09/28/08

Would not consider returning.

by mirra

I had high expectations when I went to Chef Allen. We were disapointed especially when cpmaring it to the River Cafe in New York.

We did the five meal course and was not impressed with the food for the price we paid. The presentations was good but that was about it.

The service was not out of the ordinary. We had on two occasions call ed the server to remove our plates. For that kind of money I expect better service . The food could have been better.

02/09/08

Best seafood in Miami

by janeslowman

I am a seafood lover from the start, but what Chef Allen does with his creative seafood offerings is amazing. I did not know there were so many varieties if local Florida fish. I loved the Yellowtail snapper. It was sweet and fleshy. The red quina with golden raisins was a natural . My husband loved his locally caught swordfish. It was grilled on the over wood logs that enhanced the texture of the meaty sword. I wish I knew where to find the forbidden black rice that came with the swordfish.

• Pros: innovative Florda seafood dishes
• Cons: only one location

09/12/07

The Best Restaurant for the Flavors of the Caribbean and other tropical climes

by culinartartist

Chef Allen's has become a fixture of gourmet dining in S. Florida. Happily they have not become lazy or jaded in their success. They continue to innovate and please diners looking for the freshest in "Palm Tree" cuisine. The foods that are crafted in the kitchen please the palate as few chefs have ever done for me. We came on a busy Saturday evening with a group of 6 and they did a fine job of taking care of us. I am glad we made a reservation, they turned many drop in's away. The 4 course tasting menu was 4 excellent courses for a very nice price(only $45). The fillet was cooked to perfection & the chocolate souffle was scrumptious. The food was nicely plated and the balances of spices & flavors were just perfect. It would be difficult to find a better meal in S. Florida.

• Pros: See review
• Cons: Note that it is 2 blocks off US1 (Biscayne Blvd) in Publix Grocery Center

05/28/07

First Choice in Miami

by aljohn123

If i had only had time for one meal Chef Allen's is a must. i had one of the best Crab Cakes on the East Coast. The addition of the Bahamian Lobster in the crab cake was just amazing. The Chef sure knows his fish. My dinning partner had a Zaatar Seared Tuna - Amazing. The Pistachio Crusted Grouper was nicely matched with a fricassee of Local Florida Rock Shrimp, leeks, mango, and coconut rum. My favorite had to be the Souffle! Served Hot -smelling great- light like a big choclate cloud. It was beautifully served by the waiter, who suggested a nice vintage port to follow. They really know how to take care of you.

• Pros: Great food and service

03/25/07

Definately expensive and mundane

by innachka2000

Everything at this place, from the decor, to the service, to the food, to the ambiance, to the location, to the patronage, was mind-numbingly average. Everything except the price, which was astronomical. If you have that kind of money to spend on dinner, go to Joe's where you won't be disappointed.

• Pros: Good parking
• Cons: Everything else

03/25/07

Definately mundane and expensive

by innna

Everything at this place, from the decor, to the service, to the food, to the ambiance, to the location, to the patronage, was mind-numbingly average. Everything except the price, which was astronomical. If you have that kind of money to spend on dinner, go to Joe's where you won't be disappointed.

• Pros: Good parking
• Cons: Everything else

12/20/06

Avoid this place

by kindahandsome

I can't believe this place is on Citysearch let alone, the "romantic restaurant " list. The place is old and moldy. The staff reminds me of old alcoholics and the food is nauseating. Why is it still open?

08/09/06

Delicious

by quinto561

Each dish is expertly prepared. The service is very professional. Wonderful ambiance. Prices are high, but so are the standards. Waitstaff is always available, filling water, cleaning table, etc. Everything is served at the right temperature. Nicly paced service. Music was perfect for dining. A very worthwile experience, for sure!

• Pros: Excellent food & service
• Cons: pricey

You can't judge Allen Susser's groundbreaking Floribbean restaurant by its Plain Jane cover.

by Contributor

In Short
From the outside, chef/owner Allen Susser's restaurant looks less like a celebrated temple of local gastronomy and more like a mid-priced, touristy steakhouse. But the generic shopping mall look vanishes in the dining room, where the ambience is posh, cozy and quietly elegant--the better to appreciate the master at work in his glass-enclosed kitchen. When he's on, Susser's mix of Florida ingredients and Caribbean/Latin cultures tastes fresh and exciting. When he's not, it's mundane and expensive.

04/13/06

Chef (Mc) Allen's

by barbaraglancy

Even though it is not suggested to bring your toddlers be aware of Chef Allen's all inclusive age group. We sat next to two screeming high pitched girls under 5 while thier parents slapped the table top, playing games and finished off a bottle of wine and 3 Irish coffees in an 1.5 hours of fine dining. Chef Mc Allen's has lost our rating. The worst 300.00 I have spent for a meal. Service was limited to plates brought to the table.

Service and atmosphere has gone down hill from the origional format. It is now a upscale local diner.

• Cons: screaming children, with drunk parents, aged decor