downtown has been a longstanding favorite of mine when it comes to dining out. The experience they provide is truly exceptional. While I have awarded a 4-star rating for both the food and atmosphere, I must mention that there has been minimal evolution over the years. The short ribs remain a standout dish and the drinks never disappoint. However, having frequented the establishment for over 3.5 years, the predictability of the menu and lack of surprises have become evident. That being said, I did try the tiger shrimp flatbread during my last visit, which was a delightful special. Consistency is definitely a strong suit here, but I believe a touch of innovation wouldn't hurt, especially considering the kitchen's capabilities. Some seasonal menu variations or bolder flavor profiles would add a welcomed element read more

This was a first-rate, divine experience! Selva Grill was recommended to us as we were in town from Tampa to see a show downtown and we cannot wait to come back for another visit. Everything we ordered was flavorful, well-plated and scrumptious. We were told the rack of lamb were a must-order and that dish did not disappoint! Amazing portions. We shared the ceviche (one was amberjack and the other was wahoo), the Zealand Rack of Lamb, with truffle chive risotto, roasted asparagus, macadamia nut herb pesto & rosemary demi-glace and a chocolate dessert (can't remember exactly what it was but it was equally divine) - all spot on! The atmosphere and interior are comfortable and classy. We dined early at 4:30pm to catch our show and we marveled at how the restaurant filled up during our time there. See you again soon, Selva Grill! read more

See all

Food was better earlier in the restaurant's career. Lovely place- feels upscale. Good outdoor dining spot. The bar is its high point. A little snooty. read more

Will return for service and food, which we've Wild ceviche  Rib spring roll  Crab cake  Parihuela  Chick spring roll All are delicious, especially the crab cake, and appetizingly presented. The Oxford Landing and Broadbent are similar in taste and yummy. The Schott Zwiesel glasses have water stains. The on-the-house cancha corn kennels, plantain, and green sauce are delicious: thank you. We pass by this Peruvian restaurant many times and have no desire to go in because it looks dark. And it's dark. Fake orchid in the bathroom. Our server is a middle-aged lady who's the best, appears and disappears on the dot. read more

See all

Still one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in the Sarasota area. The food is absolutely delicious and beautifully presented, the staff is kind and welcoming, service is quick, the cocktails are excellent, and the ambiance is simply amazing. Highly recommend! read more

See all

For many years, I have said that Selva is the best restaurant in Sarasota. The downtown site. I can no longer say that. We ALWAYS do Savor Sarasota because of the duck. The dishes were smaller than ever before. The Salmon was about 3 oz. The duck was poorly made. The beef short rib was tough. The rice ball that came with the 3 bites of salmon were HUGE- the size of a head, and it was cold. The ceviche only had 4 pieces of shrimp in it HALVED pieces. So that would be two shrimp. We won't be back. $45 for a meal, $18 per cocktail.... All in all, $200 (w/tip) for a meal that was definitely NOT worth it. The service was fine, but the food has gone down hill. read more

Great food, service, and experience. We had a sampler of ceviches and they were all phenomenal! So fresh and tasty. For my entree I ordered the paella and it was great! I've had a lot of paella and it had good flavor and was a good portion size. I'd highly recommend Selva to anyone visiting and wanting fresh seafood! read more

Selva Grill - Selva's Seafood Paella - Spanish Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

See all

Never disappoints and always busy, but we never feel rushed. Exceptional food and service. I would recommend the entire menu. Tuna Tiradito is a must. read more

We came here for dinner one night during our vacation in sarasota. Our Uber driver said it was a must go to place. The Caesar salad was absolutely amazing. It had a chopped consistency with the perfect amount of addressing also had some nice pieces of crunch that was not your average crouton. I also got the tomato salad which the presentation for all the food it was impeccable. The tomato salad was more of a caprese salad it was pretty good, no complaints. My husband got the fish which had a type of polenta on the side. He enjoyed the dish as well. The ambiance was very nice and the service was great as well. read more

See all

Selva Grill Written 05/09/26 . Walked Right In At Clasico Next Door. Popped in a last minute OpenTable reservation for 5:30 pm. Arrived at 5:18 pm. Indoor and outdoor tables empty, but our table would be "a few minutes. Good bye. Selva is at the top of their game, but so was Melvin next door, now CLOSED. read more

Came here with the wife for her birthday and had a fantastic dinner. The food was delicious and I had a espresso martini which was actually really good. I had the lamb chops and she had the New York steak sirloin and it was cooked really well since it was her birthday, they also gave us a nice dessert which we really enjoyed. Our waiter was awesome and gave us a lot of information about the food. The atmosphere was great we came a little bit early and everything was nice and just set up for a nice dinner. read more

