Southwest Florida Is Home To The Best All You Can Eat Buffet In The US

When I think of buffets, I really think of them as a thing from the past.  One Sarasota buffet might just change my mind.

Sure, we see buffets at hotels, weddings, graduation parties and larger celebrations, but are we really seeing them as a typical dining option?

When Covid was running rampant across the country, buffets quickly became obsolete.  Now, in 2023, USA Today is bringing back the idea of a buffet with their 10Best list of the top 10 all you can eat buffets across the country.

So, what is the best all you can eat buffet in the country?  Der Dutchman in Sarasota.

Here's what USA Today had to say about Der Dutchman,

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.

I had to take a look at their menu, and it looks amazing.  If you're not a buffet person, there are plenty of other options available, from homemade soups to seafood platters to a Dutchman burger or wrap.

Lucky for us here in Southwest Florida, this place is only a short drive away.

For a complete list of the best buffets across the country, read more here.

When it comes to doing things outside, we're lucky here in Florida that we can do those things year-round and 17 restaurants in The Sunshine State have made a list of the best for outdoor dining.

Unless it's 87,000 degrees outside like it has been the last week, I will always choose to sit outside. Especially if it's waterfront, I'll never skip out on a good view. When it comes to outdoor dining in Florida, the sky truly is the limit. From cute sidewalk cafes in Naples to breathtaking rooftop restaurants in Miami, the options are endless. Nothing better than sipping a cocktail under the hot sun or a romantic dinner under the stars.

It seems that most places that serve food have an outdoor dining option. So it makes perfect sense that restaurants here in Florida have made OpenTable's list of the best restaurants for outdoor dining in the country. In fact, a few right here in Southwest Florida have made the list! So if you're looking for a new spot to enjoy as a local, or somewhere to take family & friends when they come to visit, you have plenty of options.

You can check out the full list here, but below are the Florida restaurants that have made the list.

Chef Alberto Varetto serves up Northern Italian cuisine with dishes like Agnolotti di Ricotta e Spinaci con la Salsa di Mascarpone e Parmigiano, Risotto, allo Zafferano con Ossobuco Brasato and Chilean Sea Bass con Funghi Selvatici, Polenta e Vincotto.

Not only does Campiello offer Italian cuisine inspired by traditional Tuscan country cooking, but also pizza from a wood-burning oven. Good for outdoor dining and special occasions.

Located in Gulf Coast Town Center, Connors Fort Myers location is a AAA three-diamond rated restaurant. Enjoy fresh seafood, premium aged steaks, gourmet salads and pastas.

Located on Fifth Avenue South, chefs at Del Mar use flavors from Greece, Southern Spain, Morocco, France, Italy & Turkey. Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm with half-off Turkish Flatbreads, Dips & Spreads and specially priced cocktails, beer & wine.

The Claw Bar is inside Bellasera Resort in downtown Naples. Popular dishes include miso-glazed sea bass, shrimp & grits and brunch beignets. 

Located in downtown Sarasota, enjoy made-from-scratch selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared with fresh ingredients from Florida farms. Popular dishes include sea scallops and pork osso buco.

The Dry Dock Waterfront Grill is a beautiful spot overlooking Sarasota Bay and known for local fresh grouper and red snapper.

Louie Bossi's Ristorante is located on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Everything on the menu is made from scratch like house made pastas, wood-burning pizzas and home cooked Sicilian comfort food.

Takato is a Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant located oceanfront at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach. Popular dishes include grilled branzino, Wagyu skirt steak and shrimp fried rice.

DOYA is an Aegean Meze + Bar restaurant located in the Wynwood neighborhood offering plates to share with outdoor seating set in a garden oasis.

Ulele is located on the Hillsborough River offering outdoor waterfront dining. Popular dishes include seafood risotto, charbroiled oysters and coconut ice cream.

Located at International Plaza, Ocean Prime features an impressive menu of seafood & steaks. Popular dishes include Chilean sea bass, lobster bisque and lobster linguine.

Located at Disney Springs, Raglan Road offers the very best Irish cuisine, beers and spirits. Enjoy live Irish entertainment 7 nights a week.

Columbia has been family-owned and operated for more than 116 years. Popular dishes include Paella a la Valenciana, Roast Pork a la Cubana and their famous 1905 salad.

Latitudes is located on the private island of Sunset Key. Popular dishes include grouper, Key West fish tacos and lobster benedict.

The Grand Marlin Restaurant overlooks the beautiful Santa Rosa Sound and features the freshest local seafood featured. Popular restaurants include TGM grouper piccata, baked oysters rockefeller and BBQ baked oysters.

Kyle G’s Prime Seafood is all bout "Eat Local, Be Coastal" with a seafood-centric menu. Kyle G’s Prime Seafood is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.