All the Florida feels: colorful building, lush setting, gorgeous view of the innercoastal, whimsical and carefree vibes, just steps from the beach. Yes, Turtles has all of that-and I'm so glad I found it by accident. I was restless one Friday and pointed the car south. I didn't plan to go to Siesta Key that day, but when I was in that area-and realized how long it had been since my last visit, I had to go. I tooled around a bit on the northern end that I'm more familiar with, then headed way south on the Key. That's where I found Turtles. With its beautiful setting-and a big ol' parking lot, I was immediately sold. There was lots of seating inside-with its happy, coastal vibe, but I chose the outdoor patio-which has two tiers-one covered, one not. It was late spring and I knew the days of comfy patio dining were coming to and end for awhile, so this was the time. Besides-it was even closer to the water. I ordered fish, which was fine... and a rumrunner, which wasn't. I will definitely switch up my order next time. The service was kind-but maybe a little slow. That's ok. You're so enchanted by the ambiance and so chill, it doesn't matter. This was instant vacation, less than two hours from home. Every glance in every direction was postcard pretty. I basked in it-and look forward to doing so again. read more

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I had the fish tacos and it was okay. The chipotle sauce gave its flavor, otherwise the fish was somewhat bland tasting. The boss had the grilled chicken sandwich. I thought the chicken was overcooked, but the sauce on the sandwich saved the day for it. Service was good. View was very nice. It's convenient after kayaking at turtle but I'll drive up the road next time. read more

We had a table of 9 and got seated very quickly during Spring Break. It was close to 700pm and it wasn't overly busy at this time. Everyone got something different. The Cesar Salad looked delicious. The Filet was pretty skinny (almost looked like a hamburger it was so flat). I got the Haddock Fish and it was really good!! They used to have an entree my friend loved and they no longer have on the menu. He tried to order off menu but they couldn't make it. It was some meal with curry. The one thing I think they could take off the menu is the side of veggie medley. It didn't taste fresh, it was mushy and had little flavor. It would be nice if they had sides of veggies. (Baked potato, broccoli, etc). I did get the masked potatoes and they were delicious! The quesadillas looked really good and my daughter loved them!! read more

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Wonderful service- not so great parking and food. Came here with my family of 6 and was able to sit eat and leave within a hour. Despite the wonderful service and speed- the food somewhat reflects that. All of our food was decently good but nothing was great and the atmosphere and ambiance was peaceful and casual but quite out dated. We also had a difficult time finding a spot to tie up our boat. Almost every marina I've been to has a worker outside telling and assisting you on where to dock your boat but they didn't have that here or any signs telling you where to park which was very inconvenient. May revisit if I'm in the area but personally wouldn't travel far for it! read more

Turtles Restaurant - Coconut Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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This place is a hidden gem on Little Sarasota Bay across from Turtle Beach just south of Siesta Key. Next to the marina, this restaurant has great views of the lagoon from the nice comfortable dining room or the large deck overlooking the bay. The Mango Margarita was a hit, and the seafood we ordered (crabcake & scallops, and crab and shrimp scampi) were great, as was the baby back ribs! Service was pleasant and we when it rained the staff was quick to move customers on the exterior deck to new tables under the covered deck or inside. read more

Great place to stop for lunch after a day on the boat. Our server was super friendly and kept our drinks full!! The place is clean and has great views of little Sarsota Bay. Ordered a cup of clam chowder and the huli- huli chicken. Both delicious. read more

Turtles Restaurant - New England clam chowder - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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WATCH YOUR RECEIPT!!! We went in for happy hour last Friday afternoon and tipped $6 on a $40 check (which was for 2 sodas, 1 cocktail, a Prosecco and a beer), yet we were charged $50. I disputed with my credit card and was refunded the $4 but we were purposefully overcharged. After seeing how run down the place was, we opted to just have drinks and not order food. The beer was warm, which my husband exchanged, and my Prosecco was warm, which I drank anyway. Definitely not worth the $40 bill. The manager literally sat at a table the entire time we were there and never table touched anyone in the restaurant. This place is bad. To have them overcharge on top of the awful experience is just sad. read more

Turtles Restaurant - Over charged receipt - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Beautiful view of the water, and fun casual decor. Service was great and we loved our food. Calamari was very fresh and not overcoated. Coconut shrimp delicious too. Loved my wedge salad and ahi tuna. read more

Beachy, Dive place. Not for me. Seems run down and not super clean. Looks like it was built in the 60s. BUT some people love it. If you go, sit outside because the view is great and the beer is cold. . read more

We have eaten here for several years. This year it just hit different. There are not as many choices for those who like platters with different items. The shrimp scampi was good. No sides for $25. Just pasta and shrimp. My daughter had a fish platter and it was a generous portion. My hubby had a burger and it was okay. Not what he really wanted though. read more

We love boating to Turtles!! It has great water views and seafood is delicious. We have always had great service too

