Vistamar Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in New York

Last night we went to Vistamar to celebrate my mother’s 50th birthday, hoping for a special experience. We chose this place because it closes at 12 am, and we arrived at 10 pm. Although the setting was nice, what we experienced was a disappointment.

We were seated quickly, but from the very beginning the waitress lacked warmth. She introduced herself but didn’t greet us with courtesy or friendliness. She immediately wanted to take our drink order without giving us time to look at the cocktail menu. When we asked for recommendations, she simply recited sections of the menu without offering any real suggestions or showing any enthusiasm about what the restaurant had to offer. We asked for a few more minutes to decide, but she returned more than three times in less than 10 minutes to keep insisting.

When it was time to order food, her attitude remained just as impersonal. She took the order without a single gesture of hospitality. She only asked if we wanted appetizers after writing down our main courses, which doesn’t reflect attentive or organized service. We ordered a bottle of wine, and when she brought it to the table, she didn’t know how to open it. Throughout the entire dinner, she never came back to check on us. The only one who did was the busboy — who was kind, but it wasn’t really his responsibility.

The service overall felt more like a fast-food restaurant than a fine dining experience with high prices and a supposedly special atmosphere, which is what Vistamar seems to promise.

The experience worsened when, at 11 pm — still a full hour before closing — the waitress approached us to ask if we wanted dessert, while we were still halfway through our entrees. It was an awkward interruption that made us feel rushed, as if we were being encouraged to leave before finishing dinner.

When the plates were cleared, she asked again about dessert without offering a menu or any options. Despite us having told her earlier that we were celebrating a birthday (and it being obvious from the birthday balloons on our table), there was no special gesture of any kind.

The restaurant seems to have a tradition of bringing out a birthday sign and a sparkler candle, similar to those used in bottle service. They did this with another group — singing and celebrating with energy. However, when they brought my mother’s dessert, the waitress and a male staff member remained silent. Only when we looked directly at them did they give a quick “happy birthday” and then left with the candle and sign. It was cold, awkward, and completely lacking the celebratory spirit one would expect.

To make things worse, the dessert was extremely small for the price — $21! That uncomfortable moment didn’t justify the size or the cost.

One member of our group ordered the seafood linguini, which was especially disappointing: watery, bland, and lacking flavor. Because of the uncomfortable atmosphere, we chose not to say anything at the time.

When the bill came, the waitress didn’t hand us the check; she just told us the total — $388.24 — and waited for us to hand over a card. We had to ask her for the receipt to review the charges, and only then did she provide it. We noticed that an 18% tip had already been added automatically, even though we were only a party of four.

Finally, while we were still at the table, the cleaning staff began to clear plates, glasses, and even my mother’s wine glass — which still had wine in it — completely ruining the experience. This all happened well before the official closing time.

Sadly, we left the restaurant feeling rushed, uncomfortable, and unappreciated. The worst part is that my mother didn’t get to enjoy her birthday dinner the way she deserved. For the price, the atmosphere, and the reputation this restaurant has, we expected much more. I would not return, nor would I...

usually we have a great time here. this is our fourth (and last time) we’ve been here. service was okay, our server did take a while to come back around but she was very busy so we understand that. what we don’t understand, is why ordering the mixed platter for appetizers took over an hour to arrive at our table, only for it to be missing the croquettes. our server explained that there were no more croquettes when we asked her and she offered us more empanadas since there were no more croquettes. our reservation was at 3:45 and by this point, it was almost 5:30. we ordered our mains, 2 twin lobster tails, 1 surf and turf, and 1 city island. when the food arrived, the lobster was EXTREMELY overcooked, dry, and rubbery, to the point where it was barely edible, the “sautéed vegetables” were 3 pieces of broccoli, and the mashed potatoes… i’m not trying to say anything, but it tastes (key word: tastes, not saying that it is) exactly like boxed mashed potatoes. we let our server know right after the first bite, sent it back, and she brought over the manager. when i told him about the lobster tails and how i still wanted the same dish, just properly cooked this time, he said “that’s how our lobsters leave the kitchen all day so if you didn’t like it, order something else” … excuse me?? so when i say what the problem is, i get told to just order something else instead of the problem being fixed with simple communication between FOH and BOH? i also mentioned the croquettes and he said that’s exactly why he sent the empanadas, since it was missing something. except he only sent that when we brought it to our server’s attention, otherwise no one would’ve said anything nor sent us anything because it didn’t come with the first plate. i’ve worked in upscale dining for years now, i know exactly how service and communication work. and that response from the manager was completely unacceptable. at this point, it was 6:20ish and the interaction killed my appetite. we asked for the check around 6:50 since the server didn’t have time to come back around to get the other person’s make up order, and we didn’t receive the check (with the lobster plates deducted) until 7:30 PM. this visit was so disappointing, i truly can’t even believe it. $66 for overcooked tough lobster, 3 pieces of broccoli, and mashed potatoes that taste boxed is absolutely ridiculous, along with the manager’s attitude of “too bad just deal with it”. our server was very kind and tried to make our experience better to her best ability, even though she was busy with way more tables. however, our experience was absolutely horrible (all the blame to the kitchen and especially the manager and his attitude), especially compared to the other times we’ve been here, and will not be returning after everything. sitting from 3:45-7:30 for all of that was mindblowing, i feel like we paid for the view more than the food...

I recently had the distinct pleasure of dining at Vista Mar in City Island, an experience that transcended the ordinary and ventured into the realm of the sublime. The evening was a testament to the harmonious blend of culinary excellence, impeccable service, and an enchanting ambiance.

From the moment I entered Vista Mar, I was captivated by its elegant yet inviting atmosphere. The decor seamlessly marries contemporary sophistication with a subtle nod to maritime charm, creating an environment that is both refined and relaxing. The panoramic views of the waterfront, framed by expansive windows, provide a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall dining experience.

The true highlight of the evening, however, was the exceptional service provided by Gabriella. Her professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail elevated the entire experience. Gabriella's deep knowledge of the menu and her genuine enthusiasm for the culinary creations were evident in every recommendation she made. She guided us through the evening with a grace and poise that is rare, ensuring that every need was met with a smile and an effortless charm.

The culinary journey at Vista Mar was nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was a masterpiece, crafted with the finest ingredients and a meticulous attention to detail. The flavors were a symphony, each note perfectly balanced to create a harmonious whole. From the delicate starters to the sumptuous main courses and the exquisite desserts, every bite was a revelation.

In particular, the seafood offerings were a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and freshness. The dishes showcased a profound respect for the natural flavors of the ocean, enhanced by creative and innovative preparations. It was evident that the chefs at Vista Mar are not merely cooks, but artists dedicated to their craft.

In conclusion, Vista Mar is a gem in City Island, a place where culinary artistry and impeccable service converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. Gabriella's exceptional service was the perfect complement to the extraordinary cuisine, making the evening truly special. I wholeheartedly recommend Vista Mar to anyone seeking an exquisite and memorable dining experience.

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