New Lakewood Ranch Restaurants Boost Culinary Scene With Fresh Offerings Starting From Sushi To BBQ: Here’s What You Need To Know

Published on November 21, 2025

The restaurant scene in Lakewood Ranch is rapidly changing with the addition of five new restaurants that are offering completely different cuisines than the existing ones. The new restaurants that are open now serve anything from expertly prepared sushi to real Texas-style BBQ and are still attracting all kinds of diners, thus reinforcing the position of Lakewood Ranch as the No.1 food destination in the Sarasota region.

These restaurants, Allswell, Kuro Sushi, Flower Child, Twisted Pit BBQ and 131 Main, represent a range of cuisines and dining experiences, each designed to offer something unique for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are looking for a casual gastropub experience, an intimate sushi counter, or healthy, vibrant bowls, these new establishments are injecting exciting flavours into the community.

Allswell: A Lively Gastropub with a Touch of Ireland and Britain

At the forefront of Lakewood Ranch’s restaurant renaissance is Allswell, a gastropub that combines the best of British and Irish pub fare with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The establishment, located at 7500 Island Cove Terrace, draws inspiration from the pubs of the British Isles, offering classic tavern food in a jovial, casual setting.

The owners, Tory Delaney and Darren Shore, both seasoned restaurateurs, wanted to create a space that reflects both their love for good food and personal stories. One standout feature is the custom wallpaper that includes family photos, adding a personal touch to the restaurant’s ambiance.

Guests rave about the double-smash burger with hand-cut tallow fries and classic fish and chips, while the steak tartare with a quail egg is a crowd favourite. The espresso martini adds a delightful twist to the bar menu, making it the perfect end to a great meal. With exposed brick, warm wood accents, and clever lighting, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, making it a favourite among both locals and expats from the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and beyond.

Kuro Sushi: A Modern Twist on Traditional Japanese Dining

For sushi lovers, Kuro Sushi, located at 8126 Main St., is a must-visit. Chef Daniel Dokko, known for his previous successes with Kore Steakhouse and JPan Sushi & Grill, has created a modern yet approachable sushi experience. Kuro Sushi pushes the boundaries of traditional Japanese dining with bold, innovative flavours and contemporary presentations.

Dokko’s vision for Kuro is clear: to offer high-end sushi in a comfortable yet sophisticated setting. The intimate sushi counter and creative small plate options elevate the experience. The interior, designed by David Morrison, blends modern aesthetics with warmth, featuring dark wood panels and thoughtful lighting that create a dramatic atmosphere.

A standout feature of Kuro Sushi is its curated sake selection, paired perfectly with sushi and robata grill offerings. Craft cocktails, Japanese whiskies, and seasonal specialties further elevate the dining experience. Guests can expect an experimental dining journey with each dish, where traditional ingredients are fused with contemporary techniques for a truly memorable meal.

Flower Child: Healthy, Wholesome Bowls for Every Lifestyle

For those seeking health-forward, feel-good dining, Flower Child offers a menu full of vibrant bowls, wraps, and salads made with wholesome, locally sourced ingredients. Situated at 6532 University Parkway, Sarasota, this Arizona-born eatery serves dishes that nourish both body and soul, under the guidance of restaurateur Sam Fox.

The fast-casual restaurant encourages a “healthy food for a happy world” philosophy, catering to those who want to eat well without compromising on taste or experience. The space exudes California cool, with natural wood accents, greenery, and colourful murals that make it as fun as it is healthy.

Fans rave about the Mother Earth Bowl, a nutritious mix of ancient grains, roasted vegetables, avocado, and miso vinaigrette. Other popular dishes include the Flying Avocado Wrap and chicken enchiladas, while the rose-petal lemonade adds a playful touch to the drink menu. With gluten-free desserts and customizable options, Flower Child is a go-to for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for healthy comfort food.

Twisted Pit BBQ: A Backyard BBQ Dream with Texas Flair

At Twisted Pit BBQ, located at 8130 Lakewood Main St., restaurateurs Zach Zeller and Evan Percoco bring the authentic flavours of Texas barbecue to Lakewood Ranch, with a twist of Florida’s fresh flair. The venue is designed to evoke a backyard BBQ vibe, complete with picnic tables and an outdoor-inspired atmosphere.

The restaurant’s name reflects the founders’ fun and irreverent approach to dining, where bold flavours meet a laid-back dining experience. The smoked brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs are the highlights, with house-made sides like mac and cheese rounding out the perfect meal. Twisted Pit BBQ is not just about great food but also about creating a social, welcoming environment where guests feel like they’re dining with friends.

For those looking for a refreshing drink, the Lakewood RanchWater, made with silver tequila, guava puree, and lime juice, is a standout. Guests can also opt for the Baja Bonfire for a spicy twist, with jalapeno lime juice and a Tajin glass rimmer.

131 Main: Upscale Dining with Gulf Coast Flair

For a more upscale dining experience, 131 Main, located at 6608 University Parkway, brings exceptional steaks, seafood, and an intimate ambiance to Lakewood Ranch. Restaurateur Joe Douglas, along with his daughters Paige Riemke and Bailey Douglas, envisioned a restaurant that blends sophistication with comfort, offering American cuisine made from scratch every day.

The restaurant’s interior design is sleek and modern, with leather booths, walnut tabletops, and dramatic stage lighting above every table. Original artwork by Florida artists adorns the walls, while the menu offers a selection of mouthwatering dishes like shrimp and grits, rainbow trout, and cast-iron cornbread. With attentive service and a warm atmosphere, 131 Main ensures that every dining experience feels special.

A Thriving Culinary Scene

The five new restaurants coming to the area are not just the tip of the iceberg but rather the deepening of the Lakewood Ranch’s culinary facet, that already has a great variety of flavours and dining experiences. If you are hungry for typical pub food, fresh salads, or spicy smoked meat, Lakewood Ranch has now a lot of different places to eat that please even the most picky eaters. With the opening of every restaurant, the town is still making its mark of being a heaven for foodies, hence, allowing locals and tourists to have the chance to experience great food.