Everything was spectacular, we had the yellowtail Hamachi along with the pork dumplings. Also tried the salmon, black cod, and skirts steak. For dessert, crème brûlée, and raspberry sorbet. Had the mango Matcha drink, which is refreshing and not too sweet!
Nicole
we are here 3x in a long weekend- the food is fabulous- the charcoal grill is amazing- we tried shrimp, ribs and two cuts of steak (all amazing!!) and fresh. they even grill the veg! servers were so hospitable- true service professionals. and the cocktails were well made and delicious, great wine list, no hangovers!! love love love thank you for making our trip wonderful:)
William
Outstanding from start to finish. The yellowtail appetizer was clean, spicy, and elegant, the California roll and edamame were perfectly executed (and salted), and the filet with mushrooms was cooked beautifully with great depth of flavor. Desserts sealed it—the lava cake, crème brûlée, and coconut dessert were all excellent. Polished, consistent, and memorable. Just about flawless. Recommend!
Jorge Flores
Dear Management Team,
I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding our New Year’s Eve dinner experience at your restaurant.
We made our reservation more than a month in advance, and at no point were we informed that the dinner would be based on a fixed menu. Additionally, the menu was presented as non-optional and did not allow for any substitutions or changes, even after we clearly communicated that we do not consume certain items included in it.
Our reservation was scheduled for 10:30 p.m.; however, we were not seated until 11:00 p.m. Appetizers were not served until approximately 11:40 p.m. Throughout the evening, there was a noticeable lack of organization and coordination in the service. The food was not served in the order outlined on the menu, and due to logistical issues, the full menu was never delivered to our table.
Despite expressing our concerns during the evening, there was no appropriate or empathetic response from the staff. Overall, the experience fell far below expected service standards, particularly for a New Year’s Eve event. The lack of communication, attention to detail, and customer care significantly impacted our experience. At one point, I had to ask three different staff members on separate occasions just to receive water.
We chose your restaurant expecting a well-organized and memorable evening, especially given the occasion and the advance planning. Unfortunately, that expectation was not met. I hope this feedback is taken seriously and used to improve future guest experiences.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
shemesh 23
Terrible New Year’s Eve experience. Extremely disorganized service—food didn’t arrive until 11:40 PM. One prix fixe menu item never came because they ran out of it. People left after midnight without eating. Completely unacceptable for a New Year’s celebration. Would not return.
Service: 1
Jeffrey Aranda
I have been in fine dining hospitality for over 15 years and let me tell you the service I’ve received from Radames (Juan) was absolutely superb and one of the best I’ve personally ever received. The food was great, but the service is the reason I am coming back. Great job Radames, With the level of customer service that you hold i don’t see how you’re not a manager there. Anyway thanks for helping me bring in the new year in such a sophisticated and amazing way. I will see you soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Elana gluzman
⭐️ 1 Star Extremely Disorganized and Unacceptable New Year’s Eve Experience
We came to Etaru for a New Year’s Eve celebration and unfortunately had one of the most disappointing dining experiences we’ve ever had.
We arrived on time for our 9:00 PM reservation yet were not seated until after 10:00 PM waiting for over an hour with no explanation. The check in process was completely disorganized and it was obvious the staff was overwhelmed and not communicating with each other.
Once seated the situation only got worse. We sat at an empty table until 11:30 PM before receiving our first course. We even took photos of our empty table because it was unbelievable. When the yellowtail sashimi finally arrived it was not fresh and we immediately spit it out.
We were told that guests would be greeted with a glass of champagne upon arrival. That never happened. After waiting nearly two hours my husband and our close friend went to the bar and took two glasses of champagne. Instead of addressing the issue staff yelled at them and threatened to call security which was completely inappropriate and unprofessional.
We clearly and repeatedly informed the staff that we do not eat pork for religious reasons including our children who were over 12 and explicitly told they were allowed to attend. Despite this we were served pork dumplings. Staff insisted they were vegetarian and as a result a few people at our table ate them believing they were vegetarian. Only after we opened the dumplings and saw the pork inside did staff acknowledge the mistake.
