I can't wait to go back to try more menu items!!! Upon arrival for lunch, we were greeted by two welcoming friendly faces. The decor is rustic and calming...very cool! I ordered the kale salad and fried green tomatoes which were both great. Then after receiving my bill I decided to ask about dessert and added on the bread pudding beignets. And boy am I glad I did. They were PHENOMENAL!!! Derek's is my new go to restaurant! Loved it!!!
(5)
Craig G.
One of the best meals and dining experiences I've ever had. Food was interesting and delicious, from start to finish. Each course had something which made it unique and incredibly tasty. Portions were generous and the service was wonderful from the very start right through to the last minute. Next time I'm down there, I'll be sure to visit again. I had the Southern Seafood Muddle, my wife had the Primer Burger, and we split a wedge salad. All were awesome.
(5)
Linda G.
My mom and I went to Derek's and had a lovely dinner. The decor is nice, our waitress was fantastic and there was another girl who also came around to assure we had what we needed. I get Shrimp and Grits whenever I see it and I have had it all over the country. Up until now my favorite has been in Charleston. What I had at Derek's was as good, if not a tiny bit better. Yum! My mom got the Cajun duck with dirty rice. She loved it, especially the rice. I've spent quite a bit of time in New Orleans and what I tasted was not dirty rice. It was very sweet. It was good but not dirty. I would have been excessively disappointed to have gotten that thinking I was getting dirty rice. We finished by taking home two desserts, bread pudding and fried Key Lime pie. Both were fantastic. The meal prices were both mid 20's and glass of wine and deserts were $8 each. For this area, the nice but casual atmosphere and the amount of food the price is high. The food is worth going back for and I will try it for lunch, just not as often as I would otherwise. Hopefully they will be open long enough to try a few more items. The prices are more in line with The Sandbar and higher than the Beach House - both on Anna Marie Island on the beach with sunset views. As good as the food was the owners of Derek"s may want to consider pricing according to area they are in.
(4)
Mark D.
I stopped in to Derek's to see what is up at this new location. Food was always worth the trip to Sarasota in the pass. The newer location is nicer in that of the surrounding area . So I indulged in a short rib sandwich for lunch. All the elements were there for perfection, but missed the bullseye. The short rib needed a little more fat, just a tad dry. The slaw was on point and went well with the short ribs flavors. Expresso was perfect with a very nice creama on top. In all I would recommend a visit to Derek's and enjoy some great culinary treats! I know I'm returning.
(4)
Suzanne F.
We visited here for the first time last year but I wasn't as in to doing reviews as I am now so this will be my first official review. We made it a point to come back and eat here again because we enjoyed it so much last year. We ordered a bottle of Malbec to start the evening followed by the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes had a tomato jam and topped by a remoulade. My only criticism is the tomatoes were too small in my humble opinion. I'm used to bigger slices. My partner in crime ordered the seafood muddle for his entree. I ordered the shrimp and grits. My gulf shrimp were spot on and the anson cheddar grits with andouille gravy were toothsome and yummy. A definite get again in the future. My hubby was disappointed with his as he didn't think it contained enough of the seafood it was supposed to have. It was supposed to have calamari but none were detected and only a few PEI mussels. He said compared to last year it was a definite disappointment. Yes I'm sure we will return as they have a unique take on what they call rustic coastal cuisine.
(4)
Linda E.
I can't tell you how delighted I was to find out that Derek's was nearby AMI and' served Anson Mills cheese grits with shrimp and andouille sauce. We went for lunch today and I wasn't swayed to try anything else until I had the opportunity to try this first. It was delicious! My husband ordered the half sandwich (shrimp po'boy) and half Caesar salad. Now, that was unremarkable.. Wrong choice for sure. Salad greens a bit wilted, bread was good, shrimp ok. Decided on the fried key lime pie with coconut anglaise garnished with strawberry/mint. The key lime filling was excellent... Not so sweet as it often is (a good thing!) but the amount of coconut anglaise was over the top in sweetness thus it masked the lime and strawberry flavors. Nonetheless, very good. But, something is missing at Derek's ..... There just isn't a genuine warm and welcoming vibe. I feel quite sure that the kinks will be worked out and if so, Derek's should enjoy much success.
(4)
Jeff J.
Dinner for 4. - Ambiance (4/5) Simple but elegant. We got to sit in the back room that only houses 3 tables, so it felt very cozy. Not particularly pleased that a server dropped by to take our photo for their website. - Service (3/5) Professional and courteous, though a bit on the slow side-- one of those places where, if you ask for another moment to read the menu, they give you a lot of time. - Bread (2/5) They try to go fancy by bringing around tiny little rolls, but the rolls were really dry and unappetizing. - Fried Green Tomatoes, $8 (4/5) Not too heavy on the frying, enough to taste the green tomatoes underneath. Great tangy remoulade tied it all together. - PEI Mussels, $10 (3/5) Delicately cooked mussels. Broth was not as flavorful as expected. I didn't find myself seeking more bread to dip in the broth as I normally would. - Pork Crackling, $8 (4/5) I had ordered this as a side, but it came as an appetizer, so if you want it as a side, make sure you stress you want it to come with the entrees. It's delightfully airy, crunchy, and flavorful all at once. - Grilled Cobia Special, $32 (5/5) Fish was grilled delicately and the accompaniments were all very tasty. - Value (3/5) A bit on the high side considering the type of food seemed to be slightly fanicer comfort food, than anything truly innovative. - Final Word A pleasant experience, but nothing out of the ordinary... ah except for that soap in the bathroom. Make sure you take a nice break in there before leaving. That salt scrub (and do follow the instructions provided) leaves your hands feeling like baby's skin.
(3)
Helen L.
The food here is great! The waitress we had was really nice and answered all our questions about the menu. We got the grouper cheeks on her suggestion and they were excellent.
(5)
George K.
Our third visit and as always the food was excellent. But service was a little slow this evening. But if you like New Orleans flavored this is the place for you.
(4)
Ryan S.
Had a great date night with my wife here. Was a little intimidated by the menu at first, but after talking with our server, we didn't even need it. I was hoping to have some mussels, but they were out of them, and had to go with plan b of calamari, and boy was I happy with that choice. Would gladly return any night.
(5)
James M.
One of our favorite places in the area. Quality food and wine at reasonable prices. Outstanding staff. The Voodoo Pasta is some of the best I have ever had including Italy. You don't want to overlook this restaurant.
(5)
Heather M.
We found Derek's on yelp and decided to stop in on our way out of town. The service was excellent and the food Delish. We were the only one's in the restaurant with kids but they had a kids menu that was refreshing to see. The service was slow but not unexpected. It may have felt slow only because we had 2 children that were hungry. They brought these amazing bread rolls and the children's food first! Our daughters loved the food as we did as well. A very nice touch was cookies for the girls and nice little bread pudding beignets (for mom and dad) on the house!! A must stop for anyone to enjoy
(5)
Jenny M.
