This is a lovely restaurant, very quaint The porch seating is fantastic, dont miss it. We had a perfect table, beautifully set....the menu is diverse based on absolute freshest seafood availabilities, our dishes were innovative and excellent. A big thank you to Carl, our server.....wonderful wine guidance and great service. He was super. We loved it, a wonderful evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Casey Champ
My husband and I went to Cafe Tango a few years back and loved it. I was hoping to return on our upcoming trip. They only accept reservations over the phone. The first time I called I did not indicate how many people are in my party in my voicemail. Someone from the restaurant did return my call and left me a message saying I needed to include that information next time I called. I have since called 3 times and left 3 voicemails with all necessary information. I have not received any calls back. If a restaurant is going to insist on making reservations via phone then they need a better system for ensuring potential customers get a response, even if no reservations are available. I am incredibly disappointed in the service from Cafe Tango and don't intend on returning.
Brittney Laughlin
First, I was called twice asking me to move my reservation up to an earlier time. We get there and music is blaring late 70’s tunes and there are only two other tables occupied, at 7:15pm. My husband’s fish was over cooked and my medium rare filet was medium well. At best. I doubt the touted chefs were there at all. It looked like a two man show, at best. This was recommended as a romantic restaurant for my 20th wedding anniversary and I certainly will not be going back nor will I be recommending it to others.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
DanF805
Several years ago we dined at this fine dining restaurant. The service, food and ambience were excellent, so we decided to visit for a special occasion. What a disappointment. I share pricing and timing of the meal so the reader can understand this is a fine dining experience. Or should be. Our party of three entered at 6:30pm and stood at the door until we were greeted by Nathalia, our server who apologized as she was busy with another table. She showed us to our table in the enclosed porch which was incredibly warm despite the portable fan in the corner. She was the only element of the meal that was good. We ordered sparkling waters ($12 each) and an $18 glass of Zinfandel. The Zin was warm and clearly not in climate control. One of our party ordered bisque and scallops (3 small scallops for $24) appetizer as her entree; another ordered Baked Brie $22 topped with Grand Marnier fruit compote and pecans and Lobster stuffed ravioli served in a pink lobster cream sauce tossed with Gulf shrimp and diver scallops $38 and our third ordered Pistachio crusted grouper drizzled with amaretto beuerre blanc and complemented by Gulf shrimp $44. Nathalia brought bread and olive oil...the best food of the meal. She told us the kitchen was backed up. We noted there were only three other occupied tables (party of 4 and two of 2) at the time. She entered the order at 6:59pm. Our first guest didn't express an opinion. The baked brie tasted like a microwaved Publix brie round with warm blackberries. No pecans. The lobster ravioli was swimming in a sauce which had broken and was oily. The lobster filling tasted like paste and there were no scallops. The grouper was a small (perhaps 3-4 ounce portion) that was fatty and was served with partial skin. There was no Gulf shrimp. Our server never checked on our meal but was ready to present the check. It was 7:34pm...a very rushed fine dining experience. Note that they charge a 4% fee for non-cash payment so before gratuity the total was almost $200. I've never written such a negative review but this experience merits it. Very disappointing and won't return.
Sara B
We’ve been coming here since 2009 and never been disappointed. Always beyond grateful that the lobster ravioli is still on the menu because it is beyond words it’s that good. Highly recommend this romantic little place filled with amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Ravioli, Key Lime Pie
Lila O
This is our 7th visit to the Santa Rosa Beach area over the past 23 years, visiting from Colorado initially, and now from CA. It takes us 3 flights to get to this area from our small town in CA, but it is worth it, as we love the tennis, and the weather. We discovered Cafe Tango on our very first trip on 2002, and since then, we have ALWAYS make it a point of reserving a night for dinner at this restaurant. I made reservations by phone two weeks ago for tonight. When we arrived for our 6:00 reservation, we were shocked to hear that the restaurant was serving only a private party tonight. I understand completely how an owner would opt to serve a private party, as the revenue for the evening would be much more than walk-ins or individual reservations. But we were not alerted to this change. The hostess who greeted us went in the kitchen to check with the chef/owner and came back to tell us that he( owner or chef) called us one week ago to cancel the reservation. As I checked my cell phone voicemails, I did not receive a call, although they apparently had the correct phone number. He should have asked for a confirmation call back to insure that I got the message, and if he didn’t then receive a confirmation call back, perhaps another call to me was in order in case he dialed the wrong number in the first place. The hostess apologized, but the chef/owner who made the call didn’t feel it was important enough to come out from the kitchen and apologize in person. The hostess offered to give us a reservation for tomorrow or Friday, but quite frankly, Cafe Tango has lost us as clients. As a former chef, I know that this is not the way to treat loyal clients.
