Ophelia’s On The Bay, Simply The Best
Ophelia’s On The Bay is a name that stands alone when you’re talking about the best-of-the-best in dining, ambiance, service, and panache. Voted in the Herald Tribune as the Best Waterfront Restaurant, Most Romantic Restaurant, Best Continental Restaurant and Best Creative Restaurant, Ophelia’s is that special place you take someone who is important in your life, and build memories that last forever.
Considered one of the best gourmet restaurants in the area, Ophelia’s on the Bay has been a jewel placed on the Sarasota Bay and framed with tropical vegetation and a water lily pond. The bronze fountain and flower garden are finishing touches on a postcard – perfect setting, where you might catch playful dolphins or a passing boat. Choose from their elegant dining room or dine on the dockside on their patio.
The unusual blend of cuisines at Ophelia’s mixes new world with old, and American cuisine with the best of Asian, Italian and Floridian. Their chef is constantly researching, experimenting and serving fabulous new and exciting dishes that make the menu one of almost daily change. Local and fresh, their seafood and fish dishes, combines with locally grown produce and the best wine list and you have a dinner that is incomparable.
Ophelia’s is located at 9105 Midnight Pass Road and is also accessible by boat at marker 48 on the inter coastal waterway. Also voted number one in the nation for being the best dockside dining restaurant, Ophelia’s is open for dinner and drinks from 5 pm to 10 pm every day. Their Sunday Brunch Buffet is open at 11 am till 2 pm, and Happy Hour in Ophelia’s Lounge is between 5-6 pm with $5.00 Appetizers, $5.00 Martinis, and $4.00 House Wine by the glass. Don’t be surprised if Ophelia’s On The Bay doesn’t become the place you come when you want to feast your eyes on the beautiful setting while enjoying wonderful treasures including local seafood and the best wines.
Ophelia’s has had a superb run for so many years, being a landmark on the Sarasota Bay, established in 1988 by Stanley Ferro and his family, Mr. Ferro’s successful career began on Cape Cod with the Cape Playhouse Restaurant. Ophelia was actually Mr. Ferro’s Great Aunt’s name, she having been a restauranteur for many years in her own right. Today, Stan’s daughter Kristina plays a very important part in the day to day operation.
On a personal note, the Ferro family considers its community service involvements to be some of their most important achievements. The many charities and educational foundations participated in are the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the March of Dimes Chef’s Auction, and the Taste-of-a-Nation Share Our Strength fund raiser to feed the hungry.
An interesting fact about the setting at Ophelia’s is the view of the Mangrove Islands, a bird sanctuary for many types of tropical birds. What a fabulous way to spend your dinner hour, relaxing on the patio while drinking your favorite wine and dining on any menu selection that Ophelia’s offers, while enjoying that slice-of-heaven habitat of sea and birds.
The endless list of awards that Ophelia’s On The Bay has won are stunning Epicurean Rendezvous voted Ophelia’s one of the top 100 restaurants in Florida. Zagat Guide gave Ophelia’s an “Extraordinary” rating 10 years in a row! Sarasota Magazine voted them Best of the Best Waterfront restaurant, Best Outdoor, Best Romantic and Best Creative Restaurant numerous times. In Gourmet Magazine they won the award for Exceptional Restaurant of Florida. Wine Magazine voted Ophelia’s one of the Best Sixteen Restaurants in Florida. The accolades are so numerous that there are too many to mention here.
Log onto their website at www.opheliasonthebay.net for a photo gallery of the restaurant and surrounding water views. To make reservations call 941-349-2212. You must give yourself the opportunity to have a luxurious gourmet meal on the deck or in the dining room of Ophelia’s that you will remember the rest of your life!