It was our first time at Derek's. The food, atmosphere and portions of food were great. I was definitely surprised how much food you receive. I ordered the Pork Shank and it was delicious. I didn't care too much for the gumbo. We also order the Crispy Cracklin Pork (fried pork skin), which is awesome! The only thing was the service that we received wasn't the greatest but it wasn't bad. The other wait staff were more upbeat and seemed happy to be there compared to our waiter. I will definitely recommend this place and will be back to try something different. Thank you for the great experience.
(4)
Albert C.
I ordered the Fish Tacos. My first bite was overwhelmed by cheese. My second bite was overwhelmed by peanut sauce. The cheese and peanut sauce were very tasty. But, I ordered Fish Tacos. Not cheese and peanut sauce Tacos. I was disappointed but, not enough to go hungry. Then, I tasted the rice. Not a pleasant experience. There were little clumps of hard rice scattered throughout my serving. I couldn't tell if it was bits of undercooked rice or dried-out rice. I Can tell you, I lost my appetite. It was a late dinner so, I have to assume (hope) Derek was not in the kitchen. I will not return. Avoid the Fish Tacos. Ohh, the Service was Excellent!!
(1)
James C.
This is the best food in Bradenton. Everything I have had here is great and tasty. I had the local clams with pulled pork and had to get more bread for the broth. Now if I can get my wife's kale salad to be as good as this one I would eat it all the time. For the main course I had the chicken with collard greens . I am from South Carolina and those greens had the right amount of seasoning and fat back or bacon. I could eat that alone. Our waiter Omar was great in fact the whole staff is attentive and friendly. If you have not been you need to get here . Hate to post this because last time on Friday had to wait an hour. Enjoy!
(5)
Michael B.
Let me be real clear...the four stars is for the food. The service would get two stars. I am hoping that it was an off night. First, there was no sign of an employee when you enter the front door. Just a mass amount of people with no clue what to do. We had a reservation and still waited a good amount of time after our reservation time. When we finally were seated, our server was clearly off her game. The service spiraled out of control from there. All we wanted was to hear the specials and get the food going. Instead we sat with what she called "our drink course"! Anyways, the food was good. Not the usual menu items, which is always a good thing. Hopefully the service will be better the next time...if we decide to go back. Maybe!
(4)
Kelly M.
Finally a delicious restaurant in Bradenton!!!!Derek's flavor are spot on and worth every penny- from drinks to the dishes.
(5)
Mare G.
Very unique restaurant for Bradenton! We sat outside on their patio for dinner. The memorable appetizer for me was the kale salad with fennel and my salmon was pretty good. Everything was a lil too rich for my tastebuds but I'm impressed a place like this is in Btown!
(4)
Polly S.
We went to Derek's tonight hoping for a better meal than we had the last time. Unfortunately, we were again disappointed. We ordered burgers med-rare.; they were med-well. But the bright spot was our wonderful server, Ellie! She was understanding of our concerns and understood that we didn't want to return our meals and wait for another. We asked her to pass along our disappointment to Derek - which I'm sure she did, because another server/hostess came over and gave us glasses of dessert wine :{ But sadly, Derek did not come to see us. I doubt we will return though I wish Ellie the very best.
(3)
Frank W.
Fimally an excellent restaurant with a creative menu in Bradenton. We grazed the menu and everything was a least very good...flatbreads, small plates and entrees. Pork tendetloin special was excellent...grouper special was a bit dry but lemon risotto was very tasty. Superb service...very knowlegable staff. Worth 4 and 1/2 stars overall.
(4)
Robbie C.
My wife and I went here on a date last week and it was such a good experience. The food was an experience to be had! We had a calamari app and I had the Crawfish VooDoo which took me back home to Mississippi. We will be back! Thank you to our terrific server and the host who got us seated quickly even without reservations.
(5)
Gris B.
This is a great restaurant. The fish tacos are amazing, always fresh and very tasty with a peanut slaw. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. A great place to have a glass of wine and nice relaxed dinner.
(4)
Matthew B.
The service here is A+. It's at a level you don't expect to encounter in Bradenton. I can't say enough to everyone about how great he food is. We had the best soups we had ever had in our lives. The main courses you could tell were freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients. And the owner/chef was walking the restaurant from time to time to check in with his guests and ensure everyone was satisfied.
(5)
Lisa S.
I ordered the kale salad and it was wonderful. The dressing reminded me of lemonade. It was 8 dollars. My husband got the fish tacos and they were made with mahi mahi and had a lot of texture and flavor. The fries were garlicky and delish. I'll be back to try more!
(4)
Ray C.
The dishes here are outstanding. Lots of flavor. Especially enjoy their desserts. Hand crafted masterpieces to end a perfect meal.
(5)
Kacie D.
This was our first time going to Derek's and it definitely won't be our last. We made a last minute reservation for NYE, and our visit was spot on, beginning to end. The service was impeccable - above and beyond what I've experienced lately at restaurants. The food was beautiful and full of flavor. Our table had the gumbo and BBQ shrimp for appetizers - both super tasty and perfectly portioned. For dinner, we had the pork shank, blackened salmon, blackened grouper, and short ribs. All four entrees were wonderful! Also, there is a small but good craft beer selection. We tried a Kentucky bourbon ale recommended by our server - loved it! Our server was very knowledgable and attentive, and had a fun sense of humor. The 4 of us had a great NYE meal thanks to this place - thanks, Derek and team!
(5)
Erin M.
My whole family (7) ate here and we each loved our meals! The chef special was great, the fried key lime pie was amazing and the service was top notch! Everything on the menu that we tried was impressive and that was about 15 different items total.
(5)
Kara H.
Been coming to the area for years. Always hard to find a nice place that offers something different than fried shrimp and blackened grouper. Prices here are cheaper than comparable places. But atmosphere is more casual too. Order the specials. The chef seems to put more care into them. The pan-seared snapper was great with fingerlings, and a fresh corn, cherry tomato and string bean salad. Cobia was good. But not as well-cooked as the snapper and succotash should be fresh and crisp. Cheddar grits were great. Gumbo had a nice spice. Kale salad portion was large. Just needed a little less dressing and should be chopped. Overall a great improvement in a lackluster area. And if you have to come to visit a relative at Blake, let this be your reward. Beer and wine only. No liquor license. Service was pleasant and efficient. I'll be back next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Raymond S.
My wife and I ate there last Saturday. Our reservation was honored on time. I thought the place was nicely laid out and decorated, though a touch loud at times. The food and service was outstanding. We tried the smoked kingfish, which was an appitizer special, and was ready to lick the plate. My wife had the short ribs and they were delicious. I tried the black grouper, another special, and thought it was among the best meals I have had since moving to Bradenton. The beignets we had for dessert was also a winner. Needles to say, we will not only be back, but will highly recommend Derek's to our friends.
(5)
Jessica C.
I love coming here for lunch and getting the fish tacos or for a dinner with my husband or family and friends. The wait staff is always on point and very friendly. I wish they had a bar! It's nice to have a restaurant with great food so close to our house. Love this place.