Convenience to paddleboarding launch: 5 Worried that at 12:00 there were hardly any cars in the parking lot: 5 Food: overall-1.5 Lobster bisque-for $14.00 was expecting a lot more. This had minuscule bites of lobster, no depth of flavor and was an unappetizing pink color. Also was lukewarm. Chicken Caesar salad- dry chicken, crunchy romaine but drenched in dressing, which we told the waiter twice to put on the side. Inedible. Mahi bites-good. Thank goodness. Return- unlikely read more

Turtles Restaurant - Fish bites - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Happy hour available at the bar only, we were a large group so that didn't work. Everyone enjoyed the drinks and the food. Great view and down by Turtle Beach so no parking worries either. Friendly staff. Good beer list too. read more

We chose Turtles for the views on the water and they do not disappoint! We were quickly seated out on the upper deck to enjoy the views of the bay. We started with the shrimp cocktail which was 4 very good sized shrimp, YUM! My entree was the shrimp scampi and hubby enjoyed the full rack of ribs. He's a rib chef at home and these ribs were delicious. My shrimp scampi was delicious as well, sauce was spot on. Our waitress was very cheerful and attentive. We would highly recommend this place. read more

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We had a decent meal here. We came with my parents and brother, wanting to eat on a nice patio with views of the water, and the views delivered! My husband I ordered some of the daily specials, and everyone else ordered off the menu. The food was alright, nobody had any issues with it, but it wasn't anything to write home about. The jambalaya portion was very generous, my dad wasn't able to finish and got to take some home. We capped off the meal by sharing a key lime pie slice. It wasn't the best I've ever had, but it definitely hit the spot. The atmosphere is beautiful, and hard to beat the views! The staff was helpful and efficient. Not a bad option in the area! read more

A real gem on The island! Water view with nicely priced entrees! Always good food and good service. Well managed too! read more

Food was flavorless. Tasted like plastic. Service was rushed. Ambiance was dead. This was not the hidden "gem" in Little Sarasota Bay. Food was definitely too overpriced, too. read more

Absolutely wonderful. Great food and nice atmosphere. Best meal we've had in a while and didn't break the bank. Server was fantastic! We sat outside near the water. read more

I almost hate to tell people about this lovely spot..Giving away the "secret fishing hole"...However they deserve a fantastic review. Pablo our server was kind, and knowledgeable about menu without being pushy. The views are heaven and the food was delicious. Prices were reasonable. I never give 5stars, this is the exception. Try the kale salad it is perfection. read more

This place is a '5' for waterfront views, friendly staff, cocktails, and dog friendly. We found food to be inconsistent. Fried shrimp basket was oily, caesar salad was sad, although shrimp on the salad was great, Mahi Mahi fingers and fish tacos were good, Argentinian scallops were very good, but crab cake thin and lacked flavor. We will be back, but order the items we know are the best. read more

Turtles Restaurant - Blood orange margarita was excellent along with the water views. - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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The view off the back patio was great. The service was ok, might have to wait a minute or two at times but if you're happy with the view then all good while waiting. The food was pretty good we had an appetizer, crusted fish and wedge salad with chicken. The salad had some good flavor, the fish was not bad (just lacked a touch of flavor, but rather have it that way then over salted) and the appetizer was ok. I like the idea of a little hideaway, so we will return. Take from that what you can . Food 7.0 Service 7.5 Atmosphere 8.5. read more

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My sister and I went here because we say it had a good view of the bay and we thought we'd try it out. When we got there, there wasn't a wait which around here during this time of year, may not be the best sign. Regardless, we got sat on the lower deck patio, and ordered drinks. Drinks were yummy, but VERY sugary. Our waitress could not have seemed less enthused to be working there, and rushed us into ordering. I ordered fish and chips and could not even finish 1... it was the single worst fish and chips platter I've ever had. So dry with no taste. I had to drown the fries in malt vinegar just to give those some jazz. I would recommend going anywhere else on your vacation. read more

Lovely place with great service and nice ambience. The lobster ravioli was awesome....but only got 2! Very pricey for just 2! The stuffed shrimp was very good and the family loved the coconut fish. We would definitely go there again. read more

Turtles Restaurant - Stuffed shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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Another wonderful restaurant on Siesta Key! The shrimp and crab scampi was served in a creamy sauce with linguini and topped with crab meat. It was excellent - I cleaned the bowl! The rolls were hot and came with lots of butter. Our server was quite busy but checked on us often. My friends enjoyed the barbecue ribs and wedge salad. Even though we were quite full we couldn't resist sharing the homemade key lime pie! No reservations - but we were seated immediately at 5:30 on a Wednesday evening on the patio. The view of the water is picturesque. read more

Turtles Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We loved it there. Sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather before it gets too hot. I ordered the Potato crusted Haddock - I have to say it was absolutely delicious. The mashed potatoes were probably the best I've ever had. Highly recommend this restaurant read more