Once management became involved instead of apologizing or correcting the mistake we were given an ultimatum involving security and being asked to leave. At 11:45 PM we were essentially kicked out with nowhere to go to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
To make matters worse other tables around us were visibly frustrated. We could see the kitchen completely overwhelmed with tickets being printed nonstop crumpled up and thrown into the trash because they simply could not keep up with orders.
We had heard in the past that Etaru struggles on New Year’s Eve but experiencing it firsthand was beyond a complete disaster. This was not just poor service it was a lack of organization accountability and respect for guests.
Extremely disappointing experience especially for what is supposed to be a special night.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Michael Yuryev
One of the worst dining experiences of our lives — and on New Year’s Eve no less.
We made a reservation well in advance for a table inside the main dining room for New Year’s Eve at Etaru. When we arrived to check in at 9:00 PM, the hostess casually informed us that there were no indoor tables available. We were then told that guests who arrived earlier were allowed to choose indoor seating on a first-come, first-serve basis — completely defeating the purpose of having a reservation at all.
After going back and forth and questioning why our confirmed reservation meant nothing, the hostess escalated the situation by threatening to call security on us. Only after this confrontation were we grudgingly given a tiny, cramped table inside, clearly not what we had reserved or paid for.
From there, things only went downhill.
We waited over 2.5 HOURS before water even touched our table. Yes, the restaurant was busy — but that is not an excuse. Etaru was visibly overbooked, understaffed, and run by people who appeared completely unqualified to manage a high-end New Year’s Eve service.
We explicitly informed the restaurant at the time of booking AND again at seating that members of our party do not eat pork. This was clearly acknowledged.
At 11:30 PM, after waiting most of the night, food finally arrived. The yellowtail was slimy and clearly not fresh, and despite our clear dietary restriction, the kitchen sent pork dumplings that were supposed to be substituted with a vegetable option. Some of our guests unknowingly ate them.
That was the breaking point.
We asked for a manager, who came to the table completely unapologetic, dismissive, and indifferent to the seriousness of serving prohibited food to guests. The complete disregard for dietary restrictions is not just bad hospitality — it is potentially dangerous and, in many jurisdictions, a violation of basic consumer protection and food service standards.
Instead of taking accountability, the manager asked us to leave the restaurant right before the New Year’s countdown, effectively ejecting us moments before midnight. Security was called and stood over our table until we left — an absolutely humiliating end to what was supposed to be a celebratory evening.
Etaru is a disgusting establishment that clearly has no grasp on hospitality, guest safety, or basic restaurant management. Guests should not be treated as learning pawns while management figures out how to operate during a major event. This restaurant was blatantly unprepared and irresponsibly overbooked, and they took it out on paying patrons.
This experience was shocking, disappointing, and unacceptable. I strongly advise anyone considering Etaru — especially for a special occasion — to think twice before giving this place your time or money.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Stella Chernoy
We had a 9:00 PM indoor table reservation for 6 people at Etaru on New Year’s Eve, with a $185 per person prix fixe. When making the reservation, we were clearly told that children 12 and over were allowed and charged the same price, which we agreed to without issue.
Upon arrival, there was a chaotic and poorly managed line, despite the restaurant clearly knowing it would be fully booked. The maître d’ was overwhelmed, and there were far too few staff to seat guests, resulting in us waiting over 30 minutes just to be acknowledged.
When we were finally escorted to a table, we were taken outside, despite having a confirmed indoor reservation. When I questioned this, the hostess rudely stated that indoor seating is not guaranteed, which is unacceptable given that this was exactly what we reserved. It was also obvious that indoor tables were being given to earlier arrivals, regardless of reservation type. After pushing back, we were eventually seated indoors — but not until 10:00 PM, an hour after our reservation time.
Once seated, the situation only got worse: • No water, no champagne, no service for an extended period • We clearly informed the server that we do not eat pork and that children had shellfish allergies • Despite this, the kitchen served pork dumplings to the children, a serious and dangerous mistake
By 11:15 PM, we finally received water and a single glass of champagne — still no food. Guests around us were visibly frustrated as well, confirming this was not an isolated issue.
To make matters worse, when expressing our dissatisfaction, we were threatened with security instead of being helped or apologized to.
