We were hoping for a fabulous Spanish food based on reviews and it was disappointing. The staff/chef were very nice BUT the food was not Iberian as the name suggests. I wish I can find a true Spanish restaurant in our area that doesn’t want to fuse other culinary cultures because the chef was trained in French style cooking! An example is a restaurant in Boston called Zurito.
Mike, let me be more specific, we only ordered from the Tapas menu. The Tortilla was basically dry scrambled eggs with deep fried potato wedges, the same potato’s that were used with the pulpo. In addition we were never offered any mixed olives that are a staple on any a tapas menu! Ricotta cheese cake is offered as a dessert. Have you ever been to the Basque region for cheese cake?
When I say the food was “not Iberian”, the menu incorporated elements of classic Spanish and Portuguese cuisine but it was not authentic, which was disappointing because when prepared traditionally this cuisine is exceptional. When these Spanish classic dishes are subjected to fusion with other cultures’ cuisines, they fall short of their potential.
Marty Jablow
Had an outstanding meal. Steve the chef and Omar our server made for a special evening. Food was spectacular from the first course to the last! You need to try this place and get the pork dish you won’t be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella
M6 Group
From the moment we walked in the door we were treated so wonderfully. The service was impeccable and Food was absolutely amazing, you have to try chef Steve's food. We will definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Cornbread, Jamon and Manchego, Risotto, Seared Tuna, Olive and Bread Free Entree
David Fitzmaurice
My companion and I were treated to a grand experience from the time we walked into the restaurant. We were initially greeted by our server, Omar, who was outgoing, friendly and professional. Steve, the chef, came along before the menu selections were made and greeted us. He explained his creative twists to the Spanish and Portuguese dishes. He was also very personable and professional. Our selections were each "out-of-this-world". The kale soup was thick and hearty, which included beans and chorizo. The seasonings were perfect to my palette. The lobster crepe was inceredibly light and again, the seasonings were superb. The mushroom varieties served over the top were extremely tasty and wonderful. My entree was the pork Secreto, which consisted of cut strips of pork which were moist, tender and with its own unique preparation and seasonings. The cornbread was cast iron skillet cooked and resulted in a wonderful crispness and once again its own personality showed in the incredible flavors. The pumpkin cheesecake, which I cannot adequately describe, except to say it was large, thick and very light with a very different texture from traditional cheesecakes was a fantastic ending to the meal. It had caramelized (I believe) pecans on top and its own crustless "crust". I want to commend the Chef Extraordinaire, Steve. His talents and creativity are a true gift and his devotion to his craft and the restaurant are clearly evident. Omar, our server, deserves accolades as well. He was excellent and added to the rich ambiance of our dining experience, which also included table linens and softly playing music, indigenous to the Spanish regions. Thank you to each of you and kudos to Mike Papetti, the owner, who was not there at the time. You have a treasure with this restaurant and your employees. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Olive and Bread Free Entree
JB Boyle
Very disappointing experience. The food was good--not exceptional except for the Porco Alentejana, which was excellent. My partner found a hair in her lobster crepe and I thought the Bisteca Piri Piri was mediocre. I would not be writing this review though if not for the thoroughly unprofessional service and the chef's indifference when we mentioned it.
We waited twenty minutes to receive menus and there were long time intervals, 20 to 30 minutes, between courses. The single waitress in the entire place was nice but seemed overwhelmed and inexperienced. We waited so long we asked for our prix fixe desserts to be boxed only to be told dessert was not part of the prix fixe even though their website says it is. When we got our bill we found we had been overcharged by $30. The tables on either side of us were unbussed or cleaned for 45 minutes.
When the chef practically ran by our table, saying over his shoulder, "how was everything?" I said, "So so," because I did not want to embarrass him, expecting him to stop then and ask why when I could tell him quietly. Instead, he shrugged and said, "okay fair enough," and never looked back.
