A Sarasota restaurant that has created a buzz since opening in Southside Village last year is moving downtown to the historic cottage where Indigenous recently ended its acclaimed 15-year run.
Alma de España chef and owner Elier Rodriguez told the Herald-Tribune he plans to relocate from his current location at 1830 S. Osprey Ave. to Indigenous’s former home at 239 S. Links Ave.
He expects to serve his last meal at the Southside Village location at the end of September and open downtown in early November.
Rodriguez said he is buying the property and sees an opportunity to make use of its outdoor space.
“We are trying to create something that is nice where people can go, have a meal, we’re going to have a patio, we’re going to start having live music,
guitar,” he said.
Rodriguez said the music could include guitar or piano, with the volume kept low enough for diners to talk. The Spanish tapas and grill menu will remain largely the same when Alma de España reopens, he said, with changes introduced gradually.
Alma de España opened in Southside Village in 2025. Rodriguez, a Cuban native who previously worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in Las Vegas, said at the time that the restaurant was inspired by his grandmother, Cacha, whose cooking helped shape his career. Its menu has featured dishes such as garlic prawns, Spanish-style octopus, paella and Basque-style branzino.
The move comes shortly after the closure of Indigenous, one of Sarasota’s most acclaimed restaurants. Chef and owner Steve Phelps confirmed Sept. 15 that it had permanently closed after 15 years in the Towles Court neighborhood. During that run, Phelps was twice named a James Beard Awards semifinalist for Best Chef: South, and the restaurant drew national attention for its focus on Florida ingredients and sustainable seafood.
Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
Wade Tatangelo is the executive editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida dining and entertainment editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Popular Sarasota restaurant moving into beloved downtown spot