Good food and good service. The key lime pie is made on site and an awesome dessert. Comfortable with indoor and outdoor dining available. Try it you'll like it, too. read more

Turtles Restaurant - Blackened grouper sandwich, fries and Cole slaw. - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We really enjoyed the Grouper and the Mahi Mahi sandwiches. We were able to sit beside the water and enjoy the beautiful weather. Our server was delightful and friendly. We'd definitely return. read more

Good location on the water. I recommend sitting on the patio if the weather is to your liking. Got the Ahi tuna and didn't love. My grandma got the orange pecan chicken and I wish I had gotten that cause it was really good. I didn't get it this time but I know their clam chowder is very good. Service was alright. Still had a good time. read more

I have been to this restaurant numerous times, but the food quality has gone downhill. It's beautiful view of the intercoastal and it is nice to be able to sit outside. We ordered the fish special and it was overcooked. Someone else ordered the filet which was overcooked. If you want to go for the view, it's a great place to go, but I would not recommend the food. read more

Easter dinner was great. We had the Haddock, Filet, Ham and Filet with Shrimp. All of our meals were very good. The service was great. We sat outside and everything was perfect. read more

The last time I ate shrimp comparable to The Turtles' Coconut Shrimp was in Marseille, France circa 2008. Those were prawns then, huge, succulent and made me lick my fingers in public and that meal cost close to 30.00 Euros.. Flash forward to tonight and I was amazed to get huge perfectly fried and battered shrimp with the amazing pineapple dipping sauce for $24.00 as a takeout entree. I have been coming to Turtles for 3 years now and it has always been good. Good vibe, good people, good food. read more

We were very disappointed. The happy hour "fish bites" were dry and hardened in spots (possibly frozen for too long?). My happy hour margarita was lacking any alcohol. My husband's well drink was made with flat soda. Our friend's hamburger was very greasy. My quesadilla was ok, but nothing to return for. It's a shame, because the ambiance is so fun and inviting. We live here year round and we know that there's much better food to be had in this area. read more

Gorgeous view. Food was good (not amazing but good). Service a little slow (very slow but trying to be nice) but they were busy. Lobster ravioli was good but vegetables were soggy not crunchy. Stuffed shrimp was good but rice sucked. Would've been better with risotto. Little overpriced in general. read more

Food good. Lobster frozen and tough and way overpriced. Nice outside eating area. Good service. read more

Following a spectacular sunset on the beach, we chose a dinner here. The music was overly loud, even on the top deck outside. Our server greeted us pleasantly, brought waters and then "got busy". The chairs weren't very comfortable. I noticed better ones on the lower deck. Many around us got sat, ordered drinks, were brought hot bread and ordered while we waited for our waitress to return. Food and drink came quickly with an error in one side item. Onion strings were cold. Chicken parm with grilled chicken was outstanding and my 91 year old mother's coconut shrimp were "THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD!"! That says a lot, given how old she is and how much she loves shrimp! read more

Turtles Restaurant - Sunset - Seafood Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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We came for dinner and sat outside on a Saturday night. There was plenty of seating indoors as most people were seated outdoors. It's a great location on the water! The scallops were only okay, probably wouldn't order them again from here. The seafood pasta is delicious! The prices were very fair and reasonable. We will be back! read more

Every time I have been here it was delicious and I do not have any regrets about anything I have ever ordered. I always have felt taken care of and love eating on the dock. When we got married we used a special place upstairs and a good time was had by all. read more

The atmosphere and service here was incredible, but I'll have to give it 3 starts all in all. The view was everything, the food was mostly fresh - but there wasn't any flavor. I started with a Guava Mojito, which was okay but not really a mojito, more like watered down sprite and old, brown mint leaves. The top shelf Margarita was significantly better though and made very well! We ordered some coconut crusted chicken as a starter, which was fried perfectly but had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. I had to add salt to the pineapple dip it was served with. It was also served on top of soggy lettuce, which was a bit weird - could definitely be plated and seasoned better. I tried the fried grouper - which was EXTREMELY fresh and cooked well, but again had no flavor at all. Also, the veggies they serve on the side weren't really the most appealing. But it was a big enough portion of fish to share between two people. Next, we tried the shrimp and crab scampi. Not to my surprise, it also didn't have really any flavor, but the shrimp was fresh and cooked well. They however are definitely using canned crab meat on top though, which you can tell is not fresh. I don't have any complaints about the dessert platter, it was actually one of my favorite things I tried there - and beautifully presented!!! The crowd here is a bit older honestly, and I'm sure the restaurant is appealing to their level of seasoning preference - but it just didn't hit the mark for me. read more

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Turtles recently launched a new menu and we went to try some of their new items. We always love the atmosphere, views, and service. Loved all the new items and will definitely be back to try more. read more

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The food and service were great. It was beautiful sitting outside overlooking the bay.