Almadia — Restaurant in Progreso

Beware of greedy waiters, they don't work to provide good service, they are just after tips!

We went to this restaurant to celebrate my wife’s birthday on May 11th 2021. Nice welcome from the hostess good first impression when we entered the dining area, tastefully decorated.

Once I sat down I realized the chair was very uncomfortable the backrest hurt my spine and the seating position was also to low for the table’s height. So I knew it will not be a pleasure to eat in this position. The waiter handed out the menus and asked what we want to drink. Since there was no beverage section on the menu I asked for the beverage card in order to know what they are offering. Meanwhile we started to read the menu. The waiter came back maybe 10 minutes later with the beverage card, so we were able to choose our drinks finally. The music was nice, smooth jazz and the view to the beach and the sea was great. Only the seating was terrible. So was the maintenance. I realized the metal roof beams are rusty, the cement floor had holes, light bulbs were burned out and everything on the ceiling did not look welcoming. The waiter came to remove the small plate where we placed the cutlery, because the tables are made out of cement and did not look very hygienic. So we had to hold the nice silverware in our hands while waiting for the food, which came maybe finally maybe 25 minutes later. The food was served on nice ceramic plates and nicely decorated. Now the seating position needed to be changed in order to be able to reach the plate in a fairly good manner. So I needed to sit on the chairs front frame to get a little bit higher but still uncomfortable. The food was ok, but nothing really special what you could expect from the price range. Portions were good size. Service was nothing special, not very attentive even a little bit slow with only 5 tables occupied and a bunch of waiters hanging around. I had a Caesars salad with shrimps where the next problem started( dressing a bit on the greasy side). Since the waiter took away the small plates, I had nowhere to go with the shrimp tails other than to put them on the concrete table. Glad there was no table cloth. Finally we decided not to have more consumption because of heavy back problems I had already from the chair. So we asked for the bill which my wife wanted to pay with her credit card. The waiter wanted to take the card but we insisted he needs to bring the card reader to the table so we are in control of the card. When he brought the reader he asked immediately how much tip he should put on the bill. My wife told him to close the payment like the receipt was. So he mentioned the tip should be in cash. He gave us the receipt of the payment but not the restaurant bill. We asked him to let the bill with us but he needed for some reason to take it with him and told us he will return with the bill. I asked my wife about the amount was and it looked a bit on the high side. We left tip on the table but since we still have not received the restaurant bill I was thinking maybe the tip was already on the bill. So we took the tip in order to check the bill first to decide how much we will leave. On the way out we asked again for the restaurant bill. The waiter went to the cashier and was searching for our bill. Finally he brought it and he was asking again for the tip. We wanted to check the bill first. So he went back to our table and furiously returned to reclaim there is no tip on the table. This was already in a very aggressive way. I told him to wait until we checked the bill but he started shouting about his tip. At this point I decided a zero tip was the right amount for him. We left the restaurant, the waiter followed us through the hall out on the street and shouted loudly that we did not leave him tip in front of other employees and other guests. We felt really threatened by this waiter. Actually I wanted to talk to the manager, but the situation was already so bad that we decided just to leave and not getting into a more ugly...

The Decline of Almadia: From Culinary Gem to Desolate Stop

Almadia was once renowned as a premier destination for an exceptional culinary experience, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and attentive service.

The culinary creativity has seemingly faded, leaving behind a menu that feels uninspired and stale.

One glaring example of this decline is the guacamole, a dish that used to be a highlight of the dining experience. Served fresh and bursting with flavor, it was a perfect complement to the restaurant's other offerings. However, recent visits have revealed a stark contrast; the guacamole now appears lackluster and unappetizing, as if it had been sitting in the refrigerator for days. This is emblematic of a broader issue at Almadia, where freshness and quality have been sacrificed in favor of convenience.

The ambiance that once enveloped diners in a warm and inviting atmosphere has also diminished. The lively chatter of satisfied customers and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes have been replaced by a disheartening silence, creating a sense of desolation. The beautiful setting that once provided a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal now feels neglected, contributing to the overall feeling of soullessness.

Many factors could have contributed to this unfortunate transformation. Changes in management, shifts in culinary staff, or a decline in quality control may have all played a role in diminishing the standards that once made Almadia a culinary beacon. Whatever the reason, it is clear that the magic that once made Almadia a must-visit destination has faded.

In conclusion, Almadia’s decline from a vibrant culinary experience to a desolate stop on the beach serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining quality and passion in the culinary arts. Diners who once cherished their experiences at Almadia now find themselves longing for the flavors and atmosphere that made the restaurant special. It is hoped that, in time, the establishment can reclaim its former glory and once again become a place where fresh, flavorful food and a warm ambiance create...

Worst breakfast and worst service in Progreso.

FOod: I ordered a very simple Mexican egg breakfast. The photo I am submitting is that breakfast. After the waiter took my order, I did not see him again. For a VERY long time. The amount of time I had to wait was ridiculous. The eggs were fine. The beans were off. If you've had beans that were off, you know what I'm saying. It was inedible, and I'm just hoping I do not have food poisoning after trying them. No Seasoning was provided, nor did a waiter return to see if I needed anything. So I ate bland eggs and avacado with no flavorings. The bread. At minimum a week old. Stale is an understatement. So not edible either. I was pressured into ordering a large bottle of water. I asked for the small, because I was dining alone. I caved to the waiters pressure because he said the small water was soooo small. Needless to say, I realized why he was pressuring me. The large bottle of water, I'll attach a photo, was the same price as my MEAL.

SERVICE- Absolutely HORRIBLE. There was one table with 4 people and one table with 2 people besides me. The staff were so far away chatting I could not get their attention.

ATMOSPHERE I gave 2 stars - simply because if you look away from the restaurant you have a lovely view of the ocean.

Do not go here if you are hungry, or thirsty or want the service and quality you would expect...