Nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Apollonia Grill offers an exquisite dining experience that combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. The restaurant’s menu is a vibrant tapestry of tastes, designed to cater to a wide variety of palates while maintaining a dedication to quality and creativity.
Whether you are a longtime local or a visitor seeking a memorable meal, Apollonia Grill’s menu invites you to explore a world of culinary delights that celebrate both tradition and innovation.
From handcrafted appetizers to indulgent desserts, each dish is crafted with care, reflecting the chef’s commitment to excellence. The ambiance complements the cuisine, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where every meal becomes a special occasion.
The menu not only highlights classic Mediterranean dishes but also infuses them with contemporary twists, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining adventure.
For those who appreciate the art of fine dining paired with a relaxed setting, Apollonia Grill Sarasota stands out as a destination that harmonizes both elements beautifully. Its thoughtfully curated menu is a testament to the vibrant culinary scene of Sarasota and the passion for exceptional food that defines this beloved establishment.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Apollonia Grill is designed to awaken the senses and set the tone for an extraordinary meal. Featuring a variety of small plates, this part of the menu showcases bold flavors and fresh ingredients that celebrate Mediterranean roots with a modern flair.
Guests can expect a diverse range of options, from light and refreshing salads to rich and savory bites. Each dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making appetizers an ideal choice for sharing or as a prelude to the main course.
The menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, ensuring accessibility and satisfaction for all diners.
Popular selections include the Grilled Octopus, which features tender, charred tentacles with a smoky finish, and the Spanakopita, a traditional Greek pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese. The use of fresh herbs, olive oil, and artisanal spices elevates each dish beyond the ordinary.
Appetizer Highlights
- Grilled Octopus: Served with lemon aioli and roasted peppers, offering a smoky, tangy bite.
- Spanakopita: Flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta, and herbs.
- Hummus Trio: Classic, roasted red pepper, and avocado hummus served with warm pita bread.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: Filled with rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs, lightly drizzled with lemon.
“The appetizers at Apollonia Grill truly capture the essence of the Mediterranean — fresh, vibrant, and full of life.” – Local Food Critic
Signature Entrees
The signature entrees at Apollonia Grill Sarasota are the heart of the menu, showcasing a blend of traditional Mediterranean dishes and contemporary culinary artistry. These plates are designed to be satisfying and memorable, highlighting the best of seasonal produce and premium proteins.
Each entree is crafted to deliver bold flavors while maintaining balance and elegance. The chefs prioritize sourcing ingredients from local farms and fisheries, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite.
Signature entrees are often complemented by house-made sauces and garnishes that add depth and complexity.
Vegetarian and meat-based dishes alike are prepared with care, offering something for every preference. The menu encourages diners to explore new tastes while indulging in comforting classics.
Popular Signature Dishes
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Lamb Shank | Slow-braised lamb, rosemary, garlic, red wine reduction | Rich, savory, aromatic |
| Seafood Paella | Saffron rice, shrimp, mussels, clams, chorizo | Spiced, briny, hearty |
| Moussaka | Eggplant, ground beef, béchamel sauce, tomatoes | Comforting, creamy, layered |
| Grilled Swordfish | Fresh swordfish steak, lemon-caper sauce, seasonal vegetables | Light, zesty, fresh |
The Lamb Shank is a standout favorite, braised to perfection and infused with herbs that complement its natural flavor. The Seafood Paella offers a vibrant mix of textures and tastes, ideal for sharing.
Meanwhile, the Moussaka provides a rich, layered experience reminiscent of classic Greek comfort food.
Salads and Light Fare
For those seeking lighter options, Apollonia Grill offers a thoughtfully curated selection of salads and light fare. These dishes emphasize fresh, crisp ingredients paired with unique dressings and toppings that elevate simple greens into something exceptional.
Perfect as a starter or a standalone meal, the salads incorporate a variety of textures and flavors, from crunchy nuts to tangy cheeses. Many feature seasonal vegetables and fruits, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to freshness.
These lighter dishes offer a refreshing counterpoint to heavier entrees and showcase the versatility of Mediterranean cuisine in balancing health and taste.
Seasonal Salad Selections
- Greek Village Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta, oregano, olive oil.
- Quinoa and Arugula Salad: Red quinoa, arugula, cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, lemon vinaigrette.
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Roasted beets, mixed greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts, balsamic glaze.
- Chickpea and Herb Salad: Chickpeas, parsley, mint, lemon, olive oil, red pepper flakes.
“The salads at Apollonia Grill are a vibrant celebration of fresh, seasonal produce, perfectly balanced and beautifully presented.” – Sarasota Dining Enthusiast
Seafood Specialties
Given Sarasota’s coastal location, seafood features prominently on the menu at Apollonia Grill. The seafood specialties highlight the freshest catches, prepared using Mediterranean techniques that enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
From delicate fish fillets to hearty shellfish dishes, the seafood section offers a variety of options that satisfy cravings for ocean-fresh fare. The kitchen’s skillful use of herbs, citrus, and spices brings out the best in each dish, making the seafood offerings a highlight for many guests.
Many dishes are paired with complementary sides, such as seasonal vegetables or saffron-infused rice, making for well-rounded and satisfying meals.
