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Middle Grounds Grill
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Steakhouses Seafood, Steakhouses [Edit]
10925 Gulf BlvdTreasure Island, FL 33740
(727) 360-4253
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot, Valet
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
58 reviews for Middle Grounds Grill
Review Highlights
"...both got the Coconut Almond Shrimp with Coconut Basmati..."
(in 2 reviews)
"Great food and great service."
(in 3 reviews)
"So glad I took the bartender's advice and got the grouper."
(in 12 reviews)
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58 reviews in English
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Review from liz a.
11/29/2011
Amazing! This place was great! Expect to spend some dough (especially if you're having wine) but it's worth every penny.
We had the baked bri (perfection-must learn how to do it myself), crab cake dinner (very rich and filling) and two new york strips. Those who ordered the strips said it may have been the best they've ever had (and one is from Kansas City!).
Our server was helpful and sweet and the decor was inviting. I'd make reservations, the place was packed.
Also, there is a snow cone place right next door if you'd prefer a cheaper desert ;) -
Review from Cameron B.
Marietta, GA
1/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been here a couple of different times now, and I've always had a blast here. The bartenders are quality workers and people, and the bands they have play in the evenings are excellent. I met the owner's wife, who subsequently freaked because my buddy looked like Jose Plutarco... Google it. She had a point, at least. The mojitos are excellent, one of the best drinks on the beach. Food is superb. A must visit, a real treat.
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Review from Diane C.
Tampa, FL
1/7/2012
Although they have valet service we always park ourselves. We didn't have reservations but we were seated right away. I loved the grilled salmon with honey ginger glaze so much that I tried it at home to great success. They have a full bar in the front. The bottled wine special was almost the same price as 2 glasses. The atmosphere is nice but no views are available. The service was great.
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Review from Rod K.
St Petersburg, FL
1/11/2012
We were going to write a detailed raving review of the Middle Ground....But after seeing all the other great reviews it would be moot! This is not your average Gulf Blvd, Beach restaurant Your not going to find greasy fried food here It is the former Robby's Pancake House...which has been transformed(for the lack of any other description) into a very classy restaurant. The interior atmosphere is very up scale and beautiful, the booths make you feel like your in a private dining area, the wine selection is extreme, as is the capable bartenders select drinks (seems there are drink specials everyday). The service was excellent and professional (our waitress Liz was the best ever) We had a small glitch when we were seated and it was resolved and the Manager (Chris) came by to make sure everything was OK. (Not even worth mentioning) but we were made to feel welcomed Nancy had the coconut shrimp which were excellent and I had mahi mahi blackened topped w/tempura soft shell crab w/rice & a very nice sauce....if I were to go back again today I'd have the same dish Save room for desert...the Robby's pancake w/berries would be my choice again
I look forward to a return visit w/friends and when our family come to visit this will be our choice for a beach dining experience. Casual dress and even beach wear was welcomed If your not happy after being at the Middle Ground...then eat at home because I don't believe your going to find any place better on the beach. -
Review from J'aime H.
Alexandria, VA
11/21/2011
For this part of town, it is a very nice looking restaurant. Large menu, nice wine list, and friendly service. The seafood dishes that my party ordered were much better than the two of us that ordered steak. For our party of four, $200 including tip but no apps, no desert, and only four cocktails. It was not a $50 per head dinner experience.
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Review from Alison E.
Oakton, VA
8/8/2011
Best seafood ever!! My husband & I were visiting FL and this place was recommended by our hotel. We both had the fish specials - he had the Sea Bass & I had the Hog Fish. We'd never heard of Hog Fish, but it was delicious!! It is a white dense fish that only eats lobster, crab and shrimp... now that is quite the smart fish :)
Service was impeccable, Chris was our waiter and he was totally on top of it. Seemed like a veteran that totally knew the menu, wine and of course the yummy 1/2 price Van Gough vodka martinis on Thursday night.
We were pleasantly surprised! I totally recommend this place!! -
Review from Susan W.
Fabulous Fine Dining for $12.95. The catch? You gotta be there between 4:30 - 5:30 PM.
