Located in the heart of Sarasota’s Theatre and Arts District since 1986, Bijou Café serves up Continental-American fare within a refined, European café-inspired environment. Owned by Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs and Shay, his wife, this fine-dining restaurant started out small but has increased over the years to provide seating for 140 people. The cuisine is nothing short of amazing, earning many awards over the years, and the wine list has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 1990.

This 1920s-era gas-station-turned-restaurant has been enlarged and is decorated to evoke a European café—think French windows and doors, sparkling glassware, bouquets of fresh flowers, and the soft glow of candlelight. Lunches feature inspired soups, salads, or sandwiches, such as the pesto chicken salad croissant; dinners emphasize local produce and sustainable seafood.

The Bijou Cafe is a charming Continental-American restaurant located in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown Theatre & Arts District just two blocks from the Ritz Carlton. Over the years our cuisine, award-winning wine list and exemplary unobtrusive service have set the standard for dining on the Sun Coast and established us as one of Sarasota’s most sought after fine dining destinations.Since 1986, Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs and his wife Shay have owned and operated The Bijou Café. It has grown from a small 50-seat restaurant to a seating capacity of 140 people in three separate dining rooms.

The tagline says it all: “French-Forward Global Cuisine.” The Bijou Cafe began in 1986 when the Knaggs family opened a 50-seat restaurant inside a restored 1920s era gas station. Today, the restaurant has gotten incredible ratings from local publications and national web services and has been a favorite of locals for decades. The sophisticated atmosphere pairs perfectly with the mouth-watering cuisine on the dinner menu, including classics like the lamb shank, roast duckling, and crab cakes.

is an upscale venue situated by a beautiful opera house, famous for their selection of unique wines and Continental dishes. Indulge in luxury filet mignon marinated in a demi-glace with grilled red onions, seasonal mushrooms, and herb risotto; grilled swordfish with sauteed spinach and orzo; or a rack of lamb with a medley of roasted vegetables and salsa verde. Bijou is also open to hosting private events, including anniversary parties, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, and more.

After careful consideration, we have decided to temporarily close the Bijou Cafe,” reads the email issued July 2 by owners Jean-Pierre, Shay and Jeffrey Knaggs. “While we cherish providing gourmet food and an elegant dining experience to all of our wonderful guests, our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our customers, staff, and community.

1287 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA(941) 366-8111 View Menu Open in Google Maps. Nestled close to the opera house in Sarasota, Florida, Bijou Garden Cafe proved to be a delightful destination for a tranquil afternoon tea experience. Tucked away on 1st Street, this upscale cafe instantly captured my attention with its charming ambiance and inviting decor.

For fine dining in the theater district, The Bijou Café has been serving French and American dishes since 1986. Open for dinner only, you can enjoy favorites like Lamb Shank with Truffle Risotto and Escargot, as well as a few new creations on occasion. With such a pretty patio and so much greenery, this spot is perfect for date night, followed by a show!

The Bijou has been serving fine dining fare in the heart of downtown Sarasota’s arts district since 1986 and the menu remains dedicated to the French and South African flavors that made the restaurant famous. A 2021 change in ownership and a revamp of the space has given the restaurant a fresh look and feel after decades in business.

Located in the downtown theatre district, Bijou Cafe is steeped in history: it was originally a pumping station in the 1920s, and was converted into a restaurant in the 1980s. Today, this charming, award winning continental eatery remains a local favorite, providing ample patio seating for patrons who enjoy dining with their dogs.

Since opening in 1986, Bijou Garden Cafe Sarasota has been wowing diners with its Continental-American food. Chef Jean-Pierre Knaggs and his wife Shay have received many accolades including the Open Table Diner’s Choice Award 2017. This popular Sarasota restaurant has an elegant feel with two courtyards for al fresco dining.

Housed in an antique filling station, Bijou Cafe has been a cornerstone of the culinary scene in downtown Sarasota since the 1980s. Don't miss the flavorful Grilled Prime Skirt Steak with mint-basil pesto, roasted red pepper, jasmine rice, pickled jalapeno, and sliced avocado on this year's Savor Sarasota menu.

Bijou Garden Cafe is a charming eatery tucked away in a quiet little corner of Sarasota and surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and twinkling lights. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with just the right amount of ambiance to set the mood for a romantic evening out. And the cuisine won’t disappoint!

Only open for dinner, The Bijou Cafe is a family-owned and operated fine dining restaurant. They offer a menu full of French- and South African-inspired cuisine, which reflects the owner’s heritage. The Bijou Cafe is located in the arts district of downtown Sarasota and is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Bijou Garden Café has been a Sarasota staple for decades, offering classic dishes with a modern twist. This charming bistro is known for its intimate ambiance and signature dishes like the Pommes Gratinée and Duck Confit. A meal here feels like a step back in time, with a contemporary culinary edge.

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, look no further than The Bijou Cafe. Located near the Sarasota opera house, this is a great place to dine before watching a show. The atmosphere is perfect, reminiscent of old school luxury but paired with modern dinner eats.

I hadn’t been to Bijou Garden Cafe in years when a friend invited me to their Sunday Broadway Brunch. Knowing that Chris Covelli had become Executive chef and co-owner, I had high hopes. Though called a cafe, it is much more elegant than you’d expect.

Bijou Garden Cafe: This fine dining restaurant is housed in a restored gas station. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated with chandeliers and white tablecloths. The menu features classic Continental dishes, like steak frites and lobster bisque.

The Bijou Cafe is one the best restaurants in downtown Sarasota for fine dining. It’s an upscale restaurant that specializes in French inspired cuisine. Expect your food to be perfectly prepared with beautiful presentation.

Bijou is a French cafe with an exciting menu that changes with the seasons, so customers happily anticipate the return of their favorite dishes when the appropriate season comes around.

The award-winning Bijou Cafe is another excellent choice, offering a romantic ambiance and innovative New American fare crafted with locally grown ingredients.

There’s no wonder it’s first-come, first-served at this Happy Hour–with these kinds of deals, Bijou Cafe is sure to get a full house real quick.

Just a short walk from the beautiful beaches of Sarasota, Cafe Gabbiano brings Italy to Siesta Key. It's serene, casual ambiance imitates...