Fernandez the Bull Cuban Cafe — Restaurant in Florida

3 at best, but I only gave a 2. Doesn't accommodate those with food allergies/ sensitivities and not even sorry about it.

First, food. Most was good, nothing superb. The Ropa Vieja was quite tasty but the maduros were just fine and the Moro was actually extremely set and inedible. The maduros get 3 stars for not being overly oily and have sautee around all sides of the uneven and different sized pieces. The Vaca Frita had good flavor and good sear but was SO dry without having anything else on the place to compensate. The rest of the family said their food was 3 - 4 stars. How this gets Best Cuban is beyond me! Sangria tasted like wine with soda water.

Ambiance - fine. Decor was cute. No notable music. Nothing special but it's a step up from casual atmosphere.

Management - we informed our server my younger son had a food allergy to dairy products and peanut. She took an info card we gave her back to the kitchen along with a couple of menu items we wanted to check. She returned and said that they actually didn't have anything they were willing to serve him. Dumbfounded, I told her that we actually called ahead to see if and how they could accomodate that allergy and they told us they could easily do that and listed a few things, including the common bread, that would not be OK. He even questioned someone else to make sure.

She said that's what her management but would go ask. The manager came out and asked us immediately what phone number I called and we determined it was to their other location. He said they shouldn't have said they could accomodate either and that they couldn't take the risk and asked if we were still going to eat there. Being on vacation, not having looked into other places for food allergies and having hungry toddlers, we decided to just get my food allergic kid carryout from one of the chains nearby that we knew would accomodate.

I told them I'd be leaving to get his food and I came but to my Sangria sitting on the table, long enough for everyone else to have finished theirs and ordered their 2nd. Needless to say, it was watered down and flat by the I could get to it (but I tasted fresh and that it was what the Sangria review was based on). We also asked if we could sub maduros for fries for my non-food allergic kid's meal and was told it only came with rice, beans or fries, the first two that he doesn't eat at all. No offer for an up charge to get them or to even ask for an exception considering they refused to server his younger brother.

The whole experience was totally underwhelming, like they knew we'd never be back so they...

The food was great. We sat outside because the weather was cool. The downside to sitting outside at any restaurant is if they're not busy outside you are forgotten about.

The food was delivered and my friend's drink was empty. He wasn't asked if he needed another drink, he had to ask. We were waiting for somebody to bring the drink, and it wasn't happening. I had to go inside and get it from the bartender. Then they offered to carry it outside. Nope, I already came in I will finish the job.

*I have been in the restaurant industry from bartending, serving, to the GM of a restaurant that sat 300+ people right here in Naples. I'm a bit critical.

Serving is a balance. You don't want to annoy your customers by constantly bugging them, but you also never forget about them either.

Overall this wasn't a horrible experience. My professional take on my experience at Fernandez for management / owner:

The server came out with a "new" employee and placed the blame on her. The reality is, the SERVER should have checked on us. The receipt doesn't give you tipping percentage up to 20%. Essential, 20% is for mediocre service based on your tipping table on the receipt. If you are going to recommend the tip being over 20%, I expect the service to match up with the percentage YOU have decided recommending. You can throw the new girl under the bus all you want; the fault lies solely upon the person receiving the gratuity.

"The appropriate amount to tip servers depends on your service. 15% is appropriate for average service ; 20% if your server is above average. You should feel free to tip above 20% if you received excellent service."

I always try to tip more than 20% in cash for standard service. When I have to get up and get a drink for somebody in my party it's embarrassing. At the end to receive the bill with a guidelines wanting more than 20%, I find it offensive. Maybe change the tip table at the bottom until your servers are on point. Teach them to own up to their mistakes. Bringing a "new" person out to place the blame on them was extremely unprofessional, and humiliating to the new person who...

Great food, excellent service. My wife and I had been in Naples for almost 3 months but still could not find decent Cuban food in the area which was very important for us after more than 16 years living in Miami where you can find a Cuban restaurant in almost every corner. Price wise it was more expensive than the restaurants we used to visit in Miami but it was expected since almost all restaurants in Naples (except few exceptions like Chili's) had been more expensive than restaurants in Miami. In general I believe prices for the main courses are not that bad considering the quality of their food and service; however, while we didn't try their sandwiches (we went for the classic Palomilla steak with white rice, black beans - great!- and tostones) but according to what I saw on their menu they seemed a little pricey. In any corner in Miami you can find a great Cuban Sandwich for half the price but still I supposed their sandwiches taste great and you are just paying more to enjoy the restaurant's great service and nice atmosphere. Thanks to the lady that took care of us and the very polite and professional manager who came to our table to check on us and welcomed us to the restuarant. We will definitely come back! (Edit after two years in Naples: this review was for the location at Pine Ridge Rd. The food and service on their other location at Immokalee Rd (Piper Blvd.) & Airport-Pulling Rd. would be totally different (bad) so, I don't want to waste this positive review on that other restaurant. Just so you know, if you want really good Cuban food, visit the Pine Ridge location, the other one is not worthy of your...