Siesta Key,  and Longboat Key

Dining Review Opehlia's On the Bay

Address: 9105 Midnight Pass Rd., Siesta Key, FL, USA
Phone: 941/349-2212
 

The staff at Ophelia's are professional, friendly and usually long term employee's who know the menu and wines very well. Cordiality reins with all of their staff from the valet, serving staff to the hostess.

Lobster Spring Rolls, crispy fried with shiitake mushrooms and daikon radish served over sweet and spicy chili dipping sauce and soba noodle salad.

Classic Caesar Salad Made with Ophelia’s Own Fresh Caesar dressing recipe. Caesar dressings can go to mild  to spicy. Ophelia's gets it just right with garden fresh romaine lettuce, croutons and seasoning.

Jumbo Sea Scallops pan seared with applewood smoked bacon, oyster mushrooms, spinach and teardrop tomatoes. Tossed with fresh tarragon and pine nut pesto, served with pappardelle pasta. A knockout dish for scallop lovers in a delicious and plentiful portion.

A spectacular serene view of Sarasota's intra-coastal waterway is viewable from every seat. There is an outside terrace for dining and a dock for those that wish to arrive by boat.

Ophelia's: I had heard of Ophelia's through friends over 17 years ago. My friends knew the Aunt who it was named after from Massachusetts who had a restaurant on Cape Cod. Founded by Stanley Ferro and his family, Cape Codders who still run it today. It is known for it's quality food and ambiance. A few years later I tried it and got hooked on it. The staff is ever friendly, courteous and very professional. The bar is small and comfy. Fodor's reviewers give it a 4.8 out of 5. I would second that emotion. The meals are delicious and creative. The atmosphere is cordial and relaxing on the water. The Ferro's have set a high standard and have maintained it for almost two decades in Sarasota. Photo's copyright Michael W. Penn, OurTown50.

There isn't a bad seat in the room at Ophelia's which  looks out over the intra-coastal waterway.

 
Jumbo Lump Blue Crab cake pan seared served over red and yellow tomatoes concasse. Finished with fresh basil and horseradish aiolo. There are crab cakes and there are crab cakes. Ophelia's crab cake is one of the best with plentiful crab in every crab cake. Delicious!

Basil and Buffalo Mozzarella Salad with vine ripened tomatoes, organic greens, 12 year old balsamic and white truffle oil.

Filet Mignon Pan Seared Finished with Black Truffle Cabernet Reduction Accompanied by Irish Cheddar Fingerling Potato Gratin.

Opelhia's has specials every night. Some of the standards and specials include the above and: Wild King Pacific Salmon, Wreck Grouper, Yellowfin Tuna, Garlic Scampi, Boneless Kobe Beef Short Ribs, Rack of Lamb, Pork Tenderloin, Free Range Breast of Chicken, Breast of Duckling, Basil and Black Truffle Cannelloni.

 Appetizers include Nantucket Bay Scallops, Roasted Garlic & Roma Soup, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Eggplant Crepes (a favorite), Malepeque Oysters, and Escargot.

Salads include: Spinach & Frisse, Basil, Heirloom Organic Green Salad.