Trixie59

My sister and her husband are relocating to Florida in the next few years (he already has the job). They are going to be spending a few weeks in July in the Sarasota area. They recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and I would like to get them a gift certificate to an area restaurant to use when they're there. I am thinking around $150. One idea is Beach Bistro. Is this a good choice (since they won't have to worry about money) or does anyone have a better idea. They are unfamiliar with the area other than being taken out to a few places by his company (I'm unsure which restaurants). Help would be appreciated.

midlohokiegirl

I'm unfamiliar with Beach Bistro, but if you want an upscale (and good) choice for a special celebration, I'd suggest Charley's Crab out on St. Armands Circle.

Patrick

I realize we all have different opinions, but Charley's Crab is hardly what I'd call an "upscale" choice for a special celebration, despite it being good and decent food and a lively atmosphere. Expect to be surrounded by Bermuda and t-shirt wearing tourists and locals having a good time.

I haven't been to Beach Bistro in a few years, but there have been some more recent comments here if you want to search it. It certainly used to be one of the highest rated places in the entire area. I'd also suggest either Bijou downtown or Michael's on East as being two of the better and more "upscale" places.

LN

While I haven't been to Bijou I can say that Michael's on East is excellent. Beach Bistro has always been good but my favorite would be "Euphemia Haye". I've always been pleased with the dinner and the service.

AAFrequentFlyer

I agree with Patrick. Michael's on East has always made the top list in this area. Can't go wrong with that place.
Unortunately, no romantic views as the restaurant is located in a strip mall.

http://www.michaelsoneast.com/


Ophelia's on the Bay on Siesta Key will provide a very romantic views, but maybe just a notch below Michael's in the food/service department. Still a very nice choice.

http://www.opheliasonthebay.net/

SiestaLinda

Beach Bistro is wonderful--great food and right on the beach, they will spend every bit of that $150 gift certificate there. ophelias is also wonderful, not on the beach, but great bay views. I happen to like Christophers on Lido Beach at Lido Beach resort. It is on top of the hotel, fine fine food and service and outstanding views----make sure they get there well before sunset--same with Beach Bistro--otherwise the views are useless.

samschack

Michael's is indeed in a shopping plaza but once inside you'll never notice---it's quite nice and food there is excellent.
I still think that Beach Bistro is hands down the most romantic restaurant in the area and the food is terrific. Not far behind on the romance meter (this is an anniversary dinner after all) Euphemia Haye has wonderful food and after dinner you can go upstairs for dessert or after dinner drinks and great French pressed coffee. My wife and I have also enjoyed dinner on a few occassions at Christopher's. It is on the 8th floor of a beach front hotel with very nice views of the gulf to the west and the city to the east.
One thing to remember, these places are popular with locals so even though we are past "season" they tend to stay busy. Advance reservations are a must.

cfc

Not so crazy about Michael's - somewhat hackneyed menu with missteps in preparation. Like Beach Bistro well enough, but a LONG drive from Sarasota up there - more than 45 min. Do recommend the Bijou for pleasant atmospher and good food.

Wayne

Gosh, I don't think it's a 45 minute drive from Sarasota to Beach Bistro unless you are way over on the east edge of town when you start. I'd guess it's no more than 30 minutes from somewhere around Highway 41, and less than that from St Armand's Circle. Honestly, I've never timed it so this is just from memory.

Anyway, my two favorites, both of which have been named (so I'm just adding to the votes) are Euphemia Haye and Beach Bistro. Good luck. If you want to stay closer at St Armand's Circle, the top restaurant there is Cafe L'Europe, a high-class establishment right on the circle.

Trixie59

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions! I am going to research them all and then make a decision. I have read a lot of opinions on Beach Bistro and figured my sister and husband might not be critical since they aren't footing the bill. Some of the decision will depend on whether it's easy to get a gift certificate over the phone and mailed. Thanks again!

Tandoori_Girl

The view from Christopher's is really nice. But it's not particularly intimate. I like Euphymia Haye but haven't been there in (choke!) abou 15 years. But honestly, I think the Sarasota area is so romantic. All of it.

LilMsFoodie

Pattigeorge is on the bay side of Long Boat Key. It is a contemporary cuisine restaurant located in an old house with lovely bay views. After dark you have the lights of Sarasota on the bay rather than the black hole of the gulf.

I think Beach Bistro is great as well. My idea of this place is to dine literally outside on the water and in July this would be dreadful.

Charley's Crab on St. Armands is sort of mediocre at best. Very touristy imo.

Michael's on East is still good but I haven't been for at least 1 year so I hate to comment.

Twice in the last year, Euphemia Haye let me and my clients down both in service and cuisine. That is why my rec for Pattigeorge.

LMF

Postal

I know this thread is a few months old, but since I just returned from meals at both Beach Bistro and Euphemia Haye, I thought this was an appropriate place to mention it!

Beach Bistro was absolutely spectacular. Even though the tables are very close, sound is muffled (by the cloth on the ceiling, I think) and we couldn't hear other conversations at all. I started missing the bouillabaisse broth as soon as I left because it was that delicious. The four of us spent $368 before tip, but that included two bottles of wine (they started us off with complimentary wine while we waited) and numerous courses, so I thought that was more than reasonable. We will be returning there as soon as possible!

Euphemia Haye was a little bit of a letdown after Beach Bistro, partially because the atmosphere and noise level was different - we had a noisy party in the small room and couldn't hear the conversation at our own table. The meals were certainly not as unique as BB, and when my brother ordered duck, the specialty, we were surprised to find it cold and dry. He asked for one that was at least still warm and then received one that was still hot, but still incredibly dry. He sent the second one back and they whipped him up some veal piccata instead - which was good but the rest of us were almost finished eating when he got it. That experience really put a damper on the meal, but we really enjoyed "the Haye Loft" for dessert and coffee upstairs afterward.

Since Euphemia Haye only cost about $50 less than Beach Bistro, we'll stick with BB in the future and perhaps visit the Haye Loft for dessert!

mads312

The Beach Bistro is the most special you can go to for dinner. It is super romantic and beautiful and the food is really great too.