"Derek Barnes, Sarasota's chief culinary innovator."  Brian Ries, Creative Loafing

REVIEWS & TALK

Find out what others are saying about Derek's.
Click the links below.

Herald-Tribune Review

Derek's Bio at Publix Cooking School

St. Pete Times - Savoring Sarasota

Dine Sarasota

Egullet Extensive Review

Compass Group Thank You Letter

AirTran Magazine Review

Style Magazine Article

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hours of Operation

Dinner 5:00 - 10:00 Tues - Sat

 

 

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Location

Derek's Culinary Casual restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Sarasota just two blocks north of Fruitville Road on Central Avenue. We're on the east side of the street. Look for the red hanging sign! (Click Here for Google Map Directions, will open in new window)

Reservations

Reservations are not required, but are recommended. Give us a call to set you up!

941-366-6565

T-shirts

We have some gorgeous t-shirts for sale at the restaurant. Show your colors! Support Derek's!

Tidbits

"Chef Derek Barnes creates dishes that are adventurous and precise at the same time. He plays with textures and flavors, pushing the gastronomic envelope at one of the most interesting and best restaurants in town."
Brian Ries, Creative Loafing

"This is true big city, indie style dining: sharp, chef-driven cooking in a plain storefront space in a not yet gentrified neighborhood. Choose foie gras, crispy rabbit, killer soups, scallops and peas, chicken and quinoa. Every course is a robust adventure, from small plates to dessert."
Chris Sherman, St. Petersburg Times

Recognition

Derek's is very honored and proud to be recognized by the following culinary institutions:

 

Zagat:
Derek's was listed, in the prestigious ZAGAT Guide as one of "America's Best Restaurant's."

James Beard Foundation:
Chef & Owner, Derek Barnes, was a semi-finalist for the 2009 James Beard Awards, "Best Chef South." The James Beard Awards are known as the "Oscars" of the food world.

Florida Trend Magazine, Golden Spoon Awards:
Every year Florida Trend Magazine will honor Exceptional restaurants with a "Golden Spoon Award." We have received this award since 2008 and hope to be a part of this coveted award for many years to come.

 

July through September, Chef Derek Barnes of Derek's Culinary Casual has travel on his mind. He's inviting Sarasota diners to explore the country through its flavors during Derek's American Table, a 10-week celebration of regional American cuisine.

Each Thursday evening from July through September, Chef Derek will present food and wine pairings that spotlight our country's diverse and unique regional flavors. He's offering Sarasota diners the chance to explore new flavors as well as sample their favorite tastes of vacations past.

Still waiting for your new passport to arrive in the mail? While you’re on hold with the State Department, get started on a global gastronomic adventure during Derek’s World Table, a 6-week celebration of global cuisine at Derek’s Culinary Casual in downtown Sarasota.

Each Thursday evening from October through November, Chef Derek Barnes will present food and wine pairings that explore the distinctive flavors of six continents and many countries.