Love LOVE love the new Eggplant Napoleon! I enjoyed the Eggplant Rollatini too when it was on the menu...but I have to say this new dish is..over the top! My husband and I eat at your restaurant several times a month, and love all of the new changes! Keep it up! Kudos to Derek, your amazing chef and to Anthony, who has been our server several times!
(5)
Lorinn W.
Duval's seafood restaurant was very good. Our waitress, Raechelle, was very spunky and energetic, with a very good personality. It was obvious that she enjoyed the menu and the food, which made you feel good about ordering. She was very excited about the specials, so we ordered one. It was the swordfish and it was excellent. The servings are very hardy and all very enjoyable. She also had good suggestions on wines and we enjoyed all that we ordered. For dessert, she recommended their award-winning bread pudding. It was quite yummy. It was a fun and delicious meal at Duvals Seafood restaurant. At the end she gave us all membership cards, and if you fill them out you receive a free glass of wine, as well as notices of wine and other events that they offer.
Duval's was superb. Among the best seafood I have had in a long time. Quaint, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. The staff, especially Pam our server, was Excellent. I highly recommend Duval's if you're looking for fresh, quality seafood and great drinks. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
A G.
Still sitting here while writing my review. Beautiful setting, clean and bright inside. Waitress staff was super friendly and very accommodating. My PoBoys chicken was good, the soup was ok, the dessert made up for it. The breaded pudding is a slice from heaven. I highly recommend the desert! Overall good experience- we will be back!
(4)
Presley A.
This place evidently caters to a set that likes their portions huge, buttery and bland. Mixed experience, tending towards the bad. The room was pleasant and clean and enjoying a brisk business but the service was deplorable. Interminable waits for water, bread, drinks, and finally the food. Plus, an overly cheery waitress who kept trying to push engorging options onto our choices, like some kind of used car salesperson. "Would you like the blue crab and gouda cheese mountain option on top of your steak?". I paraphrase but that was the spirit of it, I almost burst out laughing. It was like a comedy sketch. The highlight of the meal for me was the appetizer, ordered almost as an afterthought. These were the crabcakes, which were rather tasty, not overly bready and laced with a dellcious "raujn cajun creole sauce" whatever that is. My main course, which by all rights should have been excellent, was terrible. I ordered a grilled trout almondine with broccoli rabe. It eventually showed up and was huge, bland, greasy and just plan unappetizing. I couldn't finish it. The brocolli rabe was not as bad but also completely drowned in butter. And the portions were just much-too-large. Easily enough to feed two people. We had a Sauvignon Blanc with our meal, from New Zealand, which was light and unassuming. Should have ordered something far sharper to cut through all the grease and cheese. I skipped desert -- they were all super rich and fatty from what I remember, except for a Sorbet, which i guess is never ordered since the waitress wasn't sure what flavors they had. I didn't pay, but I imagine it wasn't cheap. I would have been outraged.
(2)
Jason D.
Duval's is a very charming seafood-focused eatery situated in the heart of downtown Sarasota. The food is very well executed with an eye for details. What makes this restaurant extraordinary however is Pam, the high-spirited dynamo of a server. Her attention to my extreme food allergies exceeded expectations, and I felt safe in her very capable hands. If you're mindful of what you eat, and struggle with allergies, Pam will absolutely take exquisite care of you. I will be a regular here during my stay in the area.
(5)
Guy S.
Po Boy Review: The menu states that they "are known for Po Boys." And I have to say, mine was really good. I'll be back. The baguette was warm, fresh and almost as thick and hearty as sourdough bread. The shrimp were really good. The veggies, good. And the remoulade sauce was perfect. The bartender, Taylor, said she would choose the fries over the coleslaw. However, I ordered the coleslaw and I liked it. The coleslaw was not too wet, not too dry, had an OK crunch and had a couple of raisins. The manager, Derrick, was eager to please and a likeable guy. Between Taylor & Derrick, this place will take care of you.
(4)
Jenn S.
This place is great for a fresh lunch! I was visiting my sister in town and she took us here. I loved how the waiter informed us that they use local ingredients - I am a sucker for that! I ordered the combo of the wedge salad and the gazpacho soup. I loved the soup it had a little spice to it. The wedge salad was pretty average and I liked it. We sat outside because the weather wasn't too hot yet and it was the perfect lunch!
(4)
Melissa W.
I'm visiting from Colorado and really want fresh seafood when I'm near the ocean. Duvals does not disappoint. In fact, we've come back twice in one week and I wouldn't be surprised if we end up here again. I also have lots of food allergies and they've been FANTASTIC in accommodating. All the fish and seafood is cooked to perfection and they make as much as possible in-house. I had the seafood sampler which was divine. They seem to also get dibs on the fresh catch of the day and are super knowledgeable on the best ways to handle and prepare whatever it is. What makes this place a favorite even more than the fabulous fish is Pam. You absolutely must ask to be seated at her table. She loves what she does and is spectacular at making sure you feel well taken care of. We love you, Pam!
(5)
Amy B.
Amazing service by Rodrigo! Excellent variety menu, we love the entire menu , we have always been pleased with service & our food & drinks. Especially the Agave margarita ! Go by & ask for Rodrigo this week.
(5)
Michelle L.
The ambiance of this establishment is amazing! Located in downtown Sarasota, right in the heart of the downtown area, this place could be easy to miss- but don't! Upon entering the restaurant we were seated quickly in the clean and classy dining area. Our waiter was quick and professional and informed us of the popular items! We ordered strawberry mimosas to start - Delish! We had stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer. I must recommend the crab cake Benedict, served to perfection with creamy hollandaise sauce and paired with a salad with fresh shaved Parmesan cheese! The key lime tart for dessert is also a must!!! Stop by this fine place if you are in the area! Will be back soon!
(5)
Cynthia M.
Thank you Pam for making my first experience at Duvals an incredible one! The food was amazing and the service even better! I will definitely be back next time I'm in town!
(5)
Nick C.
I sat at the bar and enjoyed my food and service. I had a cup of the lobster bisque and there were lots of nice pieces of lobster and the flavor was outstanding. I also had the signature duo salad which had a shrimp and crab cake. Excellent flavor. I really enjoyed my meal and would definitely come here again. I visited on a Tuesday evening and I was the only person at the bar and the restaurant had about 3-4 tables. It was definitely a slow evening and a perfect time to visit this outstanding restaurant.
(5)
Patric M.
Duvals is one of the places that you pass on the street and then are emotionally called to return. The atmosphere is pleasingly modern and the service attentive but not intrusive. (Rodrigo) We enjoyed the food which was tasty and a great serving size. My girlfriend raved about the bathroom.
(4)
Naomi L.
Lovely trout, duck confit excellent ambience and outstanding service and pricing. Yum to the yum
(5)
Todd R.
This is a great LOCAL place. The food is always good and they make sure they take care of the locals. The tomato soup with bleu cheese is amazing as well as the Crab & Shrimp cake dinner. Ask for PAM, she was our server last night and was just great. Keep up the good work!
Today my GF and I were in Sarasota Florida, we read the reviews on Yelp for Duval's Seafood Restaurant. So we decided to go for lunch. We had a fantastic server Pam. We told Pam we were looking to order the Seafood Bouillabaisse per Yelp reviews but it wasn't on the lunch menu. So Pam brought out the dinner menus after checking with the kitchen and we were able to place the order. The Seafood Bouillabaisse was excellent and our server Pam gave us 5 star service. I definitely would recommend Duval's Seafood Restaurant, Seafood Bouillabaisse & Pam We definitely will be back
(5)
Kris A.
We ate at Duvals last night and it was great! I had the salmon and my husband had the ocean scampi. We were Both very happy and had great service by Rodrigo. It was Our first time there and we will definitely go back!! Happy to have found another local place to eat.
(4)
Brian L.
One of the top 5 dinners we have every had. The seafood was very fresh and delicious. Our waiter was charming, friendly and extremely helpful. Our visit from the manger turned into a 10 minute conversation about the restaurant and us. It was like dinning with old friends. A must if visiting Sarasota!
(5)
Jessica W.
I came here with a girlfriend for the first time. What a great experience! Our server Pam had great suggestions and was knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Definitely will come back to see her. The happy hour is a great deal. I got a $5 margarita.
(5)
Cat N.
Fresh Local Seafood indeed! A wonderful restaurant with delicious food and fantastic service. I've been here tons of times and the food and service have been top-notch every single time. They're known for their po boys and the scallop one is my favorite, give me one of those with a signature salad and I'm set. Well okay, maybe add in one of those bread puddings too :) I've been going here since they first opened, but I have to say, since their most recent renovation, the place looks incredible. New decor, new bar, new booths. The new happy hour is reasonably priced with a very tasty menu ($5 Bar Bites? Yes please!) and the bartender (Kayla? She was really nice!) once made me the best drink I've ever had, hands down. Duval's even offers a free shuttle now to pick you up and drop you off, which is really convenient if you can't find parking on Main Street. I rode it once with Aaron as the driver and he was awesome! I've recommended Duval's to lots of friends and family because it's definitely one of the best restaurants in Sarasota.
(5)
Kelly D.
Great food great service. Excellent pre fix menu with wine pairing. Raeechell was an awesome server and made sure we were happy each step of the way, including modifying our pairings to taste.
(5)
Lola G.
Amazing food and service!!! Refined and fresh cuisine...In my opinion this says it all, but Yelp wants me to keep on talking, and prompts me to write more. I am not a food critique, but I do know what culinary mastery is, and this is it. Thank you for a wonderful and truly enjoyable experience. I look forward to my next experience at your restaurant.
(5)
Lynn O.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a nice Hello! & warm smile from Jamie B. Our server was Taylor H. he had a wonderful personality. We had a nice conversation with him as well.. Two other staff members passed by a few times & they asked how everything was & had a nice pleasant smile too. I had the Roasted Red Pepper Pasta - It was Amazing!! This dish has so much Flavor! My husband had the eggplant rollatini & it had great flavor too! This was our 1st time to Duval's, What a great experience we had.. This is going to be one of my favorite places to eat from now on!
(5)
P C.
We stopped in or Savor Sarasota dinner. They had a 4 course menu which was nice since all the other places we have tried Savor had only 3 courses. Seared tuna app was delicious with wasabi vinaigrette and cellophane noodles. Great atmosphere! Great food! Great service from Doug! We will be back!!
(4)
Tom L.
Last evening was out forth visit an the past three months. We have many good choices in Sarasota but this has become one of our favorites. We've always had between four and six at our table and every time each of us had an outstanding meal. We will continue to return on a regular basis. Creative seafood dishes and very cordial and efficient staff. TLL
(5)
Erin C.
More expensive than $$ our whole meal for two with a bottle of wine was $100. The food was good but not as much choices as we thought. Neither the waitress or the host let us know about the happy hour specials that seemed reasonable.
(3)
Katherine B.
One of the worst dining out experiences of my life, and we never even got to eat! The absolute worst seating service...I don't know how this place survived season! My husband and I took my mother-in-law out for her birthday last night and never got sat. We arrived at 6:45pm and were told it would be a 30-35 minute wait, so we put our names down and grabbed a seat in the bar area (at the window) for some drinks while we waited. Apparently the hostess never notified the bartender we were there because it took 15 minutes to get our first drinks, after my husband went to the bar. The bartender was absolutely wonderful and I'd give her 5 stars personally. After an hour and two drinks, I asked the hostess how much longer it would be and she said we would be the next party to be sat. Another 30 minutes went by and my jaw was on the floor as I watched THREE other parties get seated before us since they complained to the manager. Nice guys finish last I guess! At 8:15 (an hour and a half later!!!) we decided it was time to cut our losses and give another restaurant our business. We had a wonderful dinner, bottle of wine and fantastic service at Hyde Park Steakhouse, which I would highly recommend!! A tip to the hostess and management: UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER! Don't tell me it's going to be 35 minutes and then let me sit there for 90. Tell me it's going to be 90 min and then we probably would've eaten at the bar! Instead, we left hungry and angry and spent a lot of money down the street.
(1)
Ward S.
Had the pri fix menu with stuffed mushrooms, wedge salad. Salmon and key lime and a glass of house cab. Every single item was cooked perfectly and was extremely well prepared. I eat out 4 times a week, food doesn't get any better than this. Don't be in a rush though as service is a tad slow.
(5)
Tim R.
Wahoo for the Wahoo! This was my second time to Duval's and it was better than ever! We went to Duval's for the company Christmas party and I had one of the three fresh fish specials: Wahoo, Black Grouper or Pollock. My Wahoo was soft like tilapia but in a steak like swordfish. The flavor was lighter than swordfish - mine was peppered lightly and grilled. The wahoo steak was served on a bed of quinoa with flavored with olive oil drizzled over the quinoa. For dessert I had the Key Lime Pie (tasted like graham cracker crust) and coffee. I'll be back!
(5)
Sue G.
It was sadly empty! Oh well, more for us!! Started with the Lobster Bisque and Special salad. Both were very good! The Scottish Salmon was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. Great service. Decent prices!
(4)
Angela R.
Horrible, overpriced Mother's Day brunch. Watery/runny eggs, greasy/soggy bacon, shrimp/crab cakes were soggy, falling apart, and full of shells. It was gross. They told us they could offer us all you can drink mimosa's, for $20 a person. We opted to buy a nice bottle of Prosecco for $39 instead. Will never go back.
(1)
Abby M.
We stopped in at Duval's for a late lunch. Sat at the bar and Sam, the bartender was professional and enjoyable. Knew his drinks and made great suggestions for food as well. Had a tomato soup that had a touch of blue cheese that was superb. The fish was fresh and tasty. My companion had a gluten sensitivity and all the necessary adjustments were easily made. I will definately return for dinner.
(5)
Toni K.
We discovered Duval's while vacationing in Sarasota in 2014, and made sure that we went there again this year! We were not disappointed. I had 2 of the "signature" dishes, a lobster/corn casserole appetizer, and a shrimp and crabcake entree. My husband loved his gazpacho and reported that his fish was light and crispy. The fish came with three varieties of french fries. My dishes were wonderful, and I must admit that I had ordered the crab/shrimp cakes last year too. I just couldn't resist them. We had craft cocktails at the bar (there was no bar last year) and then were hosted and guided by our excellent, attentive waittress, Rachelle. I couldn't be more enthusiastic about this restaurant!
(5)
Gaetan D.
Very nice place for lunch, quick and good! I will recommend the Po boy sandwich, but don't be afraid to try anything else from the menu, it's probably good as well!
(4)
Jen C.
This is the 5th review I have written that has miraculously disappeared? Who's paying who? This restaurant is a joke! After chef Wes Duval mysteriously disappeared the food became alpo( no offense to dogs!) the Menu was the same but no where near the quality and perfection my family and I had consistently experienced in all of our previous dining experiences. I found out why! Chef Duval is now cooking the fabulous food we all know and love at Off the Hook Seafood, in Gulf Gate. Let's see if this review gets deleted!? Sincerely, A chef Duval FAN!
(1)
Patricia M.
