Siegfried, a legendary German hero, slew a dragon then bathed in its blood for invincibility—all to earn young Kriemhild’s affection. Nowadays, flirting needn’t be quite as extreme. Historic Downtown Village’s new Siegfried's Restaurant has you covered with its cozy indoors, string lit beer garden and family recipes straight from Erkelenz, Germany, like the Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten. A striploin steak sourced from Geier’s Sausage Kitchen, this tender cut is grilled then topped with a cheese crust, German mustard and fried onions, then served alongside Bratkartoffeln—sliced and pan-fried German potatoes with bacon and onions—and a salad with homemade raspberry vinaigrette.

“We want to show the locals our favorite Rheinland dishes and hopefully make them their favorites, too,” says René Zimmerman, co-owner of Siegfried’s. After vacationing in Sarasota his whole life, Zimmerman, alongside his wife Kim, sold everything but six bags of belongings and their dog Lacey to indulge the big SRQ. Try their classic German pretzels, Wiener Schnitzel, Bratwurst or Siegfried’s Currywurst for an authentic taste of the Rheinland.

Siegfried’s Restaurant is open 4–10pm Wednesday–Sunday and plans to expand hours at the turn of the season.

Photo courtesy of Siegfried's, 1869 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941-330-9330.