ROCOTTO GRILL

This is hands down the best food on the island. We would have missed it as it's not on the main drag, but we found it while we were cruising down Gulf Boulevard. It's on the beach, so nice view, restaurant is very cozy with beautiful decor, service was phenomenal, but the best part was the food. Extensive menu options - unique seafood items, tacos, Mexican dishes, sushi, and burgers just to name a few. I ordered the lobster spaghetti and it was very good. Highly recommend.

I ❤️ the food and atmosphere. Everything was delicious 😋, I would recommend that you confirm the drink prices when ordering, I had ordered a drink thinking it would be a least less then it came out to be. Next time I will make sure. The sushi was very good. The Ribeye sandwich was good too.

Fantastic food, service and view! The salmon mango dish and accompanying salad was so fresh and delicious. The pasta and soup were rich & creamy. Love their cocktails. New fav place to eat in SPI!!

We greeted by "Norman Bates". He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the food. We have tuna, spicy tuna rolls and an avocado shrimp dip. The tuna was prepared perfectly. The spicy tuna was made with love. The avocado shrimp was a delightful mix of avocado shrimp and the sauce. Now we have dessert left. 10 out of 10 will be back. The food was great. The food presentation was beautiful. The staff was friendly, always helpful and checking in with you.

I got mixed first impressions when I looked at the menu and they have a big variety of foods including sushi options, tacos and Peruvian food. I personally think and with previous experiences with those types of menus that you can get a very bad experience when choosing the wrong menu item. I ordered the ribeye tacos and my boyfriend the Alfredo pasta. I got impressed by the big portions and the good presentation of the food also it was very delicious. Margaritas were also good and I got them in happy hour $5

Best hidden gem on SPI all I can say is we will be back. I am amazed that this place is not packed. The food is simply delicious wonderful ambience. Highly recommend.

Clean and nice atmosphere, good service. The lobster and shrimp soups tasted delicious. The disappointment was with one of the plates ordered...the lobster spaghetti didn't have a single piece of lobster, not even the flavor; a total disrespect to my family member as a client expecting to receive a better quality in the preparation of her food. Drinks were okay!

I absolutely love the location and seating areas in this beautiful restaurant, I was also a huge fan of the service everyone was so nice. I think my meal was a little too sweet, the ropa vieja was almost like a meaty dessert… It was rather off putting, it is typically a vinegary dish with olives, and don’t get me wrong- I ate all the meat, didn’t let that go to waste, but I couldn’t really eat the plantains because of how sweet overall the meal was. The sauce didn’t really help balance it either, never had a ropa vieja like this. The calamari on the other hand was phenomenal! I would come back to try something else on the menu. Their drinks looked fantastic as well. $2.75 draft during happy hour was also great.

The food is unique and delicious! The service is friendly and efficient. The view is beautiful. Will definitely come back!

Let me tell you the black paella was DENSE and they did NOT skimp on the squid ink!! So the paella itself tasted delicious with a generous amount of seafood pieces. I'm not sure if they were a little heavy handed than usual that day but the squid ink got allll over our lips and teeth lol which was kind of funny but just warning anyone if here for a date night/professional event or something. It easily washed off with water at least. Since they are right on Beach Access 1, this place is so convenient after a day at the beach if you're craving some fresh and healthy Peruvian food! The lobby area has a cool ambience with Asian-inspired artwork and then the main dining room is large with giant windows facing the ocean. When we arrived for dinner during a busy Easter holiday weekend we basically had no wait time and were seated at an ocean-front window. The service was a little slow at first but then it was fine. Other food - They gave us cucumbers sprinkled with tajín as a complimentary starter which was refreshing. We shared an octopus appetizer next and it was seasoned really well. The dipping sauce was pretty spicy (which I like!). The rice was perfectly crisped at the bottom and full of flavor too.

We've passed this place often and off of reviews decided to try it. I'd say most of everything was very bland. Two of us got the whiskey mint but had to ask for an extra shot of the whiskey because it tasted like there was no alcohol in it. The beet salad, presentation was pretty, but had no taste. One of us ordered sushi and had to send it back after it tasted off so she ended up getting another dish which was just ok. The pasta was okay but the shrimp fried rice and beef fried rice probably was the best out of the meals.