This place is great! I was very happy with the service, food, and value. I've been here before for happy hour (which they have a great selection at amazing prices). I came back this time with some girlfriends for a second happy hour visit. However, they were still participating in the Savor Sarasota menu and I decided to eat the four course meal available instead of just bar bites this time. We ate at the bar. We were offered a very nice round table for our group by the hostess, but since we had people coming and going at different times, we didn't want to occupy one of their tables for who knows how long. For my appetizer, I had the grilled cheese and bacon sliders with bleu cheese tomato soup. Delicious! (This is also on the happy hour menu for $5 - would definitely come back for it) Salad course, the wedge. I'm not a fan of bleu cheese crumbles at all, but I have to say, this wedge salad was one if the best salads I've ever had. Main course, filet medallions with potato croquettes and asparagus. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Dessert, key lime pie. I don't have anything fantastic to say about it. It was good, but not the best part of my meal (I don't really have a huge sweet tooth, so that may just be me). Michelle was the bartender in training and was very attentive. She had wonderful things to say about the food and I could tell she was excited to be working there. I think I should also mention how the bar bites for happy hour are HUGE potions for the price. For example, my friend ordered the chicken po boy (we thought would be a mini slider) came out as a large sandwich with a side of fries. I'll definitely be back, most likely for happy hour more often as their menu is quite pricey. I would love to go back for a full dinner again and order off the regular menu, but it would have to be a special occasion.
(5)
Kristan L.
Love, love, love this place! Freshly grilled fish with amazing veggies; these folks deliver top notch food and just the right amount of attention. Jamie was the server, and she described what I ended up ordering in such a way that there was no doubt it would be wonderful! Trendy decor, clean and friendly as well. The manager stopped by to say "hello" and check on my meal. I'll be back, bring friends, and we'll be asking for Jamie.
(5)
Shelia Bland S.
Awesome! Bob and I have been here 3 times! Great atmosphere and great service!! We love it here!
(5)
Deborah C.
If you like seafood this Restaurant is a good choice. I find it consistent . I have been there 4 times. My favorite thing there is scallops Rockefeller, seared scallops with Rockefeller sauce and fried oysters on top. Also have had crab and shrimp cakes, market fish of the day, all was good. Great service each and every time.
(5)
Shay H.
We stopped by for the "Savor Sarasota" lunch menu. It was an odd time so we were the only ones in the restaurant. I was worried they were closed when I walked in but the server said it was no problem to serve us. The server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We both got the fish tacos. They were good, but not exceptional. I think I will return to try a dinner entree sometime. The atmosphere is trendy and nice/new.
(4)
Mark S.
We decided on Duval's on a whim for Saturday afternoon. Their lunch combos were well priced around $8. The food was tasty. We sat outside and the wait staff were nice. Overall a positive experience. Only downsides the menu was a little limited and some of the main dishes were a bit on the pricey side. Your mileage may vary.
(4)
Sam P.
I just left the new and refurbished Duval's and I am compelled to give them a 5-star rating. From the food to the staff to the ambience... everything there was simply incredible. Mike, thank you for being an exceptional guide to the restaurant. The Crisp Breeze was everything promised and then some - cold, crisp, tasty, worthy of a repeat. Nils - if you were responsible for the Oyster Po'Boy and slaw recommended by Mike, my hat is off to your talents in the kitchen department. The sandwich was unbelievably crisp and fresh and just overall excellent, and there are no words for the slaw to adequately do it justice (inventive and delicious come close). Met Josh, who runs the front end, and he was very pleasant and professional and friendly. Overall, I'd say this spot is a hands-down outstanding addition to the downtown dining scene. Thanks! I'll be back :-)
(5)
Jeremy B.
We stopped by Duval's just before the Fourth of July fireworks in downtown Sarasota since we saw they were doing "picnic dinners" for people headed out to watch. We didn't particularly care for the options listed for that, so my wife asked what Vegetarian options were available. Since this is primarily a seafood place, there weren't a whole lot of entree options, however the waiter did inform us that they had a special black bean burger they were saving for the upcoming farmer's market that we could have, so we ordered that. The staff did a great job bringing out our food quickly considering the circumstances, and we were able to get out to the fireworks in a pretty timely manner. The black bean burgers were very flavorful and I was especially impressed at the generous amount of avocado on them. They did tend to fall apart as inhouse veggie burgers tend to, but it was only a few small chunks by the time you were done. The sweet potato fries were done perfectly, cooked to that proper way that allows them to still taste like sweet potato and not burnt sugar when they try to turn them into shoestrings. All in all, we were very impressed with out take out meal and the flexibility of the staff. Our options are a little limited here, but I do see that they have several veggie options on their full menu that I will have to check out. In the meantime, our experience with Duval's was pleasant enough that I will definitely be recommending them to our seafood loving friends.
(4)
Jim R.
I had heard several great things about Duval's so I was really excited to try it out. It was a Sunday evening and the restaurant wasn't very busy. My fiance and I split an order of the vegetarian spring rolls as our starter. They were extremely greasy. I mean you could see the oil puddling on them. For the entree, we both ordered fish. Now I have to say, when I see a menu that lists numerous sauces or toppings for your fish, this should be a red flag. And that's what you get at Duval's. It's like going to Bonefish and to me it's a sign of laziness. And for a restaurant that carries the name of the Chef, it's inexcusable for a small +$20 piece of fish. I got tile fish with the Tomato and Mushroom Relish. My fiance got her fish prepared as an amandine. Both were extremely bland. They tasted like they weren't even seasoned at all. And my fish was slightly over done, to the point that the tips were slightly brown and dry. We won't be going back. I've had MUCH better meals at Bonefish.
(1)
Pam B.
Run, don't walk away from this Resturant .i ordered gumbo and a salad.the gumbo was not spicy the least and it was cold.my dinner salad was just ok.my husband ordered fish and chips. The chips were good but the fish was strong and some of it,completely uneatable. No wonder we were the only people having lunch there.
(1)
Pablo O.
gazpacho was very flavorful and spicely balanced, Cecilia house salad with crusted salmon was excellent, portions were fair, prices $4 and $10, cafe con leche wasn't good (though not in the menu they tried to make one for me), but girlfriend saved the day, she ordered (twice) expresso and steamed milk and made fantastic cafe on leches, service was excellent, ambiance very pleasant
(5)
J P.
Excellent dinner tonight for two. Appetizers: Eggplant rollitini. Shrimp and crab cakes. Dinner: Salmon and scallops. Waitress: Raechelle, polite and attentive. Everything was cooked perfectly and delivered timely. I Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
David F.
Had a great Sunday night dinner. The food was good and the 4 course meal was a deal. The service was great. Sam was our server and the manager Steven was very attentive and helpful.
(4)
Taylor P.
I travel to Sarasota on business and always look forward to visiting Duval's! The food is fantastic, we always enjoy the chef's specials and the waiters are attentive and fun - I'm lookin' at you Jeff! The management is involved so there's a great sense of team work. Other reviews reference minimal people in the restaurant - it all depends on when you go. We've been when it's packed and the same time the next day it's been quiet. So don't let that scare you off :) Definitely somewhere to check out if you want a well priced lunch/dinner in downtown!
(5)
Roland T.
Duval's was recommended to us and we spent a great New Year's eve dinner there. The menu was very well elaborated and of high quality and the service was top notch. The place is extremely well located on Main street Sarasota in the best part of the city, minutes away form the city boardwalk. The only downside, was that the bathroom overflew and wasn't usable on that precise evening. You can also watch your food being prepared on am large screen which gives you a warm feeling of how ell it is prepared.
(4)
T. F.
Another year, another A-1 rating on our part for this comfortable source of good food, good taste and good times in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Our latest visit, with five other friends, was as enjoyable as previous calls. Great food, cheerful service (Yay, Pam!), comfortable surroundings -- all combined to turn a meal into a delightful occasion. Again, we enjoyed the iceberg lettuce wedge raised above its basic blandness by a velvety blue cheese dressing and c-r-r-runchy bacon... the scallops Rockefeller... the grilled shrimp over a bed of fresh corn dressed in a mild pesto (sounds strange, tastes heavenly!)... the lobster bisque... the blackened grouper... every dish packed with delicate taste and beautifully presented. Even the warm bread and fresh butter are too tasty to pass up. Here's a kitchen that obviously tries hard to please the palate and eyes... and succeeds. If there's one small minus... now that the bar has become such a popular hangout perhaps it could include a wider selection of cocktail or straight ingredients, such as, to name a couple, Campari and Lillet. If Duval's stays the course we will be back again and again, as we have for the past two years.
(5)
Mike R.
This place is a disgrace to Sarasota. I ordered the Philly Cheese steak with Au jus sauce. This meal was cold and absolutely tasteless. On my second bite I was subtly interrupted by the restaurant manager, Josh. Josh loudly and rudely asked me how my experience was while I was quick to reply with expressing how disappointed I was in the sub-par food and swimming pool-esque tasting tap water. Two thumbs down.
(1)
Shelley T.
This restaurant came highly recommended by the doorman at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. We were a party of 8 for lunch, and enjoyed our meal there. The server was good, the decor was beautiful. The food was also good. Not as spectacular a meal as the valet made me think it would be. But, I would definitely go back.
(4)
Tish P.
Despite a disaster of a meal at Duval's I am very impressed with Josh's concern for customer satisfaction. He went the distance to make it right, so I'm adding two more stars to the review in recognition of his efforts. Thank you, Josh.
(3)
Carolyn L.
Incredibly disappointing! We have eaten at Duval's for a couple of years and have been big fans. Our prior experiences were wonderful and we had such a fantastic New Year's Eve dinner last year that we just had to repeat it this year. We even brought more friends and raved about what a great meal we were about to have. What a HUGE mistake! The food and service were just awful. The advertised NYE dinner was a five course meal with drink specials and "$20.15 wine bottle specials" (like last year). We first asked what their wine bottle specials were. Our server told us there were NO wine specials. (Last year we had a fantastic bottle of wine for $20.14.) Really? DId she not know or was it false advertising. We couldn't tell... They offered 2 choices for each course. For each course, here's their description vs. what we were served: 1. "Lump Crab, Sweet Corn Fritter, MicroGreen Herb Salad" - We all ordered this and were served a round, deep-fried, brown ball that they said was a crab cake. We were expecting lump crab meat. It was a totally mushy fried ball with no absolutely no sign of crab. There were a few pieces of sweet corn mixed in with some small greens. 2. "Potato Croquette, Vidalia Onion, Caper, Olive, Anchovy Caponata" - Three of us ordered this. The first batch they delivered were cold. The 2nd batch were hot on the outside and still cold on the inside. Obviously reheated. It was another round, deep-fried, brown ball with no flavor. The onion also had little flavor and was so mushy I didn't recognize it at first. I also didn't detect any anchovy, caper or olive flavors. It appeared to be just a really poor and tasteless pesto. One of us had the beef consomme with shitake [sic - their spelling] mushrooms and chives. It was as described and she said it was "just okay." 3. "Red Wine Braised Chicken en Croute, Goat Cheese, Chipolini [sic] Onion" - The chicken was barely warm, overcooked, very dry and again had little flavor. My feeling is that it, like much of the other food, had been prepared a day or so before and reheated for our dinner. The goat cheese and onion were smashed together. One person had the grilled swordfish, which she said was the only good thing she ate all night. 4. "Seared Scallop, Carrot Ginger Creme, Crisp Rice Cake" - They said this was their signature dish. Yikes! There were 4 scallops - again overcooked, quite rubbery and really salty. They were sitting on some tasteless carrot puree. No ginger flavor was present. And guess what - on top was yet another deep-fried, brown ball. I'd already had enough fried food for one meal so I tasted only a little of the inside (the others couldn't bear to...) and it was terrible. 5. "Chocolate Glass, Vanilla Custard, Fresh Berries" - We expected some sort of chocolate shell or tuille with vanilla custard or pudding. What a shock - it looked like someone dumped Hershey syrup on a plate, sprayed a little dried-out whipped cream on top, and placed 2 slices of strawberries and a few blueberries. And it tasted like Hershey syrup and deflated whipped cream! Our server appeared to be embarassed and replaced them with their sorbet, which was probably the best thing I had all night. When I thought back on it the next day, I realized that our entire meal was pretty much brown and white. (My biggest regret - besides not getting up and walking out! - was not taking pictures of the food so you could see the incredible discrepancy between what was described vs. what was served.) Throughout the meal, we told our server about the issues so she sent the manager over. He told us he hadn't had any other complaints. However, we overheard someone at the next table complain that "there was no crab in their lump crab." He sent over a bottle of wine, which we didn't want or need - one was more than enough for us. To his credit, he did come back at the end of the meal to see how the rest of the meal was. They said the chef was the same as last year, but that could not possibly be true - unless he was just a sous chef last year. When we described how upset and disappointed we were, he gave us a plastic voucher (of an undisclosed amount). We told him we didn't intend to return after such a bad meal, but that was his answer. We are not typically complainers, but we spent over $100 apiece and it was SO bad that we thought some discount should have been given to compensate for the poor quality. So we won't be back. There are SO many really good restaurants to choose form in Sarasota that it's not worth the risk.
(1)
Jb M.
I've eaten here three times in the last month and while the first time was a three star experience, the last two times were excellent. The bouillabaisse is the best for miles around and my dining companions had excellently prepared dishes as well. In both instance they selected the daily fish specials and were not disappointed. The last time we were there we had the table right inside the door with a window that was opened so it felt like we were outside. And excellent spot. We'll definitely return.
(4)
Kristi P.
Fairly decent menu, lots of fresh fish. I enjoy it for lunch. Best poboys in Sarasota
(4)
Mindy E.
I don't quite know where to begin, so I'm gonna break it down the best I can. 1. Service- Our server was friendly, but very awkward. The staff was eager to help, but were very clearly NOT trained. We had to ask if there were specials and our server hesitated before remembering he had written them down. He read them off and then went to the back. Several minutes later another server stopped to ask if we had any questions. My husband asked him to repeat the specials to help make his decision. This server gave us a different set of specials which we found out upon placing our order was incorrect. Our server also told several of us after ordering that what we got was his "favorite dish"- we all ordered different dishes. We sat with nothing in front of us for 20 minutes and got about half way through our appetizer before bread (not fresh) and butter (too cold to spread) was brought to our table. When our food came out my crab cakes were dumped on the table. The server was apologetic and got me a replacement but left me with quite a mess to sit in. When he came back with the check, he suddenly had a hoity-toity/country club accent- almost British sounding. 2. Food- We decided to try Duval's because of the reviews we had read, the aesthetically pleasing photos of the dishes, and the restaurant's claim to have fresh, local seafood. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE PICTURES. Yes, the dishes were all aesthetically pleasing when they came out, but there was no culinary skill. I was told that my shrimp and crab cakes were 80% meat with very little filler. I couldn't vouch for that as it seemed that whatever they were composed of had been pureed. No lumps of delicious crab or shrimp. Flavor was mediocre at best. Our friends both ordered dishes with shrimp and it was overcooked, but they did like the sauces and pasta. Bottom line- there are much better options in the area. We will not return to Duval's. The staff needs to be trained and they definitely need to do some work in the kitchen.
When you go to restaurant with a Living Social coupon in hand, you don't expect five star treatment, but that is exactly what we got. First of all, we went in the middle of the afternoon, smack dab between lunch and dinner and they were kind enough to serve us a bit of each. My husband had the crab shrimp cake on marbled rye smothered with melted cheese. As we are Floridians who live on the beach we have had more than our fair share of disappointing seafood, but this was a thing of fulsome beauty with none of the dry mealy fillers often used locally. On the other hand I had had a glimpse of the dinner menu and was salivating over the panopaly of dinner appetizers duck pasties with garlic cream sauce and the short rib spring rolls with copious amounts of cheese. As the manager found out we were celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary he practically did handstands in order to take a beautifully framed photo of us on our iPad. Then out came a complementary chocolate dessert of such delicious density that we were practically bathed in an afterglow following consumption. While we went using a coupon, we would have happily paid full price for such quality service and food. We won't be waiting for anniversary #35 to go back.
