Casual spot with some of the best poolside food! The beer and tequila clams were some of the best I’ve ever had and my steak frites was cooked perfectly to medium rare. It typically comes with chimichurri but I couldn’t have that, so chef prepared a delicious garlic and herb compound butter for me instead. Thoroughly enjoyed how delicious my meal was and it was made all the better by great service and atmosphere. Attentive service from Zack and an all round fantastic dining experience with some fabulous views of the sunset.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Collins
Flew in from Kansas City and spent a few days at the Alila Marea Resort. The food and drinks at The Pocket while poolside were great, the atmosphere and views were incredible. I also have to mention that our server, Dominic, went above and beyond for us both days while poolside. He was super attentive and friendly and he made us feel welcome as their guests! We’d love to come back and would highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Jack
I love going here for business meetings because it has that ambience that impresses but at the same time, it is so laid back. However, the food is really good, service is excellent and what's not to love about the views?
Laura
When I booked on OpenTable it made it seem like a restaurant, yet when we arrived, the person at the front desk kind of scoffed(?) when I said “the restaurant...The Pocket.” He said “oh that's not the restaurant, it's up by the pool and is like a cafe.” I mean, the menu and venue looked like a restaurant to me, and I felt a bit put off bc we were there for Father's Day, and it made it seem as if I had just booked a random little cafe somewhere. The food was just okay, but the restaurant itself was really cute, and the view of the pool and ocean was great! It feels like with better food (we had a burger, Caesar salad, and fish tacos, and none were great), and maybe not acting as if guests have booked something second rate, it could be a really great place.
Macy Ratliff
Friendly staff! Good food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maryam Bassiri
The bar tenders have very bad attitude. The service at the bar was horrible.
Sheri Knox
Went on a Monday night - NO ONE ELSE was there and no food was available. A relative from out of town was visiting and staying nearby so it was convenient, but new to me. I loved the photo showing a view to the ocean, but did not realize it was part of a resort where $10 valet parking was required - as there is nothing nearby (no street parking), there is no choice. The valet had to walk us inside, stop to get a key card from the lobby desk to use the elevator (which he walked us to down a long hallway) and when we got off the elevator, we walked several long halls past hotel rooms without another soul in sight before walking into a totally empty bar. The pool is between the bar and the ocean at tabletop height - and it is cool looking. The waiter and bartender took good care of us, and were surprised we didn't know there was no food available, though it was on the website and on the menu handed to us. And somewhere online it said reservations were required (?!). Very odd. We had a one cocktail each and left about 30 minutes and nearly $60 later (including parking). Not in a hurry to return.
Joel
Love coming here! Food is great - I recommend the sunset ceviche and the buffalo chicken. Cocktails are amazing. I highly recommend the antidote. Bartenders are always nice and professional. And of course the view outside is phenomenal. Just don’t try to get in the pool… if the manager sees she will kick you out! 😂
Parking is valet only for $5, or you can walk up the stairs from the beach.
JenniferB
I read a whole bunch of reviews about this restaurant and no one said that you have to walk through the entire hotel before you find this restaurant. And then it's virtually empty. It will be great when it's hot and you can sit outside because the whole pool and outside area is very hip and nice, but tonight both inside and outside were virtually empty (on a Saturday night). About six people in the pool. Two tables of two outside. A couple of tables full inside. It just felt kind of deserted. The tacos were OK. My husband thought the tacos were better than the hamburger. Drinks were good. It just doesn't really feel like a real restaurant. A little bit more like a cafeteria or somebody's multipurpose room where they decided to serve food. Also, after the time change, it seems like you cannot make a reservation after 5:30 PM. When the restaurants make just getting a reservation hard, one goes, “Why bother?”
Maggie
Even though it was very busy, due to St. Valentine's Day, the servers and hosts went out of their way to be kind, accommodating, and friendly.
This was such a sweet Valentine's Day! The service was impeccable because of the KINDNESS of the staff from hostess, to server, bartender to valet. The view is gorgeous. We had our Anniversary and V-Day overlooking the ocean and watching the sunset. We LOVED our time and will be back. Thank you!
Abigail Mendoza
I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.
As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding.
Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly.
All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little to be desired.
Mark
Had our daughters sweet 16th birthday at the Pocket and they were wonderful! Had a spot by the firepit for the girls and the staff went out of their way to accommodate us! On top of this was the wonderful food. Great Restaurant with a wonderful and attentive staff.
Lauren S
In the hotel. Nice location, overlooking the ocean, however seriously disappointing. Maybe if I had no other options and we were staying at the hotel. Otherwise they were out of literally half the menu items (effectively making wings, salad, burgers and pork tacos the only options) and service was slow. Food was middling at best
If you're not going to carry shrimp, tuna, sword fish, mushrooms or prawns then why put them on the menu. And 26$ for a sorry burger is exorbitant (and it was lukewarm). I nearly walked out and said sorry we're eating elsewhere but logistically we were committed.
Tried something new, this was not it.
Amy
Awesome experience. The food was delicious and the drinks were amazing. Attention to detail in a beautiful hand crafted drink. Enjoyed by the fire pit with an ocean view. Stunning.