See all

Can't believe I've passed this place by for years without trying it, but we finally went last night. We'd made a reservation for outside, and despite it being a Wednesday night, you needed a reservation (we ARE in season now). (Note: indoors is loud, and although the decor is ok, I'm used to NYC-caliber restaurant ambience, so most places in Florida can't compare. I tend to choose outdoor tables in Florida because I can enjoy the gorgeous weather.) Everything was delicious, presentation was beautiful, staff so professional. On the pricey side, but a very nice treat. They no longer serve bread with meals unless you specifically ask for it, but ask - the truffle butter they serve with it is delish! Took a look inside at the lounge area - it's just past the bar and seems like it can only accommodate a few people (maybe two or three separate groups?). Something amusing I noticed: Downtown Sarasota was hopping busy on a Wednesday night in March. Our reservation was for 7:30 and tables were packed. But by 9:00 it was almost a ghost town. I realized the majority of patrons were elderly. I guess that's Florida for you. lol Selva was fantastic! I'll definitely be back! read more

The food is ok. The service is excellent. Best bartenders around. The drinks are very good, but very pricey even happy hour. The ambiance in the restaurant is nice . Very friendly. read more

I want to express my sincere thanks to Selva Grill Downtown, and specifically to Michael, whom I believe is one of the managers. My wife and I were treated to one of the most truly exceptional dinner experiences anywhere on our recent visit to Sarasota. We enjoyed Selva so much on our first visit 2 years ago, we made sure to plan dinner there again despite the vast array of restaurant options in the Sarasota area. The flavors are complex and delicious. Some places try this and don't pull it off, but Selva exceeded our expectations on every single item we tried. We sat outside by the warm heaters on a cool February evening, but the inside has a beautiful cool vibe. My sea bass was the most perfectly cooked I have ever had. The Chocolate mousse pot has a blend of chocolates, fresh fruit and exquisite flavors. Despite all this, the real capper was Michael tending to our every need despite having a tough night. The computers were down, so the billing and credit card payments weren't working, but more importantly, Michael had an employee who had to be taken by EMS from the restaurant after having a serious medical issue inside. He was noticeably shaken and we initially sat quite awhile not knowing why no one was attending to us. Eventually though, he made sure to correct the initial oversight of us sitting unattended and gave us an exceptional experience. Michael and his staff ultimately took excellent care of us. My only gripe is that he apologized for not giving us the "Selva experience" and I am here to tell everyone, he is incorrect in that. We truly had an exceptional experience, and we very much appreciate it. Can't wait to dine again whenever we visit again. read more

See all

I really like selva grill. I had a great time ! Will come back soon. Service was great.

Food and services are very high end. Price is a bit on the high side of value / quality especially if you have a few drinks or bottles of wine. Definitely a great place for a special meal. read more

See all

We're just leaving Selva downtown and had such a nice time! The food and service was amazing. Our 2 year old was a terror but everyone raved about the experience as a whole. So glad we went! We had the spicy tuna ceviche and shrimp ceviche both fab! The Cesar salad was amazing! The short rib spring rolls were good but honestly all the seafood we had was to die for. The steak empanadas were ok. My husband had the seabass and everyone tasted it and I think that was the favorite of the table. Melt in your mouth! My dad had the tofu and he was super impressed! And the ahi tuna was cooked perfectly. All the presentations were beautiful. They brought out a complimentary chocolate mouse dessert for our anniversary which was to die for. I feel like the food, in the right restaurant setting, could be Michelin star worthy! Definitely recommend. read more

If you are in the Sarasota area, this place is fantastic, the service is spectacular and they do not miss a beat. The food is delicious with phenomenal flavors. You cannot go wrong choosing to dine at this established. read more

See all

Wow! We were actually looking for a steakhouse and saw this.... It exceeded everyone's expectations! Party of 8 with two kids and it WORKED! Ambiance is a little fancy, but it is what you make of it! You can be as laid back as you want, or as "fancy" as you want! Food was amazing!!! FOOD ART!!!! read more

See all

The food it was very interesting not exactly what I was picturing but delicious nonetheless I've been here on two occasions with the second time being most enjoyable definitely recommend reading the menu before going to get an idea of what they serve. This place has a pleasant upscale atmosphere. read more

If this isn't the best restaurant in Sarasota, I don't know what is. A recent visit showed a restaurant hitting on all cylinders. Servers who are friendly and attentive? Yep. Cool vibes inside but without blaring music so you can actually talk with to your dinner mates. And the food? Outstanding. We got the wahoo ceviche which was a terrific specimen of what this should be with a mix of flavors. The short rib spring rolls were savory and a great compliment to the fish. The main dishes were also spot on. The swordfish with curry was so tender and bursting with flavor. I loved the seafood paella risotto. So much shellfish. Even the filet mignon was not to be missed. We finished with peaches and cream which is really a caramel bread pudding eith peaches. Loved this. We all agreed it is one of our favorite meals we've had in the area. If not the best. Not cheap, but Not to be missed. read more