(5)
Rachel B.
Happened into Derek's on a random Wednesday night with my husband and our close friends. We were casual and felt a bit underdressed for the occasion, but the hostess was friendly and sat us immediately without even a second glance. We each ordered a beer and a small plate appetizer (Fried Green Tomatoes) for the table. One friend also ordered the special soup (with chicken gizzards, collards etc.) We tried/shared everything and were so pleased we actually got a second soup to share. For dinner, our group ordered Skirt Steak, Crawfish Pasta, Pulled Pork Flatbread and Blackened Tripletail, with sides of brussel sprouts and garlic fries. Shared and enjoyed by all. Finished the meal with cappuccinos and several desserts (Bread Pudding Beignets, S'mores and a Peach Panna Cotta). This meal was incredible! Can't say one negative thing! The server, Laura, was extremely friendly and helpful with the menu and Derek himself came out at the end of the meal to answer an art question for us and stayed to chat about the food. :) Found the entire experience to be positive and delicious! Two thumbs up - THANKS - we will be back!
(5)
Kirk B.
The food was fantastic! The garlic fries very yummy. We had the pulled pork, the crab cake both excellent. The cranberry turkey was good but croissant a little too dense. The bread pudding was awesome!!!! The service was great. Thank you for bringing this to bradenton. We will be back.
(5)
Nick R.
Went for the first time tonight. What a fantastic place! We had the gumbo and tomato bisque. They were full of rich and deep flavors. The dinners were perfect and with just enough room for desert, we had their bread pudding beignets which were out of this world.
(5)
James P.
We enjoyed Derek's when he was cooking in Sarasota, but we feel that he is more in his element cooking gourmet Southern comfort food at his Bradenton restaurant. Derek himself seems very at ease, jovial, and into mingling with his clientele. The small plate/large plate concept works well with this audience, and the familiar ingredients strike a positive cord. The fish is local and very fresh (always a big positive in our book), and done perfectly. The wine list, along with a good selection of beers, is very interesting, affordable, and matches well with the food. We will make a habit of returning.
(4)
C P.
Bad customer service This place won't last if they don't learn to take care of all customers Snotty hostess
(1)
Sharon L.
Stopped in for first time at 5:30pm on a Friday. Turned away as they had taken reservations for every table until 9pm. Really, no walkins? We were willing to wait, but not til after 9. They should've at least put a sign out saying booked!! Families were coming in the door to be then turned away. So disappointing, and not managed well. Too bad, was near our home!
(1)
MaryAnn C.
Restaurant has nice indoor seating and comfy outdoor seating. We arrived at 5pm and had the outdoor patio to ourselves, which is always nice. We ordered the liver pate which came with grilled sourdough bread- delicious. The New Orleans shrimp comes with a rosemary biscuit with a little honey under it. That was tasty, but the sauce over the shrimp wasn't very good. Three of us shared the kale salad and it was very good. I had the short ribs for my meal and it would have been very good too except that it was too salty. I did notice the night we were there, the vegetable on the plates were green beans- I'm not a fan of soggy beans. For dessert we ordered bread pudding beignets with banana cream custard. I really wanted their smores dessert, but, it wasn't on the menu anymore. The beignets were good but not a wow dessert, which I always like at the end of a meal. I probably won't be back only because I expected more and wanted different. I thought Derek's would bring a little of the Sarasota restaurant scene to Bradenton, but, nothing on the menu stood out.
(3)
Kenneth J.
First time and happily it won't be the last. Great little restaurant with a varied and quite interesting menu. I had pan seared red snapper with asparagus, and potatoes while my spouse enjoyed the petite filet with grilled Brussels sprouts and Yukon gold potatoes. Both high quality and very enjoyable. They also have s great wine list that shows a lot of thought.
(4)
Michael H.
Loved the location in Sarasota. The new location in Bradenton is a lot more casual, but the quality is just the same. I personally love the short ribs. There's plenty of parking in the back, but make sure you get a reservation.
(5)
Carey Y.
When Derek's Culinary Casual announced it was closing last year, I was pretty bummed. It was my favorite restaurant in Sarasota and Gabriel and I went there to celebrate a few different occasions. My blog entry about it was one of my all-time favorites and after I posted it, a bunch of people emailed me about it requesting reviews of other favorites of mine in the area. When Derek finally announced that he was opening a new venue in Bradenton, I eagerly anticipated it's reveal- and hoped to find my all-time favorite 'All Hat, no Cattle' vegetarian taco on the menu as well as the deeply beloved and missed S'mores dessert. Although the menu is pretty different now (My favorite taco, I'm sad to say, is not on it.), there were some familiar favs and some fantastic new options and I'm happy to say that even though it's completely different, it's still excellent. Our meal began with the same gougères that they served before, and I'm not sure why I love these cheesy, biscuit-type things because they really are pretty dry...That said, I can easily eat 2 or 3 before realizing that I'm about to ruin my appetite. We then went on to share the kale salad. This was an outstanding course and I would happily go back just to have this one dish again...maybe topped with some grilled shrimp or salmon to make a meal out of it. It consists of cranberry, goat cheese crumbles,candied pecans, shallot, and a wonderfully citrusy lemon vinaigrette. It was the perfect mix of flavors and ratio of ingredients to each other. YUM. I think this could probably turn a non-kale-lover into someone with a change of heart (and palette). Just soooooo good. For my main course I had the Wild Pink Shrimp & Cortez Bottarga. It was a fairly simple but delicious combination of capellini, sweet peas, toasted garlic, basil, mint, lemon, and grated parmesan. Overall it was very good but not quite as interesting as I'd hoped. I guess what I really wanted was those incredible mushroom tacos that he used to serve at the old restaurant but he explained that the market where he is now wouldn't really appreciate them so that's why he doesn't have them on the menu. Sad face. Gabriel ordered the special fish of the day which was fresh caught Cobia. He had it with sweet corn succotash, Cortez bottarga, and Anson Mills stone ground grits. The fish and it's sides were fantastic but the price was very expensive compared to the rest of the menu at $26. My entree was a very reasonable $17. We also shared a side of roasted brussels sprouts that were AMAZING. Why? What in the world did he do to these little sprouts?? Whatever it was, I could have easily eaten the whole plate of them by myself. Since I'm pregnant, there was no fancy cocktail or wine for me, but I did really enjoy my homemade, tangy, sweet & sour, lemonade. Totally refreshing and satisfying. Since I DO have an appetite that reflects the growing baby in my baby, we decided to really indulge and share TWO desserts. We really never do this...but hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. We (obviously) had to get the S'mores dessert and also wanted to take the waitress' suggestion to try the 'Dark & Stormy', which she really raved about. It sounded interesting so we gave it a shot. It's made up of ginger curd, caramelized pineapple, and coconut crumble. We didn't love this but it was definitely different then typical desserts that we see around here. The ginger had a nice bite to it, and the sweet caramelized pineapple gave a contrasting texture and flavor. A non-chocolate obsessed person might find this a better choice, but I guess the reality is that I just simply prefer a chocolate based dessert most of the time. As far as the Smore's dessert goes, I'm not sure If I'd built it up so much in my memory that it set me up for disappointment, or if it really WAS different from the old recipe. Even so, when it comes to warm chocolatey creme and a caramelized marshmallow, you really can't go too far wrong...so though it didn't completely flip flop and rock my world, it was still pretty damn tasty. Even though it's a trek for us to get there, we liked the atmosphere better than before. It's cozy, has cool art, rustic barn doors, and comfortable seating. It's kind of a weird setting amongst Dunkin' Donuts and various fast food joints, but I'm assuming it's really a pre-decided destination for diners not something you just happen upon for dinner. It might be a tough neighborhood for a quirky and creative chef, but I'm sure we will go back on certain occasions and I'm sure lots of other loyal Derek fans will too...we shall see.
