Greg J.
Yelp
I went to Vistamar for my birthday because its location (City Island), menu, and design make it a great place to eat in the Bronx. The water and layout of the restaurant elevate the visuals to another level. I'm conflicted about how to feel about this place. I was introduced to it last month and quickly shortlisted it for my birthday. The place is so visually appealing. Both indoor and outdoor dining have their stylistic advantages, and you can't go wrong with either vibe aesthetically.
I went there with a party of five, and there were some highs and lows. Upon arrival on Thursday at 6:47, there was no wait inside or outside. I was seated at the end of the outdoor dining area, which offered a great backdrop for photos, a view of the water, and prime people-watching. Unfortunately, those darned lanternflies are back, so I had to move the party inside. When I sat down, one of our guests was already at the bar inside, so the staff brought their happy hour oysters and drinks outside. I noticed that our menus didn't include the smaller happy hour menu. Upon requesting it, the outdoor waiter left and did not return with it. When we moved inside the restaurant at 6:53, there was another request to place the HH order without the menu, and I was told they had already stopped it to change the system over their next menu options.
That was very disappointing because part of the reason I chose this venue over others was for the happy hour menu. I just wish that restaurants would stop their promotions at the times they claim they end. If it ends at 6:40, just say that instead so they don't make you travel across the borough to be disappointed. Anyway, they then brought out the "Lady's Night" menu, which had some interesting options. Unfortunately, and probably to be expected, they said men couldn't participate in the evening promotion. Yay, happy birthday to me.
We ordered a good amount of apps and entrees. I personally had the calamari, lobster mac, and filet mignon entree. The calamari was solid, the lobster mac had an interesting melted cheese topping with a rich, somewhat buttery cheese sauce inside. The filet mignon was a bit of a letdown: a nice large portion of beef, a couple of bland asparagus, and solid mashed potatoes with sauce.
For cocktails, I ordered the "Tamo' Ready" and tried a Lychee Martini and Passionfruit Mojito. All three were solid. Although the food didn't seem worth the price, the drinks were really good.
When they perform their birthday song, it's a whole production with a giant club sign included. The dessert platter with cotton candy was a nice touch--very different from what you normally get at restaurants, so kudos to them.
Honestly, if I were to come back, it would likely be for the happy hour or because someone else wanted to eat here. It's a gorgeous venue with a lot of interesting events, but it's hard to prepare because their website doesn't even work. I'd come back for the happy hour (if they decide to honor it), but the main food didn't seem worth the price. The drinks, HH promotion, view, birthday aspects, and promotions really saved it for me because I was heavily teetering between 3 and 4 stars.