Harry's Continental Kitchens (Restaurant) — Restaurant in Longboat Key

​ This review is for the dinner visit on March 22, 2019 ​ The food: My impression was that the restaurant carries itself as fine dining. The prices for the most dishes are in the $30s range, with some in the $40s, like Filet Mignon at $45. The menu selection and the descriptions were well crafted and very appealing. But the actual food was rather underwhelming. We ordered two fish specials, at $42 each. It almost felt as if the chef's idea of a fine dish was to carve vegetables into half-ring shapes, and place an edible flower on top of what probably can be described as a well-made diner food. Here's protein swimming in sauce, here are vegetables, and here's some rice. And the flower. I think a $26 price tag would have been a fair price given the location.

​The service:​ ​In general the service was good and timely. ​The wait staff ​was​ young​, college​ age, but hard working. They did forget one of the items I ordered, but quickly resolved it. They made a good team and didn't mind helping each other. ​​ ​The environment: We were sitting out​doors​ on the patio.​ Here, also, the details were lucking for the type of place Harry's is trying to be. For the most part​ the patio​ was​ well setup and cared for. ​But one corner of the patio was used as a storage - see the picture for stacks of ​propaine tanks and umbrellas. ​Again, if this place was a diner, I would have paid zero attention to this detail. ​I have not seen the inside of the restaurant.

Miscellaneous:​ The​ propane​ tanks were used for the patio heaters​. It appears that the heaters were not properly maintained​ - they exuded the black smoke, with the corresponding odor lingering around patio. One of the nearby heaters was started while we were sitting at the table. After it heated up, the baked-on ​soot​ from its surfaces started flying off in small chunks. Some landed on our snow-white table cloth. After coming ​back to the resort, ​I​ ​have ​discovered​ that the soot also stained my light brown pants and...

We've been coming Harry's for many years, mostly for breakfast which is always fantastic. However, recently we decided to come for dinner and I have to say, it was outstanding. There's a new sheriff (chef) in town! 🙃🙂 I ran into James, the new Chef when I was coming back from the restroom and complimented the food. We had a nice talk and I found out that James came from another highly acclaimed restaurant in the area. It seems James' vision is to elevate the dining at Harry's to a 5 star level and I have to say I think they are almost there!

We had the shrimp cargot (which, if you are from Sarasota, you can recognize the name from a similar dish usually made with lobster). I liked that Harry's did it with shrimp and if I had any criticism at all it would be to committl to the spinach if it's going to be in the dish, otherwise, fantastic!

The Pate is on another level. It's a family recipe and rivals any pate you would find in France. The accoutrement are a perfect pairing and you can order this dish for lunch or dinner! The main event, though, is their Gorgonzola butter black Angus Filet Mignon. It's hard to find a good steak, it's hard to find a consistent steak, and I am happy to report that we have now ordered this steak 2 times and both were cooked to perfection.

The ambiance is pleasant and cozy, even though the interior is modest, and the outdoor patio dining is elegant and comfortable. They have ambient lighting throughout so it feels more formal for dinner reservations.

The staff, for as long as I can remember, have always been attentive, professional and pleasant. They all seem to be very happy working at this establishment, so I assume they are treated very well.

I was unsure of posting this review because I selfishly do not want to have to wait 2 weeks for a reservation in the future! Lol

Harry's is a sure thing for a good meal breakfast, lunch or...

I would just like thank Harry’s for an amazing 61st birthday celebration! The atmosphere was quaint, elegant, sophisticated, and I really enjoyed the local art on the walls. Our server, Kristy was extremely attentive and pleasant and was always there when we needed her. She also expertly guided us through their top quality and extensive wine list. The food was excellent, beginning with the fresh baked French bread with roasted garlic. Our table also shared the bruschetta and conch fritters that were delicious. We also ordered the wedge salad with the candied bacon and creamy blue cheese dressing, which really set it apart from other wedge salads I’ve had! Our entrees of Gorgonzola Filet Mignon with a truffle Demi Glaze was cooked to perfection!!! And finally, we finished our night off with graham cracker crust coconut cream pie, banana cream pie, and a Harry’s warm brownie with ice cream and hot fudge. It really ended up being one of the best dinners we’ve had in a very long time. I highly recommend visiting this restaurant if you haven’t already. Thank you again to all the crew at Harry’s that made our birthday such an enjoyable occasion. All the best, Cynthia and Diana. PS….did I mention the desserts for us were complimentary for...