Travel Tips

An unforgettable evening overlooking the Sarasota Bay on Longboat Key
With a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Café on the Bay offers an unforgettable dining experience. A spin-off of the elegant Café l’Europe at St. Armand’s Circle, Café on the Bay is a slightly more casual setting with the same exceptional quality of food and service at a reasonable price.

During your dining experience, you will be surrounded by bay windows letting in natural light and a view of the bay, which makes for a relaxing evening on Longboat Key. There is also a small outdoor open-air dining room that literally sits right over the docks of Longboat Key and brings you even closer to a beautiful Sarasota Bay and Gulf of Mexico sunset. This is a wonderful location for a variety of occasions, from a romantic evening out to a large family get together. If you plan on bringing a large party to the Café on the Bay, make sure to call ahead because the dining room is split by a large red brick wall and accommodations will need to be made to reserve enough room on the same side.

Café on the Bay offers a wonderful varied wine selection listed under French, California, American, Italian and Australian, which should please almost any wine lover. For those trying to save a few calories but still enjoy vacation dining, Café on the Bay even offers low carbohydrate wines.
The tantalizing food without a doubt tops off the beautiful view and relaxing ambiance. Many of the meals offer a little Cajun spice, with beginners like New Orleans Jambalaya and Oysters Bienville topped with spicy shrimp, crab and bacon. If Cajun is not your style, the menu also provides an abundance of traditional meals like Grille Lamb Chops, Veal Piccata and Filet Mignon. Most returning guests rave about the Sunday brunch with special Eggs Benedict, Rum Raisin French Toast, and Chicken Florentine Crepes. Head out to Longboat Key for a day at the beach and start your day with this fantastic Sunday brunch with free mimosas, unlimited coffee, tea and juice for only $16.95!

To find Café on the Bay head north on US-41/Tamiami Trail from Venice. Turn left onto J. Ringling Causeway, proceed over the causeway and take a right going north on 789. Go over the drawbridge to Longboat Key and take a right at the 3rd traffic light at Bay Isles Pkwy. At the end of the street you will come to a gate and will need to let the guard know you are here for Café on the Bay. Proceed through the gate and make a right at Harborside Drive and you will see Café on the Bay right on Sarasota Bay.
The restaurant is open Mon-Sat 11-3 for lunch, Sunday 9-2 for brunch, and every night for dinner from 5pm. Call for reservations, especially for dinner at 941-383-0440.