Cafe Ibiza — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

My family had a terrible experience at Cafe Ibisa. They lured us in with 2 for 1 mojitos, 20% off the bill, and 50% off appetizers. We ordered the surf and turf for my wife, and myself to share, and hamburgers for the kids. When we got our surf and turf, the steak was well done (ordered rare-medium rare), and covered in some really awful tasting sauce (the menu did not mention a sauce), and our lobster was rubbery and sticking to the shell from being overcooked. The kid's hamburgers were also made of boot leather. When we got the bill, it was $140 for the surf and turf alone. Needless to say, we were caught totally off guard by the price, especially for the quality of food. Initially, I didn't say anything because my wife didn't want the confrontation, but once we got a block away, we realized we forgot the kid's hamburgers (we didn't save any of the surf and turf because both my wife, and I took one bite of the steak and pushed it to the side.) When I returned to the restaurant for the food, they had already thrown away our to go boxes. This set me off so I took a second look at the bill, and realized only the 2 for 1 mojito discount was applied. When I confronted the manager about it, he told me only 1 discount can be applied to each bill. Usually when restaurants say only 1 discount can be allpied, it only means you would not apply the 20% discount to the 2 for 1 mojitos or 50% off the appetizers. The manager had a too bad so sad attitude, and kept saying I was being rude when I was doing my absolute best to hold my composure while being blown off by the cafe's staff. I've probably written 1 other bad review in my life because I haven't really had too many bad experiences, but this one upset me so much, I took the time to write this lengthy review, and hopefully save other people from making the same...

From the moment I stepped into Cafe Ibiza in Ft. Lauderdale, I knew I was in for a treat. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between elegance and relaxation, making it the ideal spot for both romantic dinners and casual gatherings with friends. The staff were exceptionally welcoming, with a warm demeanor and keen attention to detail that enhanced the overall dining experience.The menu, inspired by global flavors with a strong Mediterranean influence, offered a diverse selection of dishes that catered to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Each dish I tried was a testament to the chef's skill, with perfectly balanced flavors and beautifully presented plates that were as delightful to look at as they were to taste.What truly set Cafe Ibiza apart was its beachfront location, offering stunning views of the ocean that added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. Whether I was sipping on one of their expertly crafted cocktails or indulging in one of the sumptuous desserts, the serene backdrop of the beach made every moment feel special.In addition to the food and the views, Cafe Ibiza also impressed with its entertainment options. The live music provided a lively yet unobtrusive backdrop that complemented the vibrant atmosphere of the cafe.Overall, Cafe Ibiza is more than just a dining destination; it's an experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through Ft. Lauderdale, a visit to Cafe Ibiza is sure to be a highlight. With its outstanding service, exquisite cuisine, and unbeatable location, it's a place where memories are made. I'm already looking forward to...

“The Math Doesn’t Add Up—And That’s the Point” We were drawn in by the sign for 50% off oysters, but left feeling misled and disappointed.

We ordered two dozen oysters, later discovering they were $36 per half dozen—steeper than even the fancier spots nearby. But the real letdown was the prep: not a single oyster was shucked. We had to wrestle each one from the shell ourselves, which took away from the experience. Two also had small crabs inside, which might be natural but didn’t reflect much attention to detail.

Then came the payment—no printed bill, just a handheld card reader. A 15% automatic gratuity was added for our party of two (unusual), and it was calculated on the pre-discount total of $144—not the $72 we actually owed. The server stood by waiting, which created a sense of pressure. The charges were explained, but quickly—and without time or space to process, we went ahead and paid.

It wasn’t until we walked away and did the math that we realized we had tipped a total of $32 on a $72 bill—effectively 44%. We went back to clarify and confirmed how it was structured. It felt more like a trap than a treat.

The server was friendly, which is why this isn’t a one-star review. But between the poorly executed oysters, the lack of transparency, and the pressure around checkout, the experience came off as calculated rather than casual. If you go, ask for prices up front and request a printed breakdown before paying—because it adds up fast, and not...