Savor Guide: Continental Cuisine with an European Twist

Enjoy our complete guide to local restaurants with overseas-inspired menus participating in Sarasota County’s annual Savor Sarasota restaurant week: spectacular deals on exquisite dining June 1-14

We are gearing up for a favorite time of year for foodies: Savor Sarasota! With more than 90 local participating restaurants offering special multi-course lunch and dinner menus for just $16 and $32 per person, you might need some help deciding where to go!

Why not start with taste? Here you’ll find our 2019 participating restaurants divided into a specific category for your navigational ease. Below, we’re highlighting the local continental options for all your European dining cravings in Sarasota County.

The Restaurants

Blu Kouzina

Blu Kouzina brings its signature, wholesome Greek cooking to St. Armands Circle. Their ingredients are sourced from local producers to make for the freshest Greek food in town. We are so excited to sit in their beautiful dining room and sample their Savor Sarasota offerings, including crowd favorites like hummus, moussaka, beef kalamaki and baklava.

C’est La Vie

Sarasota’s popular French bistro C’est La Vie has been serving up continental favorites for years. Their Savor Sarasota menu will be served at their location in Lakewood Ranch – a shiny new second space. Guests are invited to visit for lunch or dinner to take advantage of their diverse special menu. Our favorites this year include the cassolette d’escargot - snails with garlic butter, poulard crepe - chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, and traditional creme brulee.


Photo: C'est La Vie
Photo: C'est La Vie

Café L’Europe

Located on St. Armands Circle, Cafe L’Europe has been serving continental cuisine in Sarasota for over 45 years. With classics like French onion soup, lobster bisque, and salmon piccata, you are sure to find something to enjoy in their expansive dining room.

Bijou Café

Bijou Cafe is known for its nostalgic elegance and European inspired cuisine located in the Theatre and Arts District of downtown Sarasota. It’s a perfect stop after catching a play at Florida Studio Theatre. Their Savor Sarasota menu is sure to excite with its flavor continental cuisine.


Photo: Bijou Cafe
Photo: Bijou Cafe

Le Petit JardinLe Petit Jardin

The city of Venice has been lucky to host Le Petit Jardin as they have been serving up continental classics for over forty years. Their sandwiches and crepes are raved about by locals and visitors alike. Savor Sarasota is the perfect opportunity to sample their crepe spinach souffle, and Napoleon Bonaparte sandwich - a roast beef sandwich with provolone cheese and champagne mustard.


Photo: Le Petit Jardin
Photo: Le Petit Jardin

Chart House

Located on the waterfront on Longboat Key, the Chart House feels like the quintessential vacation destination. With a generous, if not famous, salad bar and exotic inspired cuisine, Chart House is a perfect stop for your Savor Sarasota schedule.

Clasico Sarasota

Known for its late night scene, and fantastic bar program, Clasico is by far downtown Sarasota’s established party spot. In addition to keeping Sarasota cool with bumpin’ beats, they also serve a mean lunch and dinner. Dinner guests should get excited for Chef Guillaume’s special beef bourguignon, and beet salad.

Harry’s Continental Kitchens

Harry’s Continental Kitchens is a long-running Longboat Key favorite. With a devoted following, Harry’s has been able to keep guests coming back for more thanks to their globally-inspired continental menu. Guests are invited to visit for lunch or dinner for dining in their intimate dining room or al fresco on their beautiful patio. Dinner offerings include stellar options like baked tomato pie and pan seared snapper with risotto. Lunchtime includes favorites like vichyssoise, and Harry’s famous crab cakes.


Photo: Harry's Continental Kitchens
Photo: Harry's Continental Kitchens

Paris Bistrot

Paris Bistrot, located in Lakewood Ranch, has all the facets of a true French bistrot. Their menu boasts French classics like homemade country paté, fish Florentine, and chicken Normande. Guests are guaranteed to be transported to a quaint village in France with this special Savor Sarasota menu.

Roessler’s

In the running for Sarasota’s most beautiful restaurant grounds is Roessler’sresting on three acres of pristine land. Views include a well-maintained pond with footbridge and gazebo. The manicured lawns and secret nooks make for a special evening with friends and loved ones. Their time capsule-esque menu is perfectly executed. With dishes like crispy Maine lobster tail, bouillabaisse, and veal scallopine, guests can enjoy a the quintessential continental dining experience.


The view from Roessler's
The view from Roessler's

Café Venice Restaurant & Wine Bar

A local favorite on the island of Venice, Cafe Venice Restaurant & Wine Bar is loaded with charm. Upon entering the pleasant space, you are greeted with a sense of home, as everyone seems to know one another. Join their family this year for Savor Sarasota and enjoy items such as peach and mozzarella salad, stuffed sole, and red velvet bread pudding.

Ophelia’s on the Bay

Gorgeous outdoor dining and fabulous continental fine dining are the cornerstones of Ophelia’s - a south Siesta Key icon. It is truly the ideal spot for a romantic date. Watch the boats and wildlife interact on the intracoastal waterway while enjoying your memorable meal.


Photo: Ophelia's on the Bay
Photo: Ophelia's on the Bay

Miguel’s Restaurant

Dine ‘til your heart’s content at Miguel’s Restaurant located on beautiful Siesta Key, Florida. Their wide selection of European style dishes is sure to please all of your dining companions.


Photo: Miguel's Restaurant
Photo: Miguel's Restaurant

The Melting Pot

Oh the joys of fondue! Since the 1970s Americans have been gathering around the fondue pot to dip anything and everything they can imagine in cheese, chocolate, or hot oil. The Melting Pot gives diners a chance to enjoy the social aspects of fondue without worrying about the cleanup. Savor Sarasota diners will be given a three course dining experience complete with your choice of cheese fondue, fondue entree and dessert fondue. Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can document this fun experience.

Sophie’s

Located inside Saks Fifth Avenue in the University Town Center, Sophie’s is the perfect place to rest while you shop ‘til you drop. Their sophisticated dining room creates a distinctly intimate feel for guests restoring their energy after dropping serious cash on the latest luxe handbags. Their menu offers refreshing light bites so that you can back to spending in no time.


Photo: Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue
Photo: Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue

Bon Appetit!