Sarasota gem

[snobman]

Went with wife to Duval's for the 1st time last night and was truly impressed. Friendly, efficient staff, great fresh seafood and reasonable prices, considering entrees include sides and soup or salad. It's all about the food without pretenses. Unlike the ever popular Bonefish Grill, and Owens, you won't be rushed, or elbowed by the over 50 meat market crowd, and may actually have a need for the salt shaker.

[scubadoo97]

We were recently at Duval's and found it to be a very interesting and delicious. Ceci is a trip and Wes is an excellent chef. The only problems we had was that there were not enough fish portions on a Sat night and we had reservations around 7:30 so it wasn't too late. We were a party of 6 and they only had one portion of pompano and one of a grouper. Didn't leave many fish dishes to choose from. The food was outstanding and the staff was very attentive. I don't go back to too many places but would go back again.

[ospreycove]

Yes, Duval's is nice; but a few doors to the left is a true Diamond, Bologna Cafe. As I heard a patron say one evening," Wow, I just had the best food trip to Bologna Italy....and no jet lag!".Usually the owners, Barbara and Claudio close for August to go to their mountain retreat in Italy, so check before you go, in any event reservations are always a must for this truly great example of authentic Bolognese cooking.

[irwin]

Both restaurants are excellent...
Wes the owner/chef of Duval's is a great chef especially with fish....
His Calamari is the best I have ever had and he is amazing with desserts.
Bologna Cafe is also excellent, but a very small restaurant and pricy.

[ospreycove]

Irwin....Is Duval's moving to Main Street? there is an article in Sarasota Patch that mentions a "Duval's World Cafe taking over the "Nook" breakfast/lunch spot that closed it is near Cafe Americano........
from Sarasota Patch
"Under construction are The Irish Pub on Main occupying the former Stairway to Belgium space, Duval’s World Cafe occupying the former space of the Nook on Main Street, Bistro Figliulo occupying the former Deli Lane space on Siesta Drive, and Indigenous occupying the former space of The Canvas Café "

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Main Street Bar
335 E Main St, Bartow, FL 33830

Deli Lane
2157 Siesta Dr, Sarasota, FL 34239

[Mother of four]

Not Irwin, but something was mentioned about that this past winter. Someone was putting up the money, can't remember who, but from the little that I remember it was not going to be the same type of food. Maybe Irwin remembers more about it.