OK. We have many "favorite" places in and around Sarasota, so pay close attention:
First and foremost, Alday's BBQ. It is carry out only, open on weekends only and on the pad at a service station at Beneva and Buena Vista. FABULOUS. Regular BBQ stuff, best ribs I've ever had and, sometimes, smoked salmon and smoked lamb pops. The salmon is to die for.
Less than a block west from Alday's, down Buena Vista is Yoder's - a real deal Amish restaurant, gift shop and fresh vegetable and fruit market complex. There's a large contingent of Amish folks living in Sarasota, mostly off of Beneva, close to this place. Good home-cookin'
Pizza (and other good stuff) - Cafe Epicure, in town. Great bistro stuff, but I like their pizza so much that's it's all I ever get. Wife loves their tomato and mozz sandwich.
Mexican - authentic New Mexican at El Toro - a hole in the wall in small strip center on Bee Ridge; all fresh and terrific.
Seafood and funky atmosphere - Owen's Fish Camp, on Burns St., downtown - great stuff and neat place - very popular, so go early - great fish spread on saltines appetizer.
Diner - Honey Tree Cafe - about a block north of University, off Lockwood Ridge - good breakfasts and lunch specials and sandwiches
Breakfast - Country Pancake House - Lakewood Ranch - massive pancake sides to a large variety of main courses
Seafood - nicer - Crab & Fin at St. Armands Circle
Seafood - Casey Key Fish House in Osprey - good place on the water; Walt's is good, too, as others have mentioned. I'd stay away from Barnacle Bills and Phillippi Creek Village - both are spotty and kind of touristy.
Seafood - Linger Lodge - out in the coutry and really old-timey; set in a 1950's style traler park, sitting on a bayou and full of stuffed critters and man-lodge type stuff - - think Lynn's with critters and huntung gear instead of garish bric-brak. Good gator chowder.
Fried food and sandwiches - Old Salty Dog - on the bay - once featured on Man vs. Food - need I say more?
Ice Cream - Kilwin's at St. Armands, also - there's a Ben & Jerry's, too, but we prefer Kilwin's
Thai - Tropical Thai, downtown, elegant and very comprehensive menu
A little more upscale mexican - Two Senoritas, downtown
American - Patrick's, downtown
There's lots of other great places, somewhat depending upon what part of town you'll be in. Feel free to IM me for any other information or questions. Is New College of Florida one of the schools your child is cinsidering? If so, our daughter is a New College graduate. We can't praise the place highly enough and are happy to talk about that, too. (And can explain how we saved some on tuition there, too).
Anyway, good luck. We love Sarasota - lots to do and many great places to eat. Hope you enjoy!
My memory's not as sharp as it used to be.
Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.