Ricotta Grill provided a memorable evening, largely thanks to our server, Sylvia (I believe). She was an absolute gem! It wouldn't surprise me if she was the bartender and even the chef - she was that knowledgeable about the menu and provided superb recommendations. We started with Japanese mini empanadas stuffed with shrimp and stuffed tostones with Peruvian shrimp - both delightful, with the Japanese empanadas being my favorite. The salmon with mango sauce and mashed yuca was flavorful, although the salmon was a bit overwhelmed by the mango sauce. The fettuccini alfresco with shrimp, however, was a letdown - the alfredo sauce was unexpectedly grainy, although the shrimp were cooked to perfection. The real stars of the night were the drinks. Sylvia, our multi-talented server-bartender-chef, created fantastic cocktails! The jalapeño margarita was spot on, and the mojito was truly amazing! Despite the minor hiccups, Sylvia's exceptional service and the overall experience make this an outstanding review, minus 1 star.

Full disclosure: I'm really picky about giving a five star review on South Padre Island. Usually the food is okay but too pricey at most sit down restaurants here. But a local told us about this spot and we were BLOWN away by how good it was ... They have (in the winter months) a nightly special menu with three or four dinner choices under $10. That's not a typo - under $10.00! We had the Shrimp Sandwich with fresh locally sourced shrimp and an exquisite cream sauce. Perhaps the BEST shrimp sandwich we've ever had ...anywhere. The bread on the sandwich was made in house and was both soft and crunchy. And we're sitting there looking at the ocean as we had this delicious meal. And until 6:00 pm they had a large menu of frozen drinks - including margaritas and pina coladas for $5.00. I was hesitant to post this review because this hidden gem is currently fairly easy to walk into and get a table. But at some point it will be 'found' and then it won't be so easy. Most highly recommended!

Visited with friends. The beet salad was delicious according to them, I don't like beets. Every dish we got was amazing. The service was stellar and the restaurant was cozy!

The sea food isn't very fresh. Oysters Rockefeller didn't seem fresh. The fish from the fish and shrimp plate was pretty bad and we wound up not eating it. I played it safe and got the chicken and rice, which paid off because it was great. Service was 9/10. Our waitress was fantastic, but another waitress used our table as storage while we were eating and didn't bother to ask or say excuse me when putting other table's decor on our table. It was pretty rude. There is a light in the back corner that needs to be fixed. It blinks very quickly and was giving me a headache so I switched seats.

The service was friendly, drinks were good and strong and the ocean view is nice but the food was overall bad and the server's knowledge of the menu was severely lacking. When asked for menu recommendations the server had no advice. Of my groups five meals, the two rib eye sandwiches were well received. The rest of the meals were left mostly uneaten and one shrimp scampi was sent back because of the foul taste. I would not eat here again.

Dropped by on a Saturday evening and was immediately seated. Service was quick and attentive. The food was really good, but maybe a little too saucy? The decor is interesting - it's an eclectic mix of fishing decor and taxidermy. Def a good place to stop by for dinner after the beach!

We've been in SPI for about a week and this was our favorite meal so far. Everything was fresh and we greatly enjoyed everything we tried! The tostones were sweet w/a little spicy sauce and the Rocotto Roll was my favorite we left wishing we would have gone to this place more than once. Unique dishes but even the kids burger my son had was delicious. The service was also wonderful our waitress was very friendly and my husband left his card and she ran after us to return it! We'll definitely be back next trip!

Have been here before- see older review... just came on July 6 at 7pm to doors locked despite the "open" sign. Other patrons were confused outside as well... one family told us they came by earlier the same day to make a 7pm reservation... yet no one is here. Strange!

We've been coming to the island for 10 years, finally bought a little place of our own (last 2 years) and only today discovered this place. It's got a great ambiance, clean and bright. The food was amazing. The staff were fantastic, courteous, and super helpful. I am sad it took us this long to find, but we will 100% be back for dinner, lunch, or a couple drinks! Must try place.

The ceviche (Latin) was excellent! Also had the tostones with shrimp salad-- also very good. Plates of Peruvian beet salad were served with our order which everyone loved. The decor was eclectic. The view was beautiful.

Great spot on the island. Indoors, clean, cold beverages and a great view. Didn't try the food this time but they have great specials. Definitely a place to come to when you need to beat the heat and enjoy a cold beverage.

Had a lovely dinner at Rocotto Grill. Although it is Peruvian they cook a variety of cuisines and the food is excellent. We had sushi, seafood pasta marinara, seafood pasta Alfredo, a Peruvian fried rice dish and ceviche. Everyone loved the food. A shout out to our server JD who was very caring.

