We visited yesterday evening beautiful venue food and service excellent. The only down side was that as two couples the bill came as one we offered over to cards to pay the bill as a split on return the server presented two bills for both wife’s to add the tip. This was still set at three choice amounts we chose the 20%. And both wives added that. After leaving realizing it was still 20% of total amount this means we have tipped at 40% of the bill alike annoying that the tip amount hadn’t altered when bill was split. Apart from that we will return
MoeLarryandCurley
What has happened to Hillstones? I never experienced the nickel and dime approach at such a fine restaurant, and found it highly disappointing. My friend and I came for dinner. We each had a Martini at the bar since we arrived early. It came to $52.00. When we were seated for dinner, we ordered an appetizer of the spinach dip with tortilla chips for $21.00. Even though it was listed on the menu for $20.00, they charged $21.00 because they said it looked like we needed more chips and brought some, not explaining that there would be an additional charge. Next we split the cheeseburger which you could have with tabbouleh or fries. We got the tabbouleh. It was inedible. So we ordered the fries also. We asked for lettuce, tomatoes, onion and extra pickles. The pickles came on the side. The burger was good, however, the french fries were terrible. McDonald’s makes better fries and they don’t charge you $8.00 to add them on. By the way, the extra pickles-$2.00 and they came in a small bowl. The total bill for an appetizer, cheeseburger with fries and tabbouleh with extra pickles came to $56.45 plus the 20% gratuitie of $10.60. A total of $67.05. Made me think of the old Capital One ad - what’s in your wallet??
U5828OPwilliamt
My wife and I dined at Hillstone on 8/23 to.celebrate our anniversary. We made our reservation 5:00 pm and were greeted promptly by two smartly attired hostesses and escorted to.A beautifully set table overlooking the lake. Our server appeared within a few minutes, took our beverage order and recited the evening's specials. For appetizers, we decided on Brussels Sprouts with lemon aioli and Reggiano and Iceberg wedge. Both were creative takes on standard fare and were excellent. Entrees were Ahi Tuna Tartare and Pan-Fried Snapper. The freshness and unique flavors and perfect preparation made our entrees stand out. Dessert was a sundae and brownie, both with accompaniments. Our server made our meal special in every. The timing between courses was perfect and her recommendations were spot-on. I cannot help but share a significant problem with the climate control for diners; the temperature inside the restaurant was frigid. My wife and I both had to return to our car to get sweat shirts. We asked about the temperature and did not receive any response that was satisfactory. This situation should not be minimized. Hot items cooled within a few minutes, our hands, feet and ears were frozen. Many patrons headed back to their cars for jackets. A few left, complaining. Ambiance counts. Great food alone does not a perfect meal make
K1443EFmarcelob
Othniel served us politely and was very kind, as were the other staff. Our dishes (a rib eye and a barbecue pork rib) were well presented, cooked to order, extremely tender and flavorful. The wine was at the perfect temperature (Flowers Pinot Noir). The restaurant is on the lakefront, with a wonderful view from practically every table. The atmosphere is pleasant, quiet, with people conversing moderately and respectful of other tables, which makes the atmosphere even more pleasant. We didn't see any children there, only teenagers. We reserved a table and didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes, and I recommend reservations, as waiting can be up to an hour, depending on the day and time. An excellent place for happy hour, whether for beer, wine, whiskey, or mixed drinks. The bar was packed. I highly recommend it. We will be back.
