Food was good. We live part time in San Diego so we know Mexican food and this was good. Only negative with the food, chicken skewers were thigh meat and we prefer breast but not a deal breaker. Great guacamole. It is outdoors by the water so nice atmosphere. No happy hour at the restaurant another negative. Otherwise I give it a 4 out of 5.
Shelby
Unfortunately we arrived for our reservation and were sat but did not see a server for 20 minutes only because we flagged one down. After waiting another 15 minutes we received our drinks which were terribly made. After waiting another 20 minutes the manager never brought back our new drinks and we informed a different manager that we would like to leave after our terrible experience. It was unfortunate as we were very excited to try Rufa for Valentine's Day
Maria del Pilar
Excellent food and outstanding service. We had such a lovely time and we've gone back since then. Our plans are to bring our out of town guests to Rufa every time! Thank you for such a great visit.
Elise
We had a truly wonderful time on Christmas. It was an odd holiday with just my mom and I so we decided to try something very different and go out for a meal! We had the perfect spot right by the water. The food and drinks were all amazing. They helped make this a really fun Christmas dinner with excellent service!
Kristin
Our waitress Juliana was attentive and gave great recommendations. The Dove drink was refreshing. The Lobster Tostada bites were delicious; I am still dreaming about them! Guacamole was tasty. And the Beef Tenderloin tacos were flavorful. Great atmosphere, calm and relaxing place. We will be back! Thank you for a lovely evening.
Lisa
The most uncomfortable seating. Low and deep seating. All upholstered chairs stained and dirty looking. Impossible to eat food in such low chairs. My chin was just above the table. Seated across from one another but difficult to hear each other due to large space between us. Service quite slow for a slow night. No bathrooms nearby. Both making this very difficult for elderly ppl as well. Not what we've come to expect from the Ritz Carlton
Stan Lawson
Small restaurant ran by a French couple. Have been going here for special occasions for years. My favorite restaurant in FL.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Randall
Unusual menu and cocktails. Guacamole was terrific. Street corn dish was mini cobs with 2 sauces and coriander. Really good. I had the octopus which was amazing. My wife had the tenderloin tacos. Also terrific. Server was really spot on. Only 4 stars because we sat outside, the fireplace was apparently out of service and they had one of 6-7 heaters lit. It was getting chilly. Overall recommended.
Joshua
Beautiful location on the water looking out onto Sarasota Bay. Had the Chips and Guacamole, delicious! And the Beef Sliders. Drinks were also great but a little on the high end.
Carol Springer
Perhaps this was an amazing French dining experience years ago. But now, the restaurant itself is old, the chairs are uncomfortable, The plastic table cloths are sticky and the grease trap odor that emanates from the bathroom is enough to make you hurl. The service is mediocre, and the food was just OK. My dinner was a special for the evening which was a fish with two shrimp, green beans, carrots, and potatoes. The same three sides they’ve been serving for years. The fish was mushy and brown — undistinguishable from the potatoes. The carrots and green beans were good, nothing special, but what can you do to a carrot or a green bean? I have to say for the money they charge for what you get, the juice ain’t worth the squeeze at Rick’s.
We had the best experience! The setting on the water was absolutely perfect, and the atmosphere couldn't have been more beautiful. Our server, Sam, made the night even better! He was attentive, friendly, and truly the best! Highly recommend both the restaurant and asking for Sam if you get the chance.
Dana
The food was delicious! I definitely recommend trying Rufa. The shareable portions are generous. This was a positive, since they are inexpensive. The drinks are very high priced, but in line with other restaurants of this similar caliber. The setting is very beautiful. There was one minor thing about a very noisy industrial fan blowing that killed the initial vibe, but it was quickly addressed by management. Overall, this is someplace you should try. Enjoy. We did!
Alexandre
Lovely place. Waiter was nice . Sliders meat was awful and smelly, octopus was over cooked, french fries must have been fried in oil which has been used to fry fish or else.... Fries had a taste of fish ! Awful . I was the first customer of the ritz Carlton sarasota when the opened years ago. Since Marriott bought them food quality and value is down . Not happy at all .
Erica
This is such a cute place with a great vibe. Very relaxing. Awesome service and the food and drinks were both super good. We will definitely be back.
