- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe L'Europe
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Cafe L'Europe
Review Highlights
-
"Arman's circle, this is THE go-to place to eat a great meal..." In 5 reviews -
"My Favorites are the French Onion soup (served in an onion..." In 2 reviews -
"I highly recommend Cafe L Europe for lunch or dinner." In 2 reviews
Loading...
23 reviews in English
-
Review from Peter S.
Sarasota, FL
1/10/2012
Whatever you r doing at the moment stop and run to this unbelievable place or drive LOL
I give it five WOW's. Must experience it in order to understand it.
It was worth every $ I spend .Really, truly amazing.
GREAT JOB . Had the pork shank osso bucco WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW
PS its not a steak house , just saying, (hint) oh yeah great atmosphere too.
everything else is superb -
Review from Eric L.
Sarasota, FL
5/24/2012
A recommendation of Cafe L'Europe comes with two caveats.Don't sit in the quaintly charmless dining room. Don't order off the menu. The prices are obscene. Do order the dinner-for-two for $65. You get 2 first courses and 2 entrees from a menu of their greatest hits plus a bottle of good wine. It's a bargain.
The food is good, but for each dish on the menu I can name another restaurant in Sarasota that does it better. What makes Cafe L'Europe remarkable are the location and the service.
Set in the northeast quadrant of St Armands Circle, it's a marvelous place to watch the dusk settle and see the world go by--as long as you have a table in front.
The wait staff is the most proficient and professional anywhere. Prompt, knowledgeable, friendly but not familiar. They care about the customer experience and the reputation of their employer and it shows. Too bad they aren't attached to an equally excellent kitchen. -
Review from Vic O.
Sarasota, FL
3/16/2012
The menu is old and tired, even the waiter expressed boredom with it. The shrimp were over-cooked and rubbery; the Pernod appetizer had little or no flavor. Not much flavor in the vegetables on my plate, either. The pureed squash was watery and tasteless pap. If you can't make something taste good, at least give it some flavor, salt, pepper, onion, something.
Their caviar is from Michigan, meanwhile, Mote Marine, purveyor of locally raised sturgeon and caviar, is within walking distance.
Overpriced and under-exciting, this place is old hat and 'old folks safe'. Pardon me while I yawn; some people need to leave the 70s behind. This place is not at all innovative, tasty or fun like the restaurants in downtown Sarasota, say, Mosaic or Selva Grill. At least the food in those places has flavor. This restaurant is for your grandparents. So if you're going there, let them pay. -
Review from Jay J.
Sarasota, FL
5/15/2012
Best place on St. Armands to dine! Great food and almost better service. Sensational location and with reservations get a great seat around some great art pieces.
Overall: for $250, 2 can eat very well. Best place on the circle -
Review from Gary C.
West Loop, Chicago, IL
10/7/2011
I haven't been here for years and for no real reason except we are always trying out the new places; unfortunately many of the new places last a season or two and then disappear. Café Europe just keeps going and is still holding it's own against the new comers with grace without being stuffy.
Excellent service, perfect timing between courses, the kind of service where the waiter is there when you need him but never interrupts a conversation or asks questions when I have a mouth full of food. He must be watching us from a distance, maybe behind the draperies or that column; but I don't see him lurking anywhere. He's just damn good at what he dose!
The Grouper de Mer with shell fish and risotto was extraordinary.
Yes, of course you'll pay a little more but quality, fresh food, expertly prepared and served in a romantic setting by professional wait staff - a no-brainier for me. -
Review from Alice A.
Chicago, IL
2/12/2012
Café L'Europe - 431 St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236 -941-388-4415 Complimentary valet parking available for lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. http://www.cafeleurope...
Cafe L'Europe celebrating over 38 years as a Sarasota tradition continues to be one of Sarasota's most beautiful and popular restaurants.
Café L'Europe has proven itself as one of the Florida's most distinguished dining establishments which offer a varied menu, along with Pre-Theater Pkgs. between 5 & 6 o'clock, & also has a doggy specific menu for poochy when you sit outside.
The Q's decided to have the Veal Scallopine which came with a medley of mushrooms, capers, garlic, lemon wine sauce, potatoes croquette, pureed carrots & a small bundle of asparagus. The entire meal was divine. The drinks were superb and the service is outstanding.
If you are out and about at St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota, Fl. give Cafe L'Europe a visit, you will not be disappointed. The prices are definitely on the above average range but we think, worth it. Other restaurants have higher prices and the food is not as good. Some steak places offer a steak for $40+ and all you get is the steak with no side dishes unless you pay extra.
Q-Tips say: Go and enjoy!
http://www.Q_TipsRevie... -
Review from Donna V.
Longboat Key, FL
4/5/2012
We love this place, food was excellent as always but we drew the short end of the straw with servers. We had to ask someone to get our server and we asked twice for the wine list. The server who ultimately took over our table was good but our original server was busy flirting with 2 women outside. Certainly not the standard we are used to at this establishment
-
Review from michelle m.
