Ali's Bistro — Restaurant in Fort Walton Beach

So my family and I came to Ali’s for my cousins rehearsal dinner. First, this place has no parking. You literally have to be lucky to get a spot. I really don’t know why they don’t have valet. Lucky enough I found a spot right in front… awesome! We’re from Delray Beach so it’s always hot so for being outside during a great night was so nice. I love how they set up the table so everyone can see and talk to each other. Roy was our server for the night. He was super nice and attentive.

Side note, before I go in, I’ve been in the restaurant industry for 16 years. 10 years of serving and 6 years of bartending.

As we’re entering, Roy comes up to me and my husband to introduce himself. He showed us to our seats and asked if we needed a drink. My uncle provided the wine, but we could order a cocktail. I tell him that I NEED asap. He goes through the specialty cocktails, I order my husband a buffalo trace old fashion which he loved and I really wanted an espresso martini with tequila repo. I asked if they can make them and he said that he always ask his guest when they order that “vodka or tequila?”

He brings the drinks and again my husband loves his drink, I taste mine and there’s no tequila repo but vodka. I told him, he wanted to take it but I couldn’t wait to have a drink so I kept it and he was getting me the right one. Our dinner came with either Greek or Caesar salad. I got the Greek but came with no feta chz. Whatever he brought over the feta. As Roy brings me a new drink, I taste the new drink and it taste the exact same. I had my husband and my aunt try it and said that it’s vodka not tequila repo. Roy ask how’s this one told him that it’s made wrong again. He asked if I wanted a 2oz shot. I told him no thank you I don’t wanna mix vodka and tequila.

So he takes our main course order. My husband gets the catch of the day which he loved. And I ordered the 8oz filet. Roy ask the temp and I said medium rare, but I would love Pittsburg style if they can do it. Roy said yes they can, so that’s what I ordered. I wish I would have taken a picture of this sad piece of meat. Our food comes out, again my husband loves the fish, but my steak…. Didn’t even have grill marks. I think there was half of one. It wasn’t seasoned at all and it was just rare meat. So I didn’t eat it, Roy ask if I wanna take it home, sure I can throw in the microwave to cook it more. Wish I had my dog would have gave it to him.

So nothing came out right for me this night but that’s not even it. As the bill comes out I give the card to him right away. He tells us thank you and as I’m looking at it he charges me for both the cocktails they messed up on. I don’t mind lying for one but both?! They have took care of the one the messed up on.

I live 9 hours away and I thank god I do, I will never come back. Roy is nice but yall need to train your bartenders and let your servers know your cooks don’t know what...

A Toast to Incompetence: A Disastrous Military Service Celebration on August 11th, 2023.

Once upon a scorching hot day, I found myself attending a celebration for a military service that turned out to be about as pleasant as a root canal. Oh, how excited I was! The anticipation was akin to waiting in line at the DMV.

To our surprise, the brilliant minds at Ali’s Bistro decided to host it outside, right under the sun's blistering rays. Because clearly, the comfort and well-being of those being honored was the last thing on their minds. Bravo!

Feeling quite concerned for the guest of honor (and my sweat-soaked armpits), the organizer decided to approach the manager to suggest possible accommodations. But alas, they were greeted with a response dripping with helpfulness. The establishment claimed to be fully booked, and yet, internally, I laughed as I spotted numerous empty seats inside. The poor decision-making and incompetence were truly awe-inspiring.

As if the sheer audacity of baking us like soggy turkeys wasn't enough, the treats intended for the celebration suffered a cruel, sad fate. They were mishandled, resulting in nothing short of a gooey, melted catastrophe. It felt like witnessing the end of a tragic love story, only with ice cream that had surrendered to the laws of physics.

And let's not forget the cherry on top of this disaster sundae: the owner's response. Classy as ever, they handled the mistakes and miscommunication with a level of professionalism that would make a toddler throwing a tantrum proud. When faced with unhappy customers, their go-to solution was to simply tell us to "go somewhere else." Customer satisfaction? Nah, who needs it?

Leaving this event left me with a taste more bitter than if I had licked a lemon coated in dark chocolate. The mishandling of the retirement party, which had been meticulously planned, was gut-wrenching. We were forced to endure the blistering heat, uncomfortable outdoor seating, ruined desserts, and an overall mismanagement worthy of a comedy sketch.

This establishment's commitment to prioritizing profit over customer satisfaction was truly awe-inspiring. I mean, who wouldn't want to pay an automatic gratuity after such a delightful experience? It's not like we were systematically being herded towards disappointment like cattle.

So, my dear friends, please save yourselves from the immense disappointment, frustration, and potential heat exhaustion. Spare yourself from this establishment's abysmal customer service and empty promises. I take great pleasure in vowing to never darken their doorway again, and I implore you to consider your options carefully. Trust me, anywhere else has to be better than this...

A breath of fresh air in Ft. Walton Beach!!! Just West of the Okaloosa Island bridge. The first traffic light to the left. You have to go around the block to get there. Google Maps. Our group visited Oli’s for dinner last night. The restaruant is owned by Oli’ and his wife.

The restaurant has inside dinning, outside dinning, and a full bar. When you walk in, you will immediately know this is a well run establishment. As you are greeted by the hostess, you will notice the place has a glass front Gelato freezer with several great flavors on display. The place has a warm welcoming feeling. Wonderful odors of excellent meals being prepared by the chef are in the air. The menu is extensive. From great steaks to wonderful pizza. Something for everybody. In my opinion, the best fried shrimp in town.

Our group consisted of six folks. The service was beyond excellent. After we were seated. Within a couple of minutes. Water was put into the glasses and the young lady ask if we wanted anything from the bar. Bread and olive oil with herbs was on the table before our drinks arrived. She inquired if anyone in our party wanted the special of the night. Which was Grouper with a Capper and Artichoke Piccata sauce. To die fore!!! She informed us that there were only six servings left in the kitchen. She would reserve what our table required in advance. A WOW moment. Very thoughtful. Of course three of us had the Grouper special. Each large serving of Grouper came with a pasta of your choosing and a house salid. The available appetizers were extensive. The young lady came by continuously during the meal to check on our drinks and bread requirements. The Owner also personally stopped by and ask if everything was to our liking. All and all, we had a wonderful evening.

Of course, we had to try the desserts!!! I had Chocolate Mousse Cake and four of us had the Gelato. The presentation of the cake was something you would expect in a five star restaurant. Completely unexpected but admired. Of course, the ice cream was also excellent. We all had coffee or Lattes.

What a great evening! Thank you...