One of our favorites. Lan, the chef, is an innovative genius.

I had a wonderful experience here. We ordered several of Chef Lan's small plates and ate tapas style. The food and drink menus were both fresh and creative. We will definitely be back as we have discovered one of Sarasota's best kept secrets.

Everything the recent tripadvisor reviews from 2013 have said is true. But it sounds like none of these people had the good fortune to enjoy Chef Lan's original restaurant before the recent transformation. The photo on tripadvisor for MeLANge should be removed/changed as that charming, inviting exterior was the old restaurant and IS NO MORE. At our first experience last month of the new MeLANge restaurant, we realized sadly that all the best things about LAN are now gone. -amazing selection across 2 varied menus -the fabulous 3-course Pre-Fixe menu at a more reasonable price than individual selections -creative and artistic serving dishes and glassware - such a treat for the eyes and FUN -beautiful, COLORFUL decor (in stark contrast to the now drab and depressing, diner atmosphere. Horrible.) -romantic, intimate and elegant, deserving of such fine cuisine. Made it perfect for special occasions and made every occasion special. Now I would never consider such an environment for special guests or special memories. -reasonable price for reasonable meal-servings. Now only small servings for light meals and they have cut out all the lovely garnishes/sides. We were shocked at our large stark plates with the one small item set alone in the middle. -no more creative "amouse-bouche" while you wait. It was always an adventure to see what new and fun little tidbit Chef Lan would would bring out to appease your tongue and whet your appetite upon arrival -ENORMOUS sake selection and sake "flights". Each visit brought a further education in the art and diversity of sake... and it was served in the most artful and sensory-appealing ways. -outside dining that was tastefully separated from sidewalk passers-by, nestled-in and candle-lit Adding to the above disappointing discoveries, there was a roach crawling along the chair rail/shelf behind our booth! We actually flicked it onto the floor so it wouldn't crawl onto us and we didn't have to keep a watchful eye while eating on where it was going. I know they can show up anywhere in Florida...but it was awful and added to our shock at the changes. We ordered 3 small plates (which of course were wonderful) and went home...and proceeded to MAKE DINNER. We were still hungry...and disappointed to have spent a lot of money, in a glum atmosphere with NO OTHER PATRONS, on what amounted to appetizers. Lan IS TRULY a wonderful and creative chef - but unfortunately MeLANge has lost all that LAN was in the change. It had the complete package of "Iron Chef" food and presentation in a quiet, lovely setting that tastefully combined classy elegance with contemporary artistic style. We brought many friends there since their beginnings in 2007. But now...unfortunately they have lost loyal patrons and Sarasota has lost a gem.

Very nice!

Definitely one of the BEST restaurants / lounges in Sarasota. Lan's warm, beautiful and inviting atmosphere alone will make you want to check it out (it's what drew us in the first time we dined there!)... the staff is just as warm and inviting, and they've never hesitated to go the extra mile to accommodate us. They are so friendly, and the food is incredible. I have never been a huge fan of fusion restaurants, but the menu at Lan is so creative, with combinations that really complement each other brilliantly. We LOVE Lan Restaurant!