Bradenton, FL
3/1/2012
Well... all I can say is for this place is, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!.. The food is extremely bland and overpriced. Each garnish is the same and seemed like it came off an assembly line.. Just no love put onto it at all. just plain old banquet food. I cannot believe they have the nerve to actually charge those kind of prices. They are obviously correct to think that people are that stupid. People are paying! I just do not understand. The duck was so blah and rubbery.. the horseradish crusted salmon had no taste of horseradish and was dry. I would not go back!! Not to mention the RUDE french waiter! If you are a FOODIE you will not be happy at all!! I assure you! I am not sure how this place got its reputation but the entrees were terrible.. The french onion soup was not good either.. it comes in a big onion.. UGH. I will say all the plates do look pretty.. they just lack any flavor!
-
Review from Ken B.
Bradenton, FL
1/23/2012
Recently visited for an early meal shared with my wife and our little dog. We were seated at a great outdoor table and were offered an early dining option as well as a doggy specific menu ( she had steak tartare ). Food was good but the atmosphere and attention paid by the manager was impressive. We will be back to this lovely restaurant
-
Review from Kim K.
Tampa, FL
3/15/2012
Everyone that is on vacation must keep this place in business. I had the lobster tail (which definitely was frozen before it was on my plate) that had zero flavor. The lobster bisque was mediocre. The escargot again was bland. St. Armand's Circle is definitely a destination for tourists and this can be the only reason they are still around.
-
Review from Evan F.
San Francisco, CA
- White Tablecloth Old School Joint.
Many details suggest that it has been there for generations.
Peep the black and white photo in the entrance.
- Menu is solid - offering tastes of many European countries; not pinned down to one... Imagine you are on the border of France and Italy.
- Wine list is comprehensive - some hidden gems for under $40.
- Service is excellent - I was sitting between two ladies whom our server served first. In observation of this civility, control of the cocktail tray was lost and three vodkas were spilled on me! Nevertheless multiple towels and extra drinks were sent to my attention and the Manager agreed to pay for the dry-cleaning. Lucky that Goose only has a slight smell and that the rest of my party were in the element and cared not.
- Valet Service for your car.
- Fun place for a group - we had six.
- One dish of special note is the Onion Soup which was presented in a giant onion bowl; my photo does not do it justice. -
Review from Jessica J.
Redwood City, CA
9/23/2010
I just finished a rave review email to a friend of mine who was asking where to go on her Honeymoon. Although I know it's in most of our goals to plan a Honeymoon FAR FAR AWAY...
She is a busy mother of 2 teenage girls and this will be her second marriage. So, living in Indiana... I told her that Sarasota, Florida just might be the place they can get away to!
I had a romantic time staying near St. Armand's Circle and eating at Cafe L'Europe was a treat that I have not forgotten to this day.
This little place is quaint & delightfully romantic! The service was top notch as well as the ambiance.
Don't pass up a chance to have a lunch or dinner here - just go! -
Review from Daniel S.
7/6/2008
This is a silly, expensive, and pretentious place on St. Armand's Circle with big, faux-European paintings clearly made in one of those painting villages in Shenzhen, China. Sit outside if you can, since the inside is a dark, noisy dungeon if you're not facing the street.
Food was quite expensive and quite so-so -- in general the food was indelicately prepared (like the crispy duck) and overcooked (like the salmon). The best thing were really just the lobster bisque and a fruit cobbler.
After coming here, I'm realizing that visitors to Sarasota sure like to spend money, no matter what they get. -
Review from Denise P.
Valrico, FL
3/28/2010
Cafe L'Europe is wonderful and the cuisine is always top-notch European, served by the kind of professional, multi-national staff I've only experienced in other countries. If Cheesecake Factory is your idea of "good eats", just say "no" because you'll certainly be offended by the price vs. portion ratio, but if you don't mind paying for well prepared food with no skimping on good ingredients, bon appetit!. I drive 50 miles to have lunch here...it's that special.
Food photos can be viewed in my blog:
http://sweetpollyfood.... -
Review from Gary E.
Sarasota, FL
6/19/2011
We decided to go here for father's day - a special occasion, so we picked Cafe Europe because they have a reputation as a special occasion place.
We were really disappointed. Food was mediocre and service was disinterested. I had veal picatta. The veal was fatty and the sauce had no taste. My wife had their signature dish - the crispy duck. It was dry and came with carrots and mashed potatoes. Not an inspired combination.
We felt like everyone was tired of going through the same old routine and were not interested in providing their customers with good food and good service.
We had one drink, one appetizer, two entrees and no dessert. The bill with tip was $130. For that much money we should have had a really good experience.
If I did not know better, I would classify this place as a tourist trap. it is supposed to be a gourmet Restuarant. It is not. We live in Sarasota. We will never go back. -
Review from Diana L.
Mountain View, CA
6/6/2008
My mom and I were on vacation, and I decided to treat her to an elegant dinner on St. Armands Circle. Both of the guidebooks I carried actually recommended this place, so I decided to give it a try. I was really glad I did. Though the bill did come out to be close to $120 (inc. tax and tip), I felt like the creativity and tastiness of the dishes were well-worth the cost.