ybsulf
AUGUST 08, 5;30 - 10:00 pm I have been visiting this restaurant for over 18 years and have always considered it a special place, with exceptional cuisine and a unique atmosphere. However, on my last visit I experienced something that made me reflect on something essential: we are all vulnerable, and unexpected situations can happen that are beyond our control. In those moments, hospitality is not measured only by the restaurant’s impeccable track record or the excellence of its food, but also by the staff’s ability to provide real support. After dinner, my phone completely died. I was alone with my daughter, at night and in the rain, with no access to GPS or the ability to make an emergency call. Although I asked several times for help charging it, I was shown a single charger that wasn’t working, and no alternative was offered for almost an hour. Simple suggestions such as ordering an Uber and paying with my card could have helped me get home safely. What was most unsettling was spending over 2.5 hours trying to resolve the situation on my own, while the front-line staff member maintained a polite smile and said “good night” to other guests — forgetting that someone just steps away was requesting urgent help. Only after insisting did the manager lend me a phone to call my sister. Today, charging a cell phone is not a luxury or an “extra favor”: it is a basic necessity and, in situations like this, a matter of safety. A restaurant of this level should have simple protocols for such situations. The lack of follow-through breaks any emotional connection with the brand, because an excellent experience is not limited to what’s on the plate; it’s also about how you care for your guests in moments of vulnerability. The food will always be impeccable, but I hope this experience helps reinforce staff training so that, alongside their top-tier cuisine, the human quality that should always accompany it also shines through.
KnoxTravler
I wasn’t expecting the setting in that location, it is somewhat deceiving from the outside. The restaurant feels very sophisticated but not stuffy. Great decor in the bar area, dining room open kitchen and a great view of the lake. The food was excellent especially the smoked salmon appetizer with toast points, amazing! A little pricey but would definitely go back.
Leo33675
Came here with another couple, the view on the lake is incredible. Crab cakes are delicious as was the Peanut Thai salad, highly recommend
juliecop79
The location on the edge of the lake is wonderful and the food is very tasty and although the waiters and waiters are very kind, we were not well served by the reception and management. We were in 9 people, we made 2 separate reservations. Arriving at the place well in advance we asked to leave the nearby tables. They made the question of putting each family in one side of the restaurant and the manager was quite antipathetic, making it quite clear the unwillingness to serve us. They had 2 free nearby tables and yet they did not make them available to us. If you are in a larger group I do not recommend this restaurant, they do not want to meet a lot of people and are not very friendly.
Andres Duque
Discriminan a familias con niños pequeños y más si son latinas. No solo me pasó a mí. Conozco casos de amigos que sufrieron el mismo maltrato y discriminación. Ninguna porción de costillas (bastante promedio, a propósito) amerita un mal rato
Dreamer65905171952
This place was a disappointment. Having heard good things about the restaurant, we were very happy to give it a try. The menu is very, very uninspired and limited. Oddly enough, the menu for lunch and dinner was pretty much identical except for prices. Five or six entrees, two steaks and five or six sandwiches are all that is offered. My son had a steak, I had the BBQ ribs and the other two members of our party had the French Dip sandwiches. When paying over $50 for a steak, one would expect to be able to accompany it with a baked potato or some other inspired side dish. Nope, not here. You can get French fries (which my son got) or coleslaw. At least you get bread right. Nope, not here. How about the salad before the steak? Also, nope, not here (unless you want to order a salad for upwards of $15-20). The steak at least tasted good. The BBQ “knife and fork” ribs were EXTREMELY dry, having been over cooked. This entree was priced at. $39. These were not juicy “fall off the bone” ribs. These were over baked and likely microwaved baby back ribs ribs that were dry, hard and unpalatable . The taste was ok, at least that which I could swallow. Sides were French fries and coleslaw. I substituted grilled peppers with feta cheese topping for the coleslaw. The three pieces of pepper, not close to amounting to one bell pepper, tasted good but were absolutely not satisfying as there was just not much to eat. The French fries reminded me of McDonalds fries (and this was mentioned by other members of the family also). Again, no salad unless I wanted to order from their overpriced salad menu. The French Dip sandwiches were particularly bad. Rather than a good roast beef, the sandwiches were rolling with visible fat, the meat was globed onto the roll and was obviously not freshly sliced roast beef. The au jus had very little flavor and was obviously not made from roast beef drippings but from a pre-made generic au jus from the shelf. It came with one side, so here are the McDonalds style fries again. Water was served in plastic glasses. Tacky for a “high end” restaurant. Service was good. The food was basically ok and what I would expect at a diner but not what I would expect at one of the higher rated places in Winter Park. We won’t be returning and will urge our friends to avoid this place. Their pretentious are not matched by their quality.
