Extremely Disappointing Experience – Would Strongly Advise Against Visiting
Today, my business partner and I visited Deep Lagoon Seafood based on strong recommendations from a friend and glowing online reviews. We drove separately and coordinated via phone, arriving with high expectations. The location is beautiful right by the marina and the building itself looks promising from the outside.
But sadly, that’s where the positives end.
From the moment we stepped in, the experience was downhill. The host who greeted us (if we can call it that) carried an extremely unwelcoming, dismissive attitude. he simply nodded his head in a condescending way and walked off, expecting us to follow. We were genuinely shocked at the cold and unprofessional demeanor.
Once seated, we waited… and waited. It took well over 10-15 minutes before anyone even approached our table. When someone finally did, the service was just as indifferent. We ordered drinks and asked a basic question about the availability of whole fish that we already saw it in the entrance area in the glass-fridge. The server said she’d check with the kitchen and return shortly. She never came back.
We sat at that table for 33–34 out of the 36 total minutes we spent inside, and not a single item made it to our table—not water, not bread, not even an update. We left in complete frustration and drove to another restaurant nearby, where we were greeted, seated, and served drinks within 90 seconds even though it was just as busy.
We’ve dined at dozens of places across the country., but this was by far the worst service experience either of us have ever had. It raises serious questions about the management of this establishment. Who’s overseeing operations here? Is there even a manager present? Does ownership have any idea how poorly their brand is being represented?
This was not just poor service it was complete neglect and arrogance. The dismissive attitude we encountered at the door felt like an intentional lack of hospitality. While we’ll be careful not to make assumptions about motivations, the staff should absolutely be retrained in customer relations and basic courtesy.
I hope the owner or manager read this and take action. If you’re reading this as a potential guest don’t waste your time or money here. Go somewhere where your presence is respected and...
Read moreMy experience at the Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House in Fort Myers, Florida was nothing short of exceptional.
The ambiance is charming, with a laid-back and relaxed coastal vibe. The restaurant is spotlessly clean and well-organized. The comfortable seating and breezy outdoor patio area, coupled with the stunning backdrop of the beautiful marina, truly set the stage for a memorable meal.
The menu is a seafood lover's paradise. From the locally sourced fish to the succulent shellfish, it’s clear that Deep Lagoon values fresh ingredients. I had the blackened grouper for my main course, and it was sensational. Perfectly cooked, flaky, and seasoned just right, it demonstrated the chef’s mastery in handling seafood. The accompanying sides of seasoned vegetables and rice pilaf were delightful complements, wonderfully cooked and flavorsome.
The oysters, of course, deserve a special mention. The raw bar provides a wonderful variety of options, and the oysters we had were fresh, plump, and delicious, served with a tangy mignonette sauce that beautifully enhanced their natural flavors.
The service was top-notch. Our server was friendly, informative, and attentive without being intrusive. She provided excellent suggestions, ensuring our first visit here was memorable and enjoyable. Additionally, the staff was knowledgeable about the menu and the seafood in particular, which was a definite plus.
I must also praise their extensive wine list that perfectly complemented the seafood offerings. The bottle we chose, a crisp, white Sauvignon Blanc, was an excellent pairing with our meal.
All in all, Deep Lagoon provides a wonderful fusion of exquisite seafood, stunning views, and commendable service. It's not just a meal, it's a culinary journey that explores the depths of the ocean's flavors. I am already looking forward to my next visit and would highly recommend Deep Lagoon to anyone who appreciates great food and a great dining experience. A shining gem in Fort Myers' dining scene, it is definitely...
Read moreDuring our recent vacation, we decided to dine at this restaurant. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing due to poor service at the host stand.
Upon arrival, we were not greeted and had to approach the hostess ourselves to confirm our reservation. We were then informed that the restaurant does not use the third-party platform (Resy) through which we had booked—despite their listing on the platform. Without much explanation, we were handed a buzzer and asked to wait.
After 25 minutes, our buzzer went off, and we returned to the hostess, only to be told that they were unaware we had a child with us. This was surprising, as we had walked in carrying our child. We were then asked to wait an additional 20 minutes for a table that could accommodate us. After waiting yet again, my wife inquired about our table, only to be told we needed to wait another 20 minutes because they were prioritizing guests with reservations—despite the fact that we also had one.
During our wait, we observed multiple groups who arrived after us being handed a buzzer and were seated before us. Frustrated and with a hungry child, we ultimately decided to leave. We returned the buzzer, but the hostess showed no acknowledgment of the inconvenience, offering neither an apology nor any expression of concern.
On a positive note, the valet team provided excellent service. They were hardworking, polite, and attentive. They even recognized us as we were leaving and inquired about our experience with genuine concern.
While we understand that unexpected situations can arise in a busy restaurant, clear communication, professionalism, and basic courtesy go a long way in ensuring a positive guest experience. Unfortunately, our interaction with the host stand fell short of these expectations, and we were unable to experience the restaurant itself...
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