Great spot. Good prices for downtown. Good atmosphere with outdoor seating. Ask for Taylor (she was awesome!)
(5)
Meg M.
Salmon frittata and blackened mahi mahi were both full of flavor. Cute atmosphere, nice bar and incredibly accommodating service.
(5)
Richard G.
The salads and entrees were excellent but the waiter service was a little on the slow side. You definitely won't be rushed out the door.
(4)
Anjali K.
I loved Duval's for lunch. Upon arrival, we were quickly seated and greeted by the friendliest waiter. He was very keen on ensuring that we enjoyed our lunch and offered suggestions to help us decide. My co-worker and I decided on the half soft-shelled crab sandwich and french fries. We were served very quickly and dug right in! The breading on the soft-shell crab was divine -- perfectly crispy and crumbly, with fresh seafood underneath. I got the remoloude sauce on the side, and this added the perfect touch of spice to my food. My mouth is watering thinking of the seafood/cajun flavors right now! The French Fries were well done -- not too salty, not soggy, just right. I absolutely enjoyed Duval's for lunch! I'm not sure how their dinner menu plays out, but I would not mind going for lunch again!
(4)
Frank R.
The meal was very good the only reason I gave 3 stars was the fact that my guests ordered the gumbo. And it was really bad. No flavor even asking our waiter to get us hot sauce n salt did not help he said some other people had complained also ,so nothing done about it . The waiter said that the executive chef was away and the second cook was experimenting , we told it didn't work ,the fact we were not offered another soup or credit was in our opinion very poor judgement since this place gas a good reputation ... But rest of food was good. So next time chef should leave place in better hands ..... Or some guid lines ps we still go back
(3)
Richard N.
I really liked my meal. Great food and great service. My wife would agree about the service but not the food. She though her chicken salad was just ok. My portabella mushroom was one of the best I've ever had. If we lived closer we would be regulars. My wife might even find something she liked.
(4)
R J.
We had both dinner and lunch at Duvals, recently. We found the food quality to be superb. Traditional but expertly prepared, the chef understands how to please the foodies in the area. You should try the signature dishes as these were a cut above the rest.
(5)
Linda D.
My husband and i went to Duvals for lunch as this is Savor Sarasota restaurant week. We were very happy we did as this is a restaurant you should not miss. I started with their special salad of greens blue cheese, cashews, tomatoes and a very good dressing. Next was blackened fish tacos and I loved them. Now I was plenty full but could not stop without that bread pudding. Excellent! Husbands lobster bisque was great and also a good po boy
(4)
Craig B.
Been to Duval's 8 times. Every time I get less impressed. Ordered Shrimp/Crab cakes. Had better frozen from Publix. Then the special of the day. Blackend. Can't recall the name of it but It was not all Blackend. Some light spice that was imperceptible. I told the waiter. His response: "We have so many old people that the kitchen goes light on spice." Wish I had sent it back but it was getting late. Will not go back. Dinner over $80 for 2 and we split some things.
(1)
Ed N.
Terrible service. I also do not get the amazing reviews. took over an hour to get a simple dish. I had a living social and it was not even worth it. I felt like I got ripped off. My wife summed it up... never again Josh, I emailed you like you asked me to 2 days ago.. have not heard from you yet. Weird this restaurant responds like they care. But when you email them as josh asks you never hear from them.
(1)
Dorothy W.
Ask for Misha. Have the salmon BLT. Wonderful
(5)
MaryAnn C.
Wait staff is rude and sarcastic. From the moment we entered, the male waiter was snippy- I almost left, but, didn't because we had others in our party and parking is a nightmare on Main Street. And, how do they not know their own menu? I asked if we could apps off the bar menu and was told they don't have any of those items and that food wouldn't be ready until after 3pm. I was told they keep meaning to change the menu but haven't gotten around to it. I asked if certain "bar menu" food was available and waiter had to go back to the kitchen and ask- guess what- every item was available but if you point it out on the "bar menu" they don't have it. The restaurant itself is cute and the booth seating is very, very, comfy. The flavored teas are delicious. We had calamari which was very good- nice thick rings, which I like. They fry slices of lemon with their calamari and shrimp but don't tell you when they serve you and if you eat on by mistake, it isn't a pleasant experience. Our food arrived cold and I think this was our servers fault because patrons around us were served before us and they came in after us. It would be nice if menu updates would happen on yelp because I chose this place because of their menu, only to find out that menu is out of date and no longer used. I went out of my way to try this place because of the app and dessert menu which was discontinued. My daughter's halibut sandwich looked and smelled like they made it 2 days ago. This restaurant wasn't at the top of their game today. I won't be back.
(1)
Welington F.
I was in Sarasota last week and had the pleasure to eat dinner at Duval's. The experience was fantastic in many ways, but the food and the wine were really the stars. I had fresh barracuda fish in a lime based sauce paired with a lovely Pinot Grigio (suggested by the staff). Needless to say, there was nothing left either on my plate or glass. All in all, delicious, amazing food!
(5)
Bentobox S.
Well below average and over priced. Which is typical of the area, but the food is subpar. Add to that 400% wine mark up and you have a place where I would like to send in Gordon Ramsay for kitchen nightmare episode! Deep fried dry panko crusted fish with no sauce. Soggy calamari. And french onion soup with a half frozen slice of baguette, untoasted and microwaved mozzarella. Sent 3 dishes back! Why does the herb crusted rack of lamb say China..."it's where the recipe comes from"....sure it is.
(2)
Joe R.
Downtown Sarasota has several great restaurants to choose from and Duvals has proven to be my favorite dining experience. I highly recommend the rack of lamb, and the scallops rockefeller style. The bread pudding made with pastry dough was rich and a great finish! Service and timing was perfect. Both the dining room staff and the kitchen are very smooth, and I love the flat screen view of the kitchen offering an exhibition kitchen feel. Joe Rimer ~ former executive chef, Owner/ Sculptor @ Ice Pro
(5)
Michael D.
This place is great. Great location and setting. Was with 3 other people for my birthday. We started with the coco shrimp as an appetizer. For the main course I did a surf and turf with the filet and scallops while the others got the Scottish Salmon. The steak had great flavor and was cooked perfectly and the salmon came with grilled zucchini topped with mozzarella and balsamic dressing on the side. Everyone cleaned there plates and to celebrate the bday someone ordered us the bread pudding. Don't pass on that it is unreal. Great meal and service in downtown Sarasota and it is open on Sundays which is a big plus.
(5)
Stacy F.
We had the price fixe menu and it was a steal! The lobster corn casserole appetizer was large and had chunks of lobster, the entree fish was fresh and cooked however we asked for it, and the desserts were to die for! The chocolate peanut butter delight was one of the most phenomenal desserts I've had and they brought samples of the key lime bites which were equally tasty. The service (Brandon was our waiter) was excellent, attentive, and very accommodating. I will absolutely be returning next time I'm in Sarasota.
(5)
Karen G.
Not a cool place to eat. Just amazed at the sterling reviews. Thought we had scored a major coup getting a last minute reservation on a Friday night. Should have known better ! Hardly anyone in there - but they couldn't get the timing right. Some entrees scalding hot - some lukewarm, some cold. My swordfish was cold. And that kitchen cam is ridiculous. It is not a cool thing - it is more like a camera to watch the staff in a convenience store to insure they are not stealing. We all watch in horror as they threw my swordfish back in the oven and just stood there ignoring it. Any good seafood chef knows how delicate swordfish is and it came back as a hockey puck. Absolutely zero creativity here
(2)
Joe C.
Waiter was good and knowledgeable-no prob there. The wine was good. The food sucked! I thought I was on a Hidden Camera when my piece of fish came out. It was a little bigger than a silver dollar. The food was cold and the potatoes were very undercooked. The portion was small altogether. Very, very disappointing for the very high price paid and worse, the anticipation all day of a hopeful good meal. That was the biggest let-down. Skip Duval's! Seriously.
Watch the asterisks in Duval's ads for $5 burgers. Not our first time there--been often and recommend the place. Walked in 8PM Fri 9/5 hungry, were asked to wait 20 minutes, ordered our burger and told 10 minutes later they were out of meat! No "rain check" or sorry for wasting your 1/2 hour. We should have asked them about the "as long as supplies last" when we arrived. Never occurred to us to call ahead and ask them to hold a pound of hamburger in our name.
(2)
Reid D.
Had a nice meal here. I think the menu is a little too aggressive. It's heavy on seafood, which is expected in Florida, and especially in a near the Gulf. The waiter was very knowledgable. The manager introduced himself and offered opinions with wine selection. I found it interesting that they asked for feedback after the meal was complete. I think that shows a dedication to their consumers. I think this is an attempt to stifle the internet tough guys who purport to be food "critics." It is evident they want to make everyone happy. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Dean K.
Had an excellent pre-opera meal. I ordered linguini with clams and was very pleased. My wife had crab cake and shrimp cake and claimed her food melted in her mouth. The service was fast, knowledgable and wonderfully friendly. I happen to like Chilean red wine and ordered it from a very substantial wine list. The restaurant is located about two blocks from the opera house in the middle of all the action in downtown Sarasota. I do not give five rating very often, so I will give Duvals a 4.5 because the prices are rather high, but I will go back whenever I feel like being spoiled in an excellent eatery. I highly recommend.
(4)
Sanjay M.
Wonderful place, kind staff, great food. All around great experience! I recommend the eggs florentine, or the Cajun grits. #yum
(5)
P.J. D.
At lunch, when you first walk into Duval's, the place reminds you of one of Gordon Ramsey's overnight restaurant refreshes on his TV show. The decor is impossibly contemporary, light, brushed metal everywhere, and oh, look, a flat screen which shows the kitchen! Neato. I sat down and was a little surprised at the brevity of the menu, given the somewhat ostentatious decor, but on the advice of a friend I gave it a shot. I am a calamari freak. My non-lawyer friends in law school would call me The Squid, and not because it's the only thing that can allegedly kill a shark. Duval's calamari is a let down, it didn't taste all that fresh, and was limited only to rings, which everybody knows is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing part, but not the tastiest by a long shot. The shrimp and crab cake was similarly a let-down, fried but not crisp. This is not to say it was bad, just not knock-my-socks-off good. Last up on my tour of the New World was a shrimp po-boy, executed competently if not spectacularly. Overall, a pleasant place to be, the food is reasonably priced (which is not as common as it could be for downtown), the waitstaff fairly efficient and friendly. I just wasn't blown away, but I would recommend it, particularly if you're looking for somewhere nice with reasonable prices downtown.
(3)
Jeannette B.
Came here for their thanksgiving buffet. They did not disappoint. They had all the thanksgiving favorites and then some.
(4)
Kathy W.
Had a great meal at Duvals. Wedge salad was delicious and mussels were great. Others had fish and scallops and everyone enjoyed their meals. Would definitely recommend...ambience is nice...wish it were a little more intimate feeling.
(4)
Milton Y.
Looked at the menu online & decided to order Salmon. They were out of salmon!! This was at 6pm on a Saturday night, when they know they will be busy & should have plenty of supply. I've seen other reviews with the same problem. Did not care for the fish & chips - pretty tasteless. After coming home, had a pretty bad stomach upset, which speaks to the quality of their kitchen. Probably hadn't changed the oil in their fryer for too long. We will not be back.
(2)
Lawrence C.
A very middle of the road experience. You can't go wrong; just don't have high expectations. Prices are reasonable, especially for Sarasota. Quality of food and presentation is okay too. Rating above says it all.
(3)
Roving F.
Overpriced and a new menu to boot. We felt like guinea pigs. Was not happy with the food which was barely edible. Service was good, the server was very apologetic. But that did not make up for the food unfortunately.
(2)
Mario V.
Had a lunch with colleagues here as a first try to our weekly lunch rotation,the overall sentiment for the meal around the whole table was.... Meeehhh! Not horrible but certainly not going back. Started with the Gazpacho, this was probably my least favorite gazpachos iv had, it was more like a chunky Pace-Picante salsa than a Gazpacho, I felt like I needed to order corn chips just to finish it, in it was a line of sour cream that really did not do it for me. For the entree I had the beef tip sandwich, sounded great on the menu but came out WAY to GREASY!! topped with a bunch of shredded lettuce (Not a fan) and I some onions made the whole sandwich blaaahhhh! Service was friendly but this place wont be making it to our weekly rotation.
(2)
Adam A.
OK, so I never had a "po boy" sandwich before, but walking by the place it looked great and even though I don't eat fried food I wanted one, what to do...Solution! The chef grilled the chicken for me... and let me tell you, I can't wait to have another. Lets just say the yummy sauce was running over my left hand and I did not even stop to address it while I enjoyed this sandwich. Not sophisticated at all but I did not even care. I was in sandwich love. Make sure you get one. A 5 star sandwich? Yes, they aren't kidding, it really is.
(5)
Christian S.
Had lunch with friends. Ordered Baja Fish Taco's $12. Cup of lobster bisque. Not impressed! 3 Tortilla Shells - tiny portion of grouper, a side of black beans, side of canned pineapple. Service was a disaster - wrong beer, extra entree on my check and they didn't clear plates when finished. $60 - lunch with tip
(2)
Erin W.
INCREDIBLE FOOD, HORRIBLE SERVICE. A group of friends and I were vacationing in Siesta Key and stumbled upon this place online. We were a little scared walking in as no one seemed to greet us and they seemed offended that we didn't have reservations even though the restaurant was empty. The service was terrible, absolutely terrible. Our waiter, Marcellus (I think) would have been fired if he were from our home town. He ignored us the majority of the night, never noticed when our drinks were empty, and we had to ask for more drinks! The water is also the worst tap water I have ever tasted. Good thing the food made up for his complete lack of service! The food was absolutely amazing!! From the shrimp and crab cakes to the duck rolls to the mussels, everything we ordered was delicious! Hands down, the bouillabaisse, was the absolute best I have ever had. I even felt the need to tell the chef how wonderful all of our food was. If they can figure out the service part, this place will be unstoppable.
(4)
Jackie W.
Order the Shrimp Po Boy. It was amaaazing and don't forget to feed the little squirrel a cashew if you sit on the patio.
(4)
Ann M.
We cook at home so it is hard for us to find a restaurant that offers quality great tasting food that is worth the money they are asking, but Duval's definitely is worth it! We went for dinner and enjoyed eating outside. We shared a lobster bisque ( I wanted to lick the bowl out when I was done) lol, I did refrain from doing so. I had triple tail with rockefeller sauce with 3 fried oysters on top. YUM! My husband had the filet with pan seared scallops (done to perfection)!!!!! The service was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend this restaurant !!!!
(5)
Lydia L.
I have been here twice! Food is great, nothing that screams out at me to tell you that its a MUST try. I do like the atmosphere, for Sarasota, it is one of the classy restaurant to impress a date with. Try Bread Pudding if you have room at the end of your meal...