Being a white guy from Miami, who married a Hispanic, since we moved to Orlando I have seen some things no one in Miami does. And after seeing what I saw tonight and reading other reviews, I am shocked we weren’t asked to leave. The one Hispanic family in the restaurant was asked to leave because their child, who didn’t make a noise as I was right by the table, was asked to leave because their child was crying. There was no crying. There are numerous reviews of many Hispanic people who went to this restaurant with family and had the same experience or worse than what I witnessed tonight. When my wife and I tried to bring our in laws to this restaurant we were turned away as they don’t seat over 5. Tonight I saw a group of 7 seniors get seated as well. Sadly I will not be returning to this business let alone this location.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kimberly Otero
Great food served with a side of Racism. I have never in my life seen a restaurant throw a family out of a dining experience because there child cried for less than a second. And the real reason behind it all was that the staff was in patient and intolerant of a group of Hispanic women. They did not speak English and struggled ordering the manager then helped. But then they went to walk on the lake while waiting for their food. They came back food was on the table they were happy and started to eat. The baby cried for half a second and were immediately told they needed to leave that they could not have the baby there. It was completely disgusting. I have been to hillstones before I have seen white babies cry and not be told they must leave the restaurant. It was absolutely distrusting then they call me to apologize which was laughable since they should be apologizing to family they were forcing out. I will never ever be going back to hillstones again the excuse of them creating a certain environment is absolutely that if you don’t fit a certain type of person that only they can decide is worthy then you are not welcome.
Kid-friendliness: They are not kid friendly.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
T Sosa
Service was impeccable, food was delicious and drinks were strong is a good way! The only thing I would like to see for a more enhanced experience is outdoor dining. The lake view is such a draw and a pitty that guests can’t enjoy gorgeous lakeside dining. There are large windows along the back of the restaurant that helps it feel less closed in but they are missing out on a great experience for guests
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Harolt Dorta
Unfortunately a place that will not take you for dinner if your party is more than 5 people. How lame of a company to have such an odd policy.
Food: 4
Linda Bittner
Ordered the ribs. Expensive and very mediocre. Won't go back.
We visited yesterday evening beautiful venue food and service excellent. The only down side was that as two couples the bill came as one we offered over to cards to pay the bill as a split on return the server presented two bills for both wife’s to add the tip. This was still set at three choice amounts we chose the 20%. And both wives added that. After leaving realizing it was still 20% of total amount this means we have tipped at 40% of the bill alike annoying that the tip amount hadn’t altered when bill was split. Apart from that we will return
What has happened to Hillstones? I never experienced the nickel and dime approach at such a fine restaurant, and found it highly disappointing. My friend and I came for dinner. We each had a Martini at the bar since we arrived early. It came to $52.00. When we were seated for dinner, we ordered an appetizer of the spinach dip with tortilla chips for $21.00. Even though it was listed on the menu for $20.00, they charged $21.00 because they said it looked like we needed more chips and brought some, not explaining that there would be an additional charge. Next we split the cheeseburger which you could have with tabbouleh or fries. We got the tabbouleh. It was inedible. So we ordered the fries also. We asked for lettuce, tomatoes, onion and extra pickles. The pickles came on the side. The burger was good, however, the french fries were terrible. McDonald’s makes better fries and they don’t charge you $8.00 to add them on. By the way, the extra pickles-$2.00 and they came in a small bowl. The total bill for an appetizer, cheeseburger with fries and tabbouleh with extra pickles came to $56.45 plus the 20% gratuitie of $10.60. A total of $67.05. Made me think of the old Capital One ad - what’s in your wallet??
