Agapi Bistro + Garden
555 Scenic Hwy, Pensacola
(850) 813-5683
Recent Reviews
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MARCH 15TH,MY DAUGHTER’S BIRTHDAY!!
THE SERVER BRANDY WASN’T A SERVER WHEN APPROACHING THE TABLE!!! I WOULDN’T Recommend none of my friends or family to come there. The food is good, but not the server wasn’t!!!!!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Really awesome food
Every time I go, I have an amazing new experience! Great drinks, incredible food, and unique desserts! Even my husband loves.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I called prior and booked the "Chef's Table / Chef's Blind Tasting Experience" at this restaurant for our 39th Wedding Anniversary. It sounded terrific on the phone.... "Meet the Chef" he'll "prepare some dishes for you at the Chef's table" and it's a very "intimate experience with the Chef preparing a four course dinner specifically for you."
The reality is this: We were placed at a regular table on the side just like everyone else. Never met the chef. The Sous Chef / Waiter came out to deliver the courses to us and even said he "didn't even know what the chef was going to prepare" for us. Although he did a great job explaining what each course was, each and every course (which was straight off the normal menu) was lackluster and had their individual problems. We started with a "bread course," a piece of white sourdough bread with a pat a butter. Then on to the four courses: Course 1: I had the Artichoke Paella which was mushy, bland, lukewarm and burnt, the arborio rice itself was mushy but had a hard center indicating it being undercooked. My wife had the Braised Peanuts which she enjoyed and to be honest was quite creative. Course 2: We both had the Vegetable Tajine which was bland with uneven cuts of harissa speckled throughout and once again lukewarm. Course 3: I had the Impossible Meat Harrisa Meatballs. The meatballs themselves were dry but complimented by the mushy coconut risotto, and the portion size was quite small. My wife had the Cauliflower Kiev which she told me later was very greasy, the flaxseed crust felt like a phlegm paste on her teeth, and the bits of sun dried tomatoes tasted like they were taken straight from the jar and sliced too large to be appetizing. Then came our last course - Course 4: We both were given the Raw Chocolate Tartufo, which looked wonderful but was rock hard like a piece of frozen ice. Even after 10 minutes it was still almost impossible to cut into (I used a steak knife that was left on the table to attempt to do so as the only implement given was a small dessert spoon - see video). We even mentioned to the waitress about the frozen dessert, asking how to cut into it, she mentioned that it would have been better "from the fridge and not the freezer." The waitress offered to give us something else for dessert but we declined as by then it was quite apparent that the "Chef's table experience" was not what was promised. The waitress also offered to box up my wife's uneaten portion of Cauliflower Kiev but we declined as it was not enjoyable at all.
To be quite factual, this restaurant should rename the "Chef's Table / Chef's Blind Tasting Experience" as the "Sous Chef or Waiter Blind you'll just get whatever we want to give you off the menu Experience" as everything we received were just smaller portions of what was already on their normal menu. There was no "meeting the Chef" although we did see him in the distance chatting to other people up at the bar. We noticed another couple near us also having the "Chef's table experience" at another normal table from the same Sous Chef / Waiter while the Chef remained up at the bar.
Summary of our experience: This was not a "Chef's Table Experience." No effort beyond the normal menu was given by this restaurant. The base price per experience ($75 a head, not including drinks or water) is over priced to say the least. Showcasing an "Impossible Meat Meatball" as their "vegan creation" is unremarkable, unimaginative and pedestian. The Chef made NO EFFORT whatsoever to great us, interact with us or ascertain if we enjoyed any or all of the courses. The Sous Chef (presumably as his "stand in") did nothing more than what a waiter would do - bring out the dish and say what it was, then leave. All in all, this entire experience was wholeheartedly a DISAPPOINTMENT. I wi
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Vegetarian options: Eggplant fries
Would not recommend for a special occasion. We had reservations for an inside table at 9 pm on Valentine's Day (we called a few weeks in advance and we're offered 9 pm inside or 7 pm outside, although 9 pm was late, we chose that in order to be able to sit inside). We arrived at 8:55 pm and we're told that our table was not ready and we could stand outside and wait. There were 3 other couples outside with us. At 9:15, the hostess came to another couple and said "I have an inside table available now if you would like that?" - which led us to believe that was our table, although I can't say for certain. At 9:20, the hostess came to us and said she could seat us at an outside table. We explained that we took the late reservation INSIDE to avoid sitting outside. To which she replied "there isn't a table inside, it will be at least 20 more minutes or we can seat you outside". If it wasn't already almost 9:30 by this point we would have left, but knowing that nothing would be open other than fast food, we stayed. No apologies or anything were offered for this frustrating situation. The food was good for the most part, I had the carpet bagger steak which was great, although the burnt potato cake next to it was not really edible. My husband had the Venison Ossu Bucco which was very good as well. Baklava cheesecake for dessert was 2/10, looked great, but impossible to cut into and really just not good. While I have had one other experience at this restaurant where the food was very good, I don't know that I will return, and would never consider it again for a special occasion. Oh, gratuity was added to our two person check, also. Pretty sure this was just because it was Valentine's Day, but still worth mentioning.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Food was AMAZING! Tons of vegan options and allergy friendly. Dania was a fantastic server and gave great recommendations
Dietary restrictions: Vegan, shellfish or gluten free
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Agapi has been an amazing experience every time we dine there. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate. All three of the entree’s I’ve had have been perfect and the sides have paired fantastically. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seared Elk Tenderloin
