El Tico — Restaurant in St. Peter

Love this place, and I have been visiting the location since the 1960s, when El Tico was a very different kind of establishment (but still a great hang-out for what was in those days a small surfing 'community.') The 3-star rating, not really about 'atmosphere,' but the only relevant place to make this point: the accoustics! As has been the case ever since the new incarnation opened, it is a difficult place to enjoy a conversation with anyone sitting opposite. Sound reverberates and amplifies in that long room like a top of the range Marshall. I think I have said this to a previous manager: it really is not a difficult or expensive job to put some sound-absorbing panels in the ceiling. The effect will be immediate and of considerable relief to many of your regulars. And, I would have thought, your hard-working staff. Apart from that: top spot. I recommend it to anyone who...

Everyone raved about this place, so I was extremely disappointed to discover that despite having an allergies menu, their overall approach to dietary requirements was basically, 'our kitchen contains known allergens so if you believe eating here would cause you discomfort, illness or danger, do not eat our food.' This therefore meant that I was unable to eat anything and whilst the rest of my party enjoyed their meals I could only have a coffee as I am coeliac. This is not a fad or lifestyle choice, but a serious autoimmune disease with potentially severe medical issues if gluten is consumed. I was appalled at their attitude & will definitely never return. In addition, the waitress was rude and sighed and rolled her eyes when we were asking her questions about the menu, (unrelated to my coeliac situation) Very...

Wonderful location. But you can sit nearby and enjoy the views for free, and not leave feeling ripped off!

Food overpriced gastro-pub fayre. Nothing spectacular but they add a massive premium for the setting.

Understaffed so long waits are normal. Bench seating arrangement inside and small groups are often asked to 'bunch up' so others can join at the same table!

Service charge pre-loaded on the already sizable bill.

No soft furnishings so it's loud and the clatter of food creation and delivery is invasive.

Staff hit and miss. Some lovely, some surly and uninterested. Hard to catch their eye, either way.

Lots of hype about this place because of the view but it really is mediocre. Take your own sandwich and sit nearby (just out of earshot...