The Sacred Pepper — Restaurant in Citrus Park

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: 𝐒𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐞𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 - 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚, 𝐅𝐋

Nestled in North Tampa, you find this amazing restaurant, which I would describe as a mid-range priced but high-end menu and atmosphere. It brings the taste of great flavors, staff, and ambiance to create a truly fantastic atmosphere.

Michael Glinter has traveled to 68 countries and 36 states to get the flavor of some amazing foods. His view on reviews is simple – Taste, Presentation, and Service. He believes telling the reader a positive and negative unbiased look at the restaurant is essential. Let's take a look and see how Sacred Pepper scored in these three categories.

𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 / 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 We had the Tuna Tar Tar, Malfadine Basil Pasta, and the Red Fish, the nightly entrée special, topped with lump crab. The Tar Tar and Malfadine Pasta was a symphony of vibrant colors and delicate textures, showcasing the beauty of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Red Fish's visual appeal fell short. If you are going to market a "special" for the night, you better ensure the presentation and taste are perfect. When it came to the table, it was visually not appealing. As a chef, I would have placed the fish on top of the white rice. Nestling it in the bed of the rice. I also would have suggested a light sauce or puree smeared on the side to add some elegance to the plate. It indeed tasted better than the way it looked. It was a light dish, rich in flavor, and the red fish was flawlessly cooked to perfection – tender, moist, and flaky. Each bite revealed a succulent, ocean-fresh flavor that spoke to the quality of the ingredients and the chef's dedication to excellence.

Malfadine Pasta was terrific. I have never had this type of pasta - a delightfully ruffled and ribbon-like variety showcased an impeccable al dente texture, providing a satisfying bite with every forkful. The dish is tossed with basil pesto, smoked mozzarella cheese, roasted tomatoes, peas, and prosciutto. I substituted the prosciutto with mushrooms. You can also add chicken or shrimp. Its harmonious blend of textures and flavors leaves a lasting impression, making it a must-try for any discerning food enthusiast.

Tuna Tar Tar - The star of the dish, the tuna, takes center stage in a display of pristine freshness. Impeccably diced, it boasted a velvety texture that practically melts in the mouth. The delicate balance of tenderness and firmness showcases the chef's expertise in handling premium-grade ingredients, making each bite an exquisite experience. The tuna tartare is meticulously shaped on the plate and garnished with cucumber, shallots, and avocado. It provided both a visual feast and a nuanced depth of flavor, making the dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 The restaurant boasts an ambiance that seamlessly blends sophistication with a high-energy vibe and great music and provides an excellent space for family, friends, couples, and large groups. My only criticism is that it was hard to talk to my friend because the music was loud, and the acoustics didn't make it easy. I will request one of the half-moon booths in the future because I think it may muffle the sound better.

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 Lea! YES! Lea! First, she should be a restaurant chain's corporate trainer, teaching wait, staff, how to provide impeccable service. I wish I could take her to every restaurant I dine at. She defines the type of attitude, attention to the customer, customer interaction, and desire to provide guests with the best dinner experience.

Overall, Sacred Pepper in Tampa is a culinary haven that deserves every accolade at a much more reasonable cost! It is a testament to the passion and dedication of its team, offering an unforgettable dining experience where every detail is carefully considered. Sacred Pepper is the brightest star in the North Tampa dining scene for those seeking exquisite cuisine, impeccable service, and a...

The food was mediocre and not worth the price (you’re paying for pretty presentations), but I’m not making this review for the food or pricing because I would have given it a second chance w/ a smaller party and not so late ; This is due to the service I received last night. I attended an event last night to celebrate a special night but it ended with me in distress and in tears. Let’s start by saying the waitresses that were working with us were already over whelmed by our party of 15 and it showed.

Our drink orders weren’t take until 20 minutes after we sat down, so when I ordered my daughter and I drinks I ordered a “shareable plate”. That shareable plate did not come out until 30 minutes later & was lukewarm, so I immediately ordered our entrée & that still didn’t come out until everyone else’s which was like an hour later ALONG with bread that we should have gotten in the beginning. No refills on drinks unless you asked (I still didn’t get a refill of my water after being told she had to refill the pitcher) , no condiments unless you asked, and waitresses was no where around unless someone tracked them or called to them while they were serving other tables.

