When you want to eat light...

“When I want to be close to home and in jeans and a T-shirt, my husband Dean’s and my favorite place is Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar. We like their grouper sandwich, which is the best I’ve ever had, and the feel of Old Florida.”

Alex Quarles, president and CEO, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

“My favorite lunch spot for fresh, light, healthy and classic (but laid-back) downtown Sarasota ambience is Citrus Café. To me, it is quintessential Sarasota!”

Jennifer Grondahl, proprietor, Maestro Events

“My favorite in downtown Sarasota is Utamaro. It is such a delightful change of pace. For more traditional fare, I like Owens’s Fish Camp and the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Both restaurants are worth the wait for a fun evening.”

Lou Schultz, advertising, marketing communications and media consultant and former restaurant owner

“Mediterraneo is our favorite restaurant in town. The owners are so friendly, and the staff is incredible — we don’t even need to order. They bring us our food and drink because they know what we like.”

Ivana Lucic, president, New Chapter Publishing, and Renzo Rivolta, architect designer

“Tandoor for chicken tikka — tasty and my wife says it is healthy, and the eggplant or the lentils are terrific. Pattigeorge’s at the bar for lettuce cups and tuna tacos, and I can watch sports on the bar TV.”

Howard Millman, retired producing artistic director, Asolo Rep Theatre

“For light bites, I would have to say Yume Sushi for some sashimi and cold saki. They have beautiful fresh fish, and the saki is so light and refreshing to wash it all down with.”

Peter Acker, owner, Peter Acker Photography; director photography, The Heart Gallery

“When I want something light and healthy and don’t want to sacrifice taste, Pacific Rim is the perfect spot. This destination is always a request by my out-of-town guests; no visit to Sarasota is complete without a stop there.”

Montana Ross, senior account executive, MoneyShow

“Simon’s Coffee House is my favorite place for lunch in Sarasota. There is a great variety of menu selections for a vegetarian.”

Ilene Fox, women’s development coordinator, Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

“My wife, Katie, and I love Lan. It’s never too busy, the food is fantastic, and the people are friendly.”

Jesse Biter, president/CEO, Biter Enterprises, LLC