09/12/08

Un-concerned service, lukewarm entrees

by Mamalindas

We visited Oriente during the Miami Spice Month while on vacation. Maybe our expectations were too high. The greeter disregarded the fact that we told her that we'd spoken to a particular server when we made our reservation. We were hoping to at least say hello to him because he took our reservation and told us that he would more than likely be our server. He was very nice on the phone. The server that was appointed to us was un-attentive. By the time we received our appetizers, my drink was watered down and an attempt to get a fresh one took forever. We ordered the skirt steak entree and the mahi mahi entree; the steak was tough and the rice and asparagus were lukewarm. The greeter also allowed street flower vendors to walk up to our (outside) terrace table to try to sell to us (annoying). Although the fixed price was decent, the overall non-chalant attitude from the staff left us un-impressed and dissatisfied.

• Pros: Celebrity-owned restaurant, location, views
• Cons: Service, food

Gloria Estefan's restaurant in the Cardoza Hotel serves up Asian-Cuban fare in a loungy atmosphere.

by Contributor

In Short
What was once the casual Café Cardozo has become a fine-dining hot spot. The moody lounge-like dining room features dark woods, an orchid mural covering one wall, and a large bar. Fourteen indoor tables--some paired with comfy couches--and scores of outdoor tables allow prime vantage points for people-watching. The Asian-Cuban menu features appetizers such as crispy calamari with sweet chili tahini sauce and entrees like duck ropa vieja served with coconut sticky rice and caramelized plantains.

09/11/07

Fantastic & Creative Cuban-Asian fusion

by julmarcla

We had the prix-fixe dinner with incredible duck "sushi" as an appetizer. My boyfriend got the skirt steak, which is stuffed with beans and rice and was absolutely wonderful. I got the pork chops which were great (though not as great as the steak). Our server was friendly and attentive and pointed out that the butter for the bread had been blended with banana. Holy moly!

• Pros: fantastic food, not in the center of the Ocean drive mayhem, friendly if not speedy service

02/13/07

Great food. Great ambiance.

by tugando

Pros:

+ The combination of Cuban, Asian, and even Mediterranean food all together was delicious.

+ The presentation of the food was superb.

+ Everything is very clean.

+ Their restroom is very clean, which tells a lot about a restaurant.

+ Located in the "laid-back zone" of Ocean Drive, not the rowdy Mangos and Larios area.

Cons:

- Some may find this restaurant a bit pricey, but then again, you get what you pay for.

• Pros: Great food and ambiance. Very clean place to eat. Great for couples.
• Cons: A little pricey, but it is worth it.

06/20/06

Amazing food!!

by gretch97

This restaurant was really wonderful. The ambience on the porch was terrific and the people watching was great. The food overall was excellent. I had the carmelized onion encrusted mahi mahi and it was absolutely delicious. The waitress was very attentive and pleasant. Overall, this was a superior dining experience!

• Pros: Great ambiance. Excellent food.

04/23/06

If you got the time

by s_colucci

While the food was good, but not great, the service was dismal. We were not acknowledged by our waitperson for over 15 minutes, no place settings for a for another 1/4 hour. Took 20 minutes to get our drinks *($11 each!!) at a place that was EMPTY! then another 20 for a 2nd round. Food was just as slow in arriving, but good. they might have at least made some kind of gesture to deduct a round. No manager to be found and the 'hostess' was as clueless as can be.

• Pros: good food, stylish
• Cons: service, overpriced drinks