Gulf Gate, Sarasota

Sarasota's Hottest Little Dining District.

A few walkable blocks packed with local favorites, from oyster bars and sushi to Greek, Thai and an Italian market, with cozy lounges for a nightcap. Siesta Key is about five minutes away, so you get the beach by day and the best of local dining by night.

5 minto Siesta Key

Stay at Casa Azul

5 minto Siesta Key

Casa Azul · Gulf Gate

Gulf Gate

Dinner Around the Corner, the Beach Five Minutes Away.

BakeryOoh La La French BakeryBaguettes, croissants and our favorite challah
OystersBrine Seafood and Oyster BarAn upscale raw bar for date night
OystersMonk's Steamer BarA laid-back local favorite for steamed oysters
GreekGreek and MediterraneanClassic flavors from local kitchens
ThaiThai and sushiAsian favorites a few doors apart
PubMolly Malone'sA friendly neighborhood Irish pub
LoungeNEAT Bar and LoungeBourbon and craft cocktails
MarketAn Italian marketFresh bread, cheeses and treats to take home

Our Gulf Gate home

Casa Azul is a quiet, peaceful retreat tucked into the neighborhood, made for gathering the people you love. Spend the day on Siesta Key, come home to a swim under the palms, then head out to dinner at one of Gulf Gate's local favorites, just minutes away.

Extra-large family roomRoom for everyone to spread out, relax and reconnect.
A table for the whole crewA big dining table made for long family dinners.
Made for entertainingA grand chef's kitchen opens to airy living spaces.
New pool and lanaiA brand-new screened-in heated pool and hot tub overlooking the grove.
Quiet and privateA lush backyard with no rear neighbors, just palms and quiet.
Clawfoot soaking tubA long, slow soak to end every beach day.

Explore Casa Azul

Stay here

Our Gulf Gate Home

Spotless every stay

Gulf Gate, Sarasota

Casa Azul

3 bedrooms · 2 baths · sleeps 8

In Gulf Gate · 5 min to Siesta Key

A hidden sanctuary in Gulf Gate, minutes from Siesta Key's famous sand. Float in the brand-new screened-in heated pool, unwind in the hot tub and dine in a lush private backyard with no rear neighbors. Cook in the grand chef's kitchen, sink into the clawfoot soaking tub, with Gulf Gate's favorite attractions just minutes away.

Brand-new screened-in heated pool
Hot tub
Fire pit
Single level
Pet friendly

5.0 out of 5

Life in Gulf Gate

Everything We Love About Gulf Gate.

Gulf Gate is where locals go out to eat.Here is what makes it such a fun, easy home base.

Bike or golf cart to dinner
Leave the car at home. Quiet neighborhood streets make it easy to ride to dinner by bike or golf cart.
French bakery mornings
Warm croissants and a fresh baguette to start the day, plus challah for French toast tomorrow.
Date night
Oysters and a glass of wine at the raw bar, then a craft cocktail at a cozy lounge.
Pub night
Pints and friendly locals at the neighborhood Irish pub, a short ride from the house.
A world of flavors
Greek, Thai, sushi, Italian and fresh seafood, all within a few blocks of each other.
Beach by day
Siesta Key is about 5 minutes away, so you can spend the day on the sand and still make dinner.

Your Gulf Gate Guide

The beach

Siesta Key is about five minutes away by car. In busy months, head to the public beach in the morning for easy parking.

Dining

Gulf Gate has one of the densest mixes of independent restaurants in Sarasota. Walk a few blocks, read the menus and pick one. Hours change, so check before you go.

Getting around

A car makes it easy to reach the beach, downtown and the airport. Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) serves the area.

Host picks

Where we eat and play around Sarasota

Our own favorites, from date-night dinners to golf cart rentals. More picks are on the Siesta Key page.

Downtown Sarasota

Fine dining

Rose & Ivy
Steakhouse and sushi, with a small hidden speakeasy upstairs.
Clasico Italian Chophouse
Modern steakhouse with Italian-inspired cooking.
Veronica Fish & Oyster
Fresh seafood, oysters and coastal dishes.
Owen's Fish Camp
One of Sarasota's most loved restaurants: fresh seafood and Southern hospitality.

Local favorites

Florence and the Spice Boys
Mediterranean food with fresh, bright flavors.
Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie
American favorites in an upscale casual room.
Pietro's Italian Restaurant
Traditional Italian in a warm setting.
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
Excellent seafood with outstanding service.
Vino Vino
A wine bar with small plates and a relaxed feel.

