Der Dutchman, Owen’s Fish Camp, Nicky’s On Palm: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Here's the latest restaurant and bar news in Sarasota and Manatee counties:

Second Owen’s Fish Camp Opens in Lakewood Ranch

Owen’s Fish Camp has opened the doors of its second location in Lakewood Ranch at 6156 University Parkway, the Bradenton Herald reported.

The restaurant, which has an Old Florida vibe, is at limited capacity until its backyard seating area will be completed later this month.

The restaurant’s original location is in Sarasota at 516 Burns Court.

Savor Sarasota Runs June 1-14

The 18th annual Savor Sarasota dining event kicked off Thursday at dozens of participating restaurants in Sarasota County, according to a news release from Visit Sarasota County.

The wining and dining event runs June 1 to 14, allowing visitors and residents to experience multi-course meals and Sarasota-area eateries.

The two-week dining program offers artfully crafted prix-fixe menus for both lunch and dinner.

Find a full list of participating restaurants here.

Nicky’s on Palm Closes in Downtown Sarasota

Nicky’s on Palm, which has called 49 S. Palm Ave. in downtown Sarasota home since 2018, has closed its doors for good.

“It saddens us to announce the closing of our restaurant and entertainment establishment, Nicky’s on Palm,” the restaurant wrote in a statement published on its website. “Throughout the years of our operation we’ve seen expansion to an entertainment center when Nicky’s became not just a breakfast and lunch spot, but instead a dinner location with cocktails and top flight music.”

The owners indicated that staffing issues and rising costs led to the eatery’s closure.

“To our staff, thank you for your support throughout the pandemic, and navigating around our growing pains,” they wrote in their statement. “Our difficulty in finding staff to continue our operation cannot be overlooked, but you who have continued on with us even though perhaps overburdened are close in our hearts.”

They added, “Economic conditions like increasing costs and availability of the items we like to feature for you have ensured our closing.”

Der Dutchman Named Top Buffet in U.S. by USA Today

Sarasota restaurant Der Dutchman was named the No. 1 buffet in the country in USA Today’s 10Best rankings for 2023.

To create the list, nominees are submitted by a panel of experts, then narrowed down by editors for a final set of nominees that readers vote on in each category. The top 10 buffets were chosen for “quality offerings at an affordable fixed price,” according to 10Best.

The listing for Der Dutchman reads, “Situated in Pinecraft, an Amish neighborhood in Sarasota, Der Dutchman is a popular restaurant offering a daily buffet that combines quantity and quality. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of options, including their unique dish of noodles over mashed potatoes.”

The eatery wrote on Facebook, “We are still thankful for all of your support and encouraging comments in making Der Dutchman Sarasota the #1 buffet in the country!”

Find the full list here.

New York-Style Deli, Pizzeria Opening in Bradenton

Morrone’s New York-style restaurant, pizzeria, deli and bakery is opening this month in Bradenton at 5913 53rd Ave. E. It will offer an a la carte menu and daily specials.

It opens Saturday with a grand opening planned for June 10, according to a Facebook post.

“Save the date! Can’t wait to see everyone there,” the restaurant wrote in the post.

“All day long, people have been asking for weeks when we’re opening,” owner Ermanno Morrone told Bradenton Herald.