Ophelia's on the Bay

Did not live up to its hype
Overrated and overpriced

5 stars on the food we had the rockafeller oysters and they were probably the 2nd best I’ve ever had. The calamari was so fresh, and the lamb rack was to die for, the best lamb I’ve ever had very flavorful. The creme brûlée was the perfect way to end the evening. The atmosphere was very romantic right on the water. Our server knew exactly what to get us and which portions would be just right. I highly recommend this spot for anyone visiting from out of town or anyone celebrating a special occasion or just a romantic night out.

Service was S-L-O-W! Hostess left the table saying she'd bring me back a pair of glasses ("cheaters") to the table, but the next time we saw here was on our way out! Menu was VERY limited and there were NO daily specials. Been there a dozen times and usually enjoyed it very much. Likely won't ne back! (Too many GREAT restaurants in Sarasota!)

If you're looking for high-end food with great views on the water at sunset, this place is for you! Be prepared for valet only parking if you're going to peak hours. Worth every penny though. I go there every time I come into town on vacation.

Enjoyed an absolutely delicious dinner!

Great service and food.

Julia, the manager, has horrible customer relations and interpersonal skills! We’ve been to this restaurant too many times to count over the last 12 years and this was our worst experience!

The fact that the air-conditioning was blowing right on us and it was absolutely freezing made the experience at Ophelia's unpleasant.

Always great

Consistently excellent.

Just disappointed we couldn’t have an outside table

We wanted to pick a special place for my father-in-law's 90th birthday celebration. Just the fact that he has lived in Sarasota for more than 40 years, and never has been there was reason enough. The staff made sure to wish him a Happy Birthday upon our arrival and they gave us a beautiful table next to the window overlooking the bay during sunset. Even though sunset is on the west coast the restaurant is right on the water looking eastward. As soon as we sat down, we knew this place was special. Not only did it live up to its reputation, the ambience, decor and waitstaff were so accommodating. We loved the experience. For foodies, of which we aren't every dish was wonderful. My father-in-law enjoyed the Siesta Key Rum Punch as well as a deliciously prepared filet mignon. The Sablefish and salmon were also scrumptious. We would go back in a heartbeat.

Our favorite restaurant when we stay on Siesta Key every Nov

Best food I have had in quite a while! Amazing!!

Great food and glad they stepped it up a bit. The last couple times we went, we were not impressed. Food was much better this time however the oysters rock were not very hot. Obviously they were not made to order but just reheated which is a dead give away for pre-made. Everything else we had was great. We will be back.

Beautiful and elegant dining experience whether seated on the waterfront outdoor patio or inside with well appointed table settings and fantastic views inside and out....the ambience at Ophelia’s was magnificent. I hosted a dinner party for eight people and almost without exception each of my guests said their meal was the best they had ever had......that is truly exceptional considering that all of us have travelled extensively for many years and we’ve had beaucou experience eating at some of the best known restaurants. Fortunately the weather was absolutely perfect so we dined on the waterfront patio right before dusk and colors were amazing. Great dining experience from start to finish

Always Exceptional and Great for Date Night!
We Love Ophelia’s for its scenic waterfront view of Sarasota Bay, and the food and service is dependably excellent.
The two crab cakes starter was scrupulous and easy to share and the Shrimp Scampi on a bed of pasta was so tender & flavorful and the Rack of Lamb in a rich sauce was cooked to perfection with unique side dish touches. We always look forward to next time!

This was our first return visit since our wedding at Ophelia’s last year. We started out with relaxing cocktails at the bar. We were seated at a table by the water and enjoyed a cool breeze. Ophelia’s is absolutely one of the best, if not the best, waterfront dining spots in the area.
The crab cake appetizer was delicious. I ordered the lamb chops which at $40 were pricey for what they turned out to be. There were conflicting flavors served with the chops that did not compliment the meat. The potato gratin and creamed spinach were pasty. I remembered the old adage that it’s best to stick with fish dishes in a restaurant that specializes in seafood. The tuna dish we ordered was very good. The service and hospitality was average. In spite of mentioning we were there for a birthday celebration, there was no mention of it or a complimentary drink or dessert as others have noted in their reviews. When you go to Ophelia’s expect to pay top dollar. Most of our meals there have been exceptional, and the location is great, so we will likely be back.

4 guys on a golf trip. Third time back to Ophelias

Good food and outside waterfront dining. Inside with a view is also available.

