Viento Kitchen & Bar - Zota Beach Resort — Restaurant in Longboat Key

We stopped here to grab something to eat quickly like an appetizer and just have one drink. It was a bit confusing because at first we went to the bar/ eating area by the pool. But what we actually wanted was on the second floor. It's a very small restaurant but it does have different types of seating. Just not a lot of people can be there at once. One of the most negative things about the place had nothing to do with the employees. There was a very large party behind us that had more children than adults and they were extremely loud (the children, not the adults). And the adults let them run around and scream and behave badly. The adults just sat there and talked the whole time, not realizing the rest of the restaurant was not having a good experience. But that being said, it was a nice place. The bartender was very friendly except for when he took my drink and plate of food before I was finished with it. He dashed away before I could even say anything. There wasn't a lot to choose from on the menu so I'm not sure everyone in your party will find something they would like to eat. But it was a nice place. And the food actually was pretty good. We weren't staying at the hotel but I think it would be nice to have a place like this if you were staying at this resort. It seemed like the facilities were very well taken care of. I would probably...

We tried to eat at this restaurant tonight after checking into the hotel. We started by sitting down at a table and being promptly served the table next to ours salads. I said "umm I don't think these are ours" as the waiter dropping off the food ignored my words. We ended up handing them to the table next to us and laughing off the mistake. Then we waited..and waited..and waited. Finally our waiter shows up and hurriedly dropped off some waters. Then never shows back up again. We finally flagged down a waiter and he randomly took our order. Then we waited..and waited..and waited again. Nothing. No drinks. No food. So I finally get out of my chair to find the waiter to tell him if our food has been put in the kitchen (which I doubt) to just go ahead and cancel it. He was super rude to me and my family. I ask for the manager who was then also super rude and 100% unapologetic. If this was an actual luxury establishment they would have offered to at least send our food upstairs to our room? This is our first night at the hotel and instead of starting my vacation out with a nice meal, we are eating pretzels from the downstairs snack room 😔 Do yourself a favor and skip the disappointment...

Staying at the Opal Zota Beach Resort and after a long day of travel, we decided to eat on property at Viento Kitchen and Bar. What a great choice that was! Beautiful restaurant with fabulous views of the Gulf. Service was attentive and knowledgeable. Our server suggested all of the best options and we fortunately followed. The crab cakes are made in house and were perfectly crisp on the outside and filled with lush crab meat inside (no tiny shells either). Also had the homemade daily focaccia bread…also amazing. Although feeling a little full, we had to try the halibut entree and the fish tacos. Halibut was prepared to perfection with a side of au gratin potatoes….mmmm!! The chef came out and checked on our experience. Humble and talented gentleman. Don’t miss the mint chocolate martini and the Zota-Rita! Would suggest eating...