Chez Sami Lubbock — Restaurant in Lubbock

Talk about a whimsical, eclectic gourmet surprise! The restaurant is a cross between an antique store, an art gallery, a bread store, and a small music venue where the most excellent of foods is prepared and served. There are many different antique chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. We all had different plating and flatware. The dining chairs are all mismatched. And there's various art pieces hanging on the walls around the room, giving you much to discuss about the place. If that isn't enough for you, BYOB and sink into the sultry crooning of Friday night's musical talent sung from a stage at the front of the restaurant backed by the gleaming sunset peering through the turquoise framed windows. Then last, but not in the least, the star of the show - the food! The menu is always changing, so don't set your tastes on just one perfect dish. Our appetizer of escargot with a made from scratch baguette melted in our mouths and enticed our pallets. We dined on an entrée of the most perfectly rare Beef Wellington served on a bed of mashed potatoes as well as an entrée of brilliantly cooked scallops served on a bed of lemon risotto surrounded by a delicate, creamy white wine sauce, which we then followed with the creamiest of Creme Brullles and the sweetest of chocolate tarts both topped with fresh succulent berries. Before leaving, we purchased an assortment of breads from the display cabinet: sourdough, brioche, and 2 baguettes. None have disappointed us. All have made us grateful that we spent a little extra to have treats at home. We absolutely cannot wait to go back for more of what Chez Sami has to offer! If you go, don't forget to write down your thoughts to the Chef before you leave and read others' reviews in the book provided...

I’m not sure what to say about Chez Sami. I was really looking for a fine dining experience, but this wasn’t it. The server was lovely. A man who I would guess was the owner shook my hand and told me it meant a lot that I’d come. I was a bit surprised when the server said this was BYOB, so I just had water which was fine. The problem was the food. Although plated beautifully the flavors were just not what I’d expect for the price.

I started with a lobster bisque that was topped with a gorgeous puff pastry. The bisque itself was so hot it was hard to eat even after waiting. I also did not find single piece of lobster. The taste was good. It had that buttery velvet texture.

I also ordered the lobster gnocchi. I had several bites but the gnocchi was mush. I was later told this was because it was made from flour instead of potato. The lobster itself was very rubbery. Definitely not a $50 dish. The server came to check and I was honest. She was wonderful and insisted they replace it. I asked for the Braised short ribs with a red wine reduction. It was better. The ribs were very tender. I may have been wrong about reduction because I believe it was a brown gravy. Accompanying veggies were overcooked as well.

I hate leaving reviews like this but...

Heard good things about this restaurant and I enjoy supporting local businesses vs. national chains. The appetizers (bisque and pear salad) were enjoyable but the entrees were disappointing. The beef Wellington had the toughest piece of beef I’ve eaten. Maybe it was just an old cow.

If the restaurant could take more time into sourcing their beef, maybe this would help. Also if they taste the product they receive from their providers.

The cook itself was a perfect medium rare and their sauce was on point. The beef bourguignon was tasty as well, as was the sauce but the beef was room temp while the potatoes and sauce were hot.

The waitress was a delight and the owner came by to check on us and when we told him how things were, you could see his pained look. You could tell he cares about his customers and their experience. He offered to refund the Beef Wellington but we declined. We’d rather they just get better so that we can enjoy an excellent meal in the future. Next time bringing our own BYOB...