Yes, early bird specials aren't considered cool. But when you consider you get an incredible fine dining experience for under $13, that's hard to resist. The food is top notch, service impeccable, and ambiance dimly lit and classy. In this particular case, I urge you to reconsider the stigma associated with early bird dining. Yes, your dinner date will be finished long before sunset, so plan another activity to prolong your date, perhaps a movie or walk on the beach?
Until recently the nearby Salt Rock Grill was the only popular fine dining restaurant in the area. It needs to move over and make some room for Middle Ground. This place used to be a pancake house, oddly, but new management has given it a completely different and welcomed twist.
Our waiter didn't scowl when we mentioned early bird dining; in fact, he encouraged it as the best dining choice. In a situation where many waiters might treat you condescending manner, the servers at Middle Ground actually welcome the value conscious diner. What a refreshing concept.
Our dining experience began with half off Captain Morgan drinks. There are alcohol specials every night with significant discounts. My coconut almond shrimp entrée was great; it came with mango salsa, rice and sautéed vegetables. My husband had one of the house specialties, herb crusted pork tenderloin with balsamic reduction, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables.
If you don't mind eating with the early birds, this is an amazing value. Of course, if the early dining hour doesn't work for you, I'm confident the regular menu is also outstanding.Listed in: Gone Fishing
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Review from Jennifer P.
St Petersburg, FL
10/17/2011
I just loved this place. No hassles to find parking. Nice staff. We sat outside (i loved the patio) enjoying the atmosphere & (beautiful weather). The food was excellent. My husband had shrimp, and I had seafood. We were not rushed, we took our time, and then afterwards, went for a stroll on the beach. Excellent!!!
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Review from Mark C.
Sugar Hill, GA
8/23/2011
Very cool place! A good step up from typical beach bar/restaurant/grill.
Food was great with not too much "presentation", but enough to make you glad you wore your good flip flops!! Easily earned a return trip from us every time we come to the condo! -
Review from Brian F.
Tampa, FL
4/18/2011
I have eaten here on three separate occasions.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is excellent. It is done very classy. The service is knowledgable and very pleasant.
There is patio seating and a nice lounge where you can enjoy live music.
The kitchen adds so much spices, sauces, toppings, coatings, etc on to the dishes that I can not appreciate them. In a high-end restaurant I enjoy the food to stand on its own due to a better cut of meat, better chef, better experience cooking, etc. The steak was good, but the taste was a little hid in butter. The ahi was really food, but the hollandaise & crab served on top were not. The mango grouper was good, but again- it was hidden in the coating. I am not a fan of hogfish, but it was a good dish enjoyed by my stepfather who is a fan (I don't like the inherent "sweetness" of the fish.
Again, it is simply my humble opinion, but I don't enjoy high-end restaurants taking a "shake & bake" approach to their food. Any local beach bar can take that approach.
I think after three visits I am going to stick to enjoying the lounge area versus expecting something different in the entrees served in the main dining area. -
Review from Carly B.
Portsmouth, VA
9/11/2011
Not sure how long this place has been around, as it wasn't actually in my GPS, but I'm so glad we found it! Dinner was superb. In our party of 4, two of us ate the hogfish, which was the definite winner! The mango grouper (house specialty) was also delicious and the lobster/filet combo showed they do steaks well, not just seafood. Dessert menu was just OK, had it been better I could have gone 5 stars. Cocktails were good, but pricey, and the winelist was a little limited in my opinion. However, if you're in St Pete, you should make this a dinner stop for sure!
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Review from Pierre C.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2010
Came out here for dinner this weekend and have now found my favorite dinner spot in the Tampa Bay area. We started by splitting the crab cake appetizer which was solid if unspectacular (for the record I don't order these on my own, I know that unless I'm in MD they're going to be average at best, I just get pressured into ordering them). The bread, however, was incredibly tasty and plentiful. Good bread makes a dinner go round and this bread made me appreciate the house salad that much more.
Dinner consisted of the glazed duck and caribbean grilled tuna steak. While I found the tuna to be clearly superior the duck, my companion would argue the reverse. Having said that both dishes were very good and I was happy to have tried them both.
