What looks like an elegant European restaurant in Sarasota also hides a secret behind one of its mirrors. My mom and I recently visited Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy for dinner, followed by drinks inside its hidden speakeasy, and the entire experience was just as much about the atmosphere as it was about the food.
From the beautiful dining room and incredible bread basket to a secret door that opens on its own, Mimi’s offers a memorable night out with a bit of mystery mixed in.
A Little History of Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy
Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy opened in Sarasota’s Southside Village in December 2025. The restaurant occupies the former Adeline space on Hillview Street, which was completely transformed into a European-inspired brasserie with a 1920s Prohibition theme.
The restaurant is named after “Mimi,” owner Mila Aguiar’s nickname. It was also inspired by Mimi la nuit, a restaurant the owners previously operated in Montreal. The concept combines the welcoming feel of a European neighborhood brasserie with Montreal influences, Florida warmth and the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
The team behind Mimi includes local restaurateur Edward Zaki, Mila Aguiar, Bethany Melendez and chef Anthony Double. Their collective backgrounds and travels influence the menu, which blends French, Portuguese, Montreal and other European flavors.
The Beautiful Main Dining Room
The atmosphere immediately caught my attention when we walked inside. Mimi’s is decorated to look and feel like it belongs in another era, but it still feels comfortable and inviting.
The dining room has richly colored walls, patterned pressed-tin ceilings, crystal chandeliers, ornate mirrors and dramatic velvet curtains.
Small lamps cast a warm glow over the tables, while deep red and purple accents give the space a lush 1920’s vibe.
Dinner at Mimi’s
My mom and I started with a basket filled with several different kinds of bread. Some pieces were soft and airy, while others had a crisp, toasted exterior. It came with a round of seasoned butter in the center.
The bread was amazing. It was honestly difficult not to eat the entire basket before our entrées arrived.
For dinner, I ordered the pork schnitzel, served with cannellini beans, an herb salad and pickled onions.
The pork was crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, and the fresh greens and tangy onions kept the dish from feeling too heavy. It was a generous plate and something I would happily order again.
The schnitzel is hiding under the greens in the photo below.
My mom chose the salmon. It arrived beautifully presented over a creamy purée and topped with a thick layer of green herbs. The salmon was cooked nicely, and she said it was delicious. She orders it every time she comes to Mimi’s.
Both entrées looked elegant, and the flavors matched the upscale but approachable feeling of the restaurant.
Creative and Prohibition-Era Cocktails
Mimi’s cocktail menu is divided into original creations and drinks inspired by the Prohibition era. The historic side of the menu includes classics such as a Barrel-Aged Manhattan, Corpse Reviver No. 2, Three Mile Limit, Satan’s Whiskers and Monkey’s Gland.
I chose one of Mimi’s original cocktails called Le Jardin. It is made with Platinum vodka, Basil Perfecta, strawberry balsamic shrub and lemon juice.
The combination may sound unusual, but it worked wonderfully. It was fruity and refreshing without tasting overly sweet, while the basil and balsamic added a more interesting flavor than you would get from an ordinary strawberry cocktail.
It was so good that I ordered a second one!
Finding the Hidden Speakeasy
After dinner, we headed toward the back of the restaurant to find the speakeasy.
The entrance is near the bathrooms, but there is no ordinary door announcing what is behind it. Instead, you walk up to a large mirror. As you approach, the mirror suddenly opens on its own, revealing the entrance to the hidden room.
Guests should check with the host before entering rather than searching for the door on their own.
The speakeasy is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may occasionally be closed for a private event.
Inside Mimi’s Speakeasy
Walking through the mirror feels like stepping back in time. The lighting becomes darker, the colors become deeper and the energy shifts from elegant dining room to secret Prohibition-era lounge.
The speakeasy is decorated with vintage artwork, tufted seating, velvet curtains and an elaborate metallic ceiling. Crystal chandeliers hang overhead, while red lamps and neon signs give the room a warm, slightly mysterious glow.
The bartenders and servers even look the part, with clothing and styling that complement the 1920s setting.
It is a good-sized room, which keeps it from feeling cramped or overcrowded, but the dim lighting and arrangement of the tables still make it feel intimate. You can sit close enough to enjoy the energy of the room without feeling as though you are sharing your conversation with everyone around you.
The speakeasy has its own selection of cocktails, spirits, Port and snacks. It is a great place to linger after dinner, especially if you enjoy unusual craft cocktails and spaces that feel like an experience rather than simply another bar.
How Do You Get Out of the Speakeasy?
Getting out is also part of the fun. Near the exit is an old-fashioned telephone that fits perfectly with the Prohibition theme.
I think you get out by picking up the telephone to trigger the hidden door. I honestly can’t remember. Must have had one too many Le Jardins! lol
I remember my mom telling me it was the telephone, then I asked one of the servers how to get out and the actual details are totally escaping me. Either way, someone will let you back out!
What to Know Before Visiting
Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy is located at:
1920 Hillview Street
Sarasota, Florida 34239
Phone: (941) 909-6464
The restaurant is currently open Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., with happy hour in the brasserie from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
The speakeasy opens at 5 p.m., is limited to guests ages 21 and older, and does not accept reservations. Seating is first come, first served. Because it may be reserved for private events, Mimi recommends calling on the day of your visit to confirm that it will be open.
Hours and menus can change, so check the Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy website before making plans.
Is Mimi Brasserie & Speakeasy Worth Visiting?
Mimi is worth visiting for the setting alone, but the food and drinks are just as memorable.
Our entrées were delicious, the bread basket was dangerously good and my Le Jardin cocktail was good enough that one was not enough. Discovering the hidden entrance and spending time inside the speakeasy made the evening feel like more than a regular dinner out.
Overall, we had a great experience at Mimi. It is a fun choice for a special dinner, cocktails with friends, a date night or anyone searching for a unique speakeasy in Sarasota. Just be sure to save room for the bread—and possibly a second cocktail.
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