Featured Seafood Dishes
| Dish | Cooking Method | Accompaniments |
| Grilled Branzino | Whole fish, grilled | Herb salad, lemon butter sauce |
| Shrimp Saganaki | Sautéed shrimp baked with feta and tomato sauce | Warm pita, fresh herbs |
| Seared Scallops | Pan-seared | Cauliflower puree, microgreens |
| Mediterranean Bouillabaisse | Seafood stew | Garlic toast, saffron broth |
The Grilled Branzino is a delicately prepared whole fish that captures the essence of Mediterranean seafood. The Shrimp Saganaki combines the creamy saltiness of feta with the sweetness of shrimp, baked to perfection.
For a more decadent option, the Seared Scallops are served atop a silky cauliflower puree, providing a textural contrast that delights the palate.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Apollonia Grill places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and health-conscious dining by offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are thoughtfully designed to be as flavorful and satisfying as their meat and seafood counterparts.
Utilizing fresh vegetables, legumes, grains, and plant-based proteins, the vegetarian and vegan menu items celebrate the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean diet. Creative use of herbs, spices, and cooking techniques ensures these dishes are never an afterthought but rather a highlight of the dining experience.
Whether you follow a strict plant-based diet or simply enjoy lighter fare, these selections provide a delicious way to enjoy the restaurant’s culinary philosophy.
Popular Plant-Based Choices
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa, lentils, vegetables, and herbs, baked with tomato sauce.
- Eggplant Caponata: Slow-cooked eggplant with tomatoes, olives, capers, and pine nuts.
- Vegan Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, zucchini, lentil ragout, and béchamel made with cashew milk.
- Falafel Plate: Crispy chickpea patties served with tahini and pickled vegetables.
“The plant-based dishes demonstrate that vegetarian and vegan cuisine can be rich, varied, and deeply satisfying.” – Sarasota Vegan Society
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the dining experience, Apollonia Grill offers a selection of desserts that blend traditional Mediterranean sweets with contemporary creativity. Each dessert is crafted to provide a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and aroma.
The dessert menu features classic options such as baklava and homemade gelato alongside unique creations that incorporate seasonal fruits and local ingredients. These treats are ideal for sharing or savoring solo, leaving guests with a memorable final impression.
Attention to detail extends to presentation, with desserts beautifully plated to delight both the eyes and the palate.
Signature Desserts
- Baklava: Layers of flaky phyllo, chopped nuts, honey, and spices.
- Lemon Olive Oil Cake: Moist cake with a bright citrus glaze and whipped cream.
- Chocolate Tahini Tart: Rich dark chocolate paired with nutty tahini in a crisp crust.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: Creamy yogurt topped with local honey and toasted walnuts.
| Dessert | Main Flavor Notes | Texture |
| Baklava | Sweet, nutty, spiced | Crisp, sticky |
| Lemon Olive Oil Cake | Citrus, buttery | Moist, tender |
| Chocolate Tahini Tart | Rich, nutty, bittersweet | Crunchy crust, smooth filling |
| Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts | Sweet, creamy, nutty | Creamy with crunchy nuts |
Beverage Selection
Complementing the diverse menu is an extensive beverage selection that includes wines, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The drink offerings are carefully curated to enhance the dining experience and pair harmoniously with the flavors found throughout the menu.
The wine list features a variety of Mediterranean and international labels, focusing on varietals that complement the rich and fresh flavors of the cuisine. Knowledgeable staff are on hand to recommend pairings tailored to specific dishes.
Additionally, the cocktail menu highlights both classic and innovative drinks crafted with fresh ingredients and house-made infusions. Non-alcoholic options include fresh juices, specialty coffees, and herbal teas.
Featured Beverages
- Greek White Wine: Crisp and floral, perfect with seafood and salads.
- Red Blend: Bold and fruity, ideal for lamb and grilled meats.
- Classic Ouzo Cocktail: Anise-flavored spirit mixed with citrus and herbs.
- Fresh Mint Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy, a great non-alcoholic choice.
“The beverage program at Apollonia Grill elevates the meal, offering thoughtful pairings and refreshing options that complement every dish.” – Sarasota Beverage Journal
Apollonia Grill in Sarasota offers a menu that is as inviting as it is diverse, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean with a contemporary edge. From the first bite of an appetizer to the last taste of dessert, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to deliver exceptional flavors and memorable dining moments.
The variety ensures that every guest, whether a seafood lover, vegetarian, or dessert enthusiast, will find something to delight their palate.
The restaurant’s dedication to fresh, local ingredients, paired with expert culinary techniques, establishes it as a standout destination in Sarasota’s vibrant food scene. The menu’s balance of classic and innovative dishes makes it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
Whether you are seeking a light salad, a hearty entree, or an indulgent sweet, Apollonia Grill’s menu is a rich journey through Mediterranean flavors crafted with care and passion.
Visiting Apollonia Grill means immersing yourself in a dining experience that celebrates quality, creativity, and community. Each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation, inviting you to savor the best Sarasota has to offer.
For those who appreciate a harmonious blend of taste, ambiance, and exceptional service, Apollonia Grill stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in the Gulf Coast region.