See all

Feb 18th 2024 Rainy Sunday - 4 for early dinner: TWO parking spots across the street for our friends from Pennsylvania and our car!!! Woo hoo!!! No charge on Sunday. Brisk business and we had EARLY 4 PM reservations as they opened for the evening. (line at the door!!) Seated promptly, ok seat but a little uncomfortable with two (we both have disc and back issues) in the booth with no back support. (gave the wives the sturdy chairs.) Service was TREMENDOUS and Christin was magnificent. Her "helper" was not too bad either (and took our joking and verbal abuse in stride) ----------- My review is mainly for the food, but I am going to do something I rarely EVER do in my many years as a Yelper....... I am putting the prices with the food items. ---------------- Why? Well because even after being at places like Bouchon, Per Ce, Peter Lugar, the French Laundry and some of the top restaurants in the world over the last 42 years of travel and working IN NYC for 16 years, there is always a fine balance between Quality and Value. And while I feel the quality, food product, presentation, preparations and culinary expertise here is magnificent and one of the best so far in Sarasota for me....... I just feel we got "zaberized" ( https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/gallery-a-look-back-at-zaberers-restaurant/collection_ceb89eee-0c71-11ee-ba6f-0762b12a7504.html#1 ) and fell into a tourist trap, in-season and the value was just not there? $115 per person tags, tax, delivered is at the upper range for what I would love/want to think would be my wife and my "goto" before the show or out with friends or romantic dinner a few times a year restaurant? This is at the moment in the once a year category for us. $467 for 4 people for a fairly light proportioned dinner and drinks is lofty. There was an almost $ 80 tip (well earned btw) We had a variety of beverages for the girls in the $14 to $16 per drink range on the high side even for Sarasota downtown. 8/10 Beck NA and Corona were a competitive $6 . .... $96 in drinks For appetizers we ordered the 4 item scallops $30 7/10 , chopped salad $14 9/10 , a single crab cake $21 5/10 , a summer roll $23 7/10 ..... $88 in apps A bass dinner $47 9/10, Swordfish dinner $42 8/10, Short Ribs $43 9/10, Plato Vegetarian $33 10/10 - $165 in entrees The presentation and the product was awesome!! Loved it and top of the stack for Sarasota, service world-class, and food fantastic......... but a bit overpriced with NYC prices. read more

See all

Arrived at the restaurant 45 minutes before reservation to have some cocktails in the lounge and get a feel for the vibe. The lounge is narrow, but perfect for a more relaxed setting while still elevated. The noise level coming from the restaurant side was like that of cafeteria noise. Once over to the restaurant side, the ambiance is well done for the space they are working with. Acoustic dampeners would be ideal in this space to bring the noise level down. Starters: ordered the empanadas & roasted tomato salad along with the Hawaiian Wahoo civeche. Plating and presentation was great. Food was well executed. Could have done without the sauce on top of the empanadas. A little bit of over editing. Entrees: I ordered the New Zealand lamb chops with asparagus and truffle risotto. Second entree was the Paella seafood risotto with white fish. The entrees again, were well plated and an elevated presentation. The paella risotto was very well balanced and energetic in its palette. The lamb chops had a different approach to the crust than the traditional pistachio in which rendered slightly underwhelming. There was no seasoning to the lamb chops. I had to add salt to the meat. To break the proteins down and render a better flavor this should be happening before it is fired. Truffle risotto was amazing as well as asparagus. Overall; I would return. However, would be a better experience in the bar area for ambience. I will have to try this place again to try their steak to find out if the lack of meat preparation continues through the menu. Service was fantastic! Seafood and risotto seem to be safe choices. read more

See all

We had an excellent dinner here. We had the Sea scallops (sea scallops on sweet potatoes) and the ceviche trio (my favorite was the traditional one) for appetizers. I had the special of the day which was a Chilean sea bass in a broth that tasted like Thai red curry and my husband had the seared tuna. Both were excellent! Our server was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The outdoor seating is covered on the top and 3 sides with heaters so it seems as if it would be pretty warm. read more

See all

The service was too notch, almost a touch too fast since it was our first time there and would've liked to browse the drink and food options a little more, but thankful for the attentiveness. The environment of the restaurant was modern, clean, and artistic. Bathrooms were clean which is important! The food!!! Wow! I haven't had a filet mignon steak like that in A LONG time. Talk about flavor, soft, and moist even for a thick filet that was medium well!! Our kids had the steak and theirs also was on point. My husband had a different steak and the flavors were plentiful with his as well. We were VERY impressed & wished we lived closer. We will be back when we are in the area again. read more

