Adeline, one of Sarasota’s best restaurants, announced this week that it will close on Saturday, Oct. 4. The small-plate fine dining restaurant opened in 2022, originally under the name Meliora, with chef Drew Adams—who worked for Michelin-starred restaurants like The Dabney and Rose’s Luxury in Washington, D.C.—leading culinary operations alongside then-general manager Bruce Pike, who ran an event production company that put on events at places like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian.
In September 2024, ownership of the restaurant shifted to Adams and local restaurateur Eddie Zaki, who also owns 1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Sarasota and Lucky 8 in Southside Village. Adams and Zaki changed the restaurant’s name to Adeline (Adams’ daughter’s name) and kept the menu’s most highly-regarded dishes, like raw scallops dish with herbed cream, Japanese milk bread and the most pillowy gnocchi we’ve ever had. Meanwhile, a few larger entrées, like a ribeye dish and fresh fish, were added.
Going forward, Zaki will keep Adeline’s restaurant space and open a New-American style concept that includes a speakeasy. Adams will also stay in Sarasota to lead a different high-end culinary project…