
The Capital Grille
University Town Center, Sarasota
Restaurant in Sarasota, United States
The Read
Dress
Business Casual
Why go
A reliable Sarasota steakhouse choice for business dinners, anniversaries, polished group meals near University Town Center. Book it for classic upscale American steakhouse and seafood, business-casual formality, a wine program recognized by Wine Spectator; skip it if you want a casual neighborhood meal or a chef-led local restaurant experience.
About The Capital Grille
For a polished meal in Sarasota, The Capital Grille is a steakhouse choice when the brief is an upscale American steakhouse and seafood experience. Sarasota has plenty of dining options, but this restaurant is best understood through its basics: steakhouse and seafood cuisine, business-casual dress, a premium price point.
The cuisine is upscale American steakhouse and seafood, the dress code is business casual, the price point is about $90 per person. That makes it useful for diners who want a familiar steakhouse direction: steak has a clear lane, seafood gives another path, the menu’s recognizable signatures make the choice feel direct.
A polished steakhouse that works when predictability is the point
The Capital Grille is a better fit when the decision is practical: choose a familiar steakhouse, avoid surprises, plan around a meal that feels more polished than casual.
Menu signal is clear without needing to overcomplicate it: dry-aged steaks, bone-in ribeye, Kona-crusted NY strip, lobster and crab cakes, The Grille’s Signature Cheeseburger, coconut cream pie all point to a broad steakhouse playbook. Build around steak or seafood and keep dessert in play if the occasion calls for a fuller meal.
Value here depends on expectations. At this tier, the case is strongest for guests who want the business-casual setting and classic steakhouse cues included in the spend. It is a weaker value for diners who only want a casual meal. For those plans, use Pearl’s Sarasota restaurants guide to look across the city before committing to a premium steakhouse choice.
When to go, what to wear, who should book
The posted hours run from 11:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 11:30 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, 11:30 AM to 9 PM Sunday.
Dress business casual and plan the meal as a more polished steakhouse outing rather than a casual stop. The restaurant is a good match for diners who want a familiar menu with enough range to avoid menu anxiety.
For trip planning beyond the meal, the surrounding Sarasota decision set matters. Pair this kind of restaurant choice with hotel planning through Pearl’s Sarasota hotels guide, then look across other Sarasota dining and itinerary options depending on the rest of the day.
Book for steakhouse polish, not local experimentation
The recommendation is clear: book it when the occasion benefits from a dependable upscale American steakhouse and seafood menu. Skip it when the night calls for a looser meal. The strongest diner here is someone who knows exactly why a classic steakhouse works: less risk, more structure, a meal that needs to feel deliberate.
Planning details
- Location
- 180 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
- Website
- thecapitalgrille.com/locations/fl/sarasota/sarasota/8056?cmpid=br%3Atcg_ag%3Aie_ch%3Aloc_ca%3ATCGGMB_sn%3Agmb_gt%3Asarasota-fl-8056_pl%3Alocurl_rd%3A1051
- Phone
- (941) 256-3647
Venue details
Ambiance
Upscale, classic steakhouse atmosphere with dim, elegant lighting, white tablecloths, and polished service, suited to business dinners and special occasions.[1][4][7][10]
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Business Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Formal
- Meal Pacing
- Leisurely
- Capacity
- Medium
Signature Dishes
- dry-aged steaks
- bone-in ribeye
- Kona-crusted NY strip
- lobster and crab cakes
- The Grille’s Signature Cheeseburger
- coconut cream pie
Planning details
Location
180 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243 · Directions
Recognition and awards
Explore Sarasota
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full The Capital Grille guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Capital Grille good for a special occasion?
Yes, if the occasion calls for a polished steakhouse rather than a more experimental meal. At about $90 per person in Sarasota, it fits occasions where consistency matters. The Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (2026) is also a recognition for this listing.
How far ahead should I book The Capital Grille?
If timing matters, booking ahead is a sensible move. The posted hours are 11:30 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday, 11:30 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, 11:30 AM to 9 PM Sunday.
Is The Capital Grille good for solo dining?
Yes, if the goal is a composed steakhouse meal in Sarasota. At about $90 per person, it makes more sense when you want a full steakhouse experience than a quick casual stop.
What should I order at The Capital Grille?
Lean into the steakhouse-and-seafood direction. Signature dishes include dry-aged steaks, bone-in ribeye, Kona-crusted NY strip, lobster and crab cakes, The Grille’s Signature Cheeseburger, coconut cream pie.
Is the tasting menu worth it at The Capital Grille?
A tasting menu is not part of the information for this Sarasota listing. The better-grounded way to think about the restaurant is as an upscale American steakhouse and seafood spot at about $90 per person.


