Delicious food. I love the service at this places. A relax atmosphere with ocean view.

Ate dinner here tonight! Read some positive reviews on Nextdoor Laguna Vista and had to try it! Not a big place but very inviting and a nice view of the gulf. The staff was also very inviting, friendly and attentive. Really wanted a change of taste from all the Mexican food!! Oh my gosh!! The flavors were amazing and the portions were outrageous!! I started with the oysters on the half shell dipped in a ponzu sauce. Not sure if I would like it but boy was that sauce good! Followed that with the fettuccine lobster in a pink cream sauce. Outstanding! My wife had the Mexican shrimp cocktail which was delicious. She had a fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, also excellent! We both left with our Sunday lunch in our hands! All in all, the food, flavors, portions and service were great! Wish I had remembered to get some of the beet salad (next time)! I'm sure you won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

It is never a good sign when it takes 15 minutes for the server to finally come and get the drink order. Especially when the restaurant has 35 people at best. That should have been a sign... to expedite the process we ordered our entire meal when our drink orders were finally taken, sushi, a roll, apps, entrees, and drinks. My kids got their entrees before anything else (chicken and shrimp alfredo (entirely too salty!), and they finished their meal. To my surprise, at the point that I walked to the front to pay for their food (after waiting 20 minutes) and leave I notice my meal and everything else we ordered, including the complimentary appetizer sitting on the counter... who knows how long the food had just been sitting. Too little too late. I paid for my drink and the 2 entrees and left. I ended up getting tacos to go at another place in the area.

The food and service were great! The restaurant is a hidden gem. The flavor of the food was delicious! We had the Black Paella, Peruvian Beet Salad, and the Peruvian combination fried rice...amazing!

The food and drink here were absolutely delicious. Prices were extremely reasonable! If I ever make it back to South Padre I will definitely stop here again.

Dolce was a very helpful and great server! The food was very good, unique and fresh. Yeah atmosphere was awesome, great setting Surfside. Highly recommend!

The food was so awesome, I INHALED my Tacu Tacu as it was SO delicious! Hubby got the fried rice with squid ink, he loved it. Our waiter Chris has been the best! The service is like the food, top-notch.

Happy Hour at Rocotto Grill. A rare find on South Padre Island. Delicious food, great drinks and excellent service. JD and Lucia(Candy) just so friendly!!

The food and service was amazing!!! Everything was soooo good! The pineapple drink was yummy!

1. Food AMAZING! We had the Rockefeller oysters, shrimp potstickers, and the tostones (just for the appetizer) then we had the chicken and shrimp fried rice, the ricotto sushi and the brisket and rice. 2. The service was great. Honestly I've had great service at every place I've visited here. 3.ambiance is cozy. Dim lit and a decent view. You can't actually see the water bc of the greenery but it's still beautiful

Very good food service was little slow look to be training. But wasn't bad I would go back lots special food during the week

The food is unusual and exceptional. Must experience. 'Looks' like ocean view dining, but nope - windows fogged up. We had a serious problem with the service. Waited 25 minutes to be acknowledged once seated at the table. 45 minutes total to even receive our drinks. Waiter "Chris" did a whole lotta of talking, did not make any sense, and then disappeared! We were "rescued" by a fantastic waitress, SILVIA, who saw our plight. Apparently, the wait staff are also expected to get behind the bar?? I'm not sure how they are staying in business with such poor liquor controls (?), but overall, the place needs serious front of the house management! Yikes! Thank you, SYLVIA, for saving our evening.

Their pasta is so tasty! The wait staff always makes great recommendations. Their calamari taste so fresh! Always a good pasta heavy carb meal!

Great food, great prices and great service! The happy hour cocktail prices are great because most places in the area charge double tourist rates. This was one of the more reasonably priced places with high quality menu options. Plus you can walk to the beach and work off your delicious meal.

A true gem on the island. The food is so unique, delicious and everything is freshly house made. My wife and myself were totally shocked by EVERYTHING we ordered.

Amazing. Our server Chris gave me and my girlfriend some recommendations and we both loved our food. He was very attentive to us as well as the other people inside the restaurant despite being the only server there ( one of the servers called in sick) despite this, Chris was able to juggle 7 different parties at the same time. TRY THE ROCKERFELLER OYSTERS THEY WONT DISAPPOINT. The coconut shrimp was good too I just forgot to snap a pic lol

Fantastic food and great service. Quick seating and ample tables with great view of the Gulf. A great place to end the day after spending time at the beach. Highly recommend. Everything that we tried was so good.

