09/25/08

Fresh food, but not a lot of flavor

by pasca201

Just came back from eating at the Salt Rock and I wouldn't bother eating there again. The food was fresh, but far from flavorful. We expected more, a lot more from such a nice-looking restaurant with a great water view. I tried the mussels provencal (tasted dirty), the salmon (it was so-so), tuna (good), scallops (boring), and steak (I've had a whole lot better). I grew up on the coast of Maine so I know my seafood, and I have traveled around the country and I've eaten at a lot of restuarants and I have to say that this was some of the most bland seafood I have ever tried. It's too bad.

• Pros: Water view, customer service
• Cons: Food was flavorless

07/21/07

Lobster and steak combo dinner. Steak tougher than shoe leather, Service was Great.

by butchrgt

My wife and I spent an anniversary dinner and discovered the food was just barely edible. My steak was tough with grizzle runing through the meat. I was disappointed with the portion of lobster tail they provided with the meal. My server was very good and continued to try and help me out selecting another piece of steak. I ordered filet mignon and again was disappointed. My wife's meal was very good and she was satisified. The manager came over and took the price of the steak off of my bill, but like I told my wife the meal was ruined and I would not return to the grille again. I told the server the reason we came back, was because the meal was great the first time we ate there. The first time I said was totally wonderful, and I told everybody I knew to try the grille , the food was absolutely great, and the service was excellent too.. It's a shame what a difference a day makes. I rated this meal 3 stars because my wife's meal was good.

• Pros: Service outstanding. Seating was very adequate.
• Cons: Steak was tough, and small lobster portions. Very disappointing to me. 51 years ann.

07/04/07

Fabulous

by kentspillman

Salt Rock Grill is one of the best restaurants in the Tampa Bay area!! I recently dined there with a group of well traveled family and friends, including 2 travel professionals, and we were all extremely pleased and somewhat surprised at the outstanding service, unique and delicious food, and beautiful, romantic setting.

The evening started with probably one of the best bartenders I have ever encountered. Some of us were at the bar waiting for others and our table , the young bartender was engaging and especially knowledgeable regarding the wines. He steered us to exactly what we were looking for from the by the glass list. He recommended the best value, not the most expensive, which is a real switch from most restaurants. Noticing I was looking at the wine list, he had some terrific suggestions. And this group is very knowledgeable about wine. His suggestion for one of the group who usually dosen't drink much wine won her over to a lovely Riesling. I hope the bartender decides to go for his Master Sommelier designation.

The food and the service in the dining room were also oustanding. The steak in a fish house was one of the most tender porterhouse I've had the pleasure of eating and I grew up in the midwest. The fish was fresh and perfectly prepared. Everyone at the table raved about their meals. The wait staff was very attentive and met our every need.

We will all be back and will tell our friends about this special restaurant loaded with romantic ambiance, knowledgeable staff and food I'm ready to try again soon.

• Pros: Two thumbs way up. Food,wine,service,ambience. Takes reservations
• Cons: None