Pomona Bistro & Wine Bar

We went here on a Saturday early evening (around 6pm), looking for a new experience. and excited after all the Unilocal reviews we read. we walked in and were greeted by one of owners chef Arthur who was covering the host post I guess. Our attire was casual but with a quick glimpse around we could tell we were well under dressed…
We were asked if we had reservations and we said no without hesitation with the belief that if we needed one, we would have been told it was required… but the energy didn’t feel welcoming. We asked if we could sit outside noticing a handful of open tables and feeling that it might be a little more relaxed, and Arthur escorted us to the outside patio. When we got outside, we were asked if one table was ok and quickly being told that a table closer to the fireplace was «already spoken for». I’m still not really sure what the point of that was because we were happy to be seated at any table outside and didn’t express anything opposite of that.
We sat with our menus verifying the menu we read online and when Emily the waitress checked in with us we inquired about their wine. we were looking at a blend for $ 14 a glass when she shared with us another wine that she usually recommends. I made a comment that that wine was $ 20 a glass… immediately after that we felt a shift in the service. we were in the middle of ordering when she left to attend to another client who was leaving. she left us to open the door for them and NEVER came back to finish our order… we had to wave her down few times and ended up shouting our order for mussels from afar! we had to ask a different waiter for more bread because she was unavailable… and kept ignoring us! we finally had to ask for the manager and Arthur came to the table. we offered him a seat and remained open as we shared how unhappy we were with the service.
Arthur seemed annoyed and became very defensive as he assured us that our waitress is great.hmm.that’s wonderful but our experience isn’t so and you Sir not acknowledging that is even worse!
As the conversation with him continued he interrupted our chat over 3 times by getting up to process a payment, answer a waiter question and even excused himself so he can sit with a client/​friend for few minutes then came back to us to finish the conversation wow!
By then we knew there was NO point in talking so we asked for our bill. he then said that we didn’t have to pay, we insisted and he insisted back so we left.
The experience was so terrible, stressful and draining! We felt judged and unimportant. They robbed us from a nice evening out.

Every staff member there treats you like an old friend or family. Arthur, the owner, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. The food is fantastic and the menu changes with the seasons so you can always get something different.

I’ve been meaning to try this place on our recent visit and so glad that we did. Overall, a slightly different experience than Indigenous (cozy vs. more metro-​feeling) but food was comparable. There aren’t a ton of super foodie places in Sarasota but a few and those are the gems that I like to go again and again.
What this restaurant does really well are the meat-​o-​saurus dishes — the quail appetizer over risotto was outstanding. We had ordered a couple of appetizers to share between four adults and I was sorry that we did because that was my choice and I wished that I didn’t have to share it. The antelope entrée was outstanding as well — not as gamey as I had thought and it was super well-​prepared so it was not tough which a lot of game meats tend to be if it’s overcooked.
What was a total disappointment which prevented me from giving Pomona a 5-​star were the fish dishes. We ordered the branzino and the fish entrée with the gulf shrimp in the Thai broth. The branzino was well-​prepared but not the best that I’ve had — it’s a very easy fish to love and I only «liked» this dish. My entrée — the fish (can’t recall because it was some sort of substitution for the normal fish which wasn’t available) and gulf shrimp — was pretty terrible. That type of fish should not be served in any fine dining establishment. It was tough and just tasted of rubber. My brother-​in-​law was initially interested in this dish but when he heard about the substitution, he swapped to the antelope. I wished that I had too. Overall, the dish just did not work even if they had substituted to other more tasty fishes.
Chocolate soufflé was disappointing — was not fluffy and light. The flavor was disappointing — it didn’t have the rich chocolate taste that I would expected.
Definitely want to come back — this time, I will order the meat dishes and try the other desserts in case the soufflé was having an «off» night!

While visiting Sarasota we happened to hear about Pomona and we are very happy we did. From the moment we walked in we were very well taken care of by Arthur the owner and Emily an outstanding bartender and waitress. Ordered an excellent Sav blanc and a well crafted Manhattan to start. Excellent menu with small plates as well. Caesar salad and the clams were on the money. Blueberry tart was outstanding. Attention to detail, professional and attentive service make this a go to spot.

This is seriously a great place. I wish I could say something bad to keep people away but I can’t. The menu is really different and exciting. We missed out on the Pheasant special but I did have the Antelope. Our waitress, Ann, was so professional and unflappable. The food was delicious, and the setting really cozy. It is a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. The Appetizers are almost a meal so be careful. One of the people we were with wanted the Tornadoes of Beef done Pittsburg style and Ann our waitress said they know how to do that. My friend really loved him dinner also.