At 11:40 PM, nearly three hours after arrival, we left the restaurant without ever being served food.
This was an inexcusable failure in service, organization, and basic hospitality, especially for a high-priced New Year’s Eve event. It completely ruined our celebration. I would never recommend Etaru and will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Syuzanna Gyurdzhyan
I rarely leave reviews, but this experience deserves one. We booked a table well in advance, expecting a smooth and enjoyable New Year’s Eve dinner. Instead, we arrived to find there was no table available for us. No effort was made to fix the situation, no proper apology, and we were left standing outside on what should have been a memorable evening. Our New Year was essentially ruined because of the restaurant’s lack of organization and care for guests. Very disappointing — I hope management takes this seriously and improves.
Complete disaster for the new year party. This restaurant is completely unprepared to host such an event. Wrong table, 2 hrs wait for food & slow as molasses kitchen & waiters. If cant put up, shut up. New Year is a party & not the learning curve to get things right. Ok to eat in general BUT avoid for the New Year! Totally out of wack.
simona davydov
New year disappointment!!! Between the service, wobbly table and terrible Food!!! The audacity is astounding! Straight wack!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Daniela Perlaza
The worst place for new year! They push you to eat for the menu even if you don’t eat that. If you want to chafe food they still charge you. Don’t even come here
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Mark Petersen
Flight delayed coming into town on New year's eve. I called 5 hours ahead to try to cancel without a $75 cancelation fee. We were willing to come in the next day to try it out. It sounds like a good place. The reservation person said she would need to charge us. Even though they still had plenty of open tables (reservations available) in the evening's first seating (only two hour seating, not 4x hours like the second seating) . I feel like we wanted to try the food, but since they are being inflexible, we will not be supporting this establishment. Nor recommending they be supported.
Good luck through the tough financial times.
Service: 1
Michelle Langone
I really love this place! The atmostphere is one of my favorites in any restaurant, on a rooftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with a beautiful aesthetic vibe throughout the restaurant, and I felt that the entire staff made me feel so safe and taken care of re: my food allergies and so I got to eat delicious sushi to my heart’s content without worrying about cross contamination. I love this place and bringing my loved ones here to soak in the beautiful energy!
Everything was spectacular, we had the yellowtail Hamachi along with the pork dumplings. Also tried the salmon, black cod, and skirts steak. For dessert, crème brûlée, and raspberry sorbet. Had the mango Matcha drink, which is refreshing and not too sweet!
we are here 3x in a long weekend- the food is fabulous- the charcoal grill is amazing- we tried shrimp, ribs and two cuts of steak (all amazing!!) and fresh. they even grill the veg! servers were so hospitable- true service professionals. and the cocktails were well made and delicious, great wine list, no hangovers!! love love love thank you for making our trip wonderful:)
Outstanding from start to finish. The yellowtail appetizer was clean, spicy, and elegant, the California roll and edamame were perfectly executed (and salted), and the filet with mushrooms was cooked beautifully with great depth of flavor. Desserts sealed it—the lava cake, crème brûlée, and coconut dessert were all excellent. Polished, consistent, and memorable. Just about flawless. Recommend!
Dear Management Team,
I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding our New Year’s Eve dinner experience at your restaurant.
We made our reservation more than a month in advance, and at no point were we informed that the dinner would be based on a fixed menu. Additionally, the menu was presented as non-optional and did not allow for any substitutions or changes, even after we clearly communicated that we do not consume certain items included in it.
Our reservation was scheduled for 10:30 p.m.; however, we were not seated until 11:00 p.m. Appetizers were not served until approximately 11:40 p.m. Throughout the evening, there was a noticeable lack of organization and coordination in the service. The food was not served in the order outlined on the menu, and due to logistical issues, the full menu was never delivered to our table.
Despite expressing our concerns during the evening, there was no appropriate or empathetic response from the staff. Overall, the experience fell far below expected service standards, particularly for a New Year’s Eve event. The lack of communication, attention to detail, and customer care significantly impacted our experience. At one point, I had to ask three different staff members on separate occasions just to receive water.