I called prior and booked the "Chef's Table / Chef's Blind Tasting Experience" at this restaurant for our 39th Wedding Anniversary. It sounded terrific on the phone.... "Meet the Chef" he'll "prepare some dishes for you at the Chef's table" and it's a very "intimate experience with the Chef preparing a four course dinner specifically for you." The reality is this: We were placed at a regular table on the side just like everyone else. Never met the chef. The Sous Chef / Waiter came out to deliver the courses to us and even said he "didn't even know what the chef was going to prepare" for us. Although he did a great job explaining what each course was, each and every course (which was straight off the normal menu) was lackluster and had their individual problems. We started with a "bread course," a piece of white sourdough bread with a pat a butter. Then on to the four courses: Course 1: I had the Artichoke Paella which was mushy, bland, lukewarm and burnt, the arborio rice itself was mushy but had a hard center indicating it being undercooked. My wife had the Braised Peanuts which she enjoyed and to be honest was quite creative. Course 2: We both had the Vegetable Tajine which was bland with uneven cuts of harissa speckled throughout and once again lukewarm. Course 3: I had the Impossible Meat Harrisa Meatballs. The meatballs themselves were dry but complimented by the mushy coconut risotto, and the portion size was quite small. My wife had the Cauliflower Kiev which she told me later was very greasy, the flaxseed crust felt like a phlegm paste on her teeth, and the bits of sun dried tomatoes tasted like they were taken straight from the jar and sliced too large to be appetizing. Then came our last course - Course 4: We both were given the Raw Chocolate Tartufo, which looked wonderful but was rock hard like a piece of frozen ice. Even after 10 minutes it was still almost impossible to cut into (I used a steak knife that was left on the table to attempt to do so as the only implement given was a small dessert spoon - see video). We even mentioned to the waitress about the frozen dessert, asking how to cut into it, she mentioned that it would have been better "from the fridge and not the freezer." The waitress offered to give us something else for dessert but we declined as by then it was quite apparent that the "Chef's table experience" was not what was promised.
My wife and I dined there this evening and had the Chefs blind tasting. What a fantastic experience. The waitstaff, the chef and the food were top notch. Every course was full of flavor and mind blowing pairings. Kiwi sorbet and tuna tartare? Yup! It was out of this world. Recommend and will go again. 11/10
Restaurantji Recommends
Update 01/19/2025. So basically the person responding(most likely the manager) is calling me a liar. Nice. Like I said. ATTITUDE!!! I may have had the names wrong. But it was a baklava that was soggy and a tuna that was stringy. Semantics.
Original review:
I was sooo looking forward to celebrating Christmas Eve here. WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT!!!
First of all…they require a credit card with security code to make a reservation. They call to make sure you are coming. That’s 2 calls…but not once did anyone mention that the menu online would not be available. So we have our dinner planned out and when we get there find that only a couple of entrees are available and they have picked out your sides for you. No substitutions!!! Well. Broccolini and I don’t get along. ESPECIALLY doused in too much oil. Allergies. Also dried out twice-baked stuffed potatoes prepped in advance. NOT SO MUCH. This was discussed with server while ordering and wouldn’t you know it? The said veggie was on my plate saturating everything with its wonderful taste!!! I asked again for something else and was presented with green-yellow half rotten asparagus again dosed with a quart of oil and no seasoning. The quart of oil had already shown its ugly face on the charred romaine salad. By this point, I still held out hope for the ahi tuna that was the lesser of two evils, seeing I’m also gluten-free and no other options available this evening. The tuna had SOOOO MANY strings running through it I almost choked.
By this point, the server had copped an attitude of condescension and the night was ruined. I was hoping against all odds that the dessert would be better but the baklava tiramisu was as dry as could be. So tough it couldn’t be cut!!! Did the real chef take off for Christmas Eve? Because all the reviews must be compensated otherwise!
Well finally, when the bill came($140+ for two people!)a charge for the asparagus was the last straw. I brought it to the manager’s attention and was greeted with more attitude and asked her to remove the 20% tip that had been applied. I was told that was mandatory. It’s funny because we usually leave 25% if the server is even half pleasant and efficient. When I see groups of servers standing behind the counter cackling, I get a sour taste in my mouth. Especially when they are laughing and looking directly at me. Things were dicey in the kitchen, if you know what I mean. It’s amazing! We are new here. I can name plenty of places in Pensacola that welcome the seniors to dine there. This isn’t one of them. Stay away unless you like attitude!
Sorry. No photos. I was too dumbfounded! I also waited to calm down to write this. But this place truly sucks!
Oh. I forgot to mention that this place is the size of a hotel room. I felt so sorry for the young couple that were positioned looking directly at the front door 4 feet in front of them. Every time the door opened they practically played hostess. Not to mention the blast of cold air.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food is GREAT! Atmosphere is nice, though it's a small space with a tight fit. Servers are very professional. Try the fresh baked bread! And the cocktails are made well.
Vegetarian options: Servers can assist.
Dietary restrictions: Servers can assist.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Charcuterie, Beef Carpaccio, Seared Elk Tenderloin
OSSO BUCCO is great. Octopus not as good as George Bistro. Crab claws not as good as peg leg Pete’s. Still pretty good as general.not too pricey, worth trying again
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Great Mediterranean menu with a Florida panhandle approach. Octopus and iberico pork standouts. Nice, thoughtful wine list for the size of the operations and warm and gracious staff. Not sure whey they up charge for bread with the baked brie. You have to spread something like this and some should be offered. Only negative of the eve. We live in the pan handle and will return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
If you want the full experience you have got to get the Chef’s Blind Tasting, all I can say is wow! The food was phenomenal, the plating was top notch, and the service was above and beyond. I would definitely go again. It is well worth the money. Talking to the chef about the plates was also one of the coolest things I have experienced with food. It is definitely something you need to try especially if you love trying new foods you wouldn’t normally get and you are a “foodie”. Loved it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Bisque, Gyro Nachos
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