Our first time in downtown Sarasota and Duval's didn't disappoint. Had read some reassuring reviews but there was one catch. We had our 14 month old with us while vacationing. I wouldn't let that stop me from enjoying a great meal. The staff at Duval's was outstanding. They were extremely accommodating and made us feel quite welcome, even with our son in tow. The food was well prepared and quite fresh. I say this since the sides that came along with the fish I ordered were especially tasty and prepared with the same care as the main dish. The wine list is extensive and easily accommodates a wide range of price points. Overall quite pleased with the experience, and when I return to the area, will certainly be making a reservation.
(4)
Owen B.
Went for the Father's Day brunch special. Food was so-so. Crab cakes were tasty omelette was pretty good but the PASTRIES were TERRIBLE croissants hard as a rock scones were dry. French toast was soggy and bland. We are local and won't be back.
(2)
Gayle L.
Food was excellent! Atmosphere great. Was packed for lunch, so you might want to make a reservation before you go.
(4)
Taryn C.
This place has AMAZING food. The service was excellent when I went as well. Will be going back again for sure.
(5)
Nick H.
Delicious! Staff was friendly and the god was amazing!! I had the shrimp po boy and it was just like New Orleans! Prices where reasonable also.
(5)
Ken C.
Just had a wonderful lunch here with my wife. The gumbo, oyster Po boy and crab cake lunches were delicious. Excellent service by Rebecca. By far the best Po Boy I have ever had. Highly recommend. We will be back very often.
(5)
Pamela M.
My review is based on a take out lunch so perhaps my senses were clouded by the styrofoam container. When a colleague suggested the Oyster po' boy I must say it sounded awfully nice. And it was. The oysters were fried but not overly greasy. Nice spead on the bread and some condiments to round out the utility sandwich. Although the creativity was wonderful I can't say the sandwich had a "wow" factor, but good just the same. the fries however were wonderful and super crispy. I'm looking forward to having a meal in-house for the full experience.
Lunch was almost a good experience, dinner not so much.Only the salads defied the unreliable menu descriptions. The Wedge would have been great if the bacon had been touched by heat recently, ditto for the Steak that should have been medium rare but languished to a cooled-off well into medium. Spongy wet Eggplant hinted at aging out. Where is the crusty French bread you said was coming right out? Seafood & Poultry are over-sauced with incongruous mixtures. Scampi was uncharacteristically sweet. Langoustines are not Lobster. Unbaked pie filling is not soup. Watching the Kitchen Cam it's obvious the Kitchen couldn't care less what you think of the food. Fry a little harder! Use a lighter hand on the sugar in savory preparation. Find a source of fresh crabmeat. The pedestrian non-chocolate desserts cry out for fresh fruit. The servers try hard but are forced to bus as well as serve.
(3)
Gail L.
Our first visit to Duvals was on a Sunday evening. From the ratings on Yelp I was not sure what to expect but all four diners in our party were raving about the food. How often does that happen? The caesar salads were simple but something about it was special. I teased my husband about licking the plate. My sister in law had the house salad-mixed greens, red onion, cashews, blue cheese crumbles and vinaigrette dressing. She too licked the plate. I plan to try the house salad next visit. The chicken and mushroom pasta Alfredo was outstanding. Creamy and wonderfully tasty with the mushrooms. Sauce, a perfect compliment, and a large portion that I will finish up for lunch. The fish of the day was a yellow grouper over spinach with mashed- cooked to perfection. Seared scallops with risotto - also a huge hit. My husband's shrimp and lobster ravioli had him saying yummm all the way through the meal. We finished our dinner off with the bread pudding, which despite not being a dessert person, was delicious. Crispy on the outside and creamy and smooth on the inside. Excellent and attentive service. Great choice of wines. We are definitely fans. My husband signed up to be on the email list, something he never does.
(5)
Lexi C.
Wish I could give this a better review. Had such high hopes. They made a mistake with our take out order and broke rule number one and two. 1) Accused us of ordering wrong 2) Said the manager wasn't available. Now, it can happen with the ordering. But we order take out weekly, for the past 4 years. Maybe once or twice something was wrong. But we have never been blamed other than in a Japanese restaurant but that was a language barrier issue. They were only open for 2 weeks and already making poor choices. Maybe someday I will try them again but in this economy I can't afford to not like what I am being served. Based on the little bit I ate due to missing items like the cheese a top the French Onion Soup, I could not give them more than 2 stars.
(2)
Carey Y.
Gabriel and I had tickets to see a show at the Florida Studio Theater last night so we asked my father for a recommendation of a restaurant nearby to have dinner first. As a newbie in the area, I'm excited about so many options to choose from, many with great reviews online. My father suggested that we make a reservation at Duval's for good food, reasonable prices and close proximity to the theater. I made a reservation on Open Table for 6:30 for the 2 of us, and we lucked out in getting a parking spot directly across the street. When we went in, it was clear that we really didn't need the reservation after all. There were about 8 people total inside the large space. Oh yeah, it's Easter! I guessed most people were with their families. I loved that there was a flat screen tv behind the bar upon which you can watch the chef preparing meals. Talk about transparency in a kitchen! It was spotless in there and very entertaining to see the 2 chefs working together on their preparations. The waiter came out right away to take drink orders and bring our menus to us. Soon after, he returned with ice water with lemon (which I love and it seems that all of the restaurants do that around here) and a basket of bread and butter. The bread was doughy and fresh, but it was served cold and we would have preferred it to be warmed. He also went over the specials, all of which sounded very appealing. I started with the Harvest Salad, a small starter of romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and great, chunky blue cheese dressing. The salad was on the small side, but as an accompaniment to my entree, and priced at only $2.50, it was the perfect size for me. For my entree I had the Trout Almandine, one of my favorites. When I see it on a menu, I almost always go for it. It was served with butternut squash and lemon/dill mashed potatoes. I asked for the chef to go light on the butter and was very pleased that he took my request to heart. The fish was cooked perfectly. Rather than being served with the slivers of almonds on top like most restaurants do it, this filet was crusted in a coating of ground almonds which made for a crisp and flavorful layer. The mashed potatoes were awesome, with a bright lemony flavor but I could hardly taste the dill- even though I could see it clearly. The squash was al dente, cooked with onions, mushrooms and balsamic and it was a lovely side to my fish, but being that the potatoes were already a carb-laden side, I would have preferred a green, less starchy vegetable. I don't usually write about what Gabriel orders if I'm not sharing with him, but this time it's worth a quick mention. He had the crab and shrimp stuffed salmon which I had a taste of and I thought it was excellent. His side of risotto with mushrooms was also awesome. We both completely cleaned our plates which really didn't leave room for dessert. We looked over the offerings anyway, but nothing really jumped out at me as a 'please make a little more room for me' necessity. The waiter described the bread pudding and it did sound delicious, but we were really both too full to manage it this time. Given the great service, appealing menu, easy location and reasonable prices, I think we'll definitely be back!
I love Duval's! I have eaten both lunch and dinner and have never had a bad meal. For lunch I always have the soup of the day (I recommend Friday's, best mushroom soup ever) and either the daily special of the shrimp and calimari po-boy. For dinner, I always go for one of the appetizers and then follow it up with one of their scrumptious fish dishes. Duvals offers the best bang for your buck in Sarasota. It beats every fish focused restaurant down Main. Take my word, you will NOT be disappointed.
(5)
Judy C.
We received a recommendation to have dinner there and I am glad we did. The food was outstanding especially the vegetable rolls with peanut sauce. The fish was very fresh and prepared well. Our waitress was knowledgeable and prompt. I can't wait to go there again.
(5)
Annie R.
Had lunch here thurs and was so impressed we came back Sat night for dinner! Not disappointed---I think they know what they're doing. Service was professional, friendly (not too friendly), great. Perfect shrimp po boy and Napa slaw for lunch. Delicious dinner tonight--delicate and perfect eggplant rollatini. Black grouper and rack of lamb were all excellent. We will return!
(5)
Marc k.
Very nice dining experience. Very crowded for a Tuesday night. The rack of lamb was encrusted and highly seasoned but very good. I asked for the seafood over risotto instead of linguine. It was very tasty and a very decent portion. The side salads were excellent and a great value. Krystie, our server, was excellent. Aaron, a manager, stopped by and was genuinely interested in our comments. Overall, a very enjoyable dining experience.
(4)
C K.
liked my salad. waitress was good. had a sign for their new app - looks intriguing - love to know how well it works
(4)
Susan L.
My husband and I just came from the Sunday Brunch at Duval's and it was excellent. This was our first time here and we were not disapponted. The price was reasonable and we definitely got our moneys worth, everything was delicious. The crab cakes were exceptional and the lemon cake was scrumptious!!! Jeff, our waiter, was friendly and attentive. We will most definitely be returning to Duval's.
(5)
Carole K.
We went last night (2/1/13) with friends and enjoyed it thoroughly. I understand the chef is CIA trained. Our food choices were excellent. The gazpacho was well-done. I had a large dinner salad with a crab-shrimp cake (and glass of pinot griglio, reasonably priced btw). The others had a fresh fish filet almondine with sides and a plate of scallops and other seafood with sides. I understand that the rice with the plates was a bit mushy but I didn't taste to evaluate that. The vegetable side was very good.- I really appreciated having a fruit option for dessert, a strawberry-rhubarb tart. It's boring to only have something chocolate and key-lime pie. - Also nice touch: black napkins so no white lint on black trousers. - The manager advised that they will have a new wine list shortly. The wines had just arrived. - There is a tv, but it's for guests to look at kitchen activity if they choose to. - Our bill for two fell right between moderate (11-30) and the next expense category up. So it all depends on what is ordered, naturally.
(4)
Joyce C.
Went to this restaurant this evening and found it to be satisfactory at best. The fish choices this evening were limited and the fish that I wanted was already unavailable at 8:00 pm. My fish did come out as ordered - hot and cooked properly. The sides were nothing but sad. obviously the cooks never saw what risotto should look like and taste like - theirs was mushy and unappetizing. The vegetables unremarkable. We left before desert which is not typical for us....There are much better places to eat in downtown Sarasota...
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Valet, Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Ronni T.
Love LOVE love the new Eggplant Napoleon! I enjoyed the Eggplant Rollatini too when it was on the menu...but I have to say this new dish is..over the top! My husband and I eat at your restaurant several times a month, and love all of the new changes! Keep it up! Kudos to Derek, your amazing chef and to Anthony, who has been our server several times!
(5)Lorinn W.
Duval's seafood restaurant was very good. Our waitress, Raechelle, was very spunky and energetic, with a very good personality. It was obvious that she enjoyed the menu and the food, which made you feel good about ordering. She was very excited about the specials, so we ordered one. It was the swordfish and it was excellent. The servings are very hardy and all very enjoyable. She also had good suggestions on wines and we enjoyed all that we ordered. For dessert, she recommended their award-winning bread pudding. It was quite yummy. It was a fun and delicious meal at Duvals Seafood restaurant. At the end she gave us all membership cards, and if you fill them out you receive a free glass of wine, as well as notices of wine and other events that they offer.
(5)Jim M.
We brought some friends to Duval's last evening, having told them about how much we had enjoyed our previous visits. I wish we had chosen another restaurant. The service was horrible. We arrived at 6:45 and did not leave until three hours later. Admittedly, we were not in a big hurry - enjoying the conversation with our friends. But we had to wait for everything: waited for water, waited for wine, waited for bread, waited for salads, and even after we were told that our entrées would be right out, we still waited for them to arrive. We waited for water glasses to be refilled, waited for the check to arrive. The only time we didn't have to wait was when we put our credit cards on the table. But then we waited for more water as we signed our bills. I also have been bragging to friends and family about how delicious the seafood is at Duval's. The mutton snapper last evening was nothing to brag about. It was ok. When my wife's finally arrived, the sides were cold. I do have to say that the lobster and corn casserole was absolutely delicious. But that is my only compliment of the evening. I'll need to be more selective when making recommendations to my friends.
(2)Micah S.
Duval's was superb. Among the best seafood I have had in a long time. Quaint, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere. The staff, especially Pam our server, was Excellent. I highly recommend Duval's if you're looking for fresh, quality seafood and great drinks. You will not be disappointed!
(5)A G.
Still sitting here while writing my review. Beautiful setting, clean and bright inside. Waitress staff was super friendly and very accommodating. My PoBoys chicken was good, the soup was ok, the dessert made up for it. The breaded pudding is a slice from heaven. I highly recommend the desert! Overall good experience- we will be back!
(4)Presley A.
This place evidently caters to a set that likes their portions huge, buttery and bland. Mixed experience, tending towards the bad. The room was pleasant and clean and enjoying a brisk business but the service was deplorable. Interminable waits for water, bread, drinks, and finally the food. Plus, an overly cheery waitress who kept trying to push engorging options onto our choices, like some kind of used car salesperson. "Would you like the blue crab and gouda cheese mountain option on top of your steak?". I paraphrase but that was the spirit of it, I almost burst out laughing. It was like a comedy sketch. The highlight of the meal for me was the appetizer, ordered almost as an afterthought. These were the crabcakes, which were rather tasty, not overly bready and laced with a dellcious "raujn cajun creole sauce" whatever that is. My main course, which by all rights should have been excellent, was terrible. I ordered a grilled trout almondine with broccoli rabe. It eventually showed up and was huge, bland, greasy and just plan unappetizing. I couldn't finish it. The brocolli rabe was not as bad but also completely drowned in butter. And the portions were just much-too-large. Easily enough to feed two people. We had a Sauvignon Blanc with our meal, from New Zealand, which was light and unassuming. Should have ordered something far sharper to cut through all the grease and cheese. I skipped desert -- they were all super rich and fatty from what I remember, except for a Sorbet, which i guess is never ordered since the waitress wasn't sure what flavors they had. I didn't pay, but I imagine it wasn't cheap. I would have been outraged.
(2)Jason D.
Duval's is a very charming seafood-focused eatery situated in the heart of downtown Sarasota. The food is very well executed with an eye for details. What makes this restaurant extraordinary however is Pam, the high-spirited dynamo of a server. Her attention to my extreme food allergies exceeded expectations, and I felt safe in her very capable hands. If you're mindful of what you eat, and struggle with allergies, Pam will absolutely take exquisite care of you. I will be a regular here during my stay in the area.
(5)Guy S.
Po Boy Review: The menu states that they "are known for Po Boys." And I have to say, mine was really good. I'll be back. The baguette was warm, fresh and almost as thick and hearty as sourdough bread. The shrimp were really good. The veggies, good. And the remoulade sauce was perfect. The bartender, Taylor, said she would choose the fries over the coleslaw. However, I ordered the coleslaw and I liked it. The coleslaw was not too wet, not too dry, had an OK crunch and had a couple of raisins. The manager, Derrick, was eager to please and a likeable guy. Between Taylor & Derrick, this place will take care of you.
(4)Jenn S.
This place is great for a fresh lunch! I was visiting my sister in town and she took us here. I loved how the waiter informed us that they use local ingredients - I am a sucker for that! I ordered the combo of the wedge salad and the gazpacho soup. I loved the soup it had a little spice to it. The wedge salad was pretty average and I liked it. We sat outside because the weather wasn't too hot yet and it was the perfect lunch!
(4)Melissa W.