Clinton Davidson
Food is phenomenal! Best on 30A by far. Great atmosphere and service as well. Highest recommendation I can give
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Louisa Boyd Ragsdale
Cafe Tango is a hidden gem. The service is consistently 12/10, as is the food. I’ve probably eaten every dish on the menu and have never had a bad bite. Places like this are truly special
favorites include: the scallops, The Parmesan ranch on the house salad, any of the steaks/ grouper options. The lobster ravioli is also divine.
The steaks are truly some of the best in the south east- the red wine Demi glace is drool worthy
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Key Lime Pie, Chorizo and Pablo Crusted Fish, Cabernet Sauvignon Textbook Napa '18, Salad, Steak, The Dancing Fish
Kristen Brown
Update from 2nd visit: The service can make the difference. We were at the 2nd seating of the night at 8 pm this time. Our server last night wasn't interested in my food allergies. In fact, he seemed annoyed at them (and I only told him 1 of my 4 because I had eaten here before and knew what I could safely eat). He would have served me an item I know I couldn't have and scoffed at me that the item couldn't possibly have my allergy in it. So be careful. The food was still amazing, however!! Our party had the steak and Dancing Fish entrees, The Wedge salad, and Crab & Corn bisque (which was loaded with crab meat). Still highly recommend, with caution if you have food allergies.
Highly recommended!! The staff was fantastic and the food was so good!!! It's a very small place with only 2 seatings for dinner, so make sure to get a reservation. Parking is minimal but is on property and free. I had the Dancing Fish special with mashed potatoes and veggies. My friend had the lobster ravioli. I ate the veggies first and was shocked at how flavorful they were. Everything else was just as fantastic! They were able to work with my unusual food allergies, which always makes me happy. They only serve wine and have a few beers on-hand. No liquor is available.
Always a superlative experience. We love the Dancing Fish, but every dish is prepared with care. Intimate atmosphere makes you feel that you’re at a friend’s.
Parking: Plenty of free parking… unlike Seaside, where it cost us $20 plus the cost of dinner
So, my family and I have been vacationing in Santa Rosa Beach for 15 + years. Almost always, we stay in Old Florida Village. I've driven by Cafe Tango a multitude of times but for some reason, never eaten there.Until last night.After a late afternoon at the beach, I called Cafe Tango and was able to make a reservation for 7:30 p.m., probably because the real crowds arrive for spring break next week. When we arrived, all of the tables in the small restaurant were filled with diners, all of whom appeared to be enjoying their meals.What followed for my family and me - including my sons, 15 and 12, was one of the best meals we have ever had in or around 30A (and we've eaten at a lot of restaurants). Impeccable, friendly service, absolutely delicious food, and excellent wine.The dishes - Dancing Fish, Basque Fish, and Lobster Ravioli were, literally, to die for, and I mean that. The Baked Brie appetizer was worth the trip alone. My 12 year old raved about it!Honestly, just a fantastic dining experience at a local restaurant that is independently owned and has been in business for 25 years. I promise you we will return again and again in years to come when we drive down from Nashville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alan Meldrum
You have to go here, it's awesome from the service to the food great wine choices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Ro
We finally ate dinner here after years of driving past it. The food was very good and the server (Kendall) was warm, engaging, and attentative. We will be back to try a few other things.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Dancing Fish
Bradley Brown
Ken and Kendal were outstanding for service,prompt and shared the history of the building/restaurant. Which was great to learn. I liked the home feel of the environment but the food was the highlight! We visited while chef #1 was away, chef #2 was great and held it down for sure. Look forward to the next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak
Lauren Ohara
Thank you Patrick, Kendal & Ken for making our holiday party of 24 guest one of the most memorable. You guys were attentive to every detail, friendly and on top of everything. The food was superb. So happy we decided to go with Cafe Tango for our party. You knocked it out of the park! Had so much fun, I forgot to get more pictures, too busy making memories and enjoying your food?Ps the peppers are a MUST!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Brie, Salad, Seafood Stuffed Peppers, The Dancing Fish
This is a lovely restaurant, very quaint The porch seating is fantastic, dont miss it. We had a perfect table, beautifully set....the menu is diverse based on absolute freshest seafood availabilities, our dishes were innovative and excellent. A big thank you to Carl, our server.....wonderful wine guidance and great service. He was super. We loved it, a wonderful evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
My husband and I went to Cafe Tango a few years back and loved it. I was hoping to return on our upcoming trip. They only accept reservations over the phone. The first time I called I did not indicate how many people are in my party in my voicemail. Someone from the restaurant did return my call and left me a message saying I needed to include that information next time I called. I have since called 3 times and left 3 voicemails with all necessary information. I have not received any calls back. If a restaurant is going to insist on making reservations via phone then they need a better system for ensuring potential customers get a response, even if no reservations are available. I am incredibly disappointed in the service from Cafe Tango and don't intend on returning.
