Brine Seafood and Raw Bar

“As we are from Maryland went to try the crab cakes - I would give the experience 4.5 out of 5 Stars I heard that this restaurant was Maryland owned and did seafood right, especially the crab cakes. We drove the 35 minutes to see if this was true. Overall - very good to great and we would return. The ambiance was nice. It was busy which was a good sign. Amy our server had plenty of tables but her service was friendly and efficient. She guided us through the menu and we decided to split the crab cakes and Bronzini. We started with the calamari and it was just OK - a bit greasy. The fish was excellent - beautifully prepared - we loved it. The crab cake was very good. I don't know how many ounces they are but it was on the small side. To justify this the price was not ridiculous. Not as good as Pappas or G&M or Koko's in Maryland but qualified as a true Maryland cake in Florida - They are hard to find. We topped it off with some Peanut Butter Pie - a favorite of mine.”

“Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Brine Seafood Restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, and I must say, it was an unforgettable culinary experience! Atmosphere Upon entering Brine, the ambiance was warm and inviting. The decor is beautifully nautical, with subtle hints of seaside charm that immediately put us in the mood for fresh seafood. The seating arrangements provide a comfortable and intimate setting, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions. Service The service was exceptional from start to finish. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu offerings, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable. They recommended various dishes and were quick to accommodate any questions we had. Food Now, let's dive into the star of the evening—the food! The snapper was cooked to absolute perfection. It was flaky, moist, and seasoned exquisitely. The chef's technique brought out the natural flavors of the fish, and it paired wonderfully with the sides. Every bite was a testament to the quality of the ingredients they use. The crab cakes were another highlight of our meal. They were generously packed with fresh crab meat, and each cake had a crispy exterior that gave way to a succulent, tender filling. Served with a delectable remoulade sauce, they were rich without being overwhelming, making them a must-try! To start, we ordered the soup of the day, which was simply incredible. Its rich flavor profile and creamy texture set the perfect tone for our meal. Each spoonful was a comforting experience, showcasing the chef's skill in creating a dish that is both hearty and sophisticated Overall Experience Brine Seafood Restaurant exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of outstanding food, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere makes it an exceptional spot for seafood lovers. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Sarasota, make sure to stop by for an unforgettable dining experience. I can't wait to return and try more of their menu. Highly recommend!!”

“My oh my oh my! What an experience! I am beyond thrilled that my friend and I went to Brine this past weekend. We had the greatest time with flavorful drinks, mouthwatering food, and exceptional service from Tim!! Tim was just such an awesome vibe and took great care of us. Will be coming back with my husband next time for sure!”

“This was a staple, go to restaurant. Then I got distracted…. But we went back, but again the allusive crudo was not available and we were told it’s a weekend item. Nonetheless, the scallop ceviche was incredible. Focaccia bread and olive oil was decent. Lobster pot pie was really good. Stay tuned for more… Back to Brine again… The old fashioned’s were good as well as the ceviche. However the lobster tail over risotto with saffron and asparagus stole the show. We both ordered it and contemplated ordering another. It was wonderfully prepared. Great time and we will be back.”

“I am a born and bread Marylander and when I stumbled upon the Brine for take out I noticed “Maryland” style crab cakes and then found out the owner was from Townsend so being from Maryland and living in Sarasota now for four-months, I was excited to feel a little taste from home. I ordered the 1-crab cake entree with chard broccolini and garlic mashed potatoes. I also asked if I could order a sweet tea while I waited and the server obliged. I waited quite a while and I went up to ask for my tea and the server said we don’t have sweet tea but we have simple syrup and I agreed and asked to put a lot of the syrup in the tea so he came back with my tea and said he could put in only what the bartender allowed him too because the simple syrup was made in house well it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know anyone can make it with sugar and water. Then he handed me my meal and he brought me a sandwich with chips and I explained that wasn’t my order so the owner Mike took it back to make it right so I had to wait longer for my meal. When I got home and took the cover off my meal, I was totally shocked on just how small the crab cake was when you put it on a roll. Then became more frustrating that this meal cost me $34 for what really was appetizer size flavorless crab cakes. I didn’t taste any Old Bay but what I did taste was some other spice that made the crab cake very spicy and difficult to eat. The same spice was also in the paste like mash potatoes. The potatoes had the look of potatoes that had set in water way too long and they were like eating paste. This was my first and last time frequenting this establishment. Maryland would be so disappointed for having its name on such an item..”