Selva Grill - Traditional NY Strip - Spanish Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

See all

One of the best meals I've ever had. The Caesar Salad had such a different and amazing flavor, and was served chopped and in a molded shape. The Sesame Ahi Tuna was unbelievable. So fresh and flavorful. I subbed the quinoa for truffle parmesan fries, and it also came with the Watermelon salad. Everything was perfect and so good. read more

Selva Grill - Ahi Tuna with Truffle Parmesan Fries and Watermelon Salad - Spanish Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

See all

Perfect service. Great appetizers. Awesome crab cake. Looking forward to going back to try the rest of their menu.

My fav place of all times. 5 We have been a couple times and never disappointed. All plates are delicious. The service is exceptional and the ambience is amazing with lights and music at perfect points. read more

See all

We sat at the bar. The service was fantastic! I love coming to this restaurant! The watermelon ceviche was on point! The entrees were all good! Drinks were made perfectly and the tres leche cake was better than my grandmas! My favorite restaurant in Sarasota! read more

Selva Grill - Seared tuna entree - Spanish Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We went there for a late dinner, had the mixed ceviche and the octopus as an appetizer, presentation was amazing, but lots of corn and onions. Had the crab cake which was ok, nice presentation and flavor and my husband had the filet ( very tender). Services was amazing. The place is nice and welcoming. read more

See all

Great food! Terrific service! Superb ambiance!! Always lived the location in downtown Sarasota but the restaurant in UTC is even better

By far the most delicious meal I've had in Sarasota. The service was impeccable (ask for Ivan!!) and each dish was artistically presented. The Sea Bass was deliciously paired with bok choy and a corn soufflé that melted in our mouths. Others in our party had the scallops, salmon, paella and swordfish with raves for all. Treat yourself to a very special evening with great food and a lovely atmosphere. read more

Our favorite in Sarasota. Visited 3x this week during our annual trek to Sarasota. Twice at the bar (thanks Jeremy) and Monday night with friends in the restaurant when staff was challenged with credit card issues and a medical emergency with a staff member. Service was very good and our server w unnecessarily apologetic. We love Selvas and will be back! read more

Celebrated our anniversary at Selva Grill in Sarasota. Good service and food, romantic atmosphere. read more

See all

We came for dinner and were pleasantly surprised. This place was recommended by our uber driver but I've had Peruvian and this doesn't seem authentic just infused. All of the food was very nicely presented. The service was ok, I wouldn't call it the best I've ever had. The waitress would only come around when the food was dropped off. We sat outside by the street because we didn't have a reservation it was a little chillly but they turned on the heater. Inside seemed a lot nicer and it was really full of people. read more

See all

We arrived at nearly midnight and indulged in the late night menu. I was delighted that it was not a very limited menu as some other places would do for a late night. We tried a bunch of things. The ceviche was excellent. The duck confit samosas were OK. The short ribs spring rolls were really good. The Seabass croquettes were delicious. The skirt steak was fine, but I've had better, ultimately, I was a huge fan of the ceviche. The waiter was spot on the wait time was short the ambience was sexy and romantic, and it was a wonderful experience overall. read more

See all

We had the ceviche trio and short rib spring roles as appetizers - these items were by far our favorite part of the meal! For our entrees we had the seafood paella and New York strip steak. Both were a good portion. The paella had a good mix of seafood and flavor. The steak was nothing spectacular but decent. The service was good and atmosphere was enjoyable. We were outside and it was a little chilly but the heat lamps made it comfortable. I highly recommend making a reservation, the restaurant was busy but they sat us immediately. We were there to celebrate a birthday and they brought us a special birthday treat which was a great touch and was delicious! read more

See all

Great happy hour. Grapefruit basil martini is so good and made with fresh ingredients, not a concentrated juice. Try their twist on a Caesar salad! So good! read more

Everything about Selva Grill is a "10" It is my favorite restaurant in all of Sarasota. The service is excellent, the food is always interesting, plated beautifully, and the atmosphere is lovely. I've never had a bad dish here, and it's consistently magnicifent! read more

Food was prepared to perfection, wait staff did an excellent job. Ambiance very good including acoustics....the disappointing part was when the waiter delivered the check he did not tell us a 20% tip was applied, people at the table took offense to this..then awkward when one guest asked the waiter about. If this is Selvas policy then it should be prominently displayed and communicated..frankly the waiter may have received a larger tip. Put a damper on our visit read more