Oceanside Safari Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Islamorada

We found out about this place by a Google search and headed there only to find out it was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the "off season." With how clean and nice the restaurant and surrounding area looked, we definitely wanted to come back on Wednesday. As the place looked small, we made a reservation on Open Table.

We really wanted to like this place just off the atmosphere, view and the menu.

We arrived just before our reservation time and the place looked just under half full. We opened the door to find nobody at the check-in stand. A nice man came back inside and my wife stated we had a reservation and he stated "sorry, that system doesn't work right now." He got us to a table and we were seated and he came back with menus very quickly. With this restaurant having all windows, the view to the ocean and the marina with a sunset were great. We waited for someone to come by and take our order and we noticed there were only 4 people working so understood the wait. Once the waitress came over and took our drink and appetizer order it took a good 20 minutes to get our drinks and she apologized that the blender was having some problems. Our appetizers came out within minutes of our drinks. I could tell they were short handed based on the amount of staff that was around. Our waitress was struggling a bit but we gave the staff the benefit of the doubt since they looked overwhelmed. The kitchen was definitely struggling as it didn't look like most patrons had any food as most looked like they were there for drinks and not food. It was 30+ minutes after our appetizers were done, half of our tables order came out. It was at least 10 minutes before some more came out. Our waitress asked if anyone else needed anything but my wife still had not received her food. We also stated that my daughters hamburger bun was rock hard and asked if we could have a 2nd one. She apologized and hurried to get my wife's order made and another bun.

We had Shrimp Scampi, Fish tacos X2, grilled chicken salad X2, grilled shrimp, kids cheeseburger and kids chicken strips. I did not feel that any of these items took an excessive time to prepare. The menu does need updated to state shrimp scampi is with pasta. All the food was good.

Hopefully the lack of staff and slow service (2 hours from sit down to paying) doesn't cause this business to close before we are able to get back next year. As I said the food was good and I will give them a 2nd try on the service...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge in Islamorada, Florida, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was captivated by the restaurant's charming ambiance, friendly staff, and delectable cuisine.

The restaurant's location, right by the ocean, provided breathtaking views that complemented the dining experience perfectly. The open-air seating allowed me to soak in the refreshing sea breeze as I indulged in the delicious food. The restaurant's interior was tastefully decorated with a safari theme, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.

The menu at Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge was diverse and catered to various palates. Whether you're a seafood lover, a meat enthusiast, or a vegetarian, there were plenty of options to choose from. I opted for the grilled catch of the day, and it was cooked to perfection. The flavors were fresh and beautifully complemented by the accompanying sides.

What truly stood out during my visit was the exceptional service provided by the staff. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and prompt attention. The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent recommendations. They were attentive throughout the meal, ensuring that my dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

To top it all off, the Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge had an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails and a well-curated wine list. I thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing and creative cocktails, which added an extra layer of delight to my dining experience.

Overall, my visit to Oceanside Safari Restaurant and Lounge was a memorable one. The combination of stunning ocean views, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service made it a standout dining destination in Islamorada, Florida. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an extraordinary...

I visited this restaurant my first day in the Keys during the Christmas weekend. It is easy to access, as it is on the ocean side of Route 1 (left going South and right going North).

Just follow the signs.

The restaurant offers a beautiful view of the ocean. There was construction underway next door, but for some reason, it didn't bother me at all. It seems the resort is expanding the deck for the swimming pool.

It was a beautiful day when I visited so I sat outside on the patio. Sonja was my waitress. She was warm and helpful. I could tell she wanted me to have a good experience. The employees there work as a team. I liked that and Sonja didn't seem to mind the help.

I ordered the fried pickles, which I must say were THE BEST fried pickles I have ever had.

I also got the chicken, bacon and avocado sandwich and fries along with a margarita on the rocks. The fries tasted like they were originally frozen in a bag and the sandwich wasn't anything to write home about. The margarita tasted pre-made and not fresh. It was all about the service and the view for me, along with those tasty fried pickles!

They were closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas, so unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to return, but if I find myself back in the Keys. I'll...