Before the cake was cut I asked for my check & I was told verbatim “We’re cleaning up right now and also have to declutter the table, and when we’re done we’ll bring out checks.” My mouth dropped and I was taken aback, but quickly gained ground and told the waitress, “ I am pregnant and not feeling well so I would really like my check so I can leave please.” She said okay with an attitude & I STILL had to wait on my check even after I asked 3 more times (which one of them I was given the finger and a “one moment” whilst her doing other things)! I also wanted to explain to her my husband is ill as well and his caretakers needed to be relieved. Yes, that’s how she made me feel; made me feel as if I needed to explain myself which was very insane.

The wait was so long I asked for the manager, she said she was getting the manager & rolled her eyes, the checks came before the manager so I canceled the manager request and said “thank you for my check”. She responded with hand gestures & attitudes “Oh so you don’t won’t the manager now?” I gave her no eye contact and I responded with “No I do not. I asked for the manager because I asked for my check a long time ago & I never received it. I should not have to wait on my check & I’ve never experienced such nonsense.” I placed my card in the check holder and she snatched it out of my hand so hard her wrist bent and she rolled her eyes and stormed off. The scene was so bad our whole table gasped with wide eyes. Come to find out she was rude to multiple people at our table and was even more upset she did not receive an “additional tip”. I wish I got her name but people like that I don’t like to remember.

That waitress was very hostile and I honestly feel like I was held against my will and I will NEVER return to this place! EVER! I was actually in fear being that I’m pregnant and someone can treat another human being so rudely when they’ve done nothing but ask to pay their bill. Fear of what? I don’t know but her interaction made me feel some type of way to the point I got paranoid on the way home and decided to make this review and warn people of waitresses like her working at this establishment. I doubt this place will last long unless they make changes with staff. 20% gratuity is crazy with these kind of workers, and I believe that’s reason they act the way they do and treat people very badly. They already have their tip and don’t have to actually...

I made a reservation for 3 at a high top table on Open Table at 5. On the site it specifically asks if I want a high top and because it's an option I chose it. I haven't been to the restaurant in a couple months because I no longer work in the area but when I did we had three company Christmas parties there and happy hour at least once a week. I can unequivocally say that my coworkers and I supported the local restaurant. Last night when we walked in there was an immediate definite difference. A bunch of teenagers greeted us. I felt like I walked into McDonald's. A girl asked if we had a reservation and I said that we have a high top in the bar. She explained that it is a first come first serve basis. I explained why do you have it on Open Table as an option? She repeated that it's a first come first serve. And I repeated but it's an option for me to choose it. I could see from where I was standing that there was a high top that stated reserved. I said if it's first come first serve why is that table reserved? She said it's a friend of the owner. WOW. One of the teenagers led me to our table and I asked for the manager. What seemed like a 22-year-old came over to our table. Immediately I was not impressed with him. He didn't say Hi I'm the manager and my name is whatever.... He literally walked over to the table and looked at me. I guess that was my cue to start talking? Still don't know his name... Anyway, I explained to him the same thing I told the teen at the reception and he reiterated that it's a first come first serve. Clearly, I got that since it was the third time I heard it but I felt it worth repeating that you have a high top table with a reserved sign. He explained that it's the owner's friends. I said so then it's not first come first serve because the owner's friends got special treatment. I understand that it happens but you should not be so obvious and have a sign on the table. Also, I said so I can call in and say that I'm a friend of the owner and to reserve my table? The 22-year-old didn't get the sarcasm. So now I'm wondering if the 22-year-old type manager actually went to school for hospitality. If the owner saves a spot for her friends did this kid get the job because it's one of her friend's son? I've never had a manager good or bad come to my table and not identify him or herself. Another observation about this manager type person he spent more time between the teenagers at the reception and the special guest at the high top table. Doesn't a manager work the floor? Doesn't a manager go to each table and ask how their meals are? I will be shocked if he had any kind of managerial restaurant training or have a hospitality degree. If he does, I'm guessing he graduated last in his class or close to it. While I was talking with him, I even said we have many restaurants to choose from and we chose this one. Apparently we also chose ladies night so there were In the future, we will never go back and it's not 100% about the high top table. It's also the attitude and the quality of food. The shrimp and crab appetizer are to die for but the steak bites could have literally gone through a wall if I threw it. I don't know if a baseball is as hard as that steak bite was. The leather of the baseball is probably just as tough as that steak was. Obviously, I'll never go back because are too many other...