Casual spot with some of the best poolside food! The beer and tequila clams were some of the best I’ve ever had and my steak frites was cooked perfectly to medium rare. It typically comes with chimichurri but I couldn’t have that, so chef prepared a delicious garlic and herb compound butter for me instead. Thoroughly enjoyed how delicious my meal was and it was made all the better by great service and atmosphere. Attentive service from Zack and an all round fantastic dining experience with some fabulous views of the sunset.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Flew in from Kansas City and spent a few days at the Alila Marea Resort. The food and drinks at The Pocket while poolside were great, the atmosphere and views were incredible. I also have to mention that our server, Dominic, went above and beyond for us both days while poolside. He was super attentive and friendly and he made us feel welcome as their guests! We’d love to come back and would highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
I love going here for business meetings because it has that ambience that impresses but at the same time, it is so laid back. However, the food is really good, service is excellent and what's not to love about the views?
When I booked on OpenTable it made it seem like a restaurant, yet when we arrived, the person at the front desk kind of scoffed(?) when I said “the restaurant...The Pocket.” He said “oh that's not the restaurant, it's up by the pool and is like a cafe.” I mean, the menu and venue looked like a restaurant to me, and I felt a bit put off bc we were there for Father's Day, and it made it seem as if I had just booked a random little cafe somewhere. The food was just okay, but the restaurant itself was really cute, and the view of the pool and ocean was great! It feels like with better food (we had a burger, Caesar salad, and fish tacos, and none were great), and maybe not acting as if guests have booked something second rate, it could be a really great place.
Friendly staff! Good food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The bar tenders have very bad attitude. The service at the bar was horrible.
Went on a Monday night - NO ONE ELSE was there and no food was available. A relative from out of town was visiting and staying nearby so it was convenient, but new to me. I loved the photo showing a view to the ocean, but did not realize it was part of a resort where $10 valet parking was required - as there is nothing nearby (no street parking), there is no choice. The valet had to walk us inside, stop to get a key card from the lobby desk to use the elevator (which he walked us to down a long hallway) and when we got off the elevator, we walked several long halls past hotel rooms without another soul in sight before walking into a totally empty bar. The pool is between the bar and the ocean at tabletop height - and it is cool looking. The waiter and bartender took good care of us, and were surprised we didn't know there was no food available, though it was on the website and on the menu handed to us. And somewhere online it said reservations were required (?!). Very odd. We had a one cocktail each and left about 30 minutes and nearly $60 later (including parking). Not in a hurry to return.
Love coming here! Food is great - I recommend the sunset ceviche and the buffalo chicken. Cocktails are amazing. I highly recommend the antidote. Bartenders are always nice and professional. And of course the view outside is phenomenal. Just don’t try to get in the pool… if the manager sees she will kick you out! 😂
Parking is valet only for $5, or you can walk up the stairs from the beach.
I read a whole bunch of reviews about this restaurant and no one said that you have to walk through the entire hotel before you find this restaurant. And then it's virtually empty. It will be great when it's hot and you can sit outside because the whole pool and outside area is very hip and nice, but tonight both inside and outside were virtually empty (on a Saturday night). About six people in the pool. Two tables of two outside. A couple of tables full inside. It just felt kind of deserted. The tacos were OK. My husband thought the tacos were better than the hamburger. Drinks were good. It just doesn't really feel like a real restaurant. A little bit more like a cafeteria or somebody's multipurpose room where they decided to serve food. Also, after the time change, it seems like you cannot make a reservation after 5:30 PM. When the restaurants make just getting a reservation hard, one goes, “Why bother?”
Even though it was very busy, due to St. Valentine's Day, the servers and hosts went out of their way to be kind, accommodating, and friendly.
Restaurantji Recommends
This was such a sweet Valentine's Day! The service was impeccable because of the KINDNESS of the staff from hostess, to server, bartender to valet. The view is gorgeous. We had our Anniversary and V-Day overlooking the ocean and watching the sunset. We LOVED our time and will be back. Thank you!
I recently visited The Pockets, the poolside restaurant at Alila Marea Beach Resort, and while the views were definitely a highlight, the overall experience was a bit mixed. The restaurant offers nice views of the pool and even a glimpse of the ocean, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere.
As for the food, it was just okay. I ordered the steak frites, but unfortunately, the steak was very tough and hard to eat. The chimichurri sauce didn't do much to elevate the dish either—in my opinion, it had an overpowering taste of vinegar. On the plus side, the cocktails were decent, though not outstanding.
Service was a bit hit or miss. The first time we dined here, the service was just fine—nothing remarkable, but not bad either. However, when we came back the next day for drinks by the pool, the service was noticeably better, much more attentive and friendly.
All in all, The Pockets offers great views, but I would recommend managing expectations when it comes to the food and cocktails. The ambiance is great for a relaxed poolside meal or drink, but the culinary experience may leave a little to be desired.
Had our daughters sweet 16th birthday at the Pocket and they were wonderful! Had a spot by the firepit for the girls and the staff went out of their way to accommodate us! On top of this was the wonderful food. Great Restaurant with a wonderful and attentive staff.
In the hotel. Nice location, overlooking the ocean, however seriously disappointing. Maybe if I had no other options and we were staying at the hotel. Otherwise they were out of literally half the menu items (effectively making wings, salad, burgers and pork tacos the only options) and service was slow. Food was middling at best
If you're not going to carry shrimp, tuna, sword fish, mushrooms or prawns then why put them on the menu. And 26$ for a sorry burger is exorbitant (and it was lukewarm). I nearly walked out and said sorry we're eating elsewhere but logistically we were committed.
Tried something new, this was not it.
Awesome experience. The food was delicious and the drinks were amazing. Attention to detail in a beautiful hand crafted drink. Enjoyed by the fire pit with an ocean view. Stunning.
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