The Reserve Retreat - Sarasota

The server was given far too many tables to handle which resulted in a very long wait time. I got served my order an hour and 15min after I had arrived. It had taken her 45 min to take my order and then half and hour for it to be delivered. I didn't mind since I was enthralled with the live jazz music, which I videoed parts of, ergo my awareness of the time. Unfortunately even as my entree sat before me, I was given no utensils with which to eat. It looked good, smelled good. 10 or 15 min later the server finally did a check back and placed blame squarely on the food runner, as did the manager who appeared sometime later. That was not impressive.

The building is lovely. Service was friendly and efficient. The home fries were hot and crispy however my eggs Benedict were lukewarm. Would’ve been great if they were hot. Large portion. Although good, nothing was very special so not sure I’d go back again. Maybe I’d try dinner because of the convenient location and historic building.

This restaurant is set in a charming historic home (the Ringlings original home), and it is pleasant, has easy parking for downtown and it’s well located to a show at the Van Wezel. The menu, however, is limited and dated. The service was rather amateur, and we received cold cappuccinos and had to wait a while for our check during a very non-busy dining period. It was just okay. So many better restaurants in Sarasota to visit.

One of my top 3 places to have a meal, especially brunch and dinner. Service is wonderful and the food is soooooo good.

Soup and sandwich (blt) was great. Friend had the ahi tuna which she said was terrific.