2336 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, FL, 941-922-2253

Running the business alongside his wife, and resident chef Frieda, and internationally trained son and baker Adam, owner David of L’Opera Bakery Bistro jokes, “the only things we don't make here are the beer and wine.” From the fresh, herby salad dressing to the buttery, flakey melt-in-your-mouth croissants, every item leaving the L’Opera kitchen is made daily from scratch.

This pastry paradise is dishing out buzzword classics such as eclairs and macarons with the delightful addition of some lesser known, but equally tasty, items such as Kouign-Amann, Galette de Rois and Baba au Rhum. The Kouign-Amann is their signature bake which features layered pastry filled with butter and sugar creating little pockets of sweetness. The Galette is filled with housemade (but of course) almond cream, and the Baba au Rhum is a small yeast cake saturated with rum (yum) and topped with heavy whipped cream.

Their overflowing case of both viennoiserie and pastry will fill any Francophile with glee. An interesting fact for any bake-off fan is the distinction that viennoiserie are sweets typically served warm, such as an almond croissant, while pastries are normally served cold/room temperature like a macaroon or eclair.

Beyond sweet treats, L’Opera has a wide ranging menu where you can travel the whole of France without leaving the Gulf Gate area for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of our favorites is the Bonjour Croissant. Filled with thinly sliced ham, cheese and omlette and topped with creamy bechamel sauce, you’ll feel you’ve been transported to Paris sipping your coffee to a backdrop of French music and David and his family chatting merrily in their native tongue as orders come in.

L’Opera is open Tuesday through Sunday for breakfast and lunch 7:30am-2pm and dinner service Thursday through Saturday from 5pm-9pm.

2336 Gulf Gate Dr, Sarasota, FL, 941-922-2253

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