(4)
Sharon D.
Beautiful small bistro. Excellent professional staff. Outstanding food/chef. Good wine list. You can't go wrong with this place for lunch or dinner. As my husband says... Keep it in the list!
(4)
James W.
Excellent service and food. Salmon was not quite done but was quickly replaced and was excellent. Bread pudding was superb.
(5)
Mary T.
This restaurant has really hit its' groove. The regular menu selections are all outstanding and the daily specials are creative and well executed. They are great about splitting a salad for two diners. Wine selection has expanded and improved with interesting selections by the glass. Save room for the awesome desserts. Staff knows the menu and can answer your questions and guide you. We've taken friends and they have all loved it.
(4)
Bev L.
Amazing food. The food so fresh and tasted amazing, from the appetizers, main course and dessert. You will be pleasantly surprised.
(5)
Robert A.
I took my family here for dinner last Tuesday and it was beyond excellent. Of their dishes we tried the Tuna Tartare appetizer, the wedge salad, the Short Rib Flatbread, The fresh fish of the day (Cobia), and the chicken pasta. We also had 2 desserts: the s'mores cup, and the dark and stormy which is an amazing ginger curd with caramelized pineapple and coconut crumble. I'm not one for a lengthy review but i'll make 3 major points.1.) I tried part of everyone's dish and they were all excellent (the Cobia was one of the most well prepared cuts of fish I have ever eaten and I'm a local island fisherman), 2.) the decor is completely awesome, right down to the barn doors and custom tables, and 3.) I actually bumped into Derek on my way back from the men's, and even though he didn't know me from Adam, he took the time to introduce himself and explain the concept and decor of the restaurant to me. How many owner/ executive chefs would take the time to do that? All in all a great meal, and a really pleasant experience. If you want to treat yourself and your loved ones check it out! I highly recommend.
(5)
Ricinda P.
Not that impressed with my order on either visit. Flavor was a bit bland and ordinary. Tried the petit filet with the garlic mashed potatoes. Tried the wedge salad the second time. Slow service, ordinary food and a bit pricey. Was really hoping for a new restaurant to add into the rotation.
(3)
Craig S.
I had been to the old Derek's in Sarasota and had a great experience, and this past weekend we experienced the same hospitality and great food that we got from the old spot. I love the new restaurant and the casual feel. It was comfortable, but still felt like a nice evening out, not like being at a Chain Restaurant. We started with the crab cakes and chicken pate and I loved the shrimp with grits for dinner. My wife enjoyed the braised short ribs. Great job Derek and crew on the new location, we will definitely be back!
(5)
R M.
One of the most imaginative chefs and food choices we have had the privilege to taste and experience. Surprisingly not on the island. Great prices and phenomenal flavors make this a "hidden" gem on Manatee Ave.
(5)
Cheryl D.
Derek's is the best restaurant I have been to in years... The pate is too literally die for the best $9 you will ever spend. The Gumbo is outstanding and the Shrimp appetizer is a quirky twist of flavors. I have eaten at the new restaurant many times, we are planning our son's graduation dinner there for 2015. The Pork with the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts is tasty and filling. The steaks are cooked to perfection and the flat breads are incredible, only place to rival the flat breads is Emeril's in Orlando! We have had one slight hiccup but Derek himself came out apologized and took money off the bill without us asking.... The staff especially Elana are professional, kind, attentive and fun be around. We will continue making Derek's our special treat place for years to come. Don't forget to have dessert it will make your night!
(5)
Riley R.
This was our second time to Derek's...the first time was a wonderfully delicious culinary experience. Our second visit, wasn't the best. We started with a well priced bottle of red wine. We each ordered a salad(kale salad, very good), I ordered the soup of the day(sweet corn chowder, good), my husband ordered the recommended shrimp and grits and I ordered the smoked salmon flatbread on the recommendation of our waitress. I wanted to order the short rib flatbread, but she convinced me that the smoked salmon flatbread was more "exciting". It was not! The presentation was that of something that came from the frozen food section at the grocery. There were minuscule pieces of salmon on the flatbread and it was very dry. It was just really bad. In addition, the pace that our dinner was served was really fast. Too fast for a place like Derek's where guests are supposed to enjoy the experience. We will most likely return to Derek's in the future, but I will be sure to stay clear of any of their flatbreads.
(3)
Manny R.
Derek's is a fantastic addition to Bradenton's dining scene. Having dined at his prior Sarasota location, my friends and I were ecstatic to hear he was bringing his talents to Bradenton. "Talents" is a word often thrown around these days, but Derek truly possesses a talent for ingredient and flavor selection. One of the things I enjoy about Derek's cooking is he will often take you out of your comfort zone and allow you to experience new items. The item which took me by surpise this time was the Dark and Stormy desert, a perfect blend of ginger curd, caramelized pineapple and coconut crumble. That's right, ginger curd. Phenomenal !! The Lindy Lou's Fish Tacos, Braised Short Ribs and Shrimp and Grits were also a hit. I don't know who Lindy Lou is but they must be a special person to have their own fish tacos named after them. Welcome to Town !!!!
(5)
Michelle P.
The crawfish voodoo was awesome. The kale salad was perfectly dressed with a citrus dressing and candied nuts and cranberries. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
christine a.
Really loved Derek's in Sarasota. The space was urban and so different for the area. The food and service were 5 star. The new location, while nicely done, is less sophisticated, less urban.....it feels suburban. We dined here on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Good sign...we were put in a side room with three tables, it was not ideal. It looks like a private space for meetings or private parties, it feels disconnected to the dining room. All the tables were full or I'd have requested another table. That said, our server was pleasant and professional. The food was good, though not great. For the price, we weren't blown away. For starters we ordered, BBQ shrimp, flatbread, Cracker Jack salad, and mussels. The salad was meh, the shrimp and mussels good, but not served hot enough. The flatbread was tasty. We ordered 3 different fish entrees and a short rib. They were good, but still some of the food was just lukewarm when it arrived. This is not an inexpensive dining option. The food should be coming out prepared to perfection. We'll go back in hopes the kinks have been worked out. 4 people with 4 glasses of wine, starters, entrees and two shared desserts was $200.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dessert Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Drive-Thru : No Caters : Yes
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D J.
