Casually Elegant Waterfront Dining

Located on the south end of Siesta Key, Ophelia’s on the Bay exudes a casually elegant charm, comfort and a natural beauty unmatched by other restaurants in the Sarasota area. With it’s low profile building located right on Little Sarasota Bay, diners are treated to unparalleled views of tropical vegetation, water, mangroves, boats, jumping mullet and the occasional dolphin. There are 2 glass walled dining rooms, and outdoor patio, and dockside tables for your choice of dining locale. But the real question is: “How is the food?” 

The menu at Ophelia’s is extensive, offering a wide range of meats, seafood, and fresh produce, and eclectic, combining cuisines, styles and ingredients into creative combinations and presentations. Since the availability of fresh ingredients determines the nightly menu, it changes regularly. For our meals we chose the following: 

• California spring Mix: Gorgonzola, caramelized pecans, blueberries, tomatoes, cran-raisins, champagne vinaigrette. $11.00  
  • Fresh greens, creamed gorgonzola cheese, wonderful combination of sweet flavors, an ample serving. 
•  Traditional Caesar: White truffle and bacon scented croutons, aged parmesan, turkish white anchovy dressing. $11.00  
  • Fresh, creamy, with subtle hints of garlic and anchovy.
• Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna Tempura Maki Roll: Cucumber, scallion, spicy cream cheese, eel sauce, Asian vinaigrette, wakami salad. $15.00  
  • A very large, pleasing presentation of sushi grade tuna, colorful, flavorful, easily serves two or three people. 
•  Pulpo Frito: Truffle dredged baby octopus, kalamata olive, tomato concasse, feta cheese, herb flatbread. $14.00  
  • Octopus was plump and delicious, with Mediterranean inspired flavors and textures, a great combination. Fresh.
• Imported Italian Lupara Buffalo Mozzarella: Vine ripened tomatoes, baby arugula, basil, aged balsamic syrup, white truffle oil. $13.00  
  • Tremendous version of a classic dish; very fresh, the mozzarella was amazing. 
•  Floridian Black Grouper: Orange gremolata baste, vanilla buttered Maine lobster tail, warm herb beurre blanc, gratin dauphinoise, $37.00  
  • The grouper and lobster tail were a decadent and delicious combination. 
• Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna: Softly blackened, sweet soy, ginger butter, spicy mayo, jasmine rice. $30.00  
  • Fresh and full of flavor, asian inspired cuisine 
• Florida Red Snapper: Coconut and cashew crumb, tropical fruit and cilantro jam, sweet plantains and habanero potatoes. $31.00  
  • The tropical, sweet and rich flavors around the fish were punctuated by the spicy hot potatoes; excellent combination 
• Hanger Steak of Darling Downs Kobe Beef: Green river sake and soy glaze, maitake mushroom stir fry, ginger demi glace, foie gras rangoons. $33.00  
  • Rich, flavorful tender beef cooked to perfection, very filling. 
•  Key Lime Pie:  With whipped cream $9.00  
  • Sweet, tart, and tangy; a great rendition of a Florida favorite. 

The bread service is unique. Ophelia’s on the Bay serves a fresh baked, warm bread infused with roasted garlic; absolutely delicious and a great way to start a meal. There is a good selection of domestic wines and a full bar service as well. The staffs are very friendly, attentive, and make you feel very welcomed; the perfect complement to the surroundings.

Finding a perfect spot for a fine dining experience at times may pose a challenge. However if a waterfront view is part of the equation, then Ophelia’s on the Bay should receive serious consideration.

Ophelia's on the Bay 
9105 Midnight Pass Road
Siesta Key, FL 34242
Phone: 941-349-2212 

http://opheliasonthebay.net/