My wife and I dined at Hillstone on 8/23 to.celebrate our anniversary. We made our reservation 5:00 pm and were greeted promptly by two smartly attired hostesses and escorted to.A beautifully set table overlooking the lake. Our server appeared within a few minutes, took our beverage order and recited the evening's specials. For appetizers, we decided on Brussels Sprouts with lemon aioli and Reggiano and Iceberg wedge. Both were creative takes on standard fare and were excellent. Entrees were Ahi Tuna Tartare and Pan-Fried Snapper. The freshness and unique flavors and perfect preparation made our entrees stand out. Dessert was a sundae and brownie, both with accompaniments. Our server made our meal special in every. The timing between courses was perfect and her recommendations were spot-on. I cannot help but share a significant problem with the climate control for diners; the temperature inside the restaurant was frigid. My wife and I both had to return to our car to get sweat shirts. We asked about the temperature and did not receive any response that was satisfactory. This situation should not be minimized. Hot items cooled within a few minutes, our hands, feet and ears were frozen. Many patrons headed back to their cars for jackets. A few left, complaining. Ambiance counts. Great food alone does not a perfect meal make
Othniel served us politely and was very kind, as were the other staff. Our dishes (a rib eye and a barbecue pork rib) were well presented, cooked to order, extremely tender and flavorful. The wine was at the perfect temperature (Flowers Pinot Noir). The restaurant is on the lakefront, with a wonderful view from practically every table. The atmosphere is pleasant, quiet, with people conversing moderately and respectful of other tables, which makes the atmosphere even more pleasant. We didn't see any children there, only teenagers. We reserved a table and didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes, and I recommend reservations, as waiting can be up to an hour, depending on the day and time. An excellent place for happy hour, whether for beer, wine, whiskey, or mixed drinks. The bar was packed. I highly recommend it. We will be back.
AUGUST 08, 5;30 - 10:00 pm I have been visiting this restaurant for over 18 years and have always considered it a special place, with exceptional cuisine and a unique atmosphere. However, on my last visit I experienced something that made me reflect on something essential: we are all vulnerable, and unexpected situations can happen that are beyond our control. In those moments, hospitality is not measured only by the restaurant’s impeccable track record or the excellence of its food, but also by the staff’s ability to provide real support. After dinner, my phone completely died. I was alone with my daughter, at night and in the rain, with no access to GPS or the ability to make an emergency call. Although I asked several times for help charging it, I was shown a single charger that wasn’t working, and no alternative was offered for almost an hour. Simple suggestions such as ordering an Uber and paying with my card could have helped me get home safely. What was most unsettling was spending over 2.5 hours trying to resolve the situation on my own, while the front-line staff member maintained a polite smile and said “good night” to other guests — forgetting that someone just steps away was requesting urgent help. Only after insisting did the manager lend me a phone to call my sister. Today, charging a cell phone is not a luxury or an “extra favor”: it is a basic necessity and, in situations like this, a matter of safety. A restaurant of this level should have simple protocols for such situations. The lack of follow-through breaks any emotional connection with the brand, because an excellent experience is not limited to what’s on the plate; it’s also about how you care for your guests in moments of vulnerability. The food will always be impeccable, but I hope this experience helps reinforce staff training so that, alongside their top-tier cuisine, the human quality that should always accompany it also shines through.
I wasn’t expecting the setting in that location, it is somewhat deceiving from the outside. The restaurant feels very sophisticated but not stuffy. Great decor in the bar area, dining room open kitchen and a great view of the lake. The food was excellent especially the smoked salmon appetizer with toast points, amazing! A little pricey but would definitely go back.
Came here with another couple, the view on the lake is incredible. Crab cakes are delicious as was the Peanut Thai salad, highly recommend
The location on the edge of the lake is wonderful and the food is very tasty and although the waiters and waiters are very kind, we were not well served by the reception and management. We were in 9 people, we made 2 separate reservations. Arriving at the place well in advance we asked to leave the nearby tables. They made the question of putting each family in one side of the restaurant and the manager was quite antipathetic, making it quite clear the unwillingness to serve us. They had 2 free nearby tables and yet they did not make them available to us. If you are in a larger group I do not recommend this restaurant, they do not want to meet a lot of people and are not very friendly.