First, I was called twice asking me to move my reservation up to an earlier time. We get there and music is blaring late 70’s tunes and there are only two other tables occupied, at 7:15pm. My husband’s fish was over cooked and my medium rare filet was medium well. At best. I doubt the touted chefs were there at all. It looked like a two man show, at best. This was recommended as a romantic restaurant for my 20th wedding anniversary and I certainly will not be going back nor will I be recommending it to others.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
Several years ago we dined at this fine dining restaurant. The service, food and ambience were excellent, so we decided to visit for a special occasion. What a disappointment. I share pricing and timing of the meal so the reader can understand this is a fine dining experience. Or should be. Our party of three entered at 6:30pm and stood at the door until we were greeted by Nathalia, our server who apologized as she was busy with another table. She showed us to our table in the enclosed porch which was incredibly warm despite the portable fan in the corner. She was the only element of the meal that was good. We ordered sparkling waters ($12 each) and an $18 glass of Zinfandel. The Zin was warm and clearly not in climate control. One of our party ordered bisque and scallops (3 small scallops for $24) appetizer as her entree; another ordered Baked Brie $22 topped with Grand Marnier fruit compote and pecans and Lobster stuffed ravioli served in a pink lobster cream sauce tossed with Gulf shrimp and diver scallops $38 and our third ordered Pistachio crusted grouper drizzled with amaretto beuerre blanc and complemented by Gulf shrimp $44. Nathalia brought bread and olive oil...the best food of the meal. She told us the kitchen was backed up. We noted there were only three other occupied tables (party of 4 and two of 2) at the time. She entered the order at 6:59pm. Our first guest didn't express an opinion. The baked brie tasted like a microwaved Publix brie round with warm blackberries. No pecans. The lobster ravioli was swimming in a sauce which had broken and was oily. The lobster filling tasted like paste and there were no scallops. The grouper was a small (perhaps 3-4 ounce portion) that was fatty and was served with partial skin. There was no Gulf shrimp. Our server never checked on our meal but was ready to present the check. It was 7:34pm...a very rushed fine dining experience. Note that they charge a 4% fee for non-cash payment so before gratuity the total was almost $200. I've never written such a negative review but this experience merits it. Very disappointing and won't return.
We’ve been coming here since 2009 and never been disappointed. Always beyond grateful that the lobster ravioli is still on the menu because it is beyond words it’s that good. Highly recommend this romantic little place filled with amazing food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Ravioli, Key Lime Pie
This is our 7th visit to the Santa Rosa Beach area over the past 23 years, visiting from Colorado initially, and now from CA. It takes us 3 flights to get to this area from our small town in CA, but it is worth it, as we love the tennis, and the weather. We discovered Cafe Tango on our very first trip on 2002, and since then, we have ALWAYS make it a point of reserving a night for dinner at this restaurant. I made reservations by phone two weeks ago for tonight. When we arrived for our 6:00 reservation, we were shocked to hear that the restaurant was serving only a private party tonight. I understand completely how an owner would opt to serve a private party, as the revenue for the evening would be much more than walk-ins or individual reservations. But we were not alerted to this change. The hostess who greeted us went in the kitchen to check with the chef/owner and came back to tell us that he( owner or chef) called us one week ago to cancel the reservation. As I checked my cell phone voicemails, I did not receive a call, although they apparently had the correct phone number. He should have asked for a confirmation call back to insure that I got the message, and if he didn’t then receive a confirmation call back, perhaps another call to me was in order in case he dialed the wrong number in the first place. The hostess apologized, but the chef/owner who made the call didn’t feel it was important enough to come out from the kitchen and apologize in person. The hostess offered to give us a reservation for tomorrow or Friday, but quite frankly, Cafe Tango has lost us as clients. As a former chef, I know that this is not the way to treat loyal clients.