I'm visiting from Colorado and really want fresh seafood when I'm near the ocean. Duvals does not disappoint. In fact, we've come back twice in one week and I wouldn't be surprised if we end up here again. I also have lots of food allergies and they've been FANTASTIC in accommodating. All the fish and seafood is cooked to perfection and they make as much as possible in-house. I had the seafood sampler which was divine. They seem to also get dibs on the fresh catch of the day and are super knowledgeable on the best ways to handle and prepare whatever it is. What makes this place a favorite even more than the fabulous fish is Pam. You absolutely must ask to be seated at her table. She loves what she does and is spectacular at making sure you feel well taken care of. We love you, Pam!
(5)Amy B.
Amazing service by Rodrigo! Excellent variety menu, we love the entire menu , we have always been pleased with service & our food & drinks. Especially the Agave margarita ! Go by & ask for Rodrigo this week.
(5)Michelle L.
The ambiance of this establishment is amazing! Located in downtown Sarasota, right in the heart of the downtown area, this place could be easy to miss- but don't! Upon entering the restaurant we were seated quickly in the clean and classy dining area. Our waiter was quick and professional and informed us of the popular items! We ordered strawberry mimosas to start - Delish! We had stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer. I must recommend the crab cake Benedict, served to perfection with creamy hollandaise sauce and paired with a salad with fresh shaved Parmesan cheese! The key lime tart for dessert is also a must!!! Stop by this fine place if you are in the area! Will be back soon!
(5)Cynthia M.
Thank you Pam for making my first experience at Duvals an incredible one! The food was amazing and the service even better! I will definitely be back next time I'm in town!
(5)Nick C.
I sat at the bar and enjoyed my food and service. I had a cup of the lobster bisque and there were lots of nice pieces of lobster and the flavor was outstanding. I also had the signature duo salad which had a shrimp and crab cake. Excellent flavor. I really enjoyed my meal and would definitely come here again. I visited on a Tuesday evening and I was the only person at the bar and the restaurant had about 3-4 tables. It was definitely a slow evening and a perfect time to visit this outstanding restaurant.
(5)Patric M.
Duvals is one of the places that you pass on the street and then are emotionally called to return. The atmosphere is pleasingly modern and the service attentive but not intrusive. (Rodrigo) We enjoyed the food which was tasty and a great serving size. My girlfriend raved about the bathroom.
(4)Naomi L.
Lovely trout, duck confit excellent ambience and outstanding service and pricing. Yum to the yum
(5)Todd R.
This is a great LOCAL place. The food is always good and they make sure they take care of the locals. The tomato soup with bleu cheese is amazing as well as the Crab & Shrimp cake dinner. Ask for PAM, she was our server last night and was just great. Keep up the good work!
(4)Tricia W.
Based on positive yelp reviews, we decided to try this place while visiting Florida from Seattle. The service was amazing! Not only was Rodrigo conscientious ok explaining the delicious specials, as well as making sure we had everything we needed. The atmosphere was casual but also slightly... Sophisticated which made us a little apprehensive with a one year old. But everything worked out perfectly (though I would not say this place is kid-friendly). The food was absolutely delicious. The signature salad had wonderful blue cheese and fresh greens. A good dressing and cashews. We each ordered the catch of the day, one was snapper which you could have grilled, blackened or sautéed and the other was grouper which could also be prepared any of those ways as well. Huge helpings of fish were served over seared red potatoes and sautéed squash and asparagus. Also, Rodrigo was friendly and directed us to two places where we could see alligators; something on our Florida bucket list. This restaurant made me feel at home. Wish I didn't have to fly so far to come back!
(5)Ed C.
Today my GF and I were in Sarasota Florida, we read the reviews on Yelp for Duval's Seafood Restaurant. So we decided to go for lunch. We had a fantastic server Pam. We told Pam we were looking to order the Seafood Bouillabaisse per Yelp reviews but it wasn't on the lunch menu. So Pam brought out the dinner menus after checking with the kitchen and we were able to place the order. The Seafood Bouillabaisse was excellent and our server Pam gave us 5 star service. I definitely would recommend Duval's Seafood Restaurant, Seafood Bouillabaisse & Pam We definitely will be back
(5)Kris A.
We ate at Duvals last night and it was great! I had the salmon and my husband had the ocean scampi. We were Both very happy and had great service by Rodrigo. It was Our first time there and we will definitely go back!! Happy to have found another local place to eat.
(4)Brian L.
One of the top 5 dinners we have every had. The seafood was very fresh and delicious. Our waiter was charming, friendly and extremely helpful. Our visit from the manger turned into a 10 minute conversation about the restaurant and us. It was like dinning with old friends. A must if visiting Sarasota!
(5)Jessica W.
I came here with a girlfriend for the first time. What a great experience! Our server Pam had great suggestions and was knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Definitely will come back to see her. The happy hour is a great deal. I got a $5 margarita.
(5)Cat N.
Fresh Local Seafood indeed! A wonderful restaurant with delicious food and fantastic service. I've been here tons of times and the food and service have been top-notch every single time. They're known for their po boys and the scallop one is my favorite, give me one of those with a signature salad and I'm set. Well okay, maybe add in one of those bread puddings too :) I've been going here since they first opened, but I have to say, since their most recent renovation, the place looks incredible. New decor, new bar, new booths. The new happy hour is reasonably priced with a very tasty menu ($5 Bar Bites? Yes please!) and the bartender (Kayla? She was really nice!) once made me the best drink I've ever had, hands down. Duval's even offers a free shuttle now to pick you up and drop you off, which is really convenient if you can't find parking on Main Street. I rode it once with Aaron as the driver and he was awesome! I've recommended Duval's to lots of friends and family because it's definitely one of the best restaurants in Sarasota.
(5)Kelly D.
Great food great service. Excellent pre fix menu with wine pairing. Raeechell was an awesome server and made sure we were happy each step of the way, including modifying our pairings to taste.
(5)Lola G.
Amazing food and service!!! Refined and fresh cuisine...In my opinion this says it all, but Yelp wants me to keep on talking, and prompts me to write more. I am not a food critique, but I do know what culinary mastery is, and this is it. Thank you for a wonderful and truly enjoyable experience. I look forward to my next experience at your restaurant.
(5)Lynn O.
As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with a nice Hello! & warm smile from Jamie B. Our server was Taylor H. he had a wonderful personality. We had a nice conversation with him as well.. Two other staff members passed by a few times & they asked how everything was & had a nice pleasant smile too. I had the Roasted Red Pepper Pasta - It was Amazing!! This dish has so much Flavor! My husband had the eggplant rollatini & it had great flavor too! This was our 1st time to Duval's, What a great experience we had.. This is going to be one of my favorite places to eat from now on!
(5)P C.
We stopped in or Savor Sarasota dinner. They had a 4 course menu which was nice since all the other places we have tried Savor had only 3 courses. Seared tuna app was delicious with wasabi vinaigrette and cellophane noodles. Great atmosphere! Great food! Great service from Doug! We will be back!!
(4)Tom L.
Last evening was out forth visit an the past three months. We have many good choices in Sarasota but this has become one of our favorites. We've always had between four and six at our table and every time each of us had an outstanding meal. We will continue to return on a regular basis. Creative seafood dishes and very cordial and efficient staff. TLL
(5)Erin C.
More expensive than $$ our whole meal for two with a bottle of wine was $100. The food was good but not as much choices as we thought. Neither the waitress or the host let us know about the happy hour specials that seemed reasonable.
(3)Katherine B.
One of the worst dining out experiences of my life, and we never even got to eat! The absolute worst seating service...I don't know how this place survived season! My husband and I took my mother-in-law out for her birthday last night and never got sat. We arrived at 6:45pm and were told it would be a 30-35 minute wait, so we put our names down and grabbed a seat in the bar area (at the window) for some drinks while we waited. Apparently the hostess never notified the bartender we were there because it took 15 minutes to get our first drinks, after my husband went to the bar. The bartender was absolutely wonderful and I'd give her 5 stars personally. After an hour and two drinks, I asked the hostess how much longer it would be and she said we would be the next party to be sat. Another 30 minutes went by and my jaw was on the floor as I watched THREE other parties get seated before us since they complained to the manager. Nice guys finish last I guess! At 8:15 (an hour and a half later!!!) we decided it was time to cut our losses and give another restaurant our business. We had a wonderful dinner, bottle of wine and fantastic service at Hyde Park Steakhouse, which I would highly recommend!! A tip to the hostess and management: UNDER PROMISE, OVER DELIVER! Don't tell me it's going to be 35 minutes and then let me sit there for 90. Tell me it's going to be 90 min and then we probably would've eaten at the bar! Instead, we left hungry and angry and spent a lot of money down the street.
(1)Ward S.
Had the pri fix menu with stuffed mushrooms, wedge salad. Salmon and key lime and a glass of house cab. Every single item was cooked perfectly and was extremely well prepared. I eat out 4 times a week, food doesn't get any better than this. Don't be in a rush though as service is a tad slow.
(5)Tim R.
Wahoo for the Wahoo! This was my second time to Duval's and it was better than ever! We went to Duval's for the company Christmas party and I had one of the three fresh fish specials: Wahoo, Black Grouper or Pollock. My Wahoo was soft like tilapia but in a steak like swordfish. The flavor was lighter than swordfish - mine was peppered lightly and grilled. The wahoo steak was served on a bed of quinoa with flavored with olive oil drizzled over the quinoa. For dessert I had the Key Lime Pie (tasted like graham cracker crust) and coffee. I'll be back!
(5)Sue G.
It was sadly empty! Oh well, more for us!! Started with the Lobster Bisque and Special salad. Both were very good! The Scottish Salmon was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. Great service. Decent prices!
(4)Angela R.
Horrible, overpriced Mother's Day brunch. Watery/runny eggs, greasy/soggy bacon, shrimp/crab cakes were soggy, falling apart, and full of shells. It was gross. They told us they could offer us all you can drink mimosa's, for $20 a person. We opted to buy a nice bottle of Prosecco for $39 instead. Will never go back.
(1)Abby M.
We stopped in at Duval's for a late lunch. Sat at the bar and Sam, the bartender was professional and enjoyable. Knew his drinks and made great suggestions for food as well. Had a tomato soup that had a touch of blue cheese that was superb. The fish was fresh and tasty. My companion had a gluten sensitivity and all the necessary adjustments were easily made. I will definately return for dinner.
(5)Toni K.
We discovered Duval's while vacationing in Sarasota in 2014, and made sure that we went there again this year! We were not disappointed. I had 2 of the "signature" dishes, a lobster/corn casserole appetizer, and a shrimp and crabcake entree. My husband loved his gazpacho and reported that his fish was light and crispy. The fish came with three varieties of french fries. My dishes were wonderful, and I must admit that I had ordered the crab/shrimp cakes last year too. I just couldn't resist them. We had craft cocktails at the bar (there was no bar last year) and then were hosted and guided by our excellent, attentive waittress, Rachelle. I couldn't be more enthusiastic about this restaurant!
(5)Gaetan D.
Very nice place for lunch, quick and good! I will recommend the Po boy sandwich, but don't be afraid to try anything else from the menu, it's probably good as well!
(4)Jen C.
This is the 5th review I have written that has miraculously disappeared? Who's paying who? This restaurant is a joke! After chef Wes Duval mysteriously disappeared the food became alpo( no offense to dogs!) the Menu was the same but no where near the quality and perfection my family and I had consistently experienced in all of our previous dining experiences. I found out why! Chef Duval is now cooking the fabulous food we all know and love at Off the Hook Seafood, in Gulf Gate. Let's see if this review gets deleted!? Sincerely, A chef Duval FAN!
(1)Patricia M.
This place is great! I was very happy with the service, food, and value. I've been here before for happy hour (which they have a great selection at amazing prices). I came back this time with some girlfriends for a second happy hour visit. However, they were still participating in the Savor Sarasota menu and I decided to eat the four course meal available instead of just bar bites this time. We ate at the bar. We were offered a very nice round table for our group by the hostess, but since we had people coming and going at different times, we didn't want to occupy one of their tables for who knows how long. For my appetizer, I had the grilled cheese and bacon sliders with bleu cheese tomato soup. Delicious! (This is also on the happy hour menu for $5 - would definitely come back for it) Salad course, the wedge. I'm not a fan of bleu cheese crumbles at all, but I have to say, this wedge salad was one if the best salads I've ever had. Main course, filet medallions with potato croquettes and asparagus. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Dessert, key lime pie. I don't have anything fantastic to say about it. It was good, but not the best part of my meal (I don't really have a huge sweet tooth, so that may just be me). Michelle was the bartender in training and was very attentive. She had wonderful things to say about the food and I could tell she was excited to be working there. I think I should also mention how the bar bites for happy hour are HUGE potions for the price. For example, my friend ordered the chicken po boy (we thought would be a mini slider) came out as a large sandwich with a side of fries. I'll definitely be back, most likely for happy hour more often as their menu is quite pricey. I would love to go back for a full dinner again and order off the regular menu, but it would have to be a special occasion.
(5)Kristan L.
Love, love, love this place! Freshly grilled fish with amazing veggies; these folks deliver top notch food and just the right amount of attention. Jamie was the server, and she described what I ended up ordering in such a way that there was no doubt it would be wonderful! Trendy decor, clean and friendly as well. The manager stopped by to say "hello" and check on my meal. I'll be back, bring friends, and we'll be asking for Jamie.
(5)Shelia Bland S.
Awesome! Bob and I have been here 3 times! Great atmosphere and great service!! We love it here!
(5)Deborah C.
If you like seafood this Restaurant is a good choice. I find it consistent . I have been there 4 times. My favorite thing there is scallops Rockefeller, seared scallops with Rockefeller sauce and fried oysters on top. Also have had crab and shrimp cakes, market fish of the day, all was good. Great service each and every time.
(5)Shay H.
We stopped by for the "Savor Sarasota" lunch menu. It was an odd time so we were the only ones in the restaurant. I was worried they were closed when I walked in but the server said it was no problem to serve us. The server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We both got the fish tacos. They were good, but not exceptional. I think I will return to try a dinner entree sometime. The atmosphere is trendy and nice/new.
(4)Mark S.
We decided on Duval's on a whim for Saturday afternoon. Their lunch combos were well priced around $8. The food was tasty. We sat outside and the wait staff were nice. Overall a positive experience. Only downsides the menu was a little limited and some of the main dishes were a bit on the pricey side. Your mileage may vary.
(4)Sam P.
I just left the new and refurbished Duval's and I am compelled to give them a 5-star rating. From the food to the staff to the ambience... everything there was simply incredible. Mike, thank you for being an exceptional guide to the restaurant. The Crisp Breeze was everything promised and then some - cold, crisp, tasty, worthy of a repeat. Nils - if you were responsible for the Oyster Po'Boy and slaw recommended by Mike, my hat is off to your talents in the kitchen department. The sandwich was unbelievably crisp and fresh and just overall excellent, and there are no words for the slaw to adequately do it justice (inventive and delicious come close). Met Josh, who runs the front end, and he was very pleasant and professional and friendly. Overall, I'd say this spot is a hands-down outstanding addition to the downtown dining scene. Thanks! I'll be back :-)
(5)Jeremy B.