The food was outstanding, as well as the service! We have never been disappointed when we come to Ophelia’s. They made us feel special!

Always a great experience, I have never been disappointed at this restaurant.

Disappointed that my entree was brought to the table while I was just beginning to taste my appetizer.
My lobster bisque was barely room temperature.
Although I mentioned to the server when I ordered that I was going to try the key lime pie for dessert, she brought my check without asking if I still wanted the pie or any dessert. So, I paid and left disappointed.

Love this place and the food is delicious! Would love to see them replace the out-of-date ceiling on the inside of the restaurant with something like wood paneling to give it even more ambience.

What's not to love? Beautiful view, gorgeous weather, excellent food, attentive service.

Saturday oct 7th my birthday Great food and service thanks

We have been to Ophelia's several times and have never been disappointed. The food is excellent, such as the Crab Cakes appetizer and the Ahi Tuna and the Snapper entrees. The outside seating along the water is beautiful and peaceful. The service has always been attentive.

With dozens of eateries within a very close proximity it takes a great establishment to "stay in the mix" with locals, snowbirds, and visitors. Ophelia's has what it takes. Other than a "cluster" to park, the ambience, service and fare all stood up well with any competitive eatery. Very nice inside window seating overlooking the bay and maybe the best outdoor seating anywhere, Ophelia's will meet the needs of most clients.

Wonderful location on the Bay. Great selection of seating choices, over water, next to water or inside Open Air or A/C. Food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was top notch.

This was our first experience at Ophelia's, and it was spectacular! We sat at a table right on the bay and watched the fish swimming nearby. The service was excellent, the menu was creative and varied, and the food was wonderful. We shared a Caesar salad and escargot for apps--both delicious! We had scallops and red trout for our entrees. The scallops were fabulous, though the trout was just a little dry. Both portions were plentiful and nicely presented. Overall, it was a lovely experience at a beautiful venue.

Went here for the first time while visiting my family in Sarasota. Had a lovely brunch with fabulous view of the Bay. The food was wonderful and so was the music. My friend had one of the best bloody Mary’s she’s ever had too! Called “the ultimate “

Food is fantastic! We were there on very hot and humid evening, so we ate inside. Lovely, but outside on the water is beautiful!! We have been here multiple times and the food, view, etc. are exceptional!!

The food is spectacular!!!

We had a wonderful meal with our friends from New Jersey. Everyone had a delicious meal. It was my birthday and they brought all of us a glass of champagne. My glass had s strawberry with a candle on it. The wine list was great. Do not miss this delicious restaurant on the Bay.

Ambience is wonderful, if you get a table near the water. Otherwise, it's just an ok restaurant like others. The food is spotty. We had the "fried oyster salad" for appetizer, which was close to inedible. Oysters dry and caked in fry, "salad" ingredients were bitter and awful. The Pork tenderloins were delicious as an entree. The creme brûlée was excellent. So, on balance, the food is good, just watch out what you order! The service was not good. The waiter was inattentive, didn't give the impression that he cared a hoot about us, disappeared, and overall was poor. This is surprising in a supposedly first rate restaurant. Overall, if you don't get a waterfront table and relish the view, skip it. There are far far better restaurants in Sarasota.

Very good experience

What a great experience! Amazing food and inventive drinks. Wine list was very interesting with great finds. Our server Janelle was kind and the sommelier Billy made our night with some great suggestions! We cannot wait to go back!

Great location, mediocre food, terrible service, and a high price tag. That equation doesn't make for a return trip for us. Not sure what's going on at this restaurant, but it's not a comfortable atmosphere for guests ---- our server was downright crabby and basically ruined the evening for me. Portions are large, but the quality is not great, especially compared to the descriptions. If you're going to charge top dollar, you'd better deliver on food and service; our experience feel far short of the mark.

All three visits to Ophelia’s have been remarkable. I took my friend here for his birthday, and we had a memorable experience from our first greeting through the wine service, and exceptional three-course meal. Sunday brunch with live music is both delightful and delicious. Dinner or brunch, the portions are generous, and the medley of flavors in every dish make each bite one to savor. Speaking of savoring, the view, ambience, and top-shelf service are equally spectacular. High marks all around!

Great night out during eat like a local promotion. Food was outstanding. Lobster bisque in a butternut squash base was one of my all time favorites. Service was also noteworthy. Our waitress was attentive but not intrusive, and very pleasant. A wonderful place that we plan to visit again soon.