Breakfast and steaks

Breakfast Company
Creative breakfast and brunch with generous portions.
Zebra Café
Fresh breakfast, healthy options, smoothies and coffee.
Alpine Steak House
A classic Sarasota steakhouse with quality cuts and old-school charm.

St. Armands, Longboat Key and nearby

Worth the drive

Blu Kouzina Host favorite St. Armands Circle
Exceptional, authentic Greek food.
Shore St. Armands Circle
Modern coastal cooking in a beautiful setting.
Drift Kitchen & Bar Lido Beach Resort
Upscale rooftop dining with wide Gulf views.
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill Longboat Key
Fresh seafood, waterfront views and generous portions.
Deep Lagoon Seafood Osprey
Fresh seafood on the water.
Evie's at Spanish Point Osprey
Casual waterfront food and drinks.
Fin's at Sharky's Venice Pier
Fresh seafood overlooking the Gulf.
Pop's Sunset Grill Nokomis
A local favorite for waterfront dining and live music.

Live music downtown

The Gator Club
A historic live music venue for blues, rock and jazz.
Mattison's City Grille
Outdoor dining with frequent live entertainment.

Family days out

Museums and attractions

The Ringling
World-class art, the Circus Museum and Ca' d'Zan, the waterfront mansion.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Sharks, sea turtles, manatees, stingrays and more Florida sea life.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Animal encounters, tropical gardens and daily wildlife shows.
The Children's Garden
Pirate ships, fairy gardens, tree forts and hands-on play areas.
Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Home to rescued lions, tigers, bears and other exotic animals.

Outdoors

Myakka River State Park
One of Florida's oldest state parks: hiking, kayaking, wildlife, airboat tours and scenic overlooks.
Bayfront Park & Marina
Waterfront paths, a splash pad, a playground and Sarasota Bay views.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Orchids, banyan trees, koi ponds and areas for kids.
Payne Park Circus Playground
A big circus-themed playground that nods to Sarasota's circus history.
Mangrove tunnel kayak tours
Guided paddles where dolphins, manatees and native birds are often spotted.

More family fun

Circus Arts Conservatory
Live performances rooted in Sarasota's circus heritage.
Sarasota Trolley Tours
An easy way to see the city's history and landmarks.

Groceries

Stocking the kitchen

Morton's Gourmet Market Host favorite
Gourmet foods, prepared meals, a bakery, wine and catering.
Detwiler's Farm Market
Fresh produce, seafood, meats and local specialties.
Publix
Trader Joe's
Whole Foods Market

Questions

Where is Gulf Gate?

Gulf Gate is a neighborhood in south Sarasota, on the mainland just across from Siesta Key. It is best loved for its little dining district, a few blocks packed with local favorites, from a French bakery to oyster bars, an Irish pub and cozy lounges.

How far is Gulf Gate from Siesta Key Beach?

About five minutes by car to the island, depending on traffic and the bridge. That makes it easy to spend the whole day on the sand and still be back in time for dinner in the neighborhood.

How far is Gulf Gate from downtown Sarasota?

About 15 to 20 minutes by car, roughly 7 miles, depending on traffic. Downtown has the bayfront, the marina, theaters, galleries and independent restaurants for a night out.

Which BigTree home is in Gulf Gate?

Casa Azul, a quiet luxury retreat with a brand-new screened-in heated pool, a hot tub, a chef's kitchen, a clawfoot soaking tub and a lush private backyard with no rear neighbors. It sleeps up to 8 on a single level.

What is there to eat in Gulf Gate?

Plenty. Start with croissants and baguettes at the French bakery, then choose from oyster bars, Greek, Thai, sushi and an Italian market, with an Irish pub and a bourbon lounge for a nightcap, all within a few blocks. Hours change, so check before you go, or ask us for current favorites.

Can we bike or golf cart to dinner?

Yes, and it is one of our favorite things about staying here. The neighborhood's quiet streets make it easy to ride to dinner by bike or golf cart and leave the car at home for the evening.

Should I fly into Sarasota (SRQ) or Tampa (TPA)?

Both work well. Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ) is the closest, about 20 minutes from Gulf Gate. Tampa International (TPA), about an hour and 15 minutes north, often has more nonstop flights, so compare fares for your dates. Casa Azul has free parking on the property.