Florida, United States Food Guide: 6 French food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Sarasota

August 14, 2020 Nobuko Falco

Discover Restaurants offering the best French food in Sarasota, Florida, United States. What kind of beachgoer are you? Chances are, you’ll find something in the Sarasota area that appeals to you. Soft sand, fishing piers, shells—you can find it around here. Just don’t go looking for a nude beach—that’s the one thing they don’t have.
Things to do in Sarasota

6. La Creperie Caffe

419 Saint Armands Cir Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34236-1408 French, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service, Takeout, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol [email protected] +1 941-960-2054 http://lacreperiecaffe.com
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 186 reviews

La Creperie Caffe

Reviewed By 784gracen

This place is hidden on the second floor of the building. We are a family of crepe lovers so we try every time we see a new spot. We went with very low expectations - we had been in Paris a few weeks back and we knew it would be hard to find a crepe like the ones we had there... however, what an amazing surprise!!! The crepes were so delicious and made very similar to the Parisan ones!!! They were rich, flavorful, and big! Sadly we visited La Creperie on our last day in Sarasota. Hopefully, we'll find time to go there before the year is over. Thanks, guys!!!

5. Bijou Cafe

1287 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236-5507 French, American, International Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Street Parking, Valet Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Acc [email protected] +1 941-366-8111 https://www.bijoucafe.net
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 548 reviews

Bijou Cafe

Fine dining in the heart of Sarasota's theatre and arts district since 1986. We are proud to offer a seasonal menu with an emphasis on fresh local produce and sustainable, abundant seafood.

Reviewed By Taylor B

I keep writing and saying it over and over again, that Sarasota, Florida, is a very underrated and unappreciated restaurant town. During our recent 33-day vacation in Sarasota, my wife and I dined at 33 different restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We never were disappointed. One of the best lunch/dinner venues--and one of the oldest--is Bijou Cafe. Located at 1287 1st Street in downtown Sarasota, it is a longtime popular destination for local businessmen and women, executives and city and county officials. It features an attractive dining room, a spacious bar located in a separate room, a private dining room and patio dining, a comfortable and cheery setting. My wife and I were attended by Daria and Melissa, both bubbly, smiling and attentive. They obviously love what they are doing. After lunch at Bijou Cafe, you can understand why. My wife was delighted with her choice, chicken Pallard with asparagus and tomatoes. I was equally happy with my lobster and crab bisque and grilled Carolina trout with carrots and green beans. For dessert, we shared a plate of delicious chocolate mousse. When listing the leading restaurants in Sarasota, Bijou Cafe always is included.Taylor B, thank you very much for your detailed and complimentary review. 33 seems to be a magic number as your vacation was 33 days, you ate at 33 restaurants and we are celebrating 33 years in business! I will gladly pass your kind words on to Daria and Melissa, two of our excellent serving staff who do indeed love their job at the Bijou Cafe.

4. Off the Hook

6630 Gateway Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231-5806 American, Seafood, French Dinner, Lunch, Drinks Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 941-923-5570 http://www.offthehooksrq.com/
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4 based on 293 reviews

Off the Hook

Seafood Resturant and Market, Specializing in fresh local fish. Our renowned Chef Wes Duval Leads a team of highly trained individuals specializing in: fresh fish, wines from all over the world, craft beer and small-batch spirits

Reviewed By DutchDoc1

We love exploring places to eat in Sarasota. We went here for my wife’s birthday. We had the chef’s special dinner. Pre dinner drinks done by Sean were adapted to our respective tastes. I love Manhattans and he suggested a chocolate bitters in place of my usual orange bitters. Fun difference. Coconut shrimp starter was great. We both had the triple tail (grouper)—one blackened and one with Crab shrimp. Robert, our waiter, had great suggestions. Both entres were wonderful Dinner desserts on this chef menu are shared. My wife had limoncello cake (comped because of her birthday) and I had the bread pudding (arguably among the best I have ever had including in England, the home of bread pudding). The food, the personal service with recommendations, and a quiet place to talk make this clearly a “go to” place in Sarasota. We are “hooked!”Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave us your positive review! Happy Birthday to your wife and we are so happy you enjoyed the restaurant! We hope to see you again soon!Off the Hook SRQ (941) 923-5570

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3. Rick's French Bistro

2177 Siesta Dr, Sarasota, FL 34239-5235 French, European Dinner Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 941-957-0533 http://www.ricksfrenchbistro.com
Food
Service
Value
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 189 reviews

Rick's French Bistro

A real French bistro in a real friendly French atmosphere where our goal is to serve you fine, refreshing & wholesome meals without sacrificing flavor or quality. Everything we serve is homemade at reasonable prices. Thank you for being with us.

Reviewed By Susan K

It was my first time at this tiny Bistro with my husband and two friends and I was happily surprised by the ambience and authenticity. The food was delicious: I had the Sole Almondine special which was fabulous as was the onion soup. The chocolate dessert was sensational. It's tiny which made it all the more charming and of course the waiters were both French. I can't wait to return.

