thank you Christopher for such an excellent job. Atmosphere is magical! read more

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We ate at the bar and the bartenders were a lot of fun. My husband had crab legs and I had stone crab. We enjoyed the energy of the place and the food and drinks were delicious. read more

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Great way to relax after a day of work. Got a lovely drink and sat outside on the adirondack chairs while we waited for our table to be ready. Ordered an app while waited-their famous Mar Vista Tater tots which were very tasty but more like potato balls than the tater tots that I am used to. Our table was ready and I ordered an apple with goat cheese salad and my husband got the blackened grouper sandwich which he said was really fresh. Lovely relaxing time at Mar Vista. read more

Since they don't take reservations there might be a wait when you arrive but it usually goes faster than they say and it's definitely worth the wait! Most of the tables are outside and have a view of the beautiful bay! I went here with friends and we tried the hushpuppies and tater tots and both were bigger than expected and delicious! The service was friendly and prompt and a great place for an intimate dinner or with a larger group! read more

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What a view! Had lunch here and the view of the bay was wonderful. Ordered the seafood chowder, it was really good and had shrimp and clams in it. I had two different glasses of Chardonnay and really didn't care for either of them. Many of the restaurants in the area have an inexpensive House Chardonnay (like, Costal Vines) that would be a solid and cost effective addition to the menu. After lunch we took our remaining drinks and sat in the Adirondack chairs that front the bay. It was a delightful way to finish our drinks and enjoy a beautiful view. read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - Seafood Chowder - Delicious! - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

I will always come here when I am in town. Way better food, value & customer service than Shore. I live on both coasts of FL so I have a lot to compare it to. read more

We pulled up on a boat for lunch after a morning at Jewfish Key. A lot of boat parking. Menu is really big with lots of seafood options. Had tater tots for appetizer per waiter recommendation - they were elite. Everyone got fish sandwiches - grouper. It was fresh and tasty. Service was awesome. From the hostess to the waiter. We sat outside - there's fans everywhere and tree covering. It's pricey - but most beachside restaurants are. Really enjoyed it. Will be back. read more

First time visit. Wanted to find a nice seafood restaurant for my wife's birthday. I chose Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant because of the reviews and photos of their outdoor lanai and beach seating on their sandy shore. We sat at a table right on the edge of the beach. Great view! Never had dinner this close to the water's edge. Christopher was our waiter, and once he took our drink order (Longboat Key Rumrunner), the rest of the evening went smoothly. Our calamari appetizer was cooked perfectly. Came with a sweet Thai coconut sauce. We both chose the same main entree, the Island Trio. Nice serving of the fish of the day, which was Blackened Red Snapper, shrimp & scallops. Excellent choice! Since we were celebrating my wife's birthday, we were served a very nice portion of keylime pie on the house. Service was great, and the view was memorable. We will return and I highly recommend it. read more

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We had great service and it is a lovely place to eat because of the insanely beautiful views. I had the Caesar salad and added grilled chicken to it. The salad was fantastic and very filling. I could eat it every day. we also had their fish dip which was fantastic and lovely pita chips to dip. read more

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Mar Vista Dockside delivers an exceptional dining experience. The Beer Battered Hogfish and Chips was executed with precision--crispy, golden batter encasing perfectly flaky fish, balanced with bright lemon and classic malt vinegar. The Crispy Calamari stood out with its tender texture and a chili-coconut sauce that adds unexpected depth and character. This is coastal dining elevated--thoughtful, well-crafted, and absolutely worth the visit. read more

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub - Crispy Calamari, which came with pickled vegetables and a unique chili-coconut sauce. - Seafood Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

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Food was excellent. Calamari, best burgers and grouper sandwich. Nice place to stop while boating. They have indoor area that is nice and cool after being on Boat all day. Service was awesome and food was 5 stars.Have an outdoor play are for kids and adults. read more

Came for a late lunch/ early diner.... So popular... had to wait about 30 min... nicest part of the wait were the tables in the bar- we enjoyed our drinks, the view and our afternoon. Our meal was picture perfect- sitting under the famous tree- which came up for us as first available- very neat! Table ordered Brussel sprouts and the highly recommended tater tots. Both were so enjoyable. The Brussels had a siracha mayo that complimented the sprouts so well. The tater tots were fab - and happy that we ordered them. Our table ordered and enjoyed Kung Pao Avocado, Island Trio, fresh catch Risotto (with grouper), and Chefs Burger. Our drinks were a nice compliment to our meals- happy to have tried a few of their drink specials.... With the boats/ water and a great day- we so enjoyed our time here. read more

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5 stars for the great outdoor atmosphere. We actually stopped here while on a kayak excursion. Pulled the kayaks right up to the beach and had lunch at one of the big outdoor tables near the water. Food and drinks were fine - nothing spectacular - but the outdoor atmosphere is a great selling point for this place. Recommend! read more

I'm leaving a 1 star review because of all of the effort I put into trying to book a reservation (in vain). We have been snowbirding on AMI for several years and always make at least 1 stop at MarVista. Some friends have asked to meet us for dinner. I suggested MarVista. I tried to make reservations but the OpenTable is configured to accept only on day in advance. So I waited until midnight and got on OpenTable- no availability. Tried several times in the morning and tried to call and talk to someone. After a ridiculously many tries, I finally talked to someone. I couldn't hear/understand but for some reason they weren't accepting reservations. Gentleman says d feel free to come and get on waitlist. You can't do that when you have guests. This has left a very bad taste in my mouth. So we won't be going this year. Not sure f we'll try next year. read more

We are living here 5 years and can't believe that this was the first time we were here. Good cocktails. Food was delicious and service was attentive but not hovering. Portion was generous but not obnoxiously huge. Best is the location. Tough to get to but worth the views. Love dining amongst the trees and on the shore. read more