Travel Tips

Known for its consistently spectacular food, along with the amazing ambiance, the Bijou Café never seems to disappoint visitors. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, the beautiful white stucco building is always inviting to new and old guests. If you want to enjoy an evening of well prepared, luxurious tasting food Bijou Café is the place to be. Plan your Bijou Café evening with a night of Sarasota theater or other downtown entertainment, all located within blocks of the Bijou Café. With a multi-course menu selection and award-winning cuisines prepared by Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs you will not be disappointed with the food. Interesting appetizers like the Smoked Salmon pate or the Pan-Seared Crab Cakes served with remoulade. The most popular main course entrees include several lamb dishes including rack of lamb and lamb shanks. There is also an abundance of fresh, creative fish dishes like halibut and red snapper. Really listen to what the waiter says about the Chef’s special because often these are the best items of the evening. Most of the time you will find a creative blend of some of the most popular menu items together as a special, for a tasty creation.

Guests rave over the desserts, after dinner drinks, but most especially the wine selection. With choices ranging from Australian to South African, this is a great place to find a new favorite wine, although many of the bottles are fairly expensive. The waiters are wonderful at helping you select a reasonably priced but tasteful wine that fits the needs of your party.

Since the guests are always pleased, the Bijou Café is always packed. This means it is best to make reservations, especially if you have a theater engagement for a specific time. Call 941-366-8111 for reservations. The restaurant is open Mon-Thurs from 11:30 to 9:30 and Fri-Sat from 11:30-10:30, closed on Sundays.

To find Bijou Café from Venice, take US-41/Tamiami Trail north towards Ringling Blvd. and into Sarasota Bay. Turn left on 1st Street, away from the bay and you will find Bijou Café within a half mile at 1287 1st Street.