I can't wait to go back to try more menu items!!! Upon arrival for lunch, we were greeted by two welcoming friendly faces. The decor is rustic and calming...very cool! I ordered the kale salad and fried green tomatoes which were both great. Then after receiving my bill I decided to ask about dessert and added on the bread pudding beignets. And boy am I glad I did. They were PHENOMENAL!!! Derek's is my new go to restaurant! Loved it!!!
(5)Craig G.
One of the best meals and dining experiences I've ever had. Food was interesting and delicious, from start to finish. Each course had something which made it unique and incredibly tasty. Portions were generous and the service was wonderful from the very start right through to the last minute. Next time I'm down there, I'll be sure to visit again. I had the Southern Seafood Muddle, my wife had the Primer Burger, and we split a wedge salad. All were awesome.
(5)Linda G.
My mom and I went to Derek's and had a lovely dinner. The decor is nice, our waitress was fantastic and there was another girl who also came around to assure we had what we needed. I get Shrimp and Grits whenever I see it and I have had it all over the country. Up until now my favorite has been in Charleston. What I had at Derek's was as good, if not a tiny bit better. Yum! My mom got the Cajun duck with dirty rice. She loved it, especially the rice. I've spent quite a bit of time in New Orleans and what I tasted was not dirty rice. It was very sweet. It was good but not dirty. I would have been excessively disappointed to have gotten that thinking I was getting dirty rice. We finished by taking home two desserts, bread pudding and fried Key Lime pie. Both were fantastic. The meal prices were both mid 20's and glass of wine and deserts were $8 each. For this area, the nice but casual atmosphere and the amount of food the price is high. The food is worth going back for and I will try it for lunch, just not as often as I would otherwise. Hopefully they will be open long enough to try a few more items. The prices are more in line with The Sandbar and higher than the Beach House - both on Anna Marie Island on the beach with sunset views. As good as the food was the owners of Derek"s may want to consider pricing according to area they are in.
(4)Mark D.
I stopped in to Derek's to see what is up at this new location. Food was always worth the trip to Sarasota in the pass. The newer location is nicer in that of the surrounding area . So I indulged in a short rib sandwich for lunch. All the elements were there for perfection, but missed the bullseye. The short rib needed a little more fat, just a tad dry. The slaw was on point and went well with the short ribs flavors. Expresso was perfect with a very nice creama on top. In all I would recommend a visit to Derek's and enjoy some great culinary treats! I know I'm returning.
(4)Suzanne F.
We visited here for the first time last year but I wasn't as in to doing reviews as I am now so this will be my first official review. We made it a point to come back and eat here again because we enjoyed it so much last year. We ordered a bottle of Malbec to start the evening followed by the fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes had a tomato jam and topped by a remoulade. My only criticism is the tomatoes were too small in my humble opinion. I'm used to bigger slices. My partner in crime ordered the seafood muddle for his entree. I ordered the shrimp and grits. My gulf shrimp were spot on and the anson cheddar grits with andouille gravy were toothsome and yummy. A definite get again in the future. My hubby was disappointed with his as he didn't think it contained enough of the seafood it was supposed to have. It was supposed to have calamari but none were detected and only a few PEI mussels. He said compared to last year it was a definite disappointment. Yes I'm sure we will return as they have a unique take on what they call rustic coastal cuisine.
(4)Linda E.
I can't tell you how delighted I was to find out that Derek's was nearby AMI and' served Anson Mills cheese grits with shrimp and andouille sauce. We went for lunch today and I wasn't swayed to try anything else until I had the opportunity to try this first. It was delicious! My husband ordered the half sandwich (shrimp po'boy) and half Caesar salad. Now, that was unremarkable.. Wrong choice for sure. Salad greens a bit wilted, bread was good, shrimp ok. Decided on the fried key lime pie with coconut anglaise garnished with strawberry/mint. The key lime filling was excellent... Not so sweet as it often is (a good thing!) but the amount of coconut anglaise was over the top in sweetness thus it masked the lime and strawberry flavors. Nonetheless, very good. But, something is missing at Derek's ..... There just isn't a genuine warm and welcoming vibe. I feel quite sure that the kinks will be worked out and if so, Derek's should enjoy much success.
(4)Jeff J.
Dinner for 4. - Ambiance (4/5) Simple but elegant. We got to sit in the back room that only houses 3 tables, so it felt very cozy. Not particularly pleased that a server dropped by to take our photo for their website. - Service (3/5) Professional and courteous, though a bit on the slow side-- one of those places where, if you ask for another moment to read the menu, they give you a lot of time. - Bread (2/5) They try to go fancy by bringing around tiny little rolls, but the rolls were really dry and unappetizing. - Fried Green Tomatoes, $8 (4/5) Not too heavy on the frying, enough to taste the green tomatoes underneath. Great tangy remoulade tied it all together. - PEI Mussels, $10 (3/5) Delicately cooked mussels. Broth was not as flavorful as expected. I didn't find myself seeking more bread to dip in the broth as I normally would. - Pork Crackling, $8 (4/5) I had ordered this as a side, but it came as an appetizer, so if you want it as a side, make sure you stress you want it to come with the entrees. It's delightfully airy, crunchy, and flavorful all at once. - Grilled Cobia Special, $32 (5/5) Fish was grilled delicately and the accompaniments were all very tasty. - Value (3/5) A bit on the high side considering the type of food seemed to be slightly fanicer comfort food, than anything truly innovative. - Final Word A pleasant experience, but nothing out of the ordinary... ah except for that soap in the bathroom. Make sure you take a nice break in there before leaving. That salt scrub (and do follow the instructions provided) leaves your hands feeling like baby's skin.
(3)Helen L.
The food here is great! The waitress we had was really nice and answered all our questions about the menu. We got the grouper cheeks on her suggestion and they were excellent.
(5)George K.
Our third visit and as always the food was excellent. But service was a little slow this evening. But if you like New Orleans flavored this is the place for you.
(4)Ryan S.
Had a great date night with my wife here. Was a little intimidated by the menu at first, but after talking with our server, we didn't even need it. I was hoping to have some mussels, but they were out of them, and had to go with plan b of calamari, and boy was I happy with that choice. Would gladly return any night.
(5)James M.
One of our favorite places in the area. Quality food and wine at reasonable prices. Outstanding staff. The Voodoo Pasta is some of the best I have ever had including Italy. You don't want to overlook this restaurant.
(5)Heather M.
We found Derek's on yelp and decided to stop in on our way out of town. The service was excellent and the food Delish. We were the only one's in the restaurant with kids but they had a kids menu that was refreshing to see. The service was slow but not unexpected. It may have felt slow only because we had 2 children that were hungry. They brought these amazing bread rolls and the children's food first! Our daughters loved the food as we did as well. A very nice touch was cookies for the girls and nice little bread pudding beignets (for mom and dad) on the house!! A must stop for anyone to enjoy
(5)Jenny M.