Discriminan a familias con niños pequeños y más si son latinas. No solo me pasó a mí. Conozco casos de amigos que sufrieron el mismo maltrato y discriminación. Ninguna porción de costillas (bastante promedio, a propósito) amerita un mal rato
This place was a disappointment. Having heard good things about the restaurant, we were very happy to give it a try. The menu is very, very uninspired and limited. Oddly enough, the menu for lunch and dinner was pretty much identical except for prices. Five or six entrees, two steaks and five or six sandwiches are all that is offered. My son had a steak, I had the BBQ ribs and the other two members of our party had the French Dip sandwiches. When paying over $50 for a steak, one would expect to be able to accompany it with a baked potato or some other inspired side dish. Nope, not here. You can get French fries (which my son got) or coleslaw. At least you get bread right. Nope, not here. How about the salad before the steak? Also, nope, not here (unless you want to order a salad for upwards of $15-20). The steak at least tasted good. The BBQ “knife and fork” ribs were EXTREMELY dry, having been over cooked. This entree was priced at. $39. These were not juicy “fall off the bone” ribs. These were over baked and likely microwaved baby back ribs ribs that were dry, hard and unpalatable . The taste was ok, at least that which I could swallow. Sides were French fries and coleslaw. I substituted grilled peppers with feta cheese topping for the coleslaw. The three pieces of pepper, not close to amounting to one bell pepper, tasted good but were absolutely not satisfying as there was just not much to eat. The French fries reminded me of McDonalds fries (and this was mentioned by other members of the family also). Again, no salad unless I wanted to order from their overpriced salad menu. The French Dip sandwiches were particularly bad. Rather than a good roast beef, the sandwiches were rolling with visible fat, the meat was globed onto the roll and was obviously not freshly sliced roast beef. The au jus had very little flavor and was obviously not made from roast beef drippings but from a pre-made generic au jus from the shelf. It came with one side, so here are the McDonalds style fries again. Water was served in plastic glasses. Tacky for a “high end” restaurant. Service was good. The food was basically ok and what I would expect at a diner but not what I would expect at one of the higher rated places in Winter Park. We won’t be returning and will urge our friends to avoid this place. Their pretentious are not matched by their quality.
Restaurantji Recommends
Being a white guy from Miami, who married a Hispanic, since we moved to Orlando I have seen some things no one in Miami does. And after seeing what I saw tonight and reading other reviews, I am shocked we weren’t asked to leave. The one Hispanic family in the restaurant was asked to leave because their child, who didn’t make a noise as I was right by the table, was asked to leave because their child was crying. There was no crying. There are numerous reviews of many Hispanic people who went to this restaurant with family and had the same experience or worse than what I witnessed tonight. When my wife and I tried to bring our in laws to this restaurant we were turned away as they don’t seat over 5. Tonight I saw a group of 7 seniors get seated as well. Sadly I will not be returning to this business let alone this location.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great food served with a side of Racism. I have never in my life seen a restaurant throw a family out of a dining experience because there child cried for less than a second. And the real reason behind it all was that the staff was in patient and intolerant of a group of Hispanic women. They did not speak English and struggled ordering the manager then helped. But then they went to walk on the lake while waiting for their food. They came back food was on the table they were happy and started to eat. The baby cried for half a second and were immediately told they needed to leave that they could not have the baby there. It was completely disgusting. I have been to hillstones before I have seen white babies cry and not be told they must leave the restaurant. It was absolutely distrusting then they call me to apologize which was laughable since they should be apologizing to family they were forcing out. I will never ever be going back to hillstones again the excuse of them creating a certain environment is absolutely that if you don’t fit a certain type of person that only they can decide is worthy then you are not welcome.
Kid-friendliness: They are not kid friendly.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was impeccable, food was delicious and drinks were strong is a good way! The only thing I would like to see for a more enhanced experience is outdoor dining. The lake view is such a draw and a pitty that guests can’t enjoy gorgeous lakeside dining. There are large windows along the back of the restaurant that helps it feel less closed in but they are missing out on a great experience for guests
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Unfortunately a place that will not take you for dinner if your party is more than 5 people. How lame of a company to have such an odd policy.
Food: 4
Ordered the ribs. Expensive and very mediocre. Won't go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
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