I highly recommend the appetizer that my mom and I split. It was the lump crab meat and ahi tuna napoleon or something like that. It was a deliciously layered appetizer that consisted of the crab, the tuna, seaweed, and some other things that I couldn't identify but did enjoy the taste of on my tongue.
My mom ordered the New York strip that was peppercorn crusted. She said it was the best steak she's ever had - it was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The peppercorns added an irresistible kick to the dish that kept our mouths coming back for more. It was served with a mini-tower of mashed potatoes. It was really unique though; the tower was seared on the outside so that it had a faintly crispy texture to it. So delicious!
I ordered the duckling which was alright. The skin was nice and crispy, and for the thinner parts of the duck, the meat was nice and tender, but as I got to the thicker parts, it was a bit drier. I did like the blueberry sauce combination that came with it though.
It's a nice place to go when you want to splurge a bit, and you leave feeling like your money was well-spent. ;-)
If you leave feeling too full, I highly recommend taking a sunset walk along Siesta Beach. Such a lovely way to end the evening! -
Review from rhett t.
Miami-Dade, FL
6/13/2011
I ate here years ago when my palate was less defined and recalled it fondly. this time I was dining with my youngest son who is happiest with a PB&J.
My tuna appetizer was tired but the fish was fresh and I enjoyed the salad components. But, the sauces were wildly different and not refined.
My veal (a play on a Vitello Milano) was promising but ultimately failed. The veal's breading was under seasoned and needed the accompanying lemon. The argula lacked bite but colored the veal green. The potatoes were delicious, but the problem was the breading. It was crunchy every third bite.
From the kids' menu my son eschewed the macaroni with butter but it looked good, but gallingly I ordered another kids meal and the restaurant charged me for both! When you spend over 2 bills (wine) have the good sense to eat a few charges.
Wine list was competent and fairly priced. Service was inconsistent but fine. -
Review from Susan F.
3/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Located in the main area of St. Arman's circle, this is THE go-to place to eat a great meal and enjoy great wine with a view of visitor pedestrians.
The menu was large with a lot of variety and great specials.
I had the goat cheese salad with beets which was phenomenol. I was worried that the salad would be too huge and I would not be able to eat my main course, but I was pleasantly surprised that the presentation was colorful and the salad did not overpower my palate. It was delicious but not over-loaded.
I had the Grouper which was amazing. The entree was huge and had bits of lobster, whole shrimp, and scallops I think. The creamy risotto that accompanied it was perfect.
Others had the dover sole special which was three large scallops wrapped in dover sole--it also look amazing! The filet also looked scrumptious and the desserts of chocolate lava cake and creme brulee were great.
The only downside to this restaurant is the amount of regulars that must come here. An estranged group of wealthy older people who have voices that carry for miles, and stories that will haunt you for your entire meal. I also got carded when I ordered wine for myself and my mom. Keep in mind I was with my family...and am almost 25--weird.
I would recommend this restaurant for anyone staying in the Sarasota/Longboat Key area. -
Review from Greg K.
New York, NY
12/25/2009
Don't go! Was once good, now horrid. Out of 3 mains one was bland, one over salted, one undercooked. Steak was sent back 2x before giving up. Mngt was unapologetic and offensive. Zero stars if Yelp would let me
-
Review from Darren S.
Chicago, IL
1/24/2010
Stopped by here for lunch while venturing around Sarasota, and enjoyed the food and the service. But what drew us in was the location, conveniently situated on St. Armands circle with outdoor seating and indoor seating with open patio doors - a great way to enjoy a pleasant winter afternoon!
They offer a "pick 2" combination special of various salad, sandwich, and soup specials for $12.95 at lunch - we had the bourbon pecan salad with the chicken seafood gumbo. The food was nicely presented, creatively prepared, and of high quality. The fresh bread rolls (olive or asiago cheese) were warm from the oven and delicious as well. Service was attentive, with water glasses never left empty.
So while I can't report on the full dinner experience (next time I'm in town, would be great to try it), their excellent performance at lunch makes me confident this restaurant is a great find in an excellent location. -
Review from Allan G.
Norcross, GA
4/19/2010
Yes, this place is expensive... $12 for a Cesar Salad in a cafe setting is expensive, BUT, this was one of the Best Cesar Salads I Have had in Years.. Follow the Cesar with any of the excellent fish plates (all are recommended) you won't go wrong. I highly recommend Cafe L Europe for lunch or dinner. 4.5 Stars
-
Review from Darcy S.
Crown Point, IN
10/24/2010
Very expensive, but excellent food! My Favorites are the French Onion soup (served in an onion) and the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp are gigantic! I can't even eat the whole thing! Steaks, seafood, everything I have had here was excellent!
-
Review from Sandra S.
Bradenton, FL
3/31/2010
Great place to eat! Little pricey, but well worth it. The staff is very friendly - overall a must eat type of a place. Found some online coupons for Cafe'LEurope - http://www.mybitesite....