We stopped by Duval's just before the Fourth of July fireworks in downtown Sarasota since we saw they were doing "picnic dinners" for people headed out to watch. We didn't particularly care for the options listed for that, so my wife asked what Vegetarian options were available. Since this is primarily a seafood place, there weren't a whole lot of entree options, however the waiter did inform us that they had a special black bean burger they were saving for the upcoming farmer's market that we could have, so we ordered that. The staff did a great job bringing out our food quickly considering the circumstances, and we were able to get out to the fireworks in a pretty timely manner. The black bean burgers were very flavorful and I was especially impressed at the generous amount of avocado on them. They did tend to fall apart as inhouse veggie burgers tend to, but it was only a few small chunks by the time you were done. The sweet potato fries were done perfectly, cooked to that proper way that allows them to still taste like sweet potato and not burnt sugar when they try to turn them into shoestrings. All in all, we were very impressed with out take out meal and the flexibility of the staff. Our options are a little limited here, but I do see that they have several veggie options on their full menu that I will have to check out. In the meantime, our experience with Duval's was pleasant enough that I will definitely be recommending them to our seafood loving friends.
(4)Jim R.
I had heard several great things about Duval's so I was really excited to try it out. It was a Sunday evening and the restaurant wasn't very busy. My fiance and I split an order of the vegetarian spring rolls as our starter. They were extremely greasy. I mean you could see the oil puddling on them. For the entree, we both ordered fish. Now I have to say, when I see a menu that lists numerous sauces or toppings for your fish, this should be a red flag. And that's what you get at Duval's. It's like going to Bonefish and to me it's a sign of laziness. And for a restaurant that carries the name of the Chef, it's inexcusable for a small +$20 piece of fish. I got tile fish with the Tomato and Mushroom Relish. My fiance got her fish prepared as an amandine. Both were extremely bland. They tasted like they weren't even seasoned at all. And my fish was slightly over done, to the point that the tips were slightly brown and dry. We won't be going back. I've had MUCH better meals at Bonefish.
(1)Pam B.
Run, don't walk away from this Resturant .i ordered gumbo and a salad.the gumbo was not spicy the least and it was cold.my dinner salad was just ok.my husband ordered fish and chips. The chips were good but the fish was strong and some of it,completely uneatable. No wonder we were the only people having lunch there.
(1)Pablo O.
gazpacho was very flavorful and spicely balanced, Cecilia house salad with crusted salmon was excellent, portions were fair, prices $4 and $10, cafe con leche wasn't good (though not in the menu they tried to make one for me), but girlfriend saved the day, she ordered (twice) expresso and steamed milk and made fantastic cafe on leches, service was excellent, ambiance very pleasant
(5)J P.
Excellent dinner tonight for two. Appetizers: Eggplant rollitini. Shrimp and crab cakes. Dinner: Salmon and scallops. Waitress: Raechelle, polite and attentive. Everything was cooked perfectly and delivered timely. I Highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)David F.
Had a great Sunday night dinner. The food was good and the 4 course meal was a deal. The service was great. Sam was our server and the manager Steven was very attentive and helpful.
(4)Taylor P.
I travel to Sarasota on business and always look forward to visiting Duval's! The food is fantastic, we always enjoy the chef's specials and the waiters are attentive and fun - I'm lookin' at you Jeff! The management is involved so there's a great sense of team work. Other reviews reference minimal people in the restaurant - it all depends on when you go. We've been when it's packed and the same time the next day it's been quiet. So don't let that scare you off :) Definitely somewhere to check out if you want a well priced lunch/dinner in downtown!
(5)Roland T.
Duval's was recommended to us and we spent a great New Year's eve dinner there. The menu was very well elaborated and of high quality and the service was top notch. The place is extremely well located on Main street Sarasota in the best part of the city, minutes away form the city boardwalk. The only downside, was that the bathroom overflew and wasn't usable on that precise evening. You can also watch your food being prepared on am large screen which gives you a warm feeling of how ell it is prepared.
(4)T. F.
Another year, another A-1 rating on our part for this comfortable source of good food, good taste and good times in the heart of downtown Sarasota. Our latest visit, with five other friends, was as enjoyable as previous calls. Great food, cheerful service (Yay, Pam!), comfortable surroundings -- all combined to turn a meal into a delightful occasion. Again, we enjoyed the iceberg lettuce wedge raised above its basic blandness by a velvety blue cheese dressing and c-r-r-runchy bacon... the scallops Rockefeller... the grilled shrimp over a bed of fresh corn dressed in a mild pesto (sounds strange, tastes heavenly!)... the lobster bisque... the blackened grouper... every dish packed with delicate taste and beautifully presented. Even the warm bread and fresh butter are too tasty to pass up. Here's a kitchen that obviously tries hard to please the palate and eyes... and succeeds. If there's one small minus... now that the bar has become such a popular hangout perhaps it could include a wider selection of cocktail or straight ingredients, such as, to name a couple, Campari and Lillet. If Duval's stays the course we will be back again and again, as we have for the past two years.
(5)Mike R.
This place is a disgrace to Sarasota. I ordered the Philly Cheese steak with Au jus sauce. This meal was cold and absolutely tasteless. On my second bite I was subtly interrupted by the restaurant manager, Josh. Josh loudly and rudely asked me how my experience was while I was quick to reply with expressing how disappointed I was in the sub-par food and swimming pool-esque tasting tap water. Two thumbs down.
(1)Shelley T.
This restaurant came highly recommended by the doorman at the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota. We were a party of 8 for lunch, and enjoyed our meal there. The server was good, the decor was beautiful. The food was also good. Not as spectacular a meal as the valet made me think it would be. But, I would definitely go back.
(4)Tish P.
Despite a disaster of a meal at Duval's I am very impressed with Josh's concern for customer satisfaction. He went the distance to make it right, so I'm adding two more stars to the review in recognition of his efforts. Thank you, Josh.
(3)Carolyn L.
Incredibly disappointing! We have eaten at Duval's for a couple of years and have been big fans. Our prior experiences were wonderful and we had such a fantastic New Year's Eve dinner last year that we just had to repeat it this year. We even brought more friends and raved about what a great meal we were about to have. What a HUGE mistake! The food and service were just awful. The advertised NYE dinner was a five course meal with drink specials and "$20.15 wine bottle specials" (like last year). We first asked what their wine bottle specials were. Our server told us there were NO wine specials. (Last year we had a fantastic bottle of wine for $20.14.) Really? DId she not know or was it false advertising. We couldn't tell... They offered 2 choices for each course. For each course, here's their description vs. what we were served: 1. "Lump Crab, Sweet Corn Fritter, MicroGreen Herb Salad" - We all ordered this and were served a round, deep-fried, brown ball that they said was a crab cake. We were expecting lump crab meat. It was a totally mushy fried ball with no absolutely no sign of crab. There were a few pieces of sweet corn mixed in with some small greens. 2. "Potato Croquette, Vidalia Onion, Caper, Olive, Anchovy Caponata" - Three of us ordered this. The first batch they delivered were cold. The 2nd batch were hot on the outside and still cold on the inside. Obviously reheated. It was another round, deep-fried, brown ball with no flavor. The onion also had little flavor and was so mushy I didn't recognize it at first. I also didn't detect any anchovy, caper or olive flavors. It appeared to be just a really poor and tasteless pesto. One of us had the beef consomme with shitake [sic - their spelling] mushrooms and chives. It was as described and she said it was "just okay." 3. "Red Wine Braised Chicken en Croute, Goat Cheese, Chipolini [sic] Onion" - The chicken was barely warm, overcooked, very dry and again had little flavor. My feeling is that it, like much of the other food, had been prepared a day or so before and reheated for our dinner. The goat cheese and onion were smashed together. One person had the grilled swordfish, which she said was the only good thing she ate all night. 4. "Seared Scallop, Carrot Ginger Creme, Crisp Rice Cake" - They said this was their signature dish. Yikes! There were 4 scallops - again overcooked, quite rubbery and really salty. They were sitting on some tasteless carrot puree. No ginger flavor was present. And guess what - on top was yet another deep-fried, brown ball. I'd already had enough fried food for one meal so I tasted only a little of the inside (the others couldn't bear to...) and it was terrible. 5. "Chocolate Glass, Vanilla Custard, Fresh Berries" - We expected some sort of chocolate shell or tuille with vanilla custard or pudding. What a shock - it looked like someone dumped Hershey syrup on a plate, sprayed a little dried-out whipped cream on top, and placed 2 slices of strawberries and a few blueberries. And it tasted like Hershey syrup and deflated whipped cream! Our server appeared to be embarassed and replaced them with their sorbet, which was probably the best thing I had all night. When I thought back on it the next day, I realized that our entire meal was pretty much brown and white. (My biggest regret - besides not getting up and walking out! - was not taking pictures of the food so you could see the incredible discrepancy between what was described vs. what was served.) Throughout the meal, we told our server about the issues so she sent the manager over. He told us he hadn't had any other complaints. However, we overheard someone at the next table complain that "there was no crab in their lump crab." He sent over a bottle of wine, which we didn't want or need - one was more than enough for us. To his credit, he did come back at the end of the meal to see how the rest of the meal was. They said the chef was the same as last year, but that could not possibly be true - unless he was just a sous chef last year. When we described how upset and disappointed we were, he gave us a plastic voucher (of an undisclosed amount). We told him we didn't intend to return after such a bad meal, but that was his answer. We are not typically complainers, but we spent over $100 apiece and it was SO bad that we thought some discount should have been given to compensate for the poor quality. So we won't be back. There are SO many really good restaurants to choose form in Sarasota that it's not worth the risk.
(1)Jb M.
I've eaten here three times in the last month and while the first time was a three star experience, the last two times were excellent. The bouillabaisse is the best for miles around and my dining companions had excellently prepared dishes as well. In both instance they selected the daily fish specials and were not disappointed. The last time we were there we had the table right inside the door with a window that was opened so it felt like we were outside. And excellent spot. We'll definitely return.
(4)Kristi P.
Fairly decent menu, lots of fresh fish. I enjoy it for lunch. Best poboys in Sarasota
(4)Mindy E.
I don't quite know where to begin, so I'm gonna break it down the best I can. 1. Service- Our server was friendly, but very awkward. The staff was eager to help, but were very clearly NOT trained. We had to ask if there were specials and our server hesitated before remembering he had written them down. He read them off and then went to the back. Several minutes later another server stopped to ask if we had any questions. My husband asked him to repeat the specials to help make his decision. This server gave us a different set of specials which we found out upon placing our order was incorrect. Our server also told several of us after ordering that what we got was his "favorite dish"- we all ordered different dishes. We sat with nothing in front of us for 20 minutes and got about half way through our appetizer before bread (not fresh) and butter (too cold to spread) was brought to our table. When our food came out my crab cakes were dumped on the table. The server was apologetic and got me a replacement but left me with quite a mess to sit in. When he came back with the check, he suddenly had a hoity-toity/country club accent- almost British sounding. 2. Food- We decided to try Duval's because of the reviews we had read, the aesthetically pleasing photos of the dishes, and the restaurant's claim to have fresh, local seafood. DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE PICTURES. Yes, the dishes were all aesthetically pleasing when they came out, but there was no culinary skill. I was told that my shrimp and crab cakes were 80% meat with very little filler. I couldn't vouch for that as it seemed that whatever they were composed of had been pureed. No lumps of delicious crab or shrimp. Flavor was mediocre at best. Our friends both ordered dishes with shrimp and it was overcooked, but they did like the sauces and pasta. Bottom line- there are much better options in the area. We will not return to Duval's. The staff needs to be trained and they definitely need to do some work in the kitchen.
(1)Justin S.
"It's not a brunch buffet, it's a challenge." Well, that was (sorta) what I told myself when my Sarasotan friends told me we'd be heading to Duval's New World Café for their "terrific" Sunday brunch buffet. My friends, who have an uncanny ability to find fault with everything somehow love Duval. Well, I'll be. Then, this place must be good. Never being one to turn down the chance to partake in (another) self-imposed eating contest, I really thought this sounded great. I also decided to complete a long, early morning run before going so I'd have "extra room" (Is that cheating?). We arrived around 11am to a lightly crowded dining room and were promptly seated. The waiter came over to take our drink orders (brunch includes coffee/tea and an alcoholic beverage like a mimosa, bloody mary, bellini, etc.). After that, we were told to help ourselves to the brunch buffet. The buffet presents an interesting variety of sweet and savory dishes, plus a ton of fantastic baked goods (croissants, Danish pastries, cookies, savory pastries, etc.) and an omelet station. Dishes worth mentioning include the ethereal (creamy, custardy, dare I say "best I ever had, and at a buffet, no less!?") French toast, bacon, sausage, and mixed salads. As for the baked goods, DO try the goat cheese turnover with Kalamata olives, which my (Cordon Bleu-trained) friend and I were astounded by. All in all, everything presented on the brunch buffet was good. Service is, as I say, "attentive bordering on overbearing," but maybe that was because there weren't too many other diners to tend to. For $20, this is an extremely worthwhile brunch option in Downtown Sarasota.
(4)George W.
When you go to restaurant with a Living Social coupon in hand, you don't expect five star treatment, but that is exactly what we got. First of all, we went in the middle of the afternoon, smack dab between lunch and dinner and they were kind enough to serve us a bit of each. My husband had the crab shrimp cake on marbled rye smothered with melted cheese. As we are Floridians who live on the beach we have had more than our fair share of disappointing seafood, but this was a thing of fulsome beauty with none of the dry mealy fillers often used locally. On the other hand I had had a glimpse of the dinner menu and was salivating over the panopaly of dinner appetizers duck pasties with garlic cream sauce and the short rib spring rolls with copious amounts of cheese. As the manager found out we were celebrating our 34th wedding anniversary he practically did handstands in order to take a beautifully framed photo of us on our iPad. Then out came a complementary chocolate dessert of such delicious density that we were practically bathed in an afterglow following consumption. While we went using a coupon, we would have happily paid full price for such quality service and food. We won't be waiting for anniversary #35 to go back.
(5)Jeff B.
I keep wanting to love this place like I did in the past. ..but I just can't. Server was nice but my entrée was not hot. I never send food back to the kitchen but this was cold! The past few times have not been good. . The kitchen really brings this place down..so sad this was my fav sarasota spot when I am in town.
(1)Jared B.
Great spot. Good prices for downtown. Good atmosphere with outdoor seating. Ask for Taylor (she was awesome!)
(5)Meg M.
Salmon frittata and blackened mahi mahi were both full of flavor. Cute atmosphere, nice bar and incredibly accommodating service.
(5)Richard G.
The salads and entrees were excellent but the waiter service was a little on the slow side. You definitely won't be rushed out the door.
(4)Anjali K.
I loved Duval's for lunch. Upon arrival, we were quickly seated and greeted by the friendliest waiter. He was very keen on ensuring that we enjoyed our lunch and offered suggestions to help us decide. My co-worker and I decided on the half soft-shelled crab sandwich and french fries. We were served very quickly and dug right in! The breading on the soft-shell crab was divine -- perfectly crispy and crumbly, with fresh seafood underneath. I got the remoloude sauce on the side, and this added the perfect touch of spice to my food. My mouth is watering thinking of the seafood/cajun flavors right now! The French Fries were well done -- not too salty, not soggy, just right. I absolutely enjoyed Duval's for lunch! I'm not sure how their dinner menu plays out, but I would not mind going for lunch again!
(4)Frank R.
The meal was very good the only reason I gave 3 stars was the fact that my guests ordered the gumbo. And it was really bad. No flavor even asking our waiter to get us hot sauce n salt did not help he said some other people had complained also ,so nothing done about it . The waiter said that the executive chef was away and the second cook was experimenting , we told it didn't work ,the fact we were not offered another soup or credit was in our opinion very poor judgement since this place gas a good reputation ... But rest of food was good. So next time chef should leave place in better hands ..... Or some guid lines ps we still go back
(3)Richard N.
