Established in 1973 in John Ringling’s original real estate office, the oldest building on St. Armands Circle, Café L’Europe, is the Grand Dame of Sarasota dining.

The ambience alone is worth the visit. Original brick walls, enhanced with featured artwork from the Café Collection, archways, stained glass and Spanish terra cotta tiles provide an old-world surrounding to a dining experience you won’t forget.

But it is the fabulous dishes prepared by classicly trained chefs that consistently impress Café L’Europe’s clientele, many of whom are European and can’t get enough of the fabulous dishes that strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

The award-winning cuisine includes such succulent favorites as brandied duckling, a slow roast duck in brandied cherry sauce, Dover sole or lobster bisque, all of which are prepared in a classic European style, accompanied by a selection of wines from around the world and served by staff ready to pamper you.

“Our staff are highly trained and knowledgeable. That’s very important because service can destroy the eating experience,” says owner Titus Letschert, adding that staff goes through intense training that is reinforced by weekly meetings. “Our staff are skilled professionals who know the menu and present an attitude that makes your dining experience enjoyable.”

A second location was eventually established – Café on the Bay, which offers its own unique experience with more casual dining with island fare. And the catering side is booming with everything from dinner for two on the beach to feeding 2,000 people at the Sarasota Film Festival.

“We aim to delight your senses and stimulate your tastebuds. It’s a dining experience you won’t forget,” Titus says.

Pictured, from left: Titus Letschert, Betsie Coolidge

Café L’Europe
431 St. Armands Circle, Sarasota, FL 34236
T: 941.388.4415

Café Collection Artwork
T: 941.323.9547

Café on the Bay
5350 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228
T: 941.383.0440
E: cafeleurope@comcast.net / www.cafeleurope.net