Agenda Restaurant — Restaurant in New York

A Culinary Journey to Latin America: Agenda Restaurant Shines Bright in Astoria! Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable adventure at Agenda Restaurant in Astoria, NY! This Latin culinary gem is more than just a meal; it's a vibrant, full-sensory experience that delights from the first bite to the last. My recent family dinner celebrating my sister-in-law's birthday was nothing short of spectacular, and Agenda has officially earned a top spot on my must-revisit list. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance was electric. The upbeat and lively music created a festive atmosphere, and even the presence of the Knicks game on the TV added to the comfortable, communal vibe. But what truly elevated our evening was the exceptional service, particularly from our server, Itzel. She didn't just serve us; she treated us like family, anticipating our needs and guiding us through the menu with genuine warmth and expertise. Her attentiveness was a huge part of what made our night so special. Now, let's talk about the food – because every dish was a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. We kicked things off with an incredible array of appetizers. The Guacamole Chilindron, with its delightful combination of crispy pork belly chicharron, grilled corn pico de gallo, and queso fresco, served with perfectly crisp Caribbean chips, was a textural and savory dream. The Beef Empanada was flaky, savory, and perfectly seasoned, while the Ahi Tuna Ceviche was a revelation – bright, zesty, and refreshing with its passion fruit, aji amarillo, tiger's milk, and pomegranate pearls. Each appetizer was a testament to the kitchen's mastery of Latin flavors. For our main courses, the culinary excellence continued. The Short Ribs Anticucho was melt-in-your-mouth tender, bathed in a rich anticuchera marinade and served with perfect fingerling potatoes and a delicate black mint sauce – a truly sophisticated dish. The SEAFOOD PASTA was a triumph; spaghetti tossed with plump shrimp, tender calamari, succulent mussels, and sweet clams in a vibrant homemade pomodoro sauce – fresh, hearty, and utterly satisfying. And the 12oz Churrasco? Cooked to perfection, boasting a beautiful char, and elevated by grilled sweet peppers, a zesty chimichurri, and a sprinkle of Maldon salt. Every single dish was incredibly flavorful and absolutely worth every penny. Adding to the personalized and exceptional experience, we were delighted when Executive Chef Wilmer himself came out to our table. His presence was a wonderful touch, and it was clear that the perfection of every meal served was a direct reflection of his passion and expertise in the kitchen. The drinks were just as impressive. While all were amazing, the PIÑA COLADA CLARIFIED was a standout. This innovative cocktail, featuring silver tequila, coconut liqueur, pineapple cordial, pineapple oleo, and a unique coconut milk wash, was incredibly smooth, complex, and dangerously delicious. One small note, which speaks more to our enjoyment than any true critique, was that after several shots of the incredible Volcan Reposado Tequila, they ran out! But even this minor hiccup was easily overcome by their selection of other excellent reposados. The entire experience at Agenda Restaurant, from the creative dishes to the impeccable service and lively atmosphere, was a full-on celebration. The presentation of each plate was a work of art, from the unique way they served our drinks to the stunning plating of the dishes. Agenda isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination for an amazing culinary journey through Latin America right here in Astoria. We left feeling completely satisfied and already planning our next visit. Highly, highly recommend!

We will be back for...

I was extremely excited to celebrate my birthday at Agenda Astoria. I booked my reservation two weeks in advance, one reservation for dinner and the other reservation for the club after! I spoke to a woman named Natasha who was very communicative and nice at first!

On the night of my birthday I called to advise I was running a bit late and they stated they would still accommodate me, I arrived to find out there were two reservations made due to miscommunication I suppose ; although I clearly specified what I wanted and Natasha confirmed and followed up with me the day prior. The waiter had one for my first name - 5 people and one for my last name 8 people! I specially asked for 5 people for my dinner reservation and 8 people for the club reservation.

We move past this and wait for our table! Our waiter was pleasant and food was fine. I advised the waiter that we have reservations for the club after and he responds that he is unable to assist. I ask for Natasha, now the waiter is willing to assist! Mind you we tipped our waiter very well for mediocre service as I worked in the restaurant industry and believe in making sure I always tip 22% or higher and in cash! STRIKE 1 ( should be 2 but I’m going to allow a grace strike for the reservation mixup )

We arrive to the club area where I meet Natasha, she takes my party to our section! At this point I only have five people and advised my other 3 will be arriving soon! AT NO POINT WAS I NOTIFIED that even with bottle package purchases that my guest would be charged at the door! Especially when I advised the amount of folks attending and the amount of folks on their way!

