The ambience at this restaurant inside the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota resembles that of a Tuscan villa, complete with crystal chandeliers and elegantly arched windows. The menu, though, is contemporary American and features locally sourced organic ingredients. Signature favorites include lobster macaroni and cheese, roasted ratatouille soup, sage-orange braised veal short ribs and olive oil-poached prime beef tenderloin. Save room for the Sarasota key lime pie.

Vernona Restaurant Information:

• American menu. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. Bar. Children's menu. Casual attire. Credit cards accepted.