Service was fun!! The food was a little different but really good. I highly recommend the fried rice dish Chaufa - you won't regret it. The avocado and shrimp appetizer was incredible! I could have had just those two things for dinner and been really happy.

Service was friendly and fast. Food was awesome and fresh. Waitress very informative on fan favorites and was spot on. Nice place to take a date.

First time coming here and I absolutely loved it. Chris took such good care of us, he was so sweet and attentive. Our appetizer, main dish, and dessert and drinks were just too perfect. Can't wait to come back!

we ordered squid ink paella 8/10 , shrimp Alfredo 8/10, and seafood soup 9/10. Oh, so we ordered from the kids menu arroz con pollo 10/10 which is suprisingly great! The service is good, bartender/waiter is really friendly, he makes good drinks, just probably doing too many task at once forget few things here and there but overall excellent! Ambiance is good 7/10, right there by the beach.

The inside is cute and they were easily able to accommodate our large group, but the place smelled a little funky. Honestly I cannot give a review on the food because we did not stay - the server was not knowledgeable about the menu and the menu itself was not straightforward (ie - did not specify what type of fish, etc) Not what we were expecting based on the high star review.

This was not our 1st visit. It's our second, and we will continue to go back as it never ceases to impress. The food is unlike anything you can find anywhere else on the island. Not just what they serve is unique, but the spices used are unlike anything I've ever had at even my most favorite go-to restaurants. Our server was fantastic, Chris made sure everything was perfect and was incredibly knowledgeable of the entire menu. Pictured is our main course. We were so excited to start our appetizers that we didn't get a picture.

Drinks were fantastic however the wait was horrible. Waiters/waitresses were kind though. We wanted to order more food but were only able to get mozzarella sticks and beets, super good. I wish we could've tried more but they needed to be fully staffed, there were only three people on-site on a Sunday during holiday break.

Oh man. What a hidden gem! The black pállela is incredible. My wife loved the salmon. Our server Chris was everywhere and a great host for our night out on the beach. Definitely worth the trip.

We had a wonderful meal at Rocotto Grill. Our server, Chris had several recommendations and Chris knows what he's talking about. The sushi with the plantain is delicious. The stuffed Tostones are fabulous. The black paella was a treat that my wife and I shared. The individuals cheesecakes with the various toppings are also very good! Don't forget to get the Pisco sour to start your meal. Next time you're in South Padre, and looking for something a little different go to Rocotto Grill and you will ge.

Omg! BEST place to come grab something to eat , my family and I aren't to open on trying new things but we decided to try this place out from their reviews, and man people were not wrong! Food & drinks were delicious!!! And the service was outstanding felt at home and the serves are super helpful and nice! I appreciate that cause we left the restaurant feeling happy of our overall experience. Ohh also the place inside is beautiful, great view and beautiful ambiance.

My family and I came down to celebrate my moms birthday, and man did they not disappoint!! The food was AMAZING and our server/bartender Chris was the best!! Full of energy and very welcoming. We sat at a table near the window with a view of the ocean. 10/10 will definitely eat here again!! Thank y'all so much for the experience and AMAZING food!

We tried this place in August based on a recommendation, it did not disappoint. We were back on the island in October and ate here two more times. I love the avocado shrimp appetizer. The dining room is beautiful and overlooks the ocean.

Seriously this food is so good and fresh. The cucumber salad is amazing and the plantain appetizer is mind blowing. I will be thinking about this meal for a long time. Great friendly service.

The Food was absolutely exquisite! Loved every bite!! The waitress were VERY respectful and attentive even with having to do multiple things at once ! A1 Service! Would HIGHLY recommend to family and friends stopping by south padre island and looking for a good place to stop and enjoy a bite!

Excellent food and service! I had a watermelon margarita that was amazing! Very attentive wait staff!

Everytime i come to spi my family friends & i visit the best place in town! Brought my brothers bachelor party here for lunch & ive been here a bunch of other times with smaller groups and every time the service makes you feel like youre the only table at the restaurant! The food is amazing the ceviche is a go to we always get for the table and you cant go wrong with anything else on the menu!

I'm usually an easy person to please, but do not order the steak, medium rare means well done! The tuna was good, tomatoes on the bruschetta were not great( green Roma tomatoes). Service was great. Overall a nice tourist spot, don't expect great food.