I will be back. -
Review from Rachel F.
Chicago, IL
12/16/2011
Very good surf and turf, great service. No complaints!!
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Review from Steve D.
Vienna, VA
3/28/2011
A place that goes out of its way to provide great service and to make you feel at home. We went two nights in a row while saying at TI.
Clean, vibrant, classy, inside with a small more casual outside patio.
Grouper nuggets, smoked fish spread and sushi were all excellents appetizers. The nut grouper and the mediteraneen mahi-mahi were delicous entrees. -
Review from Brad S.
Youngstown, OH
9/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Valet parking. This was the best restaurant that we visited. The specials are fantastic. Try the hog fish and sea-bass if it is available. You can't really go wrong with anything on the menu. We had a large party of 13 and Daniel was our server. We went back and asked for Daniel again.
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Review from Wil F.
Los Olivos, CA
9/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Middle Grounds Grill twice now and for the area, it is one of the better restaurants. The food is very good and they have a very diverse menu and usually some interesting specials.
Every night of the week they have some kind of drink special - best night is Wednesdays when all bottles of wine are 1/2 price.
My biggest gripe about Middle Grounds Grill is the culture amongst the wait-staff. Both times that I was there I had servers that REALLY pushed drinks and other items to rack up the bill. I overheard other servers doing this to tables around me.
The other thing that I don't really dig is when I feel like the server is so into the conversation going on at the table that I feel like they are ready to sit down and join in. This has also been the case both times that I was at Middle Grounds Grill. I'm all about friendly service, but in my opinion, keep it professional and stay out of my conversation. -
Review from Gabe S.
Orlando, FL
12/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Overall: really great seafood. I had the crab cakes which were fantastic, especially the light but tasty lemon sauce. The key lime dessert was delicious and the wine price specials were really a great deal for a fantastic chianti Classico.
High: our waitress whose name I can't remember but who absolutely made our night very special. Great service, good food and nice atmosphere.
Lows: none
Highly recommend -
Review from Jeremy B.
Orlando, FL
4/20/2011
I came here with my mother for dinner since I'm never over here. I came here because of its high rating. Well I was not let down. The service was amazing, its right across from a beautiful beach, drinks were strong, and food was amazing. I had the Mahi Mahi oscar special ($26) and my mother had the crab cakes entree. I grew up in a seafood town and I know my fish was fresh and my mothers crab cakes were awesome. They were not full of breading. I mean really, my meal was amazing. We went on Tuesday and it was half price Bacardi night. We both had Mojitos and they were strong and good.
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Review from Rob R.
9/7/2010
Not your usual beach restaurant.... unless you are used to an array of steaks and wine to go along with your time in the sand!
My steak was perfectly cooked and my beer was cold.... not too much to complain about. The flourless chocolate tort for dessert was very good.
The service was a touch snooty. I think they were expecting me to order a cup of soup and a glass of water and bolt for the door. It was noticeable, but I didn't let it ruin my meal. Just in case you were wondering where that fifth star ran off to.... Maybe I had a waiter who was having a bad day. I don't know.
Note: They have a pretty amazing special here on Wednesdays. All bottles of wine are half off. Too bad all I wanted with my steak was a cold Stella....
Recommend. -
Review from Joe C.
5/24/2010
4.5 stars for the Middle Grounds Grill.
For our friends combined bachelor/ette party, we really wanted to find a restaurant that they hadn't been to before. Being that they're over in the area pretty frequently, this was a challenge. Searching Yelp, my wife found Middle Grounds. Based on some of the reviews, we were expecting something a step or so above Crabby Bill's - another popular local restaurant.
There was some confusion in the meeting time, and while most of us were there at 5pm, some of the guests didn't show up until well after 6pm. That was ok though, our waitress Rachael kept us covered. We decided to get some appetizers and drinks while we waited. Between the recommendations from Yelp and Rachael, we ended up getting the calamari and the creole egg rolls.
The calamari came out first and was beyond our expectations. I was worried that the combination of the marinara sauce AND the pacific ginger sauce would clash, but they worked perfectly.