This will be some of the best food you could ever hope to eat — not just in Sarasota, but anywhere on the globe. Everything here is perfect from start to finish — the food is creative, fresh and exquisitely rendered. The meals here are masterpieces, the service is top-​tier, the whole experience is incredible. You’ll think you’re in Paris, or at least New Orleans. The owner is perpetually present and darling, the service intuitive, intelligent and professional, and while I couldn’t see what was going on in the kitchen, I can tell from the food that bands of heavenly angels in there are transforming manna into stuff you can recognize. We had cocktails, which were generously thought-​out and perfectly created and poured, loved the wine list, but stayed with the cocktails, since we were so smitten. From there we ventured into the clams, (better than Nantucket!) quail eggs, and scallops — incredible, fresh, delicate dishes that were so masterfully put together — and on to the tournedos, which were perfectly chef-​ed, tasty and almost beyond description. We hung on for the grand finale — the famous chocolate soufflé — any chef would be proud of such a perfectly conceived, executed and delivered dish. The entire meal was beyond compare. Highly recommended for discerning diners and foodies in the know.

This gem of a restaurant sparkles in the Sarasoto dining world. Co-​owner Arthur ensures all guests feel welcome and enjoy their meals. He greats many patrons with a warm hug and a chat. This hospitality is also demostrated by the great, professional staff who ensure your meal and — dining experience — are top notch.
Self-​proclaimed «Cork Dork» (sommelier and bartender) Billy suggested a great red wine — and at one point setting aside his barkeeping task, rushing over to our table to pour that wine. We had a great wine conversation with Billy despite his very demanding bar duties.
Starting with rich foie gras on toast and Cedar Key clams topped with shrimp and beef — The clams were fresh, slighty briny and the combo of shrimp and beef highlighted their bright flavor. The foie gras was accented by a glass of sauterne suggested by Billy. A great start to the meal.
We shared two large plates — as the menu is divided by large and small plates– duck breast and leg along with redfish. Duck was served with a wonderful potato dish — potatoes folded around a cheese center and baked — a personnel highlight as you cannot go wrong with pototoes and this preparation brought the spuds to a whole new, wonderful level. The redfish came with nicely prepared greens.
We finished with a chocolate soufflé — and very surprizingly, one of the waiters had served what was supposed to be our soufflé to another table — and came over to out table to share that with that with us along with an apology! Our waiter Mark (or is it Marc?) very nicely comped us for some part of our meal for the oversight. Totally unnecessary and amazingly honest!
The soufflé was a light, delightful, chocolaty end to our meal.
Topped off with cappachino, our meal, accompanied with amazingly warm and attentive service left us feeling like we’d received a big warm hug. We loved this restaurant and hope to return during our Sarasota visit and will certainly be back when we return next year.
This restaurant would easily succeed in a larger city — glad these gentlemen chose Sarasota for this star. Best of luck on Arthur (front of house) & Ryan’s (back of house) new venture, Lila, in downtown Sarasota.
We followed our meal with a concert around the corner at the great Fogertyville listening space.
If you get the chance, visit this restaurant!

From the moment I called to make the reservation to the moment we left the restaurant, they made us feel very special and appreciated. I was with my 12 year old daughter for a special «Girls Night» as a reward for an awesome report card. Everyone on the staff was gracious, helpful, and so kind They treated my daughter like a young lady as opposed to a kid.
We had the Bowl of Cedar Key Clams, Charcuterie, roasted potatoes and the cheese plate. Everything was wonderful! The chicken liver pâté and bacon wrapped chicken thigh from the Charcuterie were my favorites; while my daughter fell in love with the Dry Cured Rosette De Lyon Sausage from the Charcuteire and Fiscalini American Cheddar from the cheese plate. Every plate that came out of the kitchen was a masterpiece.
I can’t wait to go back with my husband for a date night!

We have had several meals in the downtown Sarasota area and this restaurant is top notch. They offer small plates, charcuterie, cheese plates, and large plates. Everything we ordered was fantastic.
The owners are very social and friendly. The food was cooked to perfection and we would happily recommend this restaurant to anyone we know.

By far, our favorite restaurant in all of Sarasota. Recommended to us by the concierge at the Ritz Carlton and he couldn’t have been more spot on.
We gladly drive the hour from Englewood to eat here as often as possible.
Beautiful restaurant, the menu is always varied and filled with local fresh foods, extensive wine list, hard to find high end spirits.
The owner, Arthur, makes you feel like family. Billy at the bar is a wealth of information when it comes to wine and cocktails, both. The chef obviously loves what he does and never disappoints.
The bad reviews of this restaurant baffle me. Having eaten in some of the best restaurants in NYC, Vail, Vegas, etc, I’d put Pomona up against any of them.

Wow! What a hidden gem! I hosted a dinner here this evening after this restaurant was recommended to me by a local physician. First of all, Arthur, the owner is fabulous. He was very welcoming & went out of his way to ensure that everything was great. Emily our waitress was awesome too. I never had to ask for my wine to be refilled or food to come… it was always right on time. And, THE FOOD… it it’s amazing! I ended with Pumpkin Cheesecake & espresso… so delicious!!! I will be back!