We chose your restaurant expecting a well-organized and memorable evening, especially given the occasion and the advance planning. Unfortunately, that expectation was not met. I hope this feedback is taken seriously and used to improve future guest experiences.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your response.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Terrible New Year’s Eve experience. Extremely disorganized service—food didn’t arrive until 11:40 PM. One prix fixe menu item never came because they ran out of it. People left after midnight without eating. Completely unacceptable for a New Year’s celebration. Would not return.
Service: 1
I have been in fine dining hospitality for over 15 years and let me tell you the service I’ve received from Radames (Juan) was absolutely superb and one of the best I’ve personally ever received. The food was great, but the service is the reason I am coming back. Great job Radames, With the level of customer service that you hold i don’t see how you’re not a manager there. Anyway thanks for helping me bring in the new year in such a sophisticated and amazing way. I will see you soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
⭐️ 1 Star Extremely Disorganized and Unacceptable New Year’s Eve Experience
We came to Etaru for a New Year’s Eve celebration and unfortunately had one of the most disappointing dining experiences we’ve ever had.
We arrived on time for our 9:00 PM reservation yet were not seated until after 10:00 PM waiting for over an hour with no explanation. The check in process was completely disorganized and it was obvious the staff was overwhelmed and not communicating with each other.
Once seated the situation only got worse. We sat at an empty table until 11:30 PM before receiving our first course. We even took photos of our empty table because it was unbelievable. When the yellowtail sashimi finally arrived it was not fresh and we immediately spit it out.
We were told that guests would be greeted with a glass of champagne upon arrival. That never happened. After waiting nearly two hours my husband and our close friend went to the bar and took two glasses of champagne. Instead of addressing the issue staff yelled at them and threatened to call security which was completely inappropriate and unprofessional.
We clearly and repeatedly informed the staff that we do not eat pork for religious reasons including our children who were over 12 and explicitly told they were allowed to attend. Despite this we were served pork dumplings. Staff insisted they were vegetarian and as a result a few people at our table ate them believing they were vegetarian. Only after we opened the dumplings and saw the pork inside did staff acknowledge the mistake.
Once management became involved instead of apologizing or correcting the mistake we were given an ultimatum involving security and being asked to leave. At 11:45 PM we were essentially kicked out with nowhere to go to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
To make matters worse other tables around us were visibly frustrated. We could see the kitchen completely overwhelmed with tickets being printed nonstop crumpled up and thrown into the trash because they simply could not keep up with orders.
We had heard in the past that Etaru struggles on New Year’s Eve but experiencing it firsthand was beyond a complete disaster. This was not just poor service it was a lack of organization accountability and respect for guests.
Extremely disappointing experience especially for what is supposed to be a special night.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
One of the worst dining experiences of our lives — and on New Year’s Eve no less.
We made a reservation well in advance for a table inside the main dining room for New Year’s Eve at Etaru. When we arrived to check in at 9:00 PM, the hostess casually informed us that there were no indoor tables available. We were then told that guests who arrived earlier were allowed to choose indoor seating on a first-come, first-serve basis — completely defeating the purpose of having a reservation at all.
After going back and forth and questioning why our confirmed reservation meant nothing, the hostess escalated the situation by threatening to call security on us. Only after this confrontation were we grudgingly given a tiny, cramped table inside, clearly not what we had reserved or paid for.
From there, things only went downhill.
We waited over 2.5 HOURS before water even touched our table. Yes, the restaurant was busy — but that is not an excuse. Etaru was visibly overbooked, understaffed, and run by people who appeared completely unqualified to manage a high-end New Year’s Eve service.
We explicitly informed the restaurant at the time of booking AND again at seating that members of our party do not eat pork. This was clearly acknowledged.
At 11:30 PM, after waiting most of the night, food finally arrived. The yellowtail was slimy and clearly not fresh, and despite our clear dietary restriction, the kitchen sent pork dumplings that were supposed to be substituted with a vegetable option. Some of our guests unknowingly ate them.
That was the breaking point.
We asked for a manager, who came to the table completely unapologetic, dismissive, and indifferent to the seriousness of serving prohibited food to guests. The complete disregard for dietary restrictions is not just bad hospitality — it is potentially dangerous and, in many jurisdictions, a violation of basic consumer protection and food service standards.