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2. Cafe L'Europe

431 Saint Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236-1494 French, American, European, International Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music [email protected] +1 941-388-4415 http://www.cafeleurope.net/
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4 based on 989 reviews

Cafe L'Europe

Established in 1973 in John Ringling's original real estate office, Cafe L'Europe has become one of Florida's most distinguished restaurants. The original brick walls are enhanced with artwork by local artists, distinctive archways, and Spanish terra cott

Reviewed By BeLaZe

I love this place. Had great lunches and dinners here and it has always been impeccable.Not last night. We had a larger party and were seated in the very back of a fairly empty restaurant. Location and deco are still great and the seating was professional and kind, though there was some unusual smell (moldy overlaid with perfume?). And there were fruit flies. By the dozen. For the entire dinner. You were lucky not inhaling or drinking one. This issue was never recognized. Not like this would be acceptable at a luxury restaurant though at the very least an apology would have been in order. Otherwise service was enthusiastic and mostly professional. With two notable exception:- I could not get a different side for my fish. I did not fully grasp the explanation, though it sounded as if because it would have had cost more. Since when that is an obstacle in a restaurant where you pay $100 per person? Charge a bit more: how much it could have been? - Another member of our party complained that her side was too salty. She got a replacement item but also an explanation that she probably tasted the broth and while it’s understandable why she though it was salty it was not. Really??The wines were excellent and well served and reasonably priced. The food was ok, but really not up to par of most restaurants nearby that are also less expensive. It was well presented but the fish was dry, side dish tasteless. Dessert was really good but it did not make up for the disappointment (even if it was so bitter because of my high expectations)First of all I want to thank you for coming to our restaurant and yes for the most part 99% of the time the food and the service is impeccable but like I have said in the past, we will make a mistake because we are not perfect like the rest of the restaurants and will do everything in our power to fixe it and make it right. I'm sorry the rice was a little salty and the waiter explained to you there must have been to much broth in the rice so he changed it and was told it was ok, things can happen. As far as the seabass no one mentioned it was dry and we would have been more then happy to change it for you if you have said something. I'm not understanding your statement the DESSERT WAS REALLY GOOD! (even it was bitter). As far as the fruit flies, it is time of the season and we have are doors open, I really have to say, being in the restaurant every day I have never seen dozens of them over a table, We a have a company that comes in this time of year, once a week to spray a non toxic to eliminate them as much as possible. Maybe that is what you smelled. As far as making a statement (moldy overlaid with perfume), I can assure that is not recognizable in my restaurant and as a matter a fact we take very high precautions to make sure that does not exist. I'm sure the perfume smell came for the 6 lady's at your table. As a matter of fact you are the only person since I bought this restaurant 4 years ago that has made that statement and everyone else says the opposite and comments how clean it smells in the restaurant and the remodel I have done to the tune of $500,000. Coming here so much its unfortunate you never mentioned some of those good things we have done for our clients, very high end Art, new bathrooms that are gorgeous, new furniture, new china, the level of out glass ware and silver ware. The beautiful chandeliers , 5 new air conditioners and new venting on the new roof to put beautiful clean air through the restaurant. I'm sorry the rice was salty and you have a few fruit flies at your table and when the manager brought the side you wanted, he asked if everything was ok and was told yes .Thank you for acknowledging how the service was enthusiastic and professional. I really hope you find that perfect restaurant in the future as I have been all over the world and haven't found it yet. I wish people would take the time to look at the many very positive reviews before they write there's to see we don't make mistakes often, from number 96 to number 7 on trip advisor in 4 years I think we might be doing something right. You will have to look at the restaurants 1 though 6 rating on trip advisor to see if one of them might be perfect because above us they cant be any better according to the people's choice. When everyone left the manager asked as the group going out the door , how was everything and the group said quote 'everything was great we love this place" WOW this surely doesn't fit your comments. Just for the record your average check before gratuity was $50.00 not $100.00. (644.00 for 12 people). I do thank you spending that. I also really cant understand that as many times you have come here and raved about this restaurant for so many years, how you could trash us like this for one unperfect evening. Thank you.

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1. Antoine's Restaurant

1100 N Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237-3011 French, Belgian, Seafood, European Dinner Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Servic [email protected] +1 941-331-1400 http://www.antoinessarasota.com
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Overall Ratings

5 based on 724 reviews

Antoine's Restaurant

Welcome to Antoine's Restaurant. Our new location features an elegant continental menu in a cozy and sophisticated environment. Our artisanal cuisine offers elaborate seafood specials including PEI mussels prepared 10 different ways and served with the be

Reviewed By Alison1207

Was quite a drive but soooo worth the effort. This place is a hidden gem in a strip mall. Was skeptical upon arrival but pleased we entered the door. Antoine was very welcoming and explained the menu. OMG the mussels........ never ever seen such options!.......$27 for all you can eat any combo of mussels and he offered us even more options ...... we were in heaven.... and the Belgian frittes....... ❤️ there were many other menu options but we stuck with the mussels. Had escargot appetizer which was excellent too. As for the trio of deserts...... we had creme brûlée, Carmel sea salt ice cream and choc mousse....... we left very happy customers!!!!! Enjoy your vacation Antoine. Well deserved. Totally recommend this gem.

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