Food is phenomenal! Best on 30A by far. Great atmosphere and service as well. Highest recommendation I can give
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cafe Tango is a hidden gem. The service is consistently 12/10, as is the food. I’ve probably eaten every dish on the menu and have never had a bad bite. Places like this are truly special
favorites include: the scallops, The Parmesan ranch on the house salad, any of the steaks/ grouper options. The lobster ravioli is also divine.
The steaks are truly some of the best in the south east- the red wine Demi glace is drool worthy
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Key Lime Pie, Chorizo and Pablo Crusted Fish, Cabernet Sauvignon Textbook Napa '18, Salad, Steak, The Dancing Fish
Update from 2nd visit: The service can make the difference. We were at the 2nd seating of the night at 8 pm this time. Our server last night wasn't interested in my food allergies. In fact, he seemed annoyed at them (and I only told him 1 of my 4 because I had eaten here before and knew what I could safely eat). He would have served me an item I know I couldn't have and scoffed at me that the item couldn't possibly have my allergy in it. So be careful. The food was still amazing, however!! Our party had the steak and Dancing Fish entrees, The Wedge salad, and Crab & Corn bisque (which was loaded with crab meat). Still highly recommend, with caution if you have food allergies.
Highly recommended!! The staff was fantastic and the food was so good!!! It's a very small place with only 2 seatings for dinner, so make sure to get a reservation. Parking is minimal but is on property and free. I had the Dancing Fish special with mashed potatoes and veggies. My friend had the lobster ravioli. I ate the veggies first and was shocked at how flavorful they were. Everything else was just as fantastic! They were able to work with my unusual food allergies, which always makes me happy. They only serve wine and have a few beers on-hand. No liquor is available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Baked Brie, Lobster Ravioli, Tango Wedge
Always a superlative experience. We love the Dancing Fish, but every dish is prepared with care. Intimate atmosphere makes you feel that you’re at a friend’s.
Parking: Plenty of free parking… unlike Seaside, where it cost us $20 plus the cost of dinner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Dancing Fish
Restaurantji Recommends
So, my family and I have been vacationing in Santa Rosa Beach for 15 + years. Almost always, we stay in Old Florida Village. I've driven by Cafe Tango a multitude of times but for some reason, never eaten there.Until last night.After a late afternoon at the beach, I called Cafe Tango and was able to make a reservation for 7:30 p.m., probably because the real crowds arrive for spring break next week. When we arrived, all of the tables in the small restaurant were filled with diners, all of whom appeared to be enjoying their meals.What followed for my family and me - including my sons, 15 and 12, was one of the best meals we have ever had in or around 30A (and we've eaten at a lot of restaurants). Impeccable, friendly service, absolutely delicious food, and excellent wine.The dishes - Dancing Fish, Basque Fish, and Lobster Ravioli were, literally, to die for, and I mean that. The Baked Brie appetizer was worth the trip alone. My 12 year old raved about it!Honestly, just a fantastic dining experience at a local restaurant that is independently owned and has been in business for 25 years. I promise you we will return again and again in years to come when we drive down from Nashville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You have to go here, it's awesome from the service to the food great wine choices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We finally ate dinner here after years of driving past it. The food was very good and the server (Kendall) was warm, engaging, and attentative. We will be back to try a few other things.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: The Dancing Fish
Ken and Kendal were outstanding for service,prompt and shared the history of the building/restaurant. Which was great to learn. I liked the home feel of the environment but the food was the highlight! We visited while chef #1 was away, chef #2 was great and held it down for sure. Look forward to the next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak
Thank you Patrick, Kendal & Ken for making our holiday party of 24 guest one of the most memorable. You guys were attentive to every detail, friendly and on top of everything. The food was superb. So happy we decided to go with Cafe Tango for our party. You knocked it out of the park! Had so much fun, I forgot to get more pictures, too busy making memories and enjoying your food?Ps the peppers are a MUST!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baked Brie, Salad, Seafood Stuffed Peppers, The Dancing Fish
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