DH, DD and I will be spending a few nights with the in-laws at the end of March. It would be nice to treat them to dinner while we are there. We are saving a bunch by staying in their rental house instead of hotel.

What is a nice place around $20 per entry? Seafood is OK but they will have been in FL since mid-Feb, so other kinds of food are fine. Something Italian or a steak place maybe.

Topping for the evening crowd.

The Columbia Restaurant in St. Armand's Circle might fit the bill. It has great Spanish cuisine. Cafe L'Europe and Michaels on the East are also there, delicious, but more expensive (if I remember correctly). The Dry Dock is more casual and on Longboat Key but it might be a nice lunch place for you as well.

What about taking them to the wonderful Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Colony on the beach. It's a huge step above most buffets -- very "gourmet" and fresh and wonderful. Dinner there would be well out of the price range, and while brunch isn't cheap at least it's all inclusive, even the mimosas or champagne (or do you just get one, I forget?)

Sunday brunch is a great idea, unfortunately we will be with them from Monday until Friday.

What about places in Sarasota or Bradenton?

We were in LK over the summer and loved Columbia in St. Armand's. There were several nice looking places in St. Armands. On LK itself, the few restaurants looked fairly pricy. We did enjoy a place closer (and maybe actually in Anna Maria Island, right on the beach. Not gourmet, but it kept everyone happy and it was lovely to sit outside and listen to live music and the ocean sounds. I think it was called the beach house or something like that. My kids loved the house bread (it was something sweet, coonut or pineapple in it) and the fresh tuna was wonderful.

ONe I forgot-I think its called the Chart House (I think-I wish I were better at remembering). We didnt go-too pricey for our budget, but we were told its excellent and a great place to treat someone.

Mar Vista on the north end of the key is great and fits your budget. It's casual, on the water but not on the Gulf. If I recall correctly, you turn at a Chevron station just before crossing over to Anna Maria Island.

I knew things would pick up today. Thanks for all of the suggestions. Keep them coming.

Chart House would not fit your requested budget (imo) but Mar Vista certainly would. It is extremely casual though and at the very north end of LBK. You didn't indicate where on the key you will be so it may be a bit of a drive if you are more toward the southerly end. If you are near St. Armands there is Tommy Bahama and Columbia (although it may be out of the $20 pp range). There are many Italian places in downtown Sarasota, some better than others. One of my favorits is Divino. Small family run place but wonderful food.