Restaurante Ariel

For the premium pricing this restaurant summons, the expectation is one of mind blowing food and impeccable service. This was absolutely not. Underwhelming from the get go. The hostess had no interest in greeting me nor walking me to the table my party was sitting. With only a handful of tables to serve, the waiter and the maitre d had no merriment whatsoever. They seemed to bear the sentiments of the hostess; all of them were having a bad night, didn't want to be there, or both. The atmosphere of the restaurant is neutral. Very white. Very bland. The bread and butter were excellent. However, at this level of dining, with white linens and all, a table crumber is compulsory between courses. The food was below standards. Ham croquettes were cold on the inside and very oily. Mixed fish croquettes had huge pieces of shell in the mixture. Couldn't finish either of them. The server who removed my plate full of half eaten croquettes asked twice if I was done [before removing my plate] but didn't bother to ask if there was any dissatisfaction. No interest whatsoever. Ordered the potato crusted salmon, the potato crust was not available. No substitute available. Did not bring extra vegetables on the side. It was paid at full price, of course. Disappointing to say the least. Desserts were ok. Wine list is overpriced. We had to remind the server for our drinks on three separate occasions; that ended up in our bill with three extra $22 drinks. Our friend who paid the bill wasn't keeping track of our drinks by any means. And had he not made a comment about it the next day, we would have never figured out we were cheated and he was overcharged. This was just a well rounded culinary disappointment, not a high-value dinner experience. AT ALL. Exceptional restaurants are remembered because of their attention to details. The service was awful and the amateur mistakes in the food further evidence this establishment has lots of learning to do before calling themselves legendary.

The best meal we had while visiting PR. From the service to the food, everything was perfect. We tried almost al the appetizers and they all tasted delicious, specially the rabbit fettuccini and the Octopus. Main dishes had very generous portions and the meats where savory and tender. Kids also enjoyed the “kids meal” made in house, fresh chicken tenders and sirloins fillets. Miguel, who works oh the house for over 10 years was very attentive and professional. Can’t wait to be back.