Instead of taking accountability, the manager asked us to leave the restaurant right before the New Year’s countdown, effectively ejecting us moments before midnight. Security was called and stood over our table until we left — an absolutely humiliating end to what was supposed to be a celebratory evening.
Etaru is a disgusting establishment that clearly has no grasp on hospitality, guest safety, or basic restaurant management. Guests should not be treated as learning pawns while management figures out how to operate during a major event. This restaurant was blatantly unprepared and irresponsibly overbooked, and they took it out on paying patrons.
This experience was shocking, disappointing, and unacceptable. I strongly advise anyone considering Etaru — especially for a special occasion — to think twice before giving this place your time or money.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We had a 9:00 PM indoor table reservation for 6 people at Etaru on New Year’s Eve, with a $185 per person prix fixe. When making the reservation, we were clearly told that children 12 and over were allowed and charged the same price, which we agreed to without issue.
Upon arrival, there was a chaotic and poorly managed line, despite the restaurant clearly knowing it would be fully booked. The maître d’ was overwhelmed, and there were far too few staff to seat guests, resulting in us waiting over 30 minutes just to be acknowledged.
When we were finally escorted to a table, we were taken outside, despite having a confirmed indoor reservation. When I questioned this, the hostess rudely stated that indoor seating is not guaranteed, which is unacceptable given that this was exactly what we reserved. It was also obvious that indoor tables were being given to earlier arrivals, regardless of reservation type. After pushing back, we were eventually seated indoors — but not until 10:00 PM, an hour after our reservation time.
Once seated, the situation only got worse:
• No water, no champagne, no service for an extended period
• We clearly informed the server that we do not eat pork and that children had shellfish allergies
• Despite this, the kitchen served pork dumplings to the children, a serious and dangerous mistake
By 11:15 PM, we finally received water and a single glass of champagne — still no food. Guests around us were visibly frustrated as well, confirming this was not an isolated issue.
To make matters worse, when expressing our dissatisfaction, we were threatened with security instead of being helped or apologized to.
At 11:40 PM, nearly three hours after arrival, we left the restaurant without ever being served food.
This was an inexcusable failure in service, organization, and basic hospitality, especially for a high-priced New Year’s Eve event. It completely ruined our celebration. I would never recommend Etaru and will not be returning.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I rarely leave reviews, but this experience deserves one. We booked a table well in advance, expecting a smooth and enjoyable New Year’s Eve dinner. Instead, we arrived to find there was no table available for us. No effort was made to fix the situation, no proper apology, and we were left standing outside on what should have been a memorable evening. Our New Year was essentially ruined because of the restaurant’s lack of organization and care for guests. Very disappointing — I hope management takes this seriously and improves.
Restaurantji Recommends
Complete disaster for the new year party. This restaurant is completely unprepared to host such an event. Wrong table, 2 hrs wait for food & slow as molasses kitchen & waiters. If cant put up, shut up. New Year is a party & not the learning curve to get things right. Ok to eat in general BUT avoid for the New Year! Totally out of wack.
New year disappointment!!! Between the service, wobbly table and terrible
Food!!! The audacity is astounding! Straight wack!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
The worst place for new year! They push you to eat for the menu even if you don’t eat that. If you want to chafe food they still charge you. Don’t even come here
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Flight delayed coming into town on New year's eve. I called 5 hours ahead to try to cancel without a $75 cancelation fee. We were willing to come in the next day to try it out. It sounds like a good place. The reservation person said she would need to charge us. Even though they still had plenty of open tables (reservations available) in the evening's first seating (only two hour seating, not 4x hours like the second seating) . I feel like we wanted to try the food, but since they are being inflexible, we will not be supporting this establishment. Nor recommending they be supported.
Good luck through the tough financial times.
Service: 1
I really love this place! The atmostphere is one of my favorites in any restaurant, on a rooftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with a beautiful aesthetic vibe throughout the restaurant, and I felt that the entire staff made me feel so safe and taken care of re: my food allergies and so I got to eat delicious sushi to my heart’s content without worrying about cross contamination. I love this place and bringing my loved ones here to soak in the beautiful energy!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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