The creole egg rolls were less successful. By themselves, they were good - but the avocado creme sauce that they came with just didn't work well. No big deal though, just skip the dipping.
Rachael was very helpful with suggestions for the entire experience - guiding us on ordering drinks, entrees and desserts. Each suggestion was more reliable than the last, so we had no problems listening to and trusting her. When we asked about something she liked, she would get really excited and happy to gush about the selection.
Once again, based on recommendations from Yelp and Rachael, my wife ordered the nut crusted grouper and just kept raving about it. Everyone else seemed really happy with their selections as well. My duck was very tasty, but I found it to be a little greasier and heavier than I was expecting - and definitely larger. Duck is always a little greasy, but I had to stop half way through to avoid stomach issues later.
Our party went through a whole lot of drinks - and kept doing what we dubbed "the martini shuffle" - where everyone would pass around their drinks for everyone else to sample. Each one was awesome, but the blueberry one seemed to be the biggest hit.
Prices were very reasonable. For appetizers, a whole load of drinks, entrees and some dessert drinks for four people and a very large tip, we spent just over $200 for 4 people.
So, if everything was so incredibly awesome, why only 4.5 stars? We were there from 5pm until almost 9pm. During that time, the restaurant went from empty to extremely busy. Through no fault of her own, Rachael became swamped. Early in the night, she was coming by our table regularly if only to check on our drinks and to make sure everything was good - but by the end of the night we were having trouble finding her. When we looked around, we found that she had more tables on the opposite side of the big wall we were seated against. Basically, they were just short-staffed and she couldn't give us her full attention anymore. They need to up the staff, or at least assign tables better.
We love Crabby Bills, but Middle Grounds isn't a step above - it's a whole flight of stairs above.Listed in: Fish Lover Friendly
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Review from Meghan B.
New Orleans, LA
10/15/2010
This definitely one of the better restaurants in the area.
I would give it 3.5 stars. It is not your typical beach restaurant and offers a higher scale feel.
I have been the to Middle Grounds twice and have enjoyed each meal. The menu has a variety to choice from and they offer daily specials.
My biggest pet peeve is the service. I am not sure why the staff feels the need to hover and actually join into our conversation, but I find it to be rude and uncomfortable. -
Review from Barry K.
Hudson, OH
8/13/2011
Our family of 5 ate there while on vacation. Was recommended by our boat captain who took us parasailing!!
Food was fantastic, drinks superb, and staff was great. Highly recommend. -
Review from Dave R.
Enfield, CT
8/4/2011
Been here three times. Great food and great service. Great for a nice night out or a family.
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Review from Cyndee H.
Clearwater Beach, FL
11/11/2010 2 photos
If you are looking for somewhere nicer to go there aren't many options that can accomodate. They are known for their seafood and the ambiance makes it nice for couples or entertaining. When youre in the mood for something other than beach bars and tourist hangouts
We liked the booths in the restaurant which actually gave us a private setting for another couple and ourselves.
The food was tasty however the waitstaff was more "casual and conversational" than I would have cared for telling us more of his lifestory than we were looking for.
The pecan crusted flounder was wonderful for someone like me who isn't a fish lover.
Reservations are highly recommended since it stays busy. They also have complimentary valet parking. -
Review from Barbara B.
Boise, ID
7/11/2011
This was the best food we ate in the St Pete area. We were a party of 5 and we all chose a fish entree. Everyone was extremely happy with their choice. Deserts and appetizers were great too. I would have given it 5 stars but for two criticisms. The slightly corporate atmosphere and our server could have been more attentive. In spite of that I would gladly dine there the next time I'm in the area.
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Review from Christopher G.
Miami Beach, FL
3/24/2009
I stopped into Middle Grounds on a Friday evening, while waiting for my parents to meet up with me from Chicago. The place was packed, which was a good sign. The outdoor setting was relaxing with a fire pit and the indoor fish tank was enormous.
The bartender mixed an excellent Manhattan, which is always a sign of how well the staff is trained.