Arthur Lopes is not only the pastry chef extraordinaire/​owner of Pomona Bistro, he is an artist and his two dining rooms are his canvases. Arthur warmly greets his guests at the door and places them strategically. His welcoming persona sets the tone for a delightful evening. Arthur seems to know everyone and makes all his guests feel SPECIAL and right at home.
The food at Pomona is consistently DELICIOUS thanks to Executive Chef Ryan Boeve and his sous chef Isaac. Chef Ryan continues to change up and tweak this already very eclectic menu of small and large plates.
Upon our most recent visit, we enjoyed the bistro and romaine salads which were both dressed perfectly and as a main course we had the venison and the «sous vide» veal tenderloin which was multi layered in taste and consistency. The veal was moist and tender topped with crispy sweetbreads all placed on a bed of creamy risotto. This dish was truly A DELIGHT to the senses. BRAVO Chef Ryan!
All the wait staff, Billy at the bar, Emily, Ann, George, Marianna, and, I may well have forgotten someone, is phenomenally professional and knowledgeable, and helps make an evening at Pomona more than just a dinner.
IT’S A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE!

This is our go to place where the food is always excellent and we feel welcomed by Arthur the proprietor and dessert genius.
Small but interesting menu that changes often based on current fresh ingredients.
Went the other night and split the 4lb lobster it was possibly the best we have eve had.

Great cocktails, great food, personal service, and the desserts are fantastic. I wouldn’t recommend the 3 course prix menu unless you’re not very hungry, portions are petite at best. The chocolate soufflé is worth the calories (it’s quite large) as is the crème brule which is maybe the best I’ve ever had.

We’ve enjoyed both inside and patio dining at Pamona. The food is delicious, the wine and cocktail list extensive, the service exceptional, and the ambience is semi-​formal but relaxed in this gem of local establishments.
Recently we ordered the cheese plate, beet salad, grouper tempura small plate and the Italian Shellfish Pasta. All were flavorful.
Arthur and his team are very cordial and professional. We had a show at the Asolo and were running a little behind, and they accommodated us and got us out the door on time. Our server was terrific. She was knowledgeable and right there when we needed her to be.
Overall, the prices are very reasonable.
If it is cool enough, the patio is a nice option. It’s usually empty and is a relatively quiet place to dine or just to sit ad enjoy a cocktail.

Fantastic! My husband and I went on a Friday night and had an amazing meal with excellent service. Arthur, one of the owners, checked in on us several times throughout the meal. You can tell how proud he is of the food and he should be. We had the charcuterie plate, mussels, fries and the foie gras special. Everything was incredible. The best way to top off the meal was the Grand Marnier soufflé– it was perfect. Yes, we were definitely the youngest diners in the restaurant, but I think this place will catch on with the rest of the young people in Sarasota. We will most definitely be back.

Lovely dining. Beautiful restaurant with great attention to detail. Billy creates specialty drinks. A wonderful assortment of the usual along with some of his own creations which are truly sensational. Might I recommend his Pear Martini? All the dishes are beautifully prepared and delicious. This evening was Feb 13, Pre Valentine’s Day, with a very relaxed, sophisticated crowd. Patricia was our server. She is what makes a dining experience not only perfect but exceptional and memorable. A truly special evening.
Patty Lane Miller

This was our first visit to Pomona and unfortunately the experience was not really very good, nor was it good for other diners around us. Perhaps it was due to a large party in the adjoining room, but we experienced long delays for everything and the food didn’t really stand out, making this experience mediocre at best.
After being seated we waited approximately 10 minutes for the server (who was very nice) to come to our table to take our drink orders, simply for a couple glasses of wine. I had to ask after another 10 minutes where they were. Our table neighbors faired worse. They were seated just after us and had not been served even water for 20 minutes. They got up and left even though the manager attempted to placate them. The diners on the other side of us also complained repeatedly, asking where their food was etc.
The food was ok but not outstanding. Wife had the mixed seafood with homemade pasta. The seafood was prepared correctly, but the dish lacked flavor. She also had the beet salad which was reported as being very good.
I had the pan roasted chicken and it was nothing to write home about. It was done fine, but also lacked flavor. We both had to use salt, which is somewhat unusual for us. I started with the French onion soup and it was also fine but not the best I’ve had and was fairly meager for $ 10.
We skipped dessert as the meal didn’t really warrant it. With the items listed above and 4 quartinos of wine between us, the check was over $ 120.
The restaurant had a nice atmosphere, and the service staff were friendly. Unfortunately the straightforward food didn’t justify the price, and the slow pace likely due to attention paid to a large party made for an unpleasant experience for us and others near us. This was our first and last visit to Pomona.

We had a nice date at the bar here. Love the food and excellent customer service. Creative menu. I will go back and try the outdoor patio. Beautiful décor and a wonderful fine dining experience. We ended up meeting the owner, he was so nice and friendly. He showed us into the back so we could see the secrete painting of Pumona– «The Goddess of Fruitful Abundance.»
We had a wonderful evening. Our friends told us about the place, glad they did.

I was impressed with this hidden gem in Sarasota.
Business dinner turned nothing but exquisite event.
Perfect temperature wine was shared. Three-​course pre-​fix menu to satisfy all the picky eaters. Great desserts.
I had beets with goat cheese for the appetiser, which was awesome — I do love beets, and those were roasted nicely. Main course, veal with crispy sweetbreads, corn, pearl onions and saffron sauce was just delicious, and veal was cooked just like it supposed to — pink and tender. Dessert, lemon tart, was noting less than amazing.
Highly recommend — for special night out, event or party, this is great place!