About
Welcome to Bijou Garden Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sarasota, Florida. Located at 1287 1st St, this elegant restaurant combines an inviting atmosphere with a delightful menu that is sure to enchant both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a good meal, Bijou Garden Cafe promises an experience that tantalizes the senses.
From the moment you step inside, you are embraced by a warm ambiance, complemented by attentive service. A recent visit highlighted the exceptional hospitality provided by the staff, with customers praising their willingness to accommodate various dining preferences. The service stands out, with one guest mentioning how the General Manager ensured everything was perfect—this attention to detail sets Bijou Garden Cafe apart as a dining destination.
But let's talk about the food! The menu is full of culinary delights, each dish crafted with precision and flair. Reviewers rave about their experience with the garlic Caesar salad, considered by one frequent diner as the best they’ve ever had. The grilled chicken served alongside fresh carrots and green beans was another highlight, perfectly cooked and seasoned. Many diners are also enchanted by the homemade pasta, frequently mentioned for its delectable guanciale and pecorino romano combination.
For those who enjoy sharing, the pâté appetizer has received accolades for its generous portion, showcasing the kitchen's technique. The standout dish, however, may well be the hummingbird cake dessert, which has garnered rave reviews for its moist texture and burst of flavor, making it a must-try finish to any meal.
Bijou Garden Cafe isn't just about the food; it's about the entire experience. Guests have enjoyed special moments, like celebrating a beloved pet’s birthday on the dog-friendly patio, complete with attentive service and thoughtful gestures like a candlelit dessert. This blend of stunning cuisine and heartwarming service establishes Bijou Garden Cafe as more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where memories are made.
In conclusion, if you find yourself in Sarasota, this cafe should be at the top of your dining list. The combination of fabulous food, excellent service, and an inviting atmosphere makes Bijou Garden Cafe a standout in the culinary landscape. Come for the meal, stay for the experience!
“ Very nice and elegant restaurant. Our waiter was super. My wife enjoyed the fillet while I had the ciopino. We both like the pate appetizer of which we received a large portion but the mozzarella schnitzel was so so. The highlight was the hummingbird cake desert which we strongly recommend. Only negative was that the happy hour drinks were only valid at the bar ”
“ The Best. I had the Garlic cesar and it was just absolutely fabulous. Best cesar ive ever had, tossed in the dressing just right and hearts of romaine. I also had a grilled chicken with carrots and green beans- aas fantastic and just right. Don the GM was a true GM, great customer service gives the customer what they want. Ill be back often you have a new fan for Bijou ill travel from saint pete to eat here any day! ”
“ Delicious food, nice wine selection, great service. The server even helped us order a half portion of the tagliatelle so we could try it. So tasty! ”
“ We had dinner here for the first time and brought our tiny poodle (Olive) to celebrate her 3rd birthday. We sat on their dog friendly patio and had shade and they brought her a bowl of water. My husband had the shrimp and scallops and I had their salmon. Both were very delicious. My dessert was some type of moon pie dessert and was awesome! We ordered some chicken for Olive. Our waiter Diego was very friendly and attentive. They even brought out my dessert with a candle on it for Olive’s birthday celebration. So kind. Every staff member that interacted with us was very good and we had a very enjoyable evening. ”
“ First time here and highly recommend adding this place to your 'must eat at' list. Food was delicious, staff was kind and very attentive, and decor was cute/upscale. Went for girls night with a few friends and we did the Savor Sarasota menu (which is really a steal for 40 you get a starter, an entree, and a dessert). We each got a different starter from the savor Sarasota choices menu, and all tried both dessert options. I absolutely loved the homemade pasta with guanciale and pecorino romano. ”
“ The crab cakes and escargot were very good. The lamb, shrimp, pepper steak and crab cakes all were excellent. The wine list very good and service wonderful. It was a delightful evening. ”
“ I first discovered this incredible restaurant while exploring Sarasota almost ten years ago. The ambiance, food and service are superb! Very crisp service and comfortable tables and chairs spaced for a wonderful dining experience. This visit (see photos) I first selected the Lobster Bisque with Parmesan-Polenta Medallion. Exquisite! Next the Spinach Salad with Pistachios, Gouda Cheese, Radish, and Raspberry Vinaigrette. Delicious! Then the Crab Stuffed Onion Ring with Smoked Paprika Aioli and Frisee Salad. Wonderful! Followed by the Seared Scallops over Blackberry Coulis with Glazed Carrots and Goat Cheese Polenta. Sublime! And finally the Coconut Cream Macaron - Vanilla Macaron Cookie with Salted Caramel, Raspberry Coulis and Coconut Diplomat Cream. To die for! ”
“ Entire experience A Food was terrific, ambience was nice and service on the roll attentive. Shrimp cocktail was delicious, Kale Salad was yummy, steak and lamb chops simply superb. Recommended ”