The woman selling us bottles finally arrives to our section! I order the bottle package ; 2 Don Julio’s 400 and a bottle of Moet 200 not including Tax or Tip yet. The bottle hosts states “ there is a minimum of 1000 per table section”! Again another thing I wasn’t aware of! I ask for Natasha and all of a sudden now what I ordered is fine as she never called Natasha or reached out to her to advise. STRIKE 2

My other two guest arrive and I go to the front to bring them to our section! The woman at the coat check begins to argue me down that my remaining guest need to pay 50 each even after I told her I made these reservations two weeks in advance for 8 people and I only have 5 inside. I don’t argue with peasants so Again I ask for Natasha and she states Natasha went home early for the night ( this was a lie as I went back inside and saw Natasha managing). After I allow the woman to go on her rant, I calmly advise her that it’s my birthday and if I was aware of these stipulations I would have warned my guest. She allows my two guest in and my last guest was charged 50. Two additional people called me and they were now being charged 100! I told them not to pay that as it’s ridiculous ! We don’t even pay these prices for entrance in the city or let alone DYCKMAN ( and u expect that there ). STRIKE 3

If I would have know my guest and I would be treated this way. I would have never decided to have my birthday here! And FYI , the bottle hostess put her foot in her mouth when she tried to play me as my table would have easily ordered more, instead I advised my party that if more items need to be ordered we can go to another place after as I’m am not patronizing the unprofessionalism and biased treatment I received !

I was excited for this restaurant and club! But I promise I will never return and will advise other people to never...

There isn’t really anything good I can say about this place just off of the very bad experience I had. tonight I came here for the very first time and it will be the very last time. we waited 25 minutes for a server to give us a menu. then another 20 for that server to return which never did only to get another server because I asked for help because I’ve been waiting for very long time for that server to take our order for food. My two friends didn’t want any appetizers anymore because of how long we were already waiting I still went ahead and ordered an appetizer for us fried calamari and shrimps. It took 49 minutes for that appetizer to finally show up still no food oh and I’m sorry the drinks did come with the appetizer. Honestly, I had already lost my appetite and I didn’t even want the appetizer anymore. I was hanging in there for the food. Praying that it was good so was my friends when we told the server about it he blamed the kitchen and said it wasn’t his fault. But when the appetizer came, I already it was cold. It didn’t seem like the server care to notice. because he came all the way from the kitchen all the way to the table with that cold appetizer I’m still a little bewildered on how he missed that so my friend asked for the manager told the manager about the issue and she was very helpful I guess because she did go and get another appetizer. This one didn’t take 49 minutes to get here but still noFood. she told us it’s on the way she spoke to the kitchen. Just wait shortly in about seven minutes. The food did arrive and just from one look I knew everything was cold. She said she saw it come out of the oven so she knew it’s hot. It was not it was cold. even the the preparation of our food was wrong based on what we told them we wanted, I asked for a medium cooked salmon, I got a well done salmon. The steak was requested to be done medium. It was well done. Everything was cold. The seafood pasta cold. Honestly, I got so upset just because of the in attentiveness that I received as a consumer there it seemed like the server and manager was just too busy to even check in and find out what was going on for the duration of time we sat there in the middle of the room And several times the manager walked right by me so did the server and other staff in that restaurant no one asked is everything OK? Is there anything I can get you? They did comp the meal on them so ultimately we didn’t pay for the food but we didn’t eat the food either 1hour 59 minutes of waiting,time wasted no food we all went home hungry. It was extremely embarrassing because we sat literally in the center at the entrance of the restaurant getting hit by cold air and having eyes on us throughout our time there NO Food. I’m sorry, but this place is a NO.

Ps. We did receive an apology from our server, but it was attached to a bullshit excuse about the kitchen and it just felt disingenuous, especially when there was other patrons that came into the place that he served and they received their meals while we sat there waiting. I did call him several times and it seemed like I was ignored as well, but that’s all I have...