It was our first time at Derek's. The food, atmosphere and portions of food were great. I was definitely surprised how much food you receive. I ordered the Pork Shank and it was delicious. I didn't care too much for the gumbo. We also order the Crispy Cracklin Pork (fried pork skin), which is awesome! The only thing was the service that we received wasn't the greatest but it wasn't bad. The other wait staff were more upbeat and seemed happy to be there compared to our waiter. I will definitely recommend this place and will be back to try something different. Thank you for the great experience.
(4)Albert C.
I ordered the Fish Tacos. My first bite was overwhelmed by cheese. My second bite was overwhelmed by peanut sauce. The cheese and peanut sauce were very tasty. But, I ordered Fish Tacos. Not cheese and peanut sauce Tacos. I was disappointed but, not enough to go hungry. Then, I tasted the rice. Not a pleasant experience. There were little clumps of hard rice scattered throughout my serving. I couldn't tell if it was bits of undercooked rice or dried-out rice. I Can tell you, I lost my appetite. It was a late dinner so, I have to assume (hope) Derek was not in the kitchen. I will not return. Avoid the Fish Tacos. Ohh, the Service was Excellent!!
(1)James C.
This is the best food in Bradenton. Everything I have had here is great and tasty. I had the local clams with pulled pork and had to get more bread for the broth. Now if I can get my wife's kale salad to be as good as this one I would eat it all the time. For the main course I had the chicken with collard greens . I am from South Carolina and those greens had the right amount of seasoning and fat back or bacon. I could eat that alone. Our waiter Omar was great in fact the whole staff is attentive and friendly. If you have not been you need to get here . Hate to post this because last time on Friday had to wait an hour. Enjoy!
(5)Michael B.
Let me be real clear...the four stars is for the food. The service would get two stars. I am hoping that it was an off night. First, there was no sign of an employee when you enter the front door. Just a mass amount of people with no clue what to do. We had a reservation and still waited a good amount of time after our reservation time. When we finally were seated, our server was clearly off her game. The service spiraled out of control from there. All we wanted was to hear the specials and get the food going. Instead we sat with what she called "our drink course"! Anyways, the food was good. Not the usual menu items, which is always a good thing. Hopefully the service will be better the next time...if we decide to go back. Maybe!
(4)Kelly M.
Finally a delicious restaurant in Bradenton!!!!Derek's flavor are spot on and worth every penny- from drinks to the dishes.
(5)Mare G.
Very unique restaurant for Bradenton! We sat outside on their patio for dinner. The memorable appetizer for me was the kale salad with fennel and my salmon was pretty good. Everything was a lil too rich for my tastebuds but I'm impressed a place like this is in Btown!
(4)Polly S.
We went to Derek's tonight hoping for a better meal than we had the last time. Unfortunately, we were again disappointed. We ordered burgers med-rare.; they were med-well. But the bright spot was our wonderful server, Ellie! She was understanding of our concerns and understood that we didn't want to return our meals and wait for another. We asked her to pass along our disappointment to Derek - which I'm sure she did, because another server/hostess came over and gave us glasses of dessert wine :{ But sadly, Derek did not come to see us. I doubt we will return though I wish Ellie the very best.
(3)Frank W.
Fimally an excellent restaurant with a creative menu in Bradenton. We grazed the menu and everything was a least very good...flatbreads, small plates and entrees. Pork tendetloin special was excellent...grouper special was a bit dry but lemon risotto was very tasty. Superb service...very knowlegable staff. Worth 4 and 1/2 stars overall.
(4)Robbie C.
My wife and I went here on a date last week and it was such a good experience. The food was an experience to be had! We had a calamari app and I had the Crawfish VooDoo which took me back home to Mississippi. We will be back! Thank you to our terrific server and the host who got us seated quickly even without reservations.
(5)Gris B.
This is a great restaurant. The fish tacos are amazing, always fresh and very tasty with a peanut slaw. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. A great place to have a glass of wine and nice relaxed dinner.
(4)Matthew B.
The service here is A+. It's at a level you don't expect to encounter in Bradenton. I can't say enough to everyone about how great he food is. We had the best soups we had ever had in our lives. The main courses you could tell were freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients. And the owner/chef was walking the restaurant from time to time to check in with his guests and ensure everyone was satisfied.
(5)Lisa S.
I ordered the kale salad and it was wonderful. The dressing reminded me of lemonade. It was 8 dollars. My husband got the fish tacos and they were made with mahi mahi and had a lot of texture and flavor. The fries were garlicky and delish. I'll be back to try more!
(4)Ray C.
The dishes here are outstanding. Lots of flavor. Especially enjoy their desserts. Hand crafted masterpieces to end a perfect meal.
(5)Kacie D.
This was our first time going to Derek's and it definitely won't be our last. We made a last minute reservation for NYE, and our visit was spot on, beginning to end. The service was impeccable - above and beyond what I've experienced lately at restaurants. The food was beautiful and full of flavor. Our table had the gumbo and BBQ shrimp for appetizers - both super tasty and perfectly portioned. For dinner, we had the pork shank, blackened salmon, blackened grouper, and short ribs. All four entrees were wonderful! Also, there is a small but good craft beer selection. We tried a Kentucky bourbon ale recommended by our server - loved it! Our server was very knowledgable and attentive, and had a fun sense of humor. The 4 of us had a great NYE meal thanks to this place - thanks, Derek and team!
(5)Erin M.
My whole family (7) ate here and we each loved our meals! The chef special was great, the fried key lime pie was amazing and the service was top notch! Everything on the menu that we tried was impressive and that was about 15 different items total.
(5)Kara H.
Been coming to the area for years. Always hard to find a nice place that offers something different than fried shrimp and blackened grouper. Prices here are cheaper than comparable places. But atmosphere is more casual too. Order the specials. The chef seems to put more care into them. The pan-seared snapper was great with fingerlings, and a fresh corn, cherry tomato and string bean salad. Cobia was good. But not as well-cooked as the snapper and succotash should be fresh and crisp. Cheddar grits were great. Gumbo had a nice spice. Kale salad portion was large. Just needed a little less dressing and should be chopped. Overall a great improvement in a lackluster area. And if you have to come to visit a relative at Blake, let this be your reward. Beer and wine only. No liquor license. Service was pleasant and efficient. I'll be back next time I'm in the area.
(4)Raymond S.
My wife and I ate there last Saturday. Our reservation was honored on time. I thought the place was nicely laid out and decorated, though a touch loud at times. The food and service was outstanding. We tried the smoked kingfish, which was an appitizer special, and was ready to lick the plate. My wife had the short ribs and they were delicious. I tried the black grouper, another special, and thought it was among the best meals I have had since moving to Bradenton. The beignets we had for dessert was also a winner. Needles to say, we will not only be back, but will highly recommend Derek's to our friends.
(5)Jessica C.
I love coming here for lunch and getting the fish tacos or for a dinner with my husband or family and friends. The wait staff is always on point and very friendly. I wish they had a bar! It's nice to have a restaurant with great food so close to our house. Love this place.