Dinner was perfect. My parents both got the Coconut Almond Shrimp with Coconut Basmati Rice, which was well seasoned, surprisingly light, and came with a side salad. The housemade bread was fresh, tender, and a perfect addition to the meal. I ordered the bacon and asparagus soup, which was as rich as to be expected and the gruyere and artichoke souffle, which was served with seasoned pita. Though I was full, I had to finish both of these items because they were just too good. I have no complaints with this restaurant and know I will be back when I am in the area. -
Review from Greg H.
Port Orchard, WA
3/11/2010
I give this restaurant a rare 5 out of 5. We sat inside where the décor was excellent (there is no way I would sit outside with the busy road). During most of our dinner the bar had a fellow playing guitar and singing so there was lovely music wafting out to the restaurant. Hostess and wait staff were friendly, efficient and very professional. I had the Mango Nut Grouper, which was crusted with macadamia nuts, pistachio and walnuts on a bed of rice. Included were a house salad and veggies. The salad was very good and the veggies were steamed perfectly (slightly "al dente"). The real story was the grouper. It was superb! The crust was a touch sweet but still savory and the fish was done to perfection. Overall presentation of the meal was excellent; this is definitely not a "tourist restaurant."
My wife had the crab cakes. She said they were as good as any she has had. Her real treat was the Caesar salad she chose... she claimed it was the best Caesar salad she has ever had (and she has had a few).
Thanks to "Wine lovers Wednesday" where the restaurant takes 50% off for a bottle of wine, our check came to around $60. I live near Seattle and travel quite a bit; this is a very reasonable price for a dinner like this. If you want cheap prices, trestle tables and noise, go to Crabby Bill's. If you want a reasonably priced but memorable meal, I would highly recommend Middle Grounds (which, by the way, would be a great name for a coffee shop as well). -
Review from Jeff S.
3/29/2010
So glad I took the bartender's advice and got the grouper. Perfectly cooked, and it was a HUGE piece of fish.
I ordered a $9 glass of bourbon and she poured me at least $15 worth.
Winner! -
Review from Steven T.
Minden, NV
5/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Took our whole family here while vacationing on Treasure Island. The service was spectacular, and the meal was amazing. The grouper and the Mahi Mahi were to die for. I can not say enough about this restaurant. It is a must if you want a wonderful meal.
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Review from Jeff M.
St. Petersburg, FL
11/29/2009
The decor is fabulous, and it is one of the few upscale restaurants in Treasure Island. But the food is not consistent with the image that Middle Grounds is trying to project, especially for the price. I would recommend drinks and appetizers, but not entrees.
# of Times: 5
Consistency: PoorListed in: Beach Food
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Review from Angela M.
St Petersburg, FL
5/29/2011
This place is absolutely top notch. I eat here at least three times a month and I bring anyone there who comes to town to visit. It's my number one place to recommend and never disappoints! Thanks for all of the great service :)
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Review from John O.
St Petersburg, FL
5/27/2011
Have eaten here three times each meal was outstanding always have fresh fish. Can get loud at times and it is not a cheap meal on the high end in this area price wise.
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Review from Russell B.
Northport, NY
8/18/2010
This is our favorite restaurant. Most always an acoustic guitar playing. Fantastic upscale decor with a very niece & big tropical fish tank. Mostly fish but has some fantastic land lovers dishes too. The drinks are very tasty, exotic carry some weight but you do not taste it. The desserts , well we have driven many miles just to get the dessert again the next day.
Everyone we have taken their loves it too! -
Review from jason s.
Los Angeles, CA
3/23/2010
I rank things pretty fair IMO. This place is top notch quality, service and. Fair price. We ordered the filet and the 6oz was $18 I believe. Comes w a side of potatoes and mixed veggies and a salad. The filet was AMAZING. I splurged and added a lobster tail.
Server was very polite and helpful.
I don't need to explain excellence. Bar was pretty busy and the had a 2 person cover act singing to lively up the atmosphere
there were not a lot of yelp reviews on Tampa/ st Pete area and this place is a must go! Forget bubba gump or crabby bills! Spend an extra $2 and you will thank me later
Valet parking only, I uses to valet and NEVER let anybody drive my car but it was a rental! -
Review from Seth B.
