Urban Reef 1888 Main Street Sarasota, FL 34236 Phone: 941-365-3722

7.5	Food Presentation Decor Service Value 7.5 8 7 7.5 7.5

Urban Reef recently closed. 

The former “high profile” location of Esca serves as the new home for Urban Reef, a welcomed addition to the Sarasota dining community.  With influences from the Islands and its downtown location, Urban Reef provides an interesting contrast in style and dining options.

One might ask, “What is Floribbean cuisine?”   Definition: A style of cooking influenced by Caribbean spices, foods, and preparations using the freshest ingredients from Florida.

Some characteristics of Floribbean cuisine:
• Fresh ingredients
• Seafood and poultry as principal dishes
• Various amounts of spice and “heat”
• Tropical fruit, citrus juices and salsas

For our dinner we chose the following:

Lobster Mac:  3 cheese Mornay, rigatoni, lobster claw meat and gratin topping $10.00
A rich, creamy, slightly decadent preparation of a great comfort food.
House Greens:  Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, candied walnuts, hearts of palm, papaya and pink peppercorn vinaigrette. $7.00
A colorful mix of mixed tastes and textures.
Snapper:  Crispy skin on snapper, pineapple slaw, coconut red curry, and mango salsa $21.00
A very fresh flavorful mix of sweet, slightly spicy, and creamy tastes. Delightful.
Short Ribs:  Slow braised short ribs, confit garlic mash and natural braised liquids $19.00
A rich dish with layers of flavor, succulent tasty beef, and creamy mashed potatoes
Gulf Shrimp:  Garlic, red pepper, glazed shrimp, Cuban yellow rice and black beans $19.00
Fresh and flavorful, vegetables cooked perfectly with a touch of crispness.

The meals were accompanied by Jamaican spiced toasted bread served with honey butter. An “SRQ fave.” There is a good selection of beer and wine to accompany any meal.

So, if you are in downtown Sarasota yearning for a taste of the islands, now there is an option: Urban Reef, casual dining in downtown Sarasota.

SRQ Reviews, the restaurant guide you need to find the best dining and new restaurants in Sarasota, Florida.

Categories: Eclectic, Mediterranean, Seafood
Styles: Casual, Happy Hour, Lunch, Pub, Zone - Downtown

URL: http://www.urbanreefsrq.com

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