(5)Rachel B.
Happened into Derek's on a random Wednesday night with my husband and our close friends. We were casual and felt a bit underdressed for the occasion, but the hostess was friendly and sat us immediately without even a second glance. We each ordered a beer and a small plate appetizer (Fried Green Tomatoes) for the table. One friend also ordered the special soup (with chicken gizzards, collards etc.) We tried/shared everything and were so pleased we actually got a second soup to share. For dinner, our group ordered Skirt Steak, Crawfish Pasta, Pulled Pork Flatbread and Blackened Tripletail, with sides of brussel sprouts and garlic fries. Shared and enjoyed by all. Finished the meal with cappuccinos and several desserts (Bread Pudding Beignets, S'mores and a Peach Panna Cotta). This meal was incredible! Can't say one negative thing! The server, Laura, was extremely friendly and helpful with the menu and Derek himself came out at the end of the meal to answer an art question for us and stayed to chat about the food. :) Found the entire experience to be positive and delicious! Two thumbs up - THANKS - we will be back!
(5)Kirk B.
The food was fantastic! The garlic fries very yummy. We had the pulled pork, the crab cake both excellent. The cranberry turkey was good but croissant a little too dense. The bread pudding was awesome!!!! The service was great. Thank you for bringing this to bradenton. We will be back.
(5)Nick R.
Went for the first time tonight. What a fantastic place! We had the gumbo and tomato bisque. They were full of rich and deep flavors. The dinners were perfect and with just enough room for desert, we had their bread pudding beignets which were out of this world.
(5)James P.
We enjoyed Derek's when he was cooking in Sarasota, but we feel that he is more in his element cooking gourmet Southern comfort food at his Bradenton restaurant. Derek himself seems very at ease, jovial, and into mingling with his clientele. The small plate/large plate concept works well with this audience, and the familiar ingredients strike a positive cord. The fish is local and very fresh (always a big positive in our book), and done perfectly. The wine list, along with a good selection of beers, is very interesting, affordable, and matches well with the food. We will make a habit of returning.
(4)C P.
Bad customer service This place won't last if they don't learn to take care of all customers Snotty hostess
(1)Sharon L.
Stopped in for first time at 5:30pm on a Friday. Turned away as they had taken reservations for every table until 9pm. Really, no walkins? We were willing to wait, but not til after 9. They should've at least put a sign out saying booked!! Families were coming in the door to be then turned away. So disappointing, and not managed well. Too bad, was near our home!
(1)MaryAnn C.
Restaurant has nice indoor seating and comfy outdoor seating. We arrived at 5pm and had the outdoor patio to ourselves, which is always nice. We ordered the liver pate which came with grilled sourdough bread- delicious. The New Orleans shrimp comes with a rosemary biscuit with a little honey under it. That was tasty, but the sauce over the shrimp wasn't very good. Three of us shared the kale salad and it was very good. I had the short ribs for my meal and it would have been very good too except that it was too salty. I did notice the night we were there, the vegetable on the plates were green beans- I'm not a fan of soggy beans. For dessert we ordered bread pudding beignets with banana cream custard. I really wanted their smores dessert, but, it wasn't on the menu anymore. The beignets were good but not a wow dessert, which I always like at the end of a meal. I probably won't be back only because I expected more and wanted different. I thought Derek's would bring a little of the Sarasota restaurant scene to Bradenton, but, nothing on the menu stood out.
(3)Kenneth J.
First time and happily it won't be the last. Great little restaurant with a varied and quite interesting menu. I had pan seared red snapper with asparagus, and potatoes while my spouse enjoyed the petite filet with grilled Brussels sprouts and Yukon gold potatoes. Both high quality and very enjoyable. They also have s great wine list that shows a lot of thought.
(4)Michael H.
Loved the location in Sarasota. The new location in Bradenton is a lot more casual, but the quality is just the same. I personally love the short ribs. There's plenty of parking in the back, but make sure you get a reservation.
(5)Carey Y.
When Derek's Culinary Casual announced it was closing last year, I was pretty bummed. It was my favorite restaurant in Sarasota and Gabriel and I went there to celebrate a few different occasions. My blog entry about it was one of my all-time favorites and after I posted it, a bunch of people emailed me about it requesting reviews of other favorites of mine in the area. When Derek finally announced that he was opening a new venue in Bradenton, I eagerly anticipated it's reveal- and hoped to find my all-time favorite 'All Hat, no Cattle' vegetarian taco on the menu as well as the deeply beloved and missed S'mores dessert. Although the menu is pretty different now (My favorite taco, I'm sad to say, is not on it.), there were some familiar favs and some fantastic new options and I'm happy to say that even though it's completely different, it's still excellent. Our meal began with the same gougères that they served before, and I'm not sure why I love these cheesy, biscuit-type things because they really are pretty dry...That said, I can easily eat 2 or 3 before realizing that I'm about to ruin my appetite. We then went on to share the kale salad. This was an outstanding course and I would happily go back just to have this one dish again...maybe topped with some grilled shrimp or salmon to make a meal out of it. It consists of cranberry, goat cheese crumbles,candied pecans, shallot, and a wonderfully citrusy lemon vinaigrette. It was the perfect mix of flavors and ratio of ingredients to each other. YUM. I think this could probably turn a non-kale-lover into someone with a change of heart (and palette). Just soooooo good. For my main course I had the Wild Pink Shrimp & Cortez Bottarga. It was a fairly simple but delicious combination of capellini, sweet peas, toasted garlic, basil, mint, lemon, and grated parmesan. Overall it was very good but not quite as interesting as I'd hoped. I guess what I really wanted was those incredible mushroom tacos that he used to serve at the old restaurant but he explained that the market where he is now wouldn't really appreciate them so that's why he doesn't have them on the menu. Sad face. Gabriel ordered the special fish of the day which was fresh caught Cobia. He had it with sweet corn succotash, Cortez bottarga, and Anson Mills stone ground grits. The fish and it's sides were fantastic but the price was very expensive compared to the rest of the menu at $26. My entree was a very reasonable $17. We also shared a side of roasted brussels sprouts that were AMAZING. Why? What in the world did he do to these little sprouts?? Whatever it was, I could have easily eaten the whole plate of them by myself. Since I'm pregnant, there was no fancy cocktail or wine for me, but I did really enjoy my homemade, tangy, sweet & sour, lemonade. Totally refreshing and satisfying. Since I DO have an appetite that reflects the growing baby in my baby, we decided to really indulge and share TWO desserts. We really never do this...but hey, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. We (obviously) had to get the S'mores dessert and also wanted to take the waitress' suggestion to try the 'Dark & Stormy', which she really raved about. It sounded interesting so we gave it a shot. It's made up of ginger curd, caramelized pineapple, and coconut crumble. We didn't love this but it was definitely different then typical desserts that we see around here. The ginger had a nice bite to it, and the sweet caramelized pineapple gave a contrasting texture and flavor. A non-chocolate obsessed person might find this a better choice, but I guess the reality is that I just simply prefer a chocolate based dessert most of the time. As far as the Smore's dessert goes, I'm not sure If I'd built it up so much in my memory that it set me up for disappointment, or if it really WAS different from the old recipe. Even so, when it comes to warm chocolatey creme and a caramelized marshmallow, you really can't go too far wrong...so though it didn't completely flip flop and rock my world, it was still pretty damn tasty. Even though it's a trek for us to get there, we liked the atmosphere better than before. It's cozy, has cool art, rustic barn doors, and comfortable seating. It's kind of a weird setting amongst Dunkin' Donuts and various fast food joints, but I'm assuming it's really a pre-decided destination for diners not something you just happen upon for dinner. It might be a tough neighborhood for a quirky and creative chef, but I'm sure we will go back on certain occasions and I'm sure lots of other loyal Derek fans will too...we shall see.
