Bijou Cafe, Sarasota, Florida, American Restaurant Details

Food:

We arrived for an early dinner. Sat in the back section of the main dining room with only one other table in the room. We watched as they kept seating other diners right next to us and eventually filled up the room. At the same time, almost every table elsewhere in the restaurant was open. Felt like cattle being herded for the wait staff's convenience rather than our dining experience. That being said... the service was great. But it was very loud with all those other diners condensed into one room.

We had an appetizer with goat cheese and tomato marmalade on it. I believe the menu said Basil crusted or something like that but I didn't see or taste any basil. It was good, but would've been a lot better with a basil taste.

The shrimp and crab bisque was VERY salty. So much so I couldn't eat more than a couple of sips. The waiter was kind enough to remove the bisque from our bill. Would love to see more choices of sauce for the salmon other than the Creole.

Food:

This is my NUMBER ONE favorite special event restaurant in Sarasota. Special events can range from a birthday to those days when you need a gracious lunch or dinner as a pick-me-up. The food is reliably delicious and the waitstaff are the best in town, friendliest, too!

The Chef's special soups are always memorable. My lunch favorite is the mushroom and gruyere grilled cheese sandwich! Dinner - the specials, or old reliable - the LAMB SHANKS!!

Food:

I rarely get a chance to go out to lunch, but when I do it's a no brainer - The Bijou! Love the food, service and convenience. Never disappointed! It's also my go to place for a drink with friends, special dinners, and where I send my clients from Lotus.
A true gem in the heart of Downtown Sarasota!

Food:

Thanksgiving 2 p.m. luncheon/dinner....turkey so dry. Not enough wait staff. Was told to hold on when I tried to give waitress my cc payment. I'm sure this is a nice place, but not for Thanksgiving.When your check for 3 people is $195.00+ it should have been AMAZING. And they gave themselves a 20% tip included in the check for 3 people. They did not deserve a tip of more than 10%.

Food:

Very classy enviornment. From the people that dine there and the staff. Went for the first time after being recommended by a friend and am very glad i went. Food is outstanding and prices are fair. Waiter was very knowlegable, walk in with a smile and leave with one two :)

Food:

"Across from the beautifully restored opera house and library" – thus a "great choice" for "pre-theater" as well as "special occasions" – this Sarasota spot imbues "traditional Continental" cuisine with "modern style", and the results are "to die for"; an "extensive list of South African wines" and "professional, friendly" service add to the "delight", so while it's "a little pricier than competitors", it's also "more elegant than most."