I really liked my meal. Great food and great service. My wife would agree about the service but not the food. She though her chicken salad was just ok. My portabella mushroom was one of the best I've ever had. If we lived closer we would be regulars. My wife might even find something she liked.
(4)R J.
We had both dinner and lunch at Duvals, recently. We found the food quality to be superb. Traditional but expertly prepared, the chef understands how to please the foodies in the area. You should try the signature dishes as these were a cut above the rest.
(5)Linda D.
My husband and i went to Duvals for lunch as this is Savor Sarasota restaurant week. We were very happy we did as this is a restaurant you should not miss. I started with their special salad of greens blue cheese, cashews, tomatoes and a very good dressing. Next was blackened fish tacos and I loved them. Now I was plenty full but could not stop without that bread pudding. Excellent! Husbands lobster bisque was great and also a good po boy
(4)Craig B.
Been to Duval's 8 times. Every time I get less impressed. Ordered Shrimp/Crab cakes. Had better frozen from Publix. Then the special of the day. Blackend. Can't recall the name of it but It was not all Blackend. Some light spice that was imperceptible. I told the waiter. His response: "We have so many old people that the kitchen goes light on spice." Wish I had sent it back but it was getting late. Will not go back. Dinner over $80 for 2 and we split some things.
(1)Ed N.
Terrible service. I also do not get the amazing reviews. took over an hour to get a simple dish. I had a living social and it was not even worth it. I felt like I got ripped off. My wife summed it up... never again Josh, I emailed you like you asked me to 2 days ago.. have not heard from you yet. Weird this restaurant responds like they care. But when you email them as josh asks you never hear from them.
(1)Dorothy W.
Ask for Misha. Have the salmon BLT. Wonderful
(5)MaryAnn C.
Wait staff is rude and sarcastic. From the moment we entered, the male waiter was snippy- I almost left, but, didn't because we had others in our party and parking is a nightmare on Main Street. And, how do they not know their own menu? I asked if we could apps off the bar menu and was told they don't have any of those items and that food wouldn't be ready until after 3pm. I was told they keep meaning to change the menu but haven't gotten around to it. I asked if certain "bar menu" food was available and waiter had to go back to the kitchen and ask- guess what- every item was available but if you point it out on the "bar menu" they don't have it. The restaurant itself is cute and the booth seating is very, very, comfy. The flavored teas are delicious. We had calamari which was very good- nice thick rings, which I like. They fry slices of lemon with their calamari and shrimp but don't tell you when they serve you and if you eat on by mistake, it isn't a pleasant experience. Our food arrived cold and I think this was our servers fault because patrons around us were served before us and they came in after us. It would be nice if menu updates would happen on yelp because I chose this place because of their menu, only to find out that menu is out of date and no longer used. I went out of my way to try this place because of the app and dessert menu which was discontinued. My daughter's halibut sandwich looked and smelled like they made it 2 days ago. This restaurant wasn't at the top of their game today. I won't be back.
(1)Welington F.
I was in Sarasota last week and had the pleasure to eat dinner at Duval's. The experience was fantastic in many ways, but the food and the wine were really the stars. I had fresh barracuda fish in a lime based sauce paired with a lovely Pinot Grigio (suggested by the staff). Needless to say, there was nothing left either on my plate or glass. All in all, delicious, amazing food!
(5)Bentobox S.
Well below average and over priced. Which is typical of the area, but the food is subpar. Add to that 400% wine mark up and you have a place where I would like to send in Gordon Ramsay for kitchen nightmare episode! Deep fried dry panko crusted fish with no sauce. Soggy calamari. And french onion soup with a half frozen slice of baguette, untoasted and microwaved mozzarella. Sent 3 dishes back! Why does the herb crusted rack of lamb say China..."it's where the recipe comes from"....sure it is.
(2)Joe R.
Downtown Sarasota has several great restaurants to choose from and Duvals has proven to be my favorite dining experience. I highly recommend the rack of lamb, and the scallops rockefeller style. The bread pudding made with pastry dough was rich and a great finish! Service and timing was perfect. Both the dining room staff and the kitchen are very smooth, and I love the flat screen view of the kitchen offering an exhibition kitchen feel. Joe Rimer ~ former executive chef, Owner/ Sculptor @ Ice Pro
(5)Michael D.
This place is great. Great location and setting. Was with 3 other people for my birthday. We started with the coco shrimp as an appetizer. For the main course I did a surf and turf with the filet and scallops while the others got the Scottish Salmon. The steak had great flavor and was cooked perfectly and the salmon came with grilled zucchini topped with mozzarella and balsamic dressing on the side. Everyone cleaned there plates and to celebrate the bday someone ordered us the bread pudding. Don't pass on that it is unreal. Great meal and service in downtown Sarasota and it is open on Sundays which is a big plus.
(5)Stacy F.
We had the price fixe menu and it was a steal! The lobster corn casserole appetizer was large and had chunks of lobster, the entree fish was fresh and cooked however we asked for it, and the desserts were to die for! The chocolate peanut butter delight was one of the most phenomenal desserts I've had and they brought samples of the key lime bites which were equally tasty. The service (Brandon was our waiter) was excellent, attentive, and very accommodating. I will absolutely be returning next time I'm in Sarasota.
(5)Karen G.
Not a cool place to eat. Just amazed at the sterling reviews. Thought we had scored a major coup getting a last minute reservation on a Friday night. Should have known better ! Hardly anyone in there - but they couldn't get the timing right. Some entrees scalding hot - some lukewarm, some cold. My swordfish was cold. And that kitchen cam is ridiculous. It is not a cool thing - it is more like a camera to watch the staff in a convenience store to insure they are not stealing. We all watch in horror as they threw my swordfish back in the oven and just stood there ignoring it. Any good seafood chef knows how delicate swordfish is and it came back as a hockey puck. Absolutely zero creativity here
(2)Joe C.
Waiter was good and knowledgeable-no prob there. The wine was good. The food sucked! I thought I was on a Hidden Camera when my piece of fish came out. It was a little bigger than a silver dollar. The food was cold and the potatoes were very undercooked. The portion was small altogether. Very, very disappointing for the very high price paid and worse, the anticipation all day of a hopeful good meal. That was the biggest let-down. Skip Duval's! Seriously.
(1)Michael G.
If a restaurant is going to charge premium prices (and $33 for a salmon special is definitely premium) then the food, service and décor needs to match the expected level. We waited over 20 minutes for our bottle of wine to be served as well as bread coming to the table. The staff was somewhat disorganized as well. The salmon was good but far from memorable, it was supposed to be blackened but barely had any seasoning with a crab-cake like filling on top of it. The wine we ordered, a Toscolo Chianti Classico Riserva, seemed overpriced at $57 as well, I believe retail is about $25-the only reason the bottle was ordered was that the wine by the glass list was very weak and their most popular Cabernet wasn't even remotely drinkable. The décor is very, very ordinary, with an open entry to Main Street which made the restaurant almost uncomfortably chilly. Apparently the head chef was not working that night-they have a TV monitor that shows the working kitchen and there was barely any activity, maybe they should reconsider that part of the dining experience. The people next to us mentioned that the first three things they wanted to order weren't available, including the salmon special-I would have gladly given up my order to them and just eaten a salad and be done with it. I've been watching some of the restaurant rescue shows recently, this one seems like a potentially good candidate if my experience is any indication. *
(2)Janet B.
Watch the asterisks in Duval's ads for $5 burgers. Not our first time there--been often and recommend the place. Walked in 8PM Fri 9/5 hungry, were asked to wait 20 minutes, ordered our burger and told 10 minutes later they were out of meat! No "rain check" or sorry for wasting your 1/2 hour. We should have asked them about the "as long as supplies last" when we arrived. Never occurred to us to call ahead and ask them to hold a pound of hamburger in our name.
(2)Reid D.
Had a nice meal here. I think the menu is a little too aggressive. It's heavy on seafood, which is expected in Florida, and especially in a near the Gulf. The waiter was very knowledgable. The manager introduced himself and offered opinions with wine selection. I found it interesting that they asked for feedback after the meal was complete. I think that shows a dedication to their consumers. I think this is an attempt to stifle the internet tough guys who purport to be food "critics." It is evident they want to make everyone happy. I will definitely go back.
(4)Dean K.
Had an excellent pre-opera meal. I ordered linguini with clams and was very pleased. My wife had crab cake and shrimp cake and claimed her food melted in her mouth. The service was fast, knowledgable and wonderfully friendly. I happen to like Chilean red wine and ordered it from a very substantial wine list. The restaurant is located about two blocks from the opera house in the middle of all the action in downtown Sarasota. I do not give five rating very often, so I will give Duvals a 4.5 because the prices are rather high, but I will go back whenever I feel like being spoiled in an excellent eatery. I highly recommend.
(4)Sanjay M.
Wonderful place, kind staff, great food. All around great experience! I recommend the eggs florentine, or the Cajun grits. #yum
(5)P.J. D.
At lunch, when you first walk into Duval's, the place reminds you of one of Gordon Ramsey's overnight restaurant refreshes on his TV show. The decor is impossibly contemporary, light, brushed metal everywhere, and oh, look, a flat screen which shows the kitchen! Neato. I sat down and was a little surprised at the brevity of the menu, given the somewhat ostentatious decor, but on the advice of a friend I gave it a shot. I am a calamari freak. My non-lawyer friends in law school would call me The Squid, and not because it's the only thing that can allegedly kill a shark. Duval's calamari is a let down, it didn't taste all that fresh, and was limited only to rings, which everybody knows is perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing part, but not the tastiest by a long shot. The shrimp and crab cake was similarly a let-down, fried but not crisp. This is not to say it was bad, just not knock-my-socks-off good. Last up on my tour of the New World was a shrimp po-boy, executed competently if not spectacularly. Overall, a pleasant place to be, the food is reasonably priced (which is not as common as it could be for downtown), the waitstaff fairly efficient and friendly. I just wasn't blown away, but I would recommend it, particularly if you're looking for somewhere nice with reasonable prices downtown.
(3)Jeannette B.
Came here for their thanksgiving buffet. They did not disappoint. They had all the thanksgiving favorites and then some.
(4)Kathy W.
Had a great meal at Duvals. Wedge salad was delicious and mussels were great. Others had fish and scallops and everyone enjoyed their meals. Would definitely recommend...ambience is nice...wish it were a little more intimate feeling.
(4)Milton Y.
Looked at the menu online & decided to order Salmon. They were out of salmon!! This was at 6pm on a Saturday night, when they know they will be busy & should have plenty of supply. I've seen other reviews with the same problem. Did not care for the fish & chips - pretty tasteless. After coming home, had a pretty bad stomach upset, which speaks to the quality of their kitchen. Probably hadn't changed the oil in their fryer for too long. We will not be back.
(2)Lawrence C.
A very middle of the road experience. You can't go wrong; just don't have high expectations. Prices are reasonable, especially for Sarasota. Quality of food and presentation is okay too. Rating above says it all.
(3)Roving F.
Overpriced and a new menu to boot. We felt like guinea pigs. Was not happy with the food which was barely edible. Service was good, the server was very apologetic. But that did not make up for the food unfortunately.
(2)Mario V.
Had a lunch with colleagues here as a first try to our weekly lunch rotation,the overall sentiment for the meal around the whole table was.... Meeehhh! Not horrible but certainly not going back. Started with the Gazpacho, this was probably my least favorite gazpachos iv had, it was more like a chunky Pace-Picante salsa than a Gazpacho, I felt like I needed to order corn chips just to finish it, in it was a line of sour cream that really did not do it for me. For the entree I had the beef tip sandwich, sounded great on the menu but came out WAY to GREASY!! topped with a bunch of shredded lettuce (Not a fan) and I some onions made the whole sandwich blaaahhhh! Service was friendly but this place wont be making it to our weekly rotation.
(2)Adam A.
OK, so I never had a "po boy" sandwich before, but walking by the place it looked great and even though I don't eat fried food I wanted one, what to do...Solution! The chef grilled the chicken for me... and let me tell you, I can't wait to have another. Lets just say the yummy sauce was running over my left hand and I did not even stop to address it while I enjoyed this sandwich. Not sophisticated at all but I did not even care. I was in sandwich love. Make sure you get one. A 5 star sandwich? Yes, they aren't kidding, it really is.
(5)Christian S.
Had lunch with friends. Ordered Baja Fish Taco's $12. Cup of lobster bisque. Not impressed! 3 Tortilla Shells - tiny portion of grouper, a side of black beans, side of canned pineapple. Service was a disaster - wrong beer, extra entree on my check and they didn't clear plates when finished. $60 - lunch with tip
(2)Erin W.
INCREDIBLE FOOD, HORRIBLE SERVICE. A group of friends and I were vacationing in Siesta Key and stumbled upon this place online. We were a little scared walking in as no one seemed to greet us and they seemed offended that we didn't have reservations even though the restaurant was empty. The service was terrible, absolutely terrible. Our waiter, Marcellus (I think) would have been fired if he were from our home town. He ignored us the majority of the night, never noticed when our drinks were empty, and we had to ask for more drinks! The water is also the worst tap water I have ever tasted. Good thing the food made up for his complete lack of service! The food was absolutely amazing!! From the shrimp and crab cakes to the duck rolls to the mussels, everything we ordered was delicious! Hands down, the bouillabaisse, was the absolute best I have ever had. I even felt the need to tell the chef how wonderful all of our food was. If they can figure out the service part, this place will be unstoppable.
(4)Jackie W.
Order the Shrimp Po Boy. It was amaaazing and don't forget to feed the little squirrel a cashew if you sit on the patio.
(4)Ann M.
We cook at home so it is hard for us to find a restaurant that offers quality great tasting food that is worth the money they are asking, but Duval's definitely is worth it! We went for dinner and enjoyed eating outside. We shared a lobster bisque ( I wanted to lick the bowl out when I was done) lol, I did refrain from doing so. I had triple tail with rockefeller sauce with 3 fried oysters on top. YUM! My husband had the filet with pan seared scallops (done to perfection)!!!!! The service was absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend this restaurant !!!!
(5)Lydia L.
I have been here twice! Food is great, nothing that screams out at me to tell you that its a MUST try. I do like the atmosphere, for Sarasota, it is one of the classy restaurant to impress a date with. Try Bread Pudding if you have room at the end of your meal...
(4)Robert E.
What a delightful experience. The food was superbly prepared and presented. I had Scallops-Rockefeller, very tender with a hint of 5 spice over the butter and garlic, covered with sautéed spinach and fried oysters. My wife had triple-tail, (a local fish) broiled to perfection. The bread pudding dessert was spectacular. We are planning a return visit very soon. Our server, Samuel, was new but j Knowledgeable and solicitous, without being overbearing. All in all, we strongly recommend Duvals for foodies.
(5)Carl Z.
Our first time in downtown Sarasota and Duval's didn't disappoint. Had read some reassuring reviews but there was one catch. We had our 14 month old with us while vacationing. I wouldn't let that stop me from enjoying a great meal. The staff at Duval's was outstanding. They were extremely accommodating and made us feel quite welcome, even with our son in tow. The food was well prepared and quite fresh. I say this since the sides that came along with the fish I ordered were especially tasty and prepared with the same care as the main dish. The wine list is extensive and easily accommodates a wide range of price points. Overall quite pleased with the experience, and when I return to the area, will certainly be making a reservation.
