Sage — Restaurant in Sarasota

I dined here with my parents and thoroughly enjoyed everything. our server, Marley, informed us that the menu had just been changed, as it is a seasonal menu and was enthusiastic about the options. As a starting cocktail I tried the Queen's Coupe - Empress 1908 gin, watermelon, basil, lavender, chareau, citric acid, & basil "air". It was absolutely lovely. For starters we all shared the Vidalia Onion Tart (very tasty, but the pastry didn't taste super fresh), the herbed goat cheese zucchini flowers (delicious), and the best - Pink Garlic Croquettes with Ramp Pesto & Crispy Shallots. The croquettes were hot and crispy, with a soft and flavorful inside with the perfect hint of spice. These were so good, but I wish more than 3 came on the plate - so we got 2 more orders to go at the end of the meal! For our mains, my father got the seabass with mango peppers red onion and oven roasted yucca. It was quite a small piece of fish - but my father raved about it. He did say the yucca underneath was a bit dry. I chose the honey ginger chicken with indonesian fried rice, peppers and cucumbers and I was super happy with the combination of flavors - it is a VERY well thought out dish. My mother is a vegetarian - and although there was an option on the menu, it didn't quite speak to her. The chef was kind enough to make a simple tagliatelle with a scampi sauce and tomatoes. She also was happy with her choice. The desserts really topped this meal off. The strawberry dessert was tasty, but I recommend the Island Mango Tango - coconut mousse with white wine compressed mango, passion fruit glee, and madagascan vanilla ice cream. It was top notch and the presentations were lovely.

This entire meal was very enjoyable, especially paired with the bottle of red wine from Banfi we chose. However, 2 "small" details really put a damper on the dining experience. We were still in the middle of our desserts - literally spoon in mouth, dish not even close to being finished - with the bill was placed on our table. We did not ask for it, it was not super late, and it was weird to have it given to us while we were still eating. What if we wanted after dinner cocktails? The second - and I feel I should have called attention to this but my mother insisted we didnt - is that they charged us the full price for the tagliatelle dish with lobster bolognese on the menu ($42!) rather than giving any price adjustment for just tagliatelle and scampi. Now, I understand making food accommodations can be frustrating for the chef, kitchen, and wait staff - but the food cost for the dish my mother received versus the one listed on the menu with fish has a VERY clear difference. I myself own a restaurant and I always encourage customers to voice their concerns if there is an issue with the bill. My parents were just a bit embarrassed so we said nothing. However, I feel like this is an error on the part of the waitstaff who rang up the order. That price adjustment should have been done when the order was sent, or if there was no price adjustment that should have been communicated to set our expectations.

Regardless, this is a place I would recommend to friends and I will...

The restaurant leans heavily into a "froufrou" culinary style, which might not appeal to the most discerning palates. While the amuse-bouche—a delightful, bite-sized ceviche—was the standout dish of the evening, much of the menu felt overworked. The chef seems particularly enamored with sweet potatoes, incorporating them into almost every dish, with an overall tendency toward sweeter main courses. For these reasons, the food earns a modest 3 out of 5.

On the brighter side, the cocktails, wine selection, and desserts were exceptional and showcased a level of artistry and balance that the mains lacked. These alone could justify a visit, especially for those with a sweet tooth or an appreciation for inventive mixology.

The ambiance downstairs and throughout the restaurant is one of its strongest assets. The rooftop bar, with its stunning views, fire-pit, and live music venue, creates an excellent atmosphere for a memorable evening. However, the background music in the dining area prior to the live performance was jarring and incongruent—something more suited to a shopping mall or a disco rather than a classy dining experience. It detracted from the otherwise sophisticated decor and vibe.

Service, unfortunately, left much to be desired. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty during our early 5 PM dinner, the staff seemed rushed, eager to move us along rather than letting us enjoy a relaxed pace. They lacked the observational skills necessary to gauge when a guest was ready to order or when plates needed clearing, a hallmark of truly excellent service. European-trained servers often excel at creating a seamless and intuitive dining experience—something that was noticeably absent here. Additionally, the insistence on withholding the check until after dessert, despite our request, felt unnecessary and detracted from the overall experience.

Overall, the restaurant offers a unique experience with stunning ambiance and some standout elements, particularly in its drinks, desserts, and rooftop charm. However, the overly fanciful menu and inconsistent service may require diners to tread carefully when making menu selections. This spot has potential for a great date night, provided you navigate the menu wisely and come with tempered...

I went to Sage SRQ last night anticipating a lovely evening on the rooftop. I parked and paid in the lot attached to the property, it was what I thought was the most convenient option. As you walk into Sage it is without question a very elegant setting. Dim lighting, and over sized chandeliers greet you upon arrival and the smell of fine dining lingers in the air. Sadly, all of these nuances that once teased my senses are quickly met with anger and frustration. A mere 2 hours later, I approached my car noticing a ticket was attached to my windshield? I could see it was not only me who fell victim to this “scam lot”but 4 other cars in my sight were tagged as well. Remember those gorgeous chandeliers hanging in the foyer of the restaurant, all paid for by parking tickets, perhaps? This was my new impression, as I summoned the manager for an explanation of why at his PREMIER DINING DESTINATION there is not a concern on behalf of his guests?? We stepped outside, as I explained my trouble, how I paid for parking. The meter never left me with a receipt, but a thank you on the screen left me with assurance that my vehicle was paid for the anticipated time. Skylar, the GM, was seemingly disengaged and disingenuous, as I am sure this is a conversation he has often. He proceeds to tell me he is aware of the situation and that is why they offer free valet (of which I was unaware) as this parking is literally attached to Sage. He was unwilling to offer me a possible solution, his excuse was the lot is managed by another party unaffiliated with the restaurant. I find the entire situation sketchy and hard to believe there is not an alliance between the two. If I were the owner of such a beautiful establishment, I would be mortified to know my guests felt taken advantage of and run off by a shady parking company. Talk about a bad taste left in my mouth. Nothing speaks more cheaply to the façade of elegance than the imposition of an unwarranted citation. Thank you, but no thank you Sage SRQ, I will be taking my business elsewhere...