Estacoza seafood restaurant — Restaurant in Dafan Al Nakheel

I recently visited Estacoza Seafood Restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah, and while I had high hopes for a delightful seafood experience, I unfortunately left quite disappointed. Let’s start with the positives—the ambiance and decor of the restaurant are truly commendable. The interior is thoughtfully designed, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that sets the stage for what should be a fantastic dining experience. Additionally, parking is plentiful, which is always a big plus. However, the food and service fell far below expectations. The seafood, which is supposed to be the star of the menu, was not fresh. The squid, in particular, was extremely rubbery and lacked flavor, making it difficult to enjoy. The paella was another major letdown—it was overly watery and didn’t come close to the authentic taste one would expect from such a classic dish. Instead of a rich, flavorful meal, it felt hastily prepared and lacked any distinctive character. Service was also disappointing. Despite the restaurant not being overly busy, the staff seemed inattentive and slow to respond to our requests. It’s one thing to have a dish that doesn’t meet expectations, but the lack of attentiveness only amplified the negative experience. I believe there’s great potential here because the ambiance and location are so inviting. However, the quality of the food needs significant improvement to match the wonderful setting. Fresh, well-prepared seafood and more authentic dishes should be a priority. A more attentive and friendly service team would also make a huge difference. I genuinely hope the restaurant takes these points as constructive feedback and works on improving the overall dining experience. It’s a lovely space that deserves to live up to its full potential, and I’d love to...

Update as of summer 2023: We went back to Estacoza with high expectations but were disappointed: this visit, the fish soup tasted like it was made from stock cubes, and all the various dishes were lukewarm but served very quickly after we ordered and almost immediately after we heard several telltale 'dings' of a microwave. We were one of only two tables of customers at that time, and the other party had already been served when we arrived. The seafood was dry and hard. Perhaps the good visit was an exception, perhaps the bad visit was an anomaly. Either way, we will not be back again.

original review 2022: Stumbled across Estacoza online while in RAK for a holiday and looking for a fresh seafood restaurant. We liked the food so much we went back two more times. Lots of parking out front. Our menu recommendations: ~ Seafood soup: we asked for a "clear" version as we don't like cream in soups and the kitchen obliged with a fantastic creation. ~ Any of the fresh seafood (fish/shellfish/mussels etc) you select from the ice beds and fish tanks, grilled or cooked in your selected 'style' (eg lemon, garlic, etc) ~ Fresh naan As always in any seafood restaurant anywhere in the world, ask for and agree upon the price by weight for your selected fresh seafood before confirming. Our servers were friendly and the food was always served within a reasonable time. p.s. agree with an earlier reviewer that the interior could do with an upgrade but we were many years in Southeast Asia where the best food is often found at street stalls or restaurants with basic decor, the food is what's important, and for the fab food Estacoza gets a full five-star...

Embarking on this culinary journey was truly remarkable. The piscine delight on our plates boasted an unrivaled freshness, capturing the essence of oceanic vitality. The fish, a testament to its source, embodied the epitome of freshness, delivering a palate-pleasing experience that left an indelible mark.

The prawns, bathed in the golden embrace of butter and expertly fried, transcended the ordinary. Each bite unveiled a symphony of flavors, transporting taste buds to an otherworldly realm. The mastery in the preparation elevated these prawns to a celestial status, making them an unforgettable highlight of the gastronomic expedition.

The service rendered was nothing short of excellence. Every aspect, from attentiveness to efficiency, contributed to an atmosphere of genuine hospitality. The attentive staff added an extra layer of enjoyment to the overall dining affair, enhancing the entire experience.

Remarkably, amidst this gastronomic delight, the pricing remained surprisingly reasonable. The juxtaposition of quality and cost added an extra layer of satisfaction, making the culinary voyage not only delectable but also economically sensible. This culinary escapade, marked by impeccable freshness, masterful preparation, exemplary service, and sensible pricing, culminated in an experience that will linger in the palate and...