(4)Owen B.
Went for the Father's Day brunch special. Food was so-so. Crab cakes were tasty omelette was pretty good but the PASTRIES were TERRIBLE croissants hard as a rock scones were dry. French toast was soggy and bland. We are local and won't be back.
(2)Gayle L.
Food was excellent! Atmosphere great. Was packed for lunch, so you might want to make a reservation before you go.
(4)Taryn C.
This place has AMAZING food. The service was excellent when I went as well. Will be going back again for sure.
(5)Nick H.
Delicious! Staff was friendly and the god was amazing!! I had the shrimp po boy and it was just like New Orleans! Prices where reasonable also.
(5)Ken C.
Just had a wonderful lunch here with my wife. The gumbo, oyster Po boy and crab cake lunches were delicious. Excellent service by Rebecca. By far the best Po Boy I have ever had. Highly recommend. We will be back very often.
(5)Pamela M.
My review is based on a take out lunch so perhaps my senses were clouded by the styrofoam container. When a colleague suggested the Oyster po' boy I must say it sounded awfully nice. And it was. The oysters were fried but not overly greasy. Nice spead on the bread and some condiments to round out the utility sandwich. Although the creativity was wonderful I can't say the sandwich had a "wow" factor, but good just the same. the fries however were wonderful and super crispy. I'm looking forward to having a meal in-house for the full experience.
(3)Cheri P.
Tucked in among the trendy boutiques, eclectic restaurants, and stylish condos that call Main Street home, is a delightfully bright and cheery restaurant called Duval's New World Cafe. There is a small, outdoor seating area for those that choose to enjoy the glorious weather that Florida has to offer and a lovely, spacious, indoor dining room with a variety of seating options to accommodate large groups or intimate dinners. The wait staff is friendly and attentive as well as courteous and knowledgeable. The preset tables give a feeling of tidiness but without being pretentious. There is not a lot in the way of décor, but what there is is comfortable, and that's fine because this feels like the kind of place that you can sit for hours and have real conversations with your dinner companions. Perhaps the best adornment is a flat screen TV displaying the action taking place in the kitchen. This is the best of both worlds! Giving patrons full access to see the food being prepared but not like the standard open air kitchens that exude heat and ingurgitate whatever germs are brought in by the customers. Very intriguing! While perusing the menu with a glass of Delta Luna merlot wine, I noticed that the nationality of each dish was presented next to the title. This caught my interest and it occurred to me to challenge myself, and the "World Cafe" title, by choosing dishes from different locales. After all, what's life, and dinner, without a little whimsy? I started my culinary travels with appetizers of Thai Spiced Potato Croquettes (Thailand) and Eggplant Rollatini (Italy). The potato croquettes were a simple dish in both complexity and presentation but don't let this dissuade you. Whipped potato infused with the Thai spices was encrusted in a panko coating, deep fried and served with chipotle remoulade. You cannot possibly imagine my surprise when I popped this light bite of heaven into my mouth. The coating was crisp and not greasy while the potato was airy. It was as if it melted in your mouth. My first thought was this must be what a deep fried cloud would taste like! Eggplant Rollatini, Duval's New World Cafe, Sarasota, FLThe eggplant rollatini consisted of thin slices of fried eggplant wrapped around a blend of ricotta, asiago, and mozzarella cheeses, all topped with marinara, a sprinkling of parmesan, and a drizzle of pesto. It is a mix of fresh, delicate flavors and rich ingredients that meld together to yield a light yet satisfying dish. This could easily be paired with a salad and a glass of the Durigutti malbec to create a full meal. Trudging on, I continued my delicious journey with stops in France and England. When referencing British cuisine, what could be more ubiquitous than Fish and Chips and the chef hit all of the high notes. There were three pieces of flaky cod, encased in a delicate tempura batter, and lightly fried. Unfortunately, there was nothing impressive about the chips but that's not really why I ordered the dish. I would like to offer a recommendation based on my experience: request the chipotle remoulade sauce as a condiment as it adds a lovely, light spice that balances well with the fresh flavor of the fish. Filet Tip Sandwich, Duval's New World Cafe, Sarasota, FLFrance offered a substantially different, yet equally delightful, Filet Tip Sandwich and a side of the same fries as above. A lightly toasted French baguette overflows with bite sized pieces of juicy filet mignon, cooked medium to medium rare, accompanied by caramelized onions, sautéed spinach and mushrooms, topped with provolone and a horseradish cream. The bread soaks up a lot of the juices, and releases them down your fingers with every bite. The real problem with this is trying to lick your fingers to catch every delicious drop, while still endeavoring to keep up the airs of propriety. Each ingredient brings a nuance that, in many ways, makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Due to a minor accident of my own making, which I won't go into, I can also state that this could easily be turned into a very satisfying vegetarian sandwich! The heartiness of the sautéed mushrooms, onion, and spinach paired with the buttery richness of the provolone cheese, horseradish cream and crusty bread is enough to satisfy almost any appetite. Creme Brulee, Duval's New World Cafe, Sarasota, FLThis brings me to the jewel of my globetrotting trip: dessert! For this course I could not resist one of my personal favorites, Crème Brulee (France), specifically Orange-Thyme (I had to revisit France to try this, you understand), and one of the main attractions, Chef Duval's Signature Bread Pudding (New Orleans). The quintessential hard, caramelized sugar topping on a crème brulee, in this case was unfortunately burnt beyond edibility. After removing the burnt sugar, the Orange-Thyme crème had a smooth custard consistency with a thick, creamy texture
(5)Sean W.
Great service, delicious food and wine. Dining as a tourist/business traveler can be daunting, never know if the best place is just around the corner. When in doubt I go with enthusiasm. The employees here love their restaurant! While checking out the menu a waiter came out and started telling me all the menu highlights. I sat at the bar and was entertained by a video screen showing a live feed of the kitchen! It was fun to watch my dinner get made. I went for their seasonal menu call Flavor-Fall (haha review is not for their comedic skills). For $34 I choose 3 courses and $16 more got wine pairings. Excellent experience: butternut squash bisque (creamy and accompanied by warm bread), prosciutto wrapped snapper (local fish and amazing flavor with a delicious sauce) and roast chicken in a honey maple syrup glaze (perfectly cooked with a sweet carrot purée). And the dessert bread pudding with cream finished the meal perfectly. I am not much of a wine guy but enjoyed the 3 chilled whites I was served.
(5)FoodMaven X.
Lunch was almost a good experience, dinner not so much.Only the salads defied the unreliable menu descriptions. The Wedge would have been great if the bacon had been touched by heat recently, ditto for the Steak that should have been medium rare but languished to a cooled-off well into medium. Spongy wet Eggplant hinted at aging out. Where is the crusty French bread you said was coming right out? Seafood & Poultry are over-sauced with incongruous mixtures. Scampi was uncharacteristically sweet. Langoustines are not Lobster. Unbaked pie filling is not soup. Watching the Kitchen Cam it's obvious the Kitchen couldn't care less what you think of the food. Fry a little harder! Use a lighter hand on the sugar in savory preparation. Find a source of fresh crabmeat. The pedestrian non-chocolate desserts cry out for fresh fruit. The servers try hard but are forced to bus as well as serve.
(3)Gail L.
Our first visit to Duvals was on a Sunday evening. From the ratings on Yelp I was not sure what to expect but all four diners in our party were raving about the food. How often does that happen? The caesar salads were simple but something about it was special. I teased my husband about licking the plate. My sister in law had the house salad-mixed greens, red onion, cashews, blue cheese crumbles and vinaigrette dressing. She too licked the plate. I plan to try the house salad next visit. The chicken and mushroom pasta Alfredo was outstanding. Creamy and wonderfully tasty with the mushrooms. Sauce, a perfect compliment, and a large portion that I will finish up for lunch. The fish of the day was a yellow grouper over spinach with mashed- cooked to perfection. Seared scallops with risotto - also a huge hit. My husband's shrimp and lobster ravioli had him saying yummm all the way through the meal. We finished our dinner off with the bread pudding, which despite not being a dessert person, was delicious. Crispy on the outside and creamy and smooth on the inside. Excellent and attentive service. Great choice of wines. We are definitely fans. My husband signed up to be on the email list, something he never does.
(5)Lexi C.
Wish I could give this a better review. Had such high hopes. They made a mistake with our take out order and broke rule number one and two. 1) Accused us of ordering wrong 2) Said the manager wasn't available. Now, it can happen with the ordering. But we order take out weekly, for the past 4 years. Maybe once or twice something was wrong. But we have never been blamed other than in a Japanese restaurant but that was a language barrier issue. They were only open for 2 weeks and already making poor choices. Maybe someday I will try them again but in this economy I can't afford to not like what I am being served. Based on the little bit I ate due to missing items like the cheese a top the French Onion Soup, I could not give them more than 2 stars.
(2)Carey Y.
Gabriel and I had tickets to see a show at the Florida Studio Theater last night so we asked my father for a recommendation of a restaurant nearby to have dinner first. As a newbie in the area, I'm excited about so many options to choose from, many with great reviews online. My father suggested that we make a reservation at Duval's for good food, reasonable prices and close proximity to the theater. I made a reservation on Open Table for 6:30 for the 2 of us, and we lucked out in getting a parking spot directly across the street. When we went in, it was clear that we really didn't need the reservation after all. There were about 8 people total inside the large space. Oh yeah, it's Easter! I guessed most people were with their families. I loved that there was a flat screen tv behind the bar upon which you can watch the chef preparing meals. Talk about transparency in a kitchen! It was spotless in there and very entertaining to see the 2 chefs working together on their preparations. The waiter came out right away to take drink orders and bring our menus to us. Soon after, he returned with ice water with lemon (which I love and it seems that all of the restaurants do that around here) and a basket of bread and butter. The bread was doughy and fresh, but it was served cold and we would have preferred it to be warmed. He also went over the specials, all of which sounded very appealing. I started with the Harvest Salad, a small starter of romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and great, chunky blue cheese dressing. The salad was on the small side, but as an accompaniment to my entree, and priced at only $2.50, it was the perfect size for me. For my entree I had the Trout Almandine, one of my favorites. When I see it on a menu, I almost always go for it. It was served with butternut squash and lemon/dill mashed potatoes. I asked for the chef to go light on the butter and was very pleased that he took my request to heart. The fish was cooked perfectly. Rather than being served with the slivers of almonds on top like most restaurants do it, this filet was crusted in a coating of ground almonds which made for a crisp and flavorful layer. The mashed potatoes were awesome, with a bright lemony flavor but I could hardly taste the dill- even though I could see it clearly. The squash was al dente, cooked with onions, mushrooms and balsamic and it was a lovely side to my fish, but being that the potatoes were already a carb-laden side, I would have preferred a green, less starchy vegetable. I don't usually write about what Gabriel orders if I'm not sharing with him, but this time it's worth a quick mention. He had the crab and shrimp stuffed salmon which I had a taste of and I thought it was excellent. His side of risotto with mushrooms was also awesome. We both completely cleaned our plates which really didn't leave room for dessert. We looked over the offerings anyway, but nothing really jumped out at me as a 'please make a little more room for me' necessity. The waiter described the bread pudding and it did sound delicious, but we were really both too full to manage it this time. Given the great service, appealing menu, easy location and reasonable prices, I think we'll definitely be back!
(4)Nancy A.
A small and friendly dining spot...really noisy though when it is full. The waiter, Marseille was friendly and knowledgeable about their food. Seafood being the specialty is what we all ordered. The not so adventurous amongst us fish 'n chips. The scallops and oysters Rockefeller was the shining star although the pompano and fluke were well prepared topped with crabmeat. And perfectly pan fried offering a tasty, crisp skin. However, the risotto lacked the creamy richness of a good risotto and was cold. My friend returned hers to the kitchen but I was concerned it would compromise my fish. The vegetables were chopped in small cubes and over seasoned...far too heavy a hand with the herbs. The blue cheese mashed potatoes were interesting with a nice flavor of the cheese without overwhelming the freshly made potato. We ordered chocolate soufflé for dessert....don't bother this soufflé lacked depth and richness not worth whatever calories. A neat feature was the flat screen TV viewing the kitchen.
(3)Joshua I.
I love Duval's! I have eaten both lunch and dinner and have never had a bad meal. For lunch I always have the soup of the day (I recommend Friday's, best mushroom soup ever) and either the daily special of the shrimp and calimari po-boy. For dinner, I always go for one of the appetizers and then follow it up with one of their scrumptious fish dishes. Duvals offers the best bang for your buck in Sarasota. It beats every fish focused restaurant down Main. Take my word, you will NOT be disappointed.
(5)Judy C.
We received a recommendation to have dinner there and I am glad we did. The food was outstanding especially the vegetable rolls with peanut sauce. The fish was very fresh and prepared well. Our waitress was knowledgeable and prompt. I can't wait to go there again.
(5)Annie R.
Had lunch here thurs and was so impressed we came back Sat night for dinner! Not disappointed---I think they know what they're doing. Service was professional, friendly (not too friendly), great. Perfect shrimp po boy and Napa slaw for lunch. Delicious dinner tonight--delicate and perfect eggplant rollatini. Black grouper and rack of lamb were all excellent. We will return!
(5)Marc k.
Very nice dining experience. Very crowded for a Tuesday night. The rack of lamb was encrusted and highly seasoned but very good. I asked for the seafood over risotto instead of linguine. It was very tasty and a very decent portion. The side salads were excellent and a great value. Krystie, our server, was excellent. Aaron, a manager, stopped by and was genuinely interested in our comments. Overall, a very enjoyable dining experience.
(4)C K.
liked my salad. waitress was good. had a sign for their new app - looks intriguing - love to know how well it works
(4)Susan L.
My husband and I just came from the Sunday Brunch at Duval's and it was excellent. This was our first time here and we were not disapponted. The price was reasonable and we definitely got our moneys worth, everything was delicious. The crab cakes were exceptional and the lemon cake was scrumptious!!! Jeff, our waiter, was friendly and attentive. We will most definitely be returning to Duval's.
(5)Carole K.
We went last night (2/1/13) with friends and enjoyed it thoroughly. I understand the chef is CIA trained. Our food choices were excellent. The gazpacho was well-done. I had a large dinner salad with a crab-shrimp cake (and glass of pinot griglio, reasonably priced btw). The others had a fresh fish filet almondine with sides and a plate of scallops and other seafood with sides. I understand that the rice with the plates was a bit mushy but I didn't taste to evaluate that. The vegetable side was very good.- I really appreciated having a fruit option for dessert, a strawberry-rhubarb tart. It's boring to only have something chocolate and key-lime pie. - Also nice touch: black napkins so no white lint on black trousers. - The manager advised that they will have a new wine list shortly. The wines had just arrived. - There is a tv, but it's for guests to look at kitchen activity if they choose to. - Our bill for two fell right between moderate (11-30) and the next expense category up. So it all depends on what is ordered, naturally.
(4)Joyce C.
Went to this restaurant this evening and found it to be satisfactory at best. The fish choices this evening were limited and the fish that I wanted was already unavailable at 8:00 pm. My fish did come out as ordered - hot and cooked properly. The sides were nothing but sad. obviously the cooks never saw what risotto should look like and taste like - theirs was mushy and unappetizing. The vegetables unremarkable. We left before desert which is not typical for us....There are much better places to eat in downtown Sarasota...
(2)