Siesta Key is an island located off the coast of Sarasota, on the western shore of Florida, approximately 32 miles southeast of St. Petersburg. The area features attractions like Palmer Point Beach, Selby Botanical Gardens and the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. Visitors to Siesta Key and Sarasota have numerous dining options to choose from, including Mediterranean restaurants and those that specialize in fresh seafood.
Established in January 1987, Ophelia's on the Bay in Siesta Key provides patrons a view of the water from its dining room. The restaurant held Zagat dining guide ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food, service and decor as of September 2010. Ophelia's has also received a first-place ranking for restaurants that have dock facilities from "Power and Motoryacht Magazine." The menu begins with 10 appetizers, such as their roast duck spring rolls and the Prince Edward Island mussels and cockle clams simmered with chorizo, vegetables and brandy. Seafood is the specialty of the house, such as the black grouper crusted in coconut and cashews with papaya jam and habanero mashed potatoes. The restaurant has a full bar. The Ophelia's on the Bay serves brunch on Sundays and dinner nightly. Reservations are accepted. Business casual attire is appropriate. Outdoor seating is available on the restaurant's patio, weather permitting.
Ophelia's on the Bay
9105 Midnight Pass Road
Siesta Key, FL 34242
941-349-2212
opheliasonthebay.net
Vernona is in the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sarasota. As of September 2010, the restaurant held Zagat ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its food, decor and service. Vernona also has a four-star rating from the "Mobil Travel Guide" and has won the overall best restaurant in Florida award from "Florida International" magazine. A signature entree is the Kobe beef short ribs, served with Yukon gold potatoes, spring peas and onion rings. Dishes incorporate organic and local ingredient whenever possible. The restaurant has a full bar. Vernona is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are highly recommended and taken online and by phone. For dinner, dress is business casual, while the rest of the day, casual attire is appropriate. Outdoor seating is available on the restaurant's terrace during nice weather. A children's menu is available.
Vernona
1111 Ritz-Carlton Dr.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-309-2008
ritzcarlton.com
Located in Saraosta's Theater District, The Bijou Cafe is home to celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs and has served the city since June 1986. The restaurant held Zagat ratings of "very good to excellent" for its food, decor and service. Six appetizers lead the menu, such as the basil-crusted goat cheese and the duck liver mousse. The house specialty entree is the pomme dauphinois, potatoes mixed with cream, garlic, Gruyere cheese and then baked. Another featured dinner is the crab cakes, served with a three-mustard aioli. The restaurant has a full bar. The Bijou Cafe serves lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner Mondays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes every Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended and taken online and by phone. Business casual attire is the norm. Outdoor seating is available, weather permitting.
The Bijou Cafe
1287 First St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-8111
bijoucafe.net