I hope he finds this review fair enough and does something about the service in his restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Amy McDonagh
Some of the very best food in Monmouth county!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jay Schwartz
Everything was great! BYOB and there is a liquor store next door. The Ibérico pork, lobster mushroom crepe, and garlic shrimp are standouts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abby Choboy
My first time visiting the area and my friend suggested this restaurant. We decided to sit at the bar and order from the tapas menu, and it was the best decision ever!! The staff were so friendly and attentive. The lobster crepe and patatas bravas are a MUST!!! I usually don’t like olives but the olives here may have changed my mind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gildas, Olive and Bread Free Entree
Donna Rhoads
Food in dishes all tasted the same. Not anything that was expected. The paella seemed like a creamed risotto that was not a distinct saffron taste that was advertised, shrimp and scallops overcooked, duck breast fat was not seared was almost gelatinous, swordfish was over cooked and the entire dish tasted the same like soup broth. Forgot to give us bread and olives. Offered free champagne but only one of us was served. When asked was told it wasn’t chilled. Came out after not really chilled. Had to ask for everything.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
David Coneeny
Amazingly fresh seafood and well prepared dishes. Seafood paella was spot on. Lobster crepes were fabulous and melted in your mouth. Not to sweet, lobster was plentiful. A complimentary glass of champagne on father's day started things off... Would definitely go back.
Space too small for Flamenco especially at 6 pm. Couldn't hear conversations.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella
Mark Lanza
What a kool place! I have always liked this location for a restaurant because of its Ny village vibe! Mike the owner knocks it out of the park. From the complementary glass of champagne to the olive and bread free dishes that are top shelf. There was a classically trained Spanish guitarist playing. To bad the uniformed could not appreciated him but, being a musician I really dug his talent. It a BYOB so nothing not to like about this place. Kudos to Mile and his staff!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Duck Breast
Emme
A lovely trip to the Iberian Peninsula with delicious food, friendly service and live background guitar music. James’ suggestions were spot on from the lobster crepe appetizer to the swordfish and paella entrees.
The staff are all really nice. The atmosphere is awesome. The octopus was a little rubbery. But otherwise the food was good.
Edit: One major point of feedback which the owner addressed after seeing this review.
Original feedback: We ordered one paella and two tapas. One would assume that we’d pay for 1 main and 2 appetizers (because that’s what we got). Instead, they charged us for 2 entrees + 2 apps. They doubled the price of the paella with no warning. No where in the menu does it say that the price is per person or that the dish will be made for 2. That said, there was a lot of sea food, so the portion was definitely generous. However, if you’re going to charge double for a portion, you need to let people know.
We were hoping for a fabulous Spanish food based on reviews and it was disappointing. The staff/chef were very nice BUT the food was not Iberian as the name suggests. I wish I can find a true Spanish restaurant in our area that doesn’t want to fuse other culinary cultures because the chef was trained in French style cooking! An example is a restaurant in Boston called Zurito.
Mike, let me be more specific, we only ordered from the Tapas menu. The Tortilla was basically dry scrambled eggs with deep fried potato wedges, the same potato’s that were used with the pulpo. In addition we were never offered any mixed olives that are a staple on any a tapas menu! Ricotta cheese cake is offered as a dessert. Have you ever been to the Basque region for cheese cake?
When I say the food was “not Iberian”, the menu incorporated elements of classic Spanish and Portuguese cuisine but it was not authentic, which was disappointing because when prepared traditionally this cuisine is exceptional.
When these Spanish classic dishes are subjected to fusion with other cultures’ cuisines, they fall short of their potential.
Had an outstanding meal. Steve the chef and Omar our server made for a special evening. Food was spectacular from the first course to the last! You need to try this place and get the pork dish you won’t be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella
From the moment we walked in the door we were treated so wonderfully. The service was impeccable and Food was absolutely amazing, you have to try chef Steve's food. We will definitely be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella, Octopus, Garlic Shrimp, Cornbread, Jamon and Manchego, Risotto, Seared Tuna, Olive and Bread Free Entree
My companion and I were treated to a grand experience from the time we walked into the restaurant. We were initially greeted by our server, Omar, who was outgoing, friendly and professional. Steve, the chef, came along before the menu selections were made and greeted us. He explained his creative twists to the Spanish and Portuguese dishes. He was also very personable and professional.
Our selections were each "out-of-this-world". The kale soup was thick and hearty, which included beans and chorizo. The seasonings were perfect to my palette.
The lobster crepe was inceredibly light and again, the seasonings were superb. The mushroom varieties served over the top were extremely tasty and wonderful.
My entree was the pork Secreto, which consisted of cut strips of pork which were moist, tender and with its own unique preparation and seasonings. The cornbread was cast iron skillet cooked and resulted in a wonderful crispness and once again its own personality showed in the incredible flavors.
