A Flavorful Fiesta at Santa Ria: A Mexican Culinary Delight
Rating: ★★★★☆
Santa Ria, the charming Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of JVC, promises a gastronomic journey through the vibrant flavors of Mexico. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ambiance (4/5): The interior of Santa Ria is a delightful fusion of modern chic and traditional Mexican charm. The colorful decor, rustic wooden furniture, and dimly lit surroundings create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place for an intimate dinner with a loved one or a fun gathering with friends.
Service (4/5): The service at Santa Ria was attentive and friendly. The staff was knowledgeable about the menu and eager to assist with recommendations. Our food arrived promptly, and our water glasses were always kept full. The only minor hiccup was a slightly longer wait during the weekend dinner rush, but it was well worth it.
Food (4.5/5): The real star of the show at Santa Ria is, undoubtedly, the food. The menu boasts a variety of classic Mexican dishes, from tacos and enchiladas to sizzling fajitas and mouthwatering tamales. Here are some highlights from our dining experience:
Guacamole and Salsa Sampler (5/5): We kicked off our meal with the guacamole and salsa sampler, which was an explosion of fresh flavors. The guacamole was creamy, and the salsas offered a perfect blend of heat and acidity. A definite must-try!
Tacos Al Pastor (4.5/5): The tacos here are authentic and bursting with flavor. The Al Pastor tacos, with marinated pork and pineapple, were a delightful combination of savory and sweet.
Enchiladas Verdes (4/5): The enchiladas were generously stuffed with tender chicken and smothered in a zesty green sauce. They were comforting and satisfying.
Churros with Chocolate Sauce (5/5): We ended our meal on a sweet note with the churros. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and served with a rich, velvety chocolate sauce – it was pure indulgence.
Drinks (3.5/5): While Santa Ria offers a decent selection of cocktails and margaritas, I found them to be good but not exceptional. However, they do offer a nice variety of Mexican beers and non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them.
Price (4/5): The prices at Santa Ria are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you receive. It's a place where you can enjoy a satisfying Mexican meal without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, Santa Ria is a delightful Mexican restaurant that offers a genuine taste of Mexico in JVC. With its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and a menu filled with delectable dishes, it's a great choice for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned Mexican food lover or just looking to explore new flavors, Santa Ria is a must-visit destination. Make sure to come hungry and leave with a satisfied and...
Read moreI went there twice and both the service and the communication are not up to professional the first time i asked about the entertainer voucher as we were 5 people how many we can you use they told us to so we told we will have one for food and one from beverage the wait er said no u can't as is not as per the term and conditions we told him is not written he kept saying know after few minutes of arguing he send the manager than he told yes you can have the voucher for both beverage and food and apologize on behalf of the waiter which we said fine and please let the team have better knowledge about what offer that you have to avoid any future issues.
Few weeks later I went again and my friend went before me there was a lady wearing red and she told them that you only can sit outdoor till 8 pm as the terrace is booked so my friend said sure, it become 8:20 and we ask 2 waiters to see for us a table indoor as it become cold they went and didn't come back then we asked 3rd waiter that we want to move inside because it is cold and also for the private event that is coming he said I am sorry no availability indoor i told why weren't informed as they told us to move by 8 and no one came plus they could have informed us that also indoor is full we would have changed our plan the waiter response was very cold with wired smile that you can read between the lines if you don't like it leave this how the situation he didn't try to investigate or try to manage if even can manage small table for us indoor he just was not professional at all and it is the same guy as the last time.
as a result of both time horrible service i don't recomade anyone to go there as staff and service and communication are below 0 i admit food is good but I pay for both food and service I will never visit there again if it is for free don't go...
Read moreFriday Brunch: 250 AED per person , non alcoholic package
Summary: DO NOT fall for High rating of Sante ria, google reviews doesn't represent the actual experience at this restaurant/cafe.
Went for anniversary celebration with my partner, Service - like crap, you've to wait 30 minutes to get your first soft drink. Another 40 minutes to get starters. Another 30 minutes to get your main course. Another 30 minutes to get desserts. Special request: add another 30 minutes.
Seating: Horriblly uncomfortable chairs, can't sit more than an hour, started having back pain.
Main course: horrible main course platter, beef was like rubber couldn't chew even after biting for 3-4 minutes, had to take it out of mouth ( felt disgusting afterwards). Chicken wings had no taste, cheap like cheap quality chicken with weird smell. Corn ribs were joke too. Quesadillas were factory of salt with no filling inside, all you taste was salt and salt, didn't look like quesadillas. We reached out to server and before we could say server knew what we're about to say, anyways he just took the whole platter back, came back almost 25 minutes later with another platter, beef was different but yet tasteless and could chew at least, but wings were still awful and we lost the appetite waiting twice for main course, We didn't eat anything from main course.
Desserts: Cold, soggy, tasteless churros with horrible ganache ( tasted like flour with chocolate color) with no taste of chocolate. Dead kiwis, unripe melons.
We requested cake for our anniversary during our reservation, we had to wait 30-40 minutes after requesting the cake, cake was not cake at all, it was solid piece of rock.
Thank you Sante Ria for this horrible experience, you don't deserve our money and time. Never...
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