Matt C.
Yelp
Whitney's is an absolute vibe. The Longboat Key restaurant has a little bit of everything for everyone. The main attraction is the environment itself, boasting retro beach design and decor, something straight out of a movie.
Was this place an old gas station? It very well could be.
Anywho, as soon as you walk up the entrance you're immersed in Old Florida. Palm trees, patio furniture, garage doors, white subway tiles, hanging plants and white walls. Whoever designed this restaurant deserves an A+.
And the food/drink menu pretty much matches. A coastal menu with fresh seafood all around. The Chilled Seafood Platter ($55) has lobster, shrimp, crab louie, oysters and accoutrements. For a pricey dish, it's something to be split amongst the table, and if you feel like balling out it's a reliable platter of freshness.
Local Fish Sandwich // blackened or fried, lettuce, tomato, tartar, fries. When we visited, the fish of the day was grouper, which brought a smile to my face. I appreciate that they let the fish speak for itself and not trying to do too much. For $23, I definitely recommend getting it blackened. The fish was flaky and fresh. The bun was soft and chewy.
What stole the show, however, were the Donut Holes. Ricotta donuts with cinnamon sugar. I don't know who thought of adding ricotta to donut batter, but that person deserves a medal of some kind. Nothing quite like a fresh to order donut, these were absolutely stellar.
You'll run a fat tab while you're here, but you'll be happy you did.