Siesta Key Restaurants

Siesta Key Restaurants

Siesta Key, for a relatively small barrier island community, boasts plenty of very fine dining establishments within its resplendent borders. We’ll introduce you to a few of the more popular establishments, to give you an idea of what’s in store for you here on the Island. Siesta Key, which is World-renowned for it’s fabulous white sand coastline, has some restaurants that compare favorably to the Key’s well-earned reputation.

Ophelia’s on the Bay

Ophelia’s is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful settings of any restaurant anywhere on Florida’s coast. They have a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes in diverse and unique recipes. An example is the Fresh Nicaraguan Black Grouper in a fresh Parmesan and Chive Crust, Garlic and Herb Beurre Blanc. Another favorite is South Pacific Ridgeback Swordfish.

For appetizers, the Lobster Infused Blue Crab Bisque with Green Chili Creme Fraiche and Cream Sherry Drizzle being one of the outstanding choices. Another amazingly delicious appetizer is the Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cakes with Fried Green Tomatoes, Avocado Green Chili Remoulade, and Roma Tomato Salsa Cruda.

For those whose tastes lean towards meat dishes, Ophelia’s offers Filet Mignon of Angus Beef, Braised Osso Buco of Domestic Lamb, Stuffed Bandera Quail, N.Y. Strip All Natural Angus Beef (Carved Over Marsala Demi-Glaze), Breast of Duckling with Poached Anjou Pear, Tenderloin of Pork in a Spiced Barbecue Baste, and Ribeye Steak of Angus Beef with Caramelized Onion Gorgonzola Jam. The side orders are perfect companions to these meals.

An extensive wine list is partner to all of these fine dishes, and the salads stand as a superb meal on their own. If you have room for dessert, the choices are as impressive as the rest of the menu. Try the Bread Pudding with Cherry and Dark Chocolate, or the White Chocolate Mousse.

Location: 9105 Midnight Pass Road. Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with an extraordinary Sunday Brunch Buffet, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every week.

Patisserie Cafe Continental

The Patisserie is the most popular spot in the region for breakfast and lunch. This friendly Mom and Pop eatery is located on the western side of the Key, just off of Beach Road. Mom and Pop are English, and the menu reflects this, with all the choices you might expect, such as British Bangers, Bubble and Squeak, and freshly made home-baked scones and croissants served up daily. All the American favorites are here, with a wide array of pancakes, waffles, omelets, mixed skillets – all the favorites you might expect from a first-class breakfast establishment.

It doesn’t end with breakfast, however. Their lunch menu features an assortment of bountiful, fresh sandwiches, fish & chips (with a choice of three different kinds of fish!), and they serve half-pound Angus Beef Burgers with your choice of cheeses, should you prefer a cheeseburger. Paninis (served with chips/fries) are a Patisserie specialty, such as “The Italian Job”, grilled chicken breast with pesto, spinach, provolone and cream cheese. A children’s menu is available, as well.

Primarily a breakfast-lunch eatery, Patisserie is located at 5221 Ocean Blvd., Unit 6. Hours: 7 A.M. to 2 P.M. (July-August, closed on Tuesdays). The phone number is (941)346-3171.

The Hub Baja Grill

The Hub Baja Grill’s name would suggest a Mexican restaurant, and it is true that The Hub’s menu boasts many delicious Latin American specialties. They serve Blackened Fish Tacos, Baja Burritos, and The Baja Grouper on Special Potatoes, for example, but you will find Tex-Mex, Southwestern, Cajun, and Italian dishes available, also. Typical American fare like hamburgers, seafood, ribs and chicken wings are all worth trying. The Cuban sandwich, in particular, is a very popular menu item.

This primarily open-air establishment is well-known for its favorable ambience and customer-friendly atmosphere, where the delicious Margaritas flow and the patrons are treated to live acoustic music throughout their visit.

Location: 5448 Ocean Blvd. Take-out orders welcome . Hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 11pm; Sat, 10am – 1am; Sun, 9am – 11pm. Number: (941)349-6800.

Solorzano Bros. Pizzeria

The Solorzano Brothers Restaurant is arguably the best pizza to be found in the whole Sarasota area. Whether dining in or taking-out, you will find quality at every turn. They pride themselves on serving fresh, hot Signature Pizzas, scrumptious calzones, foot-long hero sandwiches, homemade lasagna, manicotti, and other carefully prepared pasta classics.

There is nothing quite as delicious as an Italian pizza on a real authentic pizza crust, and the brothers’ crust is as good as it gets. The ingredients are all fresh and generously portioned. The brothers are from New Jersey, and prove family tradition translates to top quality and great taste!

Location: 215 Avenida Madera, Siesta Key Village. Hours: 3 P.M. to 10 P.M. – dine-in, take-out and delivery. Phone: (941) 349-BROS (2767)

Javier’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

Javier’s specializes in Peruvian-American cuisine, and is definitely one of the Island’s most popular dining establishments. Their many positive reviews often make mention of their attention to service, with an on-premises owner who is there to attend to the customers every need. The festive, colorful atmosphere created by Javier’s décor wholly complements the wonderful and varied menu. The wine bar, serving the best of New World wines and imported Peruvian beers, is an ideal accompaniment to your meal.

The Seafood Paella and the Corvina with Shrimp Sauce are two of the outstanding selections on their extensive seafood menu. Dishes such as Javier’s “Parrillade Mixta”, a mix of their specially-prepared barbecue ribs and barbecued chicken with spicy chargrilled pork sausage, are awesome! One special feature is their “Platitos”, literally meaning “small plates”, for those who don’t want overly large meals; those who order from the “Platitos” menu will still find these portions to be quite satisfying. They pride themselves on catering to vegetarians, also.

Javier’s Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 6621 Midnight Pass Road. They are open for dining from Tuesday thru Saturday, 5 P.M to 9 P.M. Their phone number is (941)349-1792.