Mehrdad K.
Yelp
This is a nice, fancy restaurant near the beach, offering both indoor and outdoor dining with a quiet ambiance. We chose this spot because our group was diverse--ranging from a 5-year-old to a 90-year-old, with different tastes, and hailing from five different countries. We had a seafood lover, a vegetarian, someone on a diet, and, of course, meat lovers. When we asked if they had a variety of options to cater to such a group, they assured us they did, so we decided to dine there.
The ambiance was great, but unfortunately, before we even ordered, our little guest started playing with the lamp on the table, which seemed to make our server, Omar, a bit nervous. He politely asked our guest not to touch the lamp. While understandable, it was a bit of a letdown, as kids these days often need something to occupy them while waiting, especially when they're hungry. As parents, we know that well.
We ordered a variety of dishes, but the wait was quite long. When we asked about the delay, the server explained that the well-done steak we ordered was taking extra time. Unfortunately, the dishes came out at different times, meaning some of us were eating while others were still waiting. This disjointed timing, combined with the fact that we spent most of our time waiting for food--even though we'd requested salads and appetizers to start--made the experience feel drawn out. To top it off, we felt rushed toward the end, almost as if someone was eager to clear our plates before we were even done. The atmosphere became tense, and we felt pressured to wrap things up quickly.
As a business owner, I always prioritize my customers' experience, especially if it's their first time visiting. If I had been the server and saw a child fascinated by the lamp on the table, I might have gone to the back and found a small lamp to gift to the child as a gesture of goodwill. It would have made a lasting impression and could've led to a more relaxed atmosphere. For a table spending over $600, a $10 lamp would've been a small gesture with a big impact. Additionally, since the food was delayed, it would have been a perfect opportunity to engage us in conversation about desserts or menu options, helping to pass the time in a more positive way. That kind of connection could have even led to us ordering more, and certainly, a better tip.
That said, the tomahawk steak was fantastic--big enough for sharing, incredibly fresh, and cooked to perfection. Despite the service issues, we will definitely return to try that steak and other dishes again.
I'm a passionate foodie and fair when grading food, service, and ambiance, especially since I've dined in many countries. Based on this experience, I would give two stars, but I plan to return in a few months. If the service improves, I'll gladly update my review and add more stars, reflecting a better experience.
Thank you.