Stunning Views, Disappointing Experience
Silversides enjoys a prime location near the West End beaches of Roatán, boasting an idyllic setting with breathtaking views of Half Moon Bay. Unfortunately, the exceptional ambiance could not compensate for a dining experience that fell far short in both service and food quality.
The Setting There’s no denying Silversides has charm. Perched near the water with sweeping bay views, the setting is easily the highlight of the visit. It’s the kind of spot that promises a memorable meal before the first bite—yet sadly, that promise was unfulfilled.
The Food Our order included a virgin mule ($6), a Mediterranean sampler appetizer ($14), the Seafood Pasta Puttanesca ($32), and banana fritters for dessert. The virgin mule was underwhelming—diluted and lacking the spicy punch expected from quality ginger beer. Served in a copper cup that “sweated” profusely in the humid air, it left a puddle on the table that the staff never addressed.
The Mediterranean sampler was uneven. The hummus with pine nuts stood out, but the rest—standard bread, cucumbers, carrots, salad, and tzatziki—felt uninspired. The main course was a disappointment. The pasta was undercooked and stuck together in a congealed clump, as though it had been left unattended. The shellfish arrived cold, and shrimp—if present—was forgettable.
Dessert was the one bright spot: banana fritters served warm with ice cream were satisfying and well-executed.
The Service Service, unfortunately, was the low point. Our server, an Australian named Ed, seemed disinterested and unprepared. When I asked for napkins after my sweating drink formed a puddle, he merely dropped a few on the table without further action—no effort to clean it up or monitor the issue. A later request for additional bread and butter resulted in two small pieces of baguette and cold butter. We were then charged $3 for what the bill described as “cheesy bread,” which it clearly wasn’t.
The most egregious moment came at the end of the meal. Ed delivered the check and then, in front of the group I was with, pointedly asked, “Do you plan to leave a tip?” I had already added a generous $13 gratuity—quite fair considering the overall experience. The implication and tone were unprofessional and frankly embarrassing.
Final Thoughts Silversides is a restaurant that gets by on its location but seems to have forgotten that food and service matter just as much. For a $74 meal shared between two people—with split dishes and mediocre quality—the value simply isn’t there. Beautiful views aren’t enough to justify poor execution across the board. I wouldn’t return.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars (1 star for the view, 1 star...
Read moreWe have wined…we have dined… but we have never had a culinary experience like the one we had at Silversides. We’re 2 well traveled New Yorkers who have tried some of the most delicious foods around the world and Silversides left us amazed and excited to come back for more. We were on the island for 7 nights, and after trying Silversides and a few other highly rated restaurants in the area, we wound up dining at Silversides for 5 nights because no other restaurant delivered on quality, taste, creativity, service, experience, and presentation like Silversides did.
Brittany, who runs the restaurant is a true artist and delight of person. Her standing menu already offers deliciously crafted meals but she goes beyond that and creates a menu of specials everyday for apps, mains, drinks, and desserts that introduces a unique fusion of tastes and styles. The specials change almost daily based on her inspiration. We had Greek, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Seafood, American, Korean, Mexican, Bar Snacks (Pretzels). We ate dishes and flavors we normally avoid but left convinced that there are no foods we dislike, but foods that people simply have not cooked correctly. Not only does the food taste authentic but Brittany brings her own flavor to each dish and on top of that, everything from the bread to the pasta is made fresh from scratch daily.
We would be remiss to mention Claudia at the bar was making incredible cocktails - we even asked for the recipe for some. Yet another part of the experience here that will delight your taste buds.
The staff is wonderful, friendly and attentive. The restaurant is clean and in a great location overlooking the beach. We left inspired to become better chefs ourselves because of the experiences Brittany created for us at Silversides. We’re going to be taking a masterclass she recommended, and will be dining with Silversides again when we come back to Roatan, and hopefully can convince Brittany to offer a cooking class. She is a true master of her craft, a top tier Michelin level chef, and a hidden gem out on the little...
Read moreThis was an incredible dining experience. We've been to Roatán many times and always love trying the new cuisine the island has to offer each time we visit. My wife has turned me into somewhat of a foodie, and she's not so easy to impress, like I am. But I have to say, our latest visit for my wife's birthday dinner was nothing short of spectacular. Located right across from the beach, the restaurant offered breathtaking sunset views that perfectly complemented our meal, adding to the already magical atmosphere.
The food was amazing, with each bite packed with so much umami that we were both blown away. The seafood charcuterie board and General Tsao's cauliflower set a high bar as starters, only to be surpassed by the mains: a shrimp pasta that was the perfect blend of textures and flavors, and a spicy Sriracha tuna noodle dish that had just the right kick.
The drinks complemented the meal beautifully, elevating the entire experience. But what truly set this evening apart was the wonderful service. Ed, our waiter, was attentive and knowledgeable, making fantastic recommendations that enhanced our meal. Britt, the owner, made us feel especially welcome and even sent out a special birthday treat to celebrate the occasion, which was a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture.
In all, it's not just the food that makes a dining experience memorable; it's the attention to detail, the atmosphere, and the people. This restaurant nailed every aspect, making my wife's birthday dinner one we'll talk about for years to come. The serene beachside setting and the stunning sunset views added an unforgettable backdrop to our delightful culinary adventure. If you're in Roatán and looking for an exceptional dining experience that combines exquisite flavors with mesmerizing views, this is the place to be. We can't wait to return and discover what new delights await us. The harmony of delicious food, friendly service, and a stunning location makes this restaurant a true gem on the island. Highly recommended for anyone looking to create special memories...
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