(4)Sharon D.
Beautiful small bistro. Excellent professional staff. Outstanding food/chef. Good wine list. You can't go wrong with this place for lunch or dinner. As my husband says... Keep it in the list!
(4)James W.
Excellent service and food. Salmon was not quite done but was quickly replaced and was excellent. Bread pudding was superb.
(5)Mary T.
This restaurant has really hit its' groove. The regular menu selections are all outstanding and the daily specials are creative and well executed. They are great about splitting a salad for two diners. Wine selection has expanded and improved with interesting selections by the glass. Save room for the awesome desserts. Staff knows the menu and can answer your questions and guide you. We've taken friends and they have all loved it.
(4)Bev L.
Amazing food. The food so fresh and tasted amazing, from the appetizers, main course and dessert. You will be pleasantly surprised.
(5)Robert A.
I took my family here for dinner last Tuesday and it was beyond excellent. Of their dishes we tried the Tuna Tartare appetizer, the wedge salad, the Short Rib Flatbread, The fresh fish of the day (Cobia), and the chicken pasta. We also had 2 desserts: the s'mores cup, and the dark and stormy which is an amazing ginger curd with caramelized pineapple and coconut crumble. I'm not one for a lengthy review but i'll make 3 major points.1.) I tried part of everyone's dish and they were all excellent (the Cobia was one of the most well prepared cuts of fish I have ever eaten and I'm a local island fisherman), 2.) the decor is completely awesome, right down to the barn doors and custom tables, and 3.) I actually bumped into Derek on my way back from the men's, and even though he didn't know me from Adam, he took the time to introduce himself and explain the concept and decor of the restaurant to me. How many owner/ executive chefs would take the time to do that? All in all a great meal, and a really pleasant experience. If you want to treat yourself and your loved ones check it out! I highly recommend.
(5)Ricinda P.
Not that impressed with my order on either visit. Flavor was a bit bland and ordinary. Tried the petit filet with the garlic mashed potatoes. Tried the wedge salad the second time. Slow service, ordinary food and a bit pricey. Was really hoping for a new restaurant to add into the rotation.
(3)Craig S.
I had been to the old Derek's in Sarasota and had a great experience, and this past weekend we experienced the same hospitality and great food that we got from the old spot. I love the new restaurant and the casual feel. It was comfortable, but still felt like a nice evening out, not like being at a Chain Restaurant. We started with the crab cakes and chicken pate and I loved the shrimp with grits for dinner. My wife enjoyed the braised short ribs. Great job Derek and crew on the new location, we will definitely be back!
(5)R M.
One of the most imaginative chefs and food choices we have had the privilege to taste and experience. Surprisingly not on the island. Great prices and phenomenal flavors make this a "hidden" gem on Manatee Ave.
(5)Cheryl D.
Derek's is the best restaurant I have been to in years... The pate is too literally die for the best $9 you will ever spend. The Gumbo is outstanding and the Shrimp appetizer is a quirky twist of flavors. I have eaten at the new restaurant many times, we are planning our son's graduation dinner there for 2015. The Pork with the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts is tasty and filling. The steaks are cooked to perfection and the flat breads are incredible, only place to rival the flat breads is Emeril's in Orlando! We have had one slight hiccup but Derek himself came out apologized and took money off the bill without us asking.... The staff especially Elana are professional, kind, attentive and fun be around. We will continue making Derek's our special treat place for years to come. Don't forget to have dessert it will make your night!
(5)Riley R.
This was our second time to Derek's...the first time was a wonderfully delicious culinary experience. Our second visit, wasn't the best. We started with a well priced bottle of red wine. We each ordered a salad(kale salad, very good), I ordered the soup of the day(sweet corn chowder, good), my husband ordered the recommended shrimp and grits and I ordered the smoked salmon flatbread on the recommendation of our waitress. I wanted to order the short rib flatbread, but she convinced me that the smoked salmon flatbread was more "exciting". It was not! The presentation was that of something that came from the frozen food section at the grocery. There were minuscule pieces of salmon on the flatbread and it was very dry. It was just really bad. In addition, the pace that our dinner was served was really fast. Too fast for a place like Derek's where guests are supposed to enjoy the experience. We will most likely return to Derek's in the future, but I will be sure to stay clear of any of their flatbreads.
(3)Manny R.
Derek's is a fantastic addition to Bradenton's dining scene. Having dined at his prior Sarasota location, my friends and I were ecstatic to hear he was bringing his talents to Bradenton. "Talents" is a word often thrown around these days, but Derek truly possesses a talent for ingredient and flavor selection. One of the things I enjoy about Derek's cooking is he will often take you out of your comfort zone and allow you to experience new items. The item which took me by surpise this time was the Dark and Stormy desert, a perfect blend of ginger curd, caramelized pineapple and coconut crumble. That's right, ginger curd. Phenomenal !! The Lindy Lou's Fish Tacos, Braised Short Ribs and Shrimp and Grits were also a hit. I don't know who Lindy Lou is but they must be a special person to have their own fish tacos named after them. Welcome to Town !!!!
(5)Michelle P.
The crawfish voodoo was awesome. The kale salad was perfectly dressed with a citrus dressing and candied nuts and cranberries. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)christine a.
Really loved Derek's in Sarasota. The space was urban and so different for the area. The food and service were 5 star. The new location, while nicely done, is less sophisticated, less urban.....it feels suburban. We dined here on a Wednesday night and it was packed. Good sign...we were put in a side room with three tables, it was not ideal. It looks like a private space for meetings or private parties, it feels disconnected to the dining room. All the tables were full or I'd have requested another table. That said, our server was pleasant and professional. The food was good, though not great. For the price, we weren't blown away. For starters we ordered, BBQ shrimp, flatbread, Cracker Jack salad, and mussels. The salad was meh, the shrimp and mussels good, but not served hot enough. The flatbread was tasty. We ordered 3 different fish entrees and a short rib. They were good, but still some of the food was just lukewarm when it arrived. This is not an inexpensive dining option. The food should be coming out prepared to perfection. We'll go back in hopes the kinks have been worked out. 4 people with 4 glasses of wine, starters, entrees and two shared desserts was $200.
(4)