Exceptional Breads, Pastries & Dishes at Local French Eateries
No need to be carb-shy in Sarasota—these French-inspired or French-owned bakeries, cafes and restaurants will transport you to a "European summer" where baguettes over bikinis rule.
You don't need to travel all the way to Paris to enjoy French cuisine and fresh baked treats. Trade out the Eiffel Tower for the Ca'd'Zan and have your European summer dreams lived out right here on Sarasota's coastline at our many Parisian cafés. Here are some top recommended French restaurants and bakeries in the area—from Siesta Key to Longboat Key and beyond. Bon appétit!
French Bakeries & Cafés
Bonjour French Café
5214 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Bonjour! You've come to the right place for what customers describe as a hidden gem in plain sight right in the heart of Siesta Key Village. Order your coffee or a glass of fresh OJ along with a croissant, quiche, or one of Bonjour's many other breakfast and lunch choices. Enjoy your meal before heading to Siesta Beach, just a few short blocks away!
C'est La Vie!
1553 Main St., Sarasota and 9118 Town Center Pkwy Ste 102, Lakewood Ranch
C'est La Vie is the place to see and be seen in downtown Sarasota. Its flagship location on Main Street in downtown gives C'est La Vie a city cafe vibe, and then you combine that with its delicious pastries and dishes. This is the sort of place that people who've visited or lived in France praise for its authenticity. You can never go wrong ordering a croissant of your choice, but then there are dozens of sandwiches and crepes. The restaurant is also open for dinner. C'est La Vie's new Lakewood Ranch location allows more of us to enjoy its magnifique offerings.
Le Macaron French Pastries
Various locations in Sarasota
Have you ever tried a macaron? These colorful cookies are made with almond flour and egg white shells and have a sweet filling. Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, and many more delicious options. Le Macaron actually has dozens of locations around the U.S., and we're lucky enough to have three of them right here in Sarasota—including The Mall at UTC, St. Armands Circle, and on Bee Ridge Road. Enjoy your desired mix of macarons, and take some pictures of their beautiful cookie displays.
Mademoiselle Paris Restaurant & Bakery
Panini Lafayette, various croissants, and Nutella Croissant taken by Vanessa Caceres
1605 Main Street, Sarasota and 8527 Cooper Creek Blvd.
If you want to combine a French feel with French food when you're just minutes from great shopping, then head on over to Mademoiselle Paris, with locations near The Mall at UTC and in downtown Sarasota. You'll likely find customers relaxing with an espresso, glass of wine or latte while they chat and enjoy their meal. While the downtown location is largely a bakery and morning joint for pastries, croissants and breads, the UTC location offers a full range of casual options for breakfast and lunch, like crepes, omelets, quiches, cold sandwiches, salads and paninis. Opt for something fancier at dinnertime, such as Foie Gras, Escargots, or Duck Breast. Expect to hear a lot of French among the staff as well!
Rendez-Vous French Bakery
The Rendezvous Bakery food truck at the Sunday farmers market, taken by Caceres
5336 Clark Road and 2117 Siesta Drive, Sarasota
Who can resist a great French bakery?! Rendez-Vous is where you need to go for those delectable French pastries as well as omelets, sandwiches, quiches, and salads. Plus, you can't go wrong with Le Croque Monsieur (toasted ham, Swiss cheese, and bechamel sauce on white bread). Yum. Rendez-Vous also is part of the Sunday Farmers' Market at Lakewood Ranch.
French Cuisine Restaurants
Bijou Garden Cafe
1287 First St., Sarasota (Temporary closed for restoration and renovations)
Situated in a beautifully-restored 1920s-era former gas station, guests near and far come to downtown's longtime institution, Bijou Garden Cafe, to enjoy a joie de vivre, or “enjoyment of life,” throughout its multiple dining areas—including two charming courtyards for meals alfresco or inside its refined yet casual bar and dining room interiors. The seasonally inspired menu offers an elegant mix of French and Californian cuisine.
Café L'Europe
431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota
Located in the popular shopping district of St. Armands Circle, this is the type of restaurant you might visit for a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. (We completely think that being on vacation counts as a special occasion!). Cafe L'Europe has been part of St. Armands Circle for more than 50 years, specializing in European culinary traditions with more modern twists. Check out their brunch, dinner, and bar bites menus. Filet Mignon, Steak Frites, and Duck a L' Orange are just a few of their standouts.
Figaro Bistro
1944 Hillview St., Sarasota
Figaro Bistro receives praise from customers for its high-quality food and presentation. Figaro is open only for dinner and features dishes like Boeuf Bourguignon, Dover Sole, and Filet Mignon Sauce Bordelaise. Don't miss out on a glass of fine French wine with dessert—from a cheese plate and Crème Brulée to chocolate mousse cake.
Maison Blanche
Four Winds Beach Resort, 2605 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
When you want somewhere special to go in the Sarasota area, Maison Blanche (or "white house" translated from French) is one of the top choices. Its sophisticated atmosphere, combined with its location near Longboat Key's pristine beaches, make it an ideal choice to go beyond the routine. In fact, head chef Jose Martinez operated a restaurant in Paris called La Maison Blanche for 10 years. Specializing in modern French dishes, you'll find many of the typical French meat-heavy dinner choices, but you also will find several seafood options, such as Red Snapper and Blue Crab. Indulge in Chocolate Souffle with Creme Anglaise or homemade ice cream and sorbets for dessert with a craft cocktail.
Miguel's Restaurant
6631 Midnight Pass Rd, Siesta Key
For fine dining in the world of French and continental cuisine, you can't go wrong with family-owned Miguel's Restaurant. From Lamb Chop to Veal Piccata to Steak Frites, we're sure you'll have a memorable meal. Wine lovers, you'll also find plenty to try on their wine list. And early diners will be delighted to find a great Early Bird menu.