Ophelia’s on the Bay Champagne Brunch

Brunch Ophelia's on the Bay Siesta Key waterfront restaurant Sarasota, FL

Cheers!

Ophelia’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Sarasota, and most certainly my No. 1 pick on Siesta Key. My husband and I have enjoyed numerous dinners at Ophelia’s over the past 10 years, and odd as it may sound we had never made it to their Sunday Champagne Buffet. I seized the opportunity to go with a girlfriend and her daughter who were in town for Spring Break.

Ophelia’s on the Bay Outside Patio

What a treat! As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait.

We arrived for our 11:15 reservation with grumbling tummies and were seated outside on the large patio overlooking Little Sarasota Bay. Diners are offered a complimentary mimosa or bloody mary before heading to the buffet, and we all chose the mimosa – although a table nearby had bloody mary’s that looked pretty darn good.

The fabulous buffet offered a wide range of breakfast items including Belgian waffles, fruit crepes, egg bake, sausage & gravy, and of course bacon and sausage. Then moving onto the lunch items; there was a variety of salads, smoked salmon, and bagels including onion & capers, shrimp cocktail, and crab legs. Hot dishes included stuffed manicotti, baked white fish, as well as a ham and roast beef carving station.

Needless to say, it was difficult to reserve room for dessert, but I was not going to pass up the equally impressive dessert options. Pecan pie, a decadent looking chocolate cookie crust peanut butter pie, assorted petifores (my favorite was a dark chocolate/espresso combo), fresh fruit, assorted cakes, and pastries.

Brunch at Ophelia's on the Bay waterfront restaurant Siesta Key, Florida.

The two Joes at Ophelias on the Bay

As we were leaving, my favorite waiter Michael pointed out 2 smiling gentlemen who were seated in the dining room inside. He told me that they come every Sunday. I walked over and introduced myself. The two Joe’s (yes that’s both of their first names) told me they’ve been coming to Ophelia’s Sunday Champagne Buffet for years; same time (12:30), same table. One smiled and said “we come for the champagne”, then let out a little chuckle and said “no really it’s the food and service that can’t be beat – we think this is the best restaurant on Siesta Key”.

I can’t agree more with the Joe’s. I can see how this could become a weekly tradition. I know I won’t be waiting too long before I return.

Ophelia’s on the Bay is located at 9105 Midnight Pass Rd. on the south end of Siesta Key.

Written by: Nita Ettinger | Author Website

Siesta Publications Editor for Must Do Visitor Guides print and online.