Photo: Nicole Abbett, Creative Loafing
Our Story
Jason and Cricket met in 2010 while working at a small inn in Nantucket, Ma. Over the next several years they traveled extensively, working seasonally in Martha's Vineyard, Puerto Rico, and Charleston before ultimately deciding to put down roots in Jason’s hometown of Dunedin, Florida.
When we opened The Restorative in 2017, our vision was simple: serve high caliber food in a welcoming and relaxed environment. We traded white linen tablecloths for a butcher-block chef’s counter, creating a space where guests could enjoy a memorable meal without the formality often associated with fine dining. Whether you're dressed up for a special occasion or stopping in after a day at the beach, we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Since day one, the restaurant’s identity has been rooted in its ever-evolving menu. As chef-owners, creativity and seasonality are at the heart of everything we do. Constantly changing the menu creates a unique experience for returning guests and it keeps the job exciting for us.
Several years ago, we started a garden at home with our then toddler son. What started as a way to relax quickly grew into a deeper appreciation for locally grown food and the people who produce it. That experience inspired us to place a greater emphasis on Florida-grown ingredients and local producers whenever possible.
While we would never describe ourselves strictly as farm-to-table, we believe in celebrating great ingredients wherever they come from. We still love the products that inspire us from New England, especially cold-water seafood, and we’ll always have a place for exceptional ingredients and flavors from around the world. At the same time, we take pride in highlighting the incredible farms, artisans, and small businesses that call Florida home. From locally grown vegetables to Florida-produced olive oil, we are passionate about creating menus that reflect both our roots and our surroundings.
Jason Borajkiewicz
Executive Chef / Owner
Jason was raised in Dunedin and got his start at Crabby Bills. What started as a part time job to buy new shoes for skate boarding, turned into a life long passion. After working at several local restaurants he began traveling. Leading kitchens at many boutique and Relais & Chateaux inns in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Puerto Rico. You can find him behind the bar cooking food and telling cheesy jokes.
Erin 'Cricket' Borajkiewicz
Chef / Owner
Cricket grew up in Rhode Island where a love of baked goods led her to the Culinary Institute of America. She spent several years traveling, working in kitchens in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Charleston. After spending several years as our pastry chef, she mostly works behind the scenes and spends her days raising our two junior sous chefs.
Tom Cochrane
Chef de Cuisine
Tom has been with us since our second year of business and started out as our part time dishwasher, but quickly worked his way into the kitchen. He's our resident na'an expert, movie trivia fact checker, and Jason's right hand man. When he's not at work Tom is very busy with his four young kids.
Hours
Dinner
Wednesday – Saturday
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dining Policies
- Reservations strongly encouraged via Open Table
- Due to the small size of our dining room, there is a $25 cancellation fee for those who cancel with less than 12 hours notice
- Children over the age of 12 are welcome to dine with us and order off our dinner menu
- Substitions will be politely declined
- Maximum party size of 6 guests, but please email us if you're interested in booking a private event for a larger group (restorativerestaurant@gmail.com)
- Please notify us of any dietary restrictions when booking
- We do all our gift card sales online, click here to purchase a gift card
- In liue of gratuity there is a 20% service fee on all checks