The pumpkin cheesecake, which I cannot adequately describe, except to say it was large, thick and very light with a very different texture from traditional cheesecakes was a fantastic ending to the meal. It had caramelized (I believe) pecans on top and its own crustless "crust".
I want to commend the Chef Extraordinaire, Steve. His talents and creativity are a true gift and his devotion to his craft and the restaurant are clearly evident.
Omar, our server, deserves accolades as well. He was excellent and added to the rich ambiance of our dining experience, which also included table linens and softly playing music, indigenous to the Spanish regions.
Thank you to each of you and kudos to Mike Papetti, the owner, who was not there at the time. You have a treasure with this restaurant and your employees. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cornbread, Olive and Bread Free Entree
Very disappointing experience. The food was good--not exceptional except for the Porco Alentejana, which was excellent. My partner found a hair in her lobster crepe and I thought the Bisteca Piri Piri was mediocre. I would not be writing this review though if not for the thoroughly unprofessional service and the chef's indifference when we mentioned it.
We waited twenty minutes to receive menus and there were long time intervals, 20 to 30 minutes, between courses. The single waitress in the entire place was nice but seemed overwhelmed and inexperienced. We waited so long we asked for our prix fixe desserts to be boxed only to be told dessert was not part of the prix fixe even though their website says it is. When we got our bill we found we had been overcharged by $30. The tables on either side of us were unbussed or cleaned for 45 minutes.
When the chef practically ran by our table, saying over his shoulder, "how was everything?" I said, "So so," because I did not want to embarrass him, expecting him to stop then and ask why when I could tell him quietly. Instead, he shrugged and said, "okay fair enough," and never looked back.
I hope he finds this review fair enough and does something about the service in his restaurant.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Some of the very best food in Monmouth county!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Everything was great! BYOB and there is a liquor store next door. The Ibérico pork, lobster mushroom crepe, and garlic shrimp are standouts!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My first time visiting the area and my friend suggested this restaurant. We decided to sit at the bar and order from the tapas menu, and it was the best decision ever!! The staff were so friendly and attentive. The lobster crepe and patatas bravas are a MUST!!! I usually don’t like olives but the olives here may have changed my mind.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gildas, Olive and Bread Free Entree
Food in dishes all tasted the same. Not anything that was expected. The paella seemed like a creamed risotto that was not a distinct saffron taste that was advertised, shrimp and scallops overcooked, duck breast fat was not seared was almost gelatinous, swordfish was over cooked and the entire dish tasted the same like soup broth. Forgot to give us bread and olives. Offered free champagne but only one of us was served. When asked was told it wasn’t chilled. Came out after not really chilled. Had to ask for everything.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amazingly fresh seafood and well prepared dishes. Seafood paella was spot on. Lobster crepes were fabulous and melted in your mouth. Not to sweet, lobster was plentiful. A complimentary glass of champagne on father's day started things off... Would definitely go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella
Restaurantji Recommends
Space too small for Flamenco especially at 6 pm. Couldn't hear conversations.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Seafood Paella
What a kool place! I have always liked this location for a restaurant because of its Ny village vibe! Mike the owner knocks it out of the park. From the complementary glass of champagne to the olive and bread free dishes that are top shelf. There was a classically trained Spanish guitarist playing. To bad the uniformed could not appreciated him but, being a musician I really dug his talent. It a BYOB so nothing not to like about this place. Kudos to Mile and his staff!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Duck Breast
A lovely trip to the Iberian Peninsula with delicious food, friendly service and live background guitar music. James’ suggestions were spot on from the lobster crepe appetizer to the swordfish and paella entrees.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Shrimp, Roasted Duck Breast, Grilled Swordfish Caldo Verde
The staff are all really nice. The atmosphere is awesome. The octopus was a little rubbery. But otherwise the food was good.
Edit:
One major point of feedback which the owner addressed after seeing this review.
Original feedback:
We ordered one paella and two tapas. One would assume that we’d pay for 1 main and 2 appetizers (because that’s what we got). Instead, they charged us for 2 entrees + 2 apps. They doubled the price of the paella with no warning. No where in the menu does it say that the price is per person or that the dish will be made for 2. That said, there was a lot of sea food, so the portion was definitely generous. However, if you’re going to charge double for a portion, you need to let people know.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Very Unique…Great Service and Great Food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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