Karina
Exceptional. Loved the view and service by Jillian, the bar tender. The presentation of the cocktails was lovely.
Food was good. We live part time in San Diego so we know Mexican food and this was good. Only negative with the food, chicken skewers were thigh meat and we prefer breast but not a deal breaker. Great guacamole. It is outdoors by the water so nice atmosphere. No happy hour at the restaurant another negative. Otherwise I give it a 4 out of 5.
Unfortunately we arrived for our reservation and were sat but did not see a server for 20 minutes only because we flagged one down. After waiting another 15 minutes we received our drinks which were terribly made. After waiting another 20 minutes the manager never brought back our new drinks and we informed a different manager that we would like to leave after our terrible experience. It was unfortunate as we were very excited to try Rufa for Valentine's Day
Excellent food and outstanding service. We had such a lovely time and we've gone back since then. Our plans are to bring our out of town guests to Rufa every time! Thank you for such a great visit.
We had a truly wonderful time on Christmas. It was an odd holiday with just my mom and I so we decided to try something very different and go out for a meal! We had the perfect spot right by the water. The food and drinks were all amazing. They helped make this a really fun Christmas dinner with excellent service!
Our waitress Juliana was attentive and gave great recommendations. The Dove drink was refreshing. The Lobster Tostada bites were delicious; I am still dreaming about them! Guacamole was tasty. And the Beef Tenderloin tacos were flavorful. Great atmosphere, calm and relaxing place. We will be back! Thank you for a lovely evening.
The most uncomfortable seating. Low and deep seating. All upholstered chairs stained and dirty looking. Impossible to eat food in such low chairs. My chin was just above the table. Seated across from one another but difficult to hear each other due to large space between us. Service quite slow for a slow night. No bathrooms nearby. Both making this very difficult for elderly ppl as well. Not what we've come to expect from the Ritz Carlton
Small restaurant ran by a French couple. Have been going here for special occasions for years. My favorite restaurant in FL.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unusual menu and cocktails. Guacamole was terrific. Street corn dish was mini cobs with 2 sauces and coriander. Really good. I had the octopus which was amazing. My wife had the tenderloin tacos. Also terrific. Server was really spot on. Only 4 stars because we sat outside, the fireplace was apparently out of service and they had one of 6-7 heaters lit. It was getting chilly. Overall recommended.
Beautiful location on the water looking out onto Sarasota Bay. Had the Chips and Guacamole, delicious! And the Beef Sliders. Drinks were also great but a little on the high end.
Perhaps this was an amazing French dining experience years ago. But now, the restaurant itself is old, the chairs are uncomfortable, The plastic table cloths are sticky and the grease trap odor that emanates from the bathroom is enough to make you hurl. The service is mediocre, and the food was just OK. My dinner was a special for the evening which was a fish with two shrimp, green beans, carrots, and potatoes. The same three sides they’ve been serving for years. The fish was mushy and brown — undistinguishable from the potatoes. The carrots and green beans were good, nothing special, but what can you do to a carrot or a green bean? I have to say for the money they charge for what you get, the juice ain’t worth the squeeze at Rick’s.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
We had the best experience! The setting on the water was absolutely perfect, and the atmosphere couldn't have been more beautiful. Our server, Sam, made the night even better! He was attentive, friendly, and truly the best! Highly recommend both the restaurant and asking for Sam if you get the chance.
The food was delicious! I definitely recommend trying Rufa. The shareable portions are generous. This was a positive, since they are inexpensive. The drinks are very high priced, but in line with other restaurants of this similar caliber. The setting is very beautiful. There was one minor thing about a very noisy industrial fan blowing that killed the initial vibe, but it was quickly addressed by management. Overall, this is someplace you should try. Enjoy. We did!
Lovely place. Waiter was nice . Sliders meat was awful and smelly, octopus was over cooked, french fries must have been fried in oil which has been used to fry fish or else.... Fries had a taste of fish ! Awful . I was the first customer of the ritz Carlton sarasota when the opened years ago. Since Marriott bought them food quality and value is down . Not happy at all .
This is such a cute place with a great vibe. Very relaxing. Awesome service and the food and drinks were both super good. We will definitely be back.
Exceptional. Loved the view and service by Jillian, the bar tender. The presentation of the cocktails was lovely.
Loading...