North Redington Beach, FL
4/22/2011
Great atmosphere and wonderful food. Tuna was fresh, grouper was great, and crab cakes recommend highly.
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Review from Mellie R.
Saint Petersburg, FL
3/26/2009
We need more places like this in town! This is one of our favorites for dinner out. Our first time there, we didn't have reservations and were the only ones seated in a back room. Felt a little strange at first but as soon as the appetizers were served it didn't matter as the food was absolutely delicious. I quickly realized that we weren't the only ones in the back room after a few minutes. I recommend reservations. We have never been on a "slow" night; I don't think they have any but, as busy as they are, it never feels rushed or crowded. Our last visit was on a Tuesday and while other places are complaining about the recession, that is not in evidence at Middle Grounds. They even had a guy playing guitar in the bar area, and it wasn't the weekend. Love that! Can't go wrong with the atmosphere if you're looking for a nice dinner out with friends or business or as a couple.
The food is phenominal. It seems silly to rave about an item that is so standard on menus today but we cannot visit without ordering the tuna sashimi appetizer. As for dinner, we have yet to be disappointed. For one visit, my husband special ordered beef (in advance) and I thought he was crazy; why order beef at a seafood restaurant? I think I cried when it was all gone, it was that good. I can't promise you'll get emotional over your meal but I can't imagine anyone being unhappy with their dining experience here.
Management is in transition, but that hasn't seemed to affect the kitchen or service.
Reservations are recommended.
Complimentary valet service is available. -
Review from Andy S.
Chicago, IL
5/6/2008
Went here with a large group (8 people) on a Friday night. Each person spent about $65 and I can easily say that it was well worth the money. The lobster at this place is outstanding, and as well, they had a Conk Fritter appetizer, which I haven't had since I went to the Bahamas as a kid. The wine selection is decent and they had deals on some pretty good stuff that only cost between $20-40 a bottle. Also, it was hilarious to see all the guys who were obviously on dates with women who were not their wives. It is a great place to take a date, so maybe they have good taste?
If I went to Treasure Island, FL again (which I hope I do) I will for sure hit this place up. High quality for an affordable price. -
Review from Ann S.
Hillsdale, NJ
6/2/2009
Thanks to a great recommendation from someone at our hotel my girlfriends and I stumbled upon Middle Grounds. What a treat. The outdoor seating is really great (although it's unfortunate it overlooks a busy 4 lane road). Then you go inside and it becomes a peaceful oasis. Whomever designed this place did a fantastic job. Loved all the natural materials and warm woods that make a large space feel cozy.
Onto the food and service. Our waiter David was fantastic. Friendly and helpful, he answered all our questions and provided enthusiastic recommendations. Between the 4 of us we tried the southwest egg rolls and artichoke souffle appetizer. The egg rolls had just the right zing without being too spicy. If you like whole artichokes surrounded by creamy melted cheese then look no further. As for entrees.... The grouper stuffed with boursin cheese was insanely good. Sea bass in citrus vinaigrette the overwhelming favorite. Pistachio crusted grouper also a winner. The non-fish eater's 6 oz. sirlon was perfectly cooked.
If I'm ever in the area again I'll be sure to revisit. I'm envious of those who have a place like this in their backyard! -
Review from Robin M.
Valrico, FL
2/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow! Went here for my birthday in October last year. (Didn't realize this never posted) I recommend the filet with lobster tail at the bar with Michael! Menu said tail was 6oz. Michael asked if we wanted a large. Little did we know it was a 12oz. Amazing! Great food and great service! Acoustic music was great!
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Review from Max P.
Miami, FL
9/10/2010
Had the special app called the trio which was amazing. King crab stuffed jalapeño poppers, hollaarrrr. Coconut skrimp were to die for, wine selection awesome, asparagus salad was super delish, and the pomegranate martini was the bomb fo sho. Go here you will be glad you did. Say hi to the fishes for us, they were fun to look at in the huge fish tank.
