Cafe Chardonnay — Restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens

I visited tonight and wanted to share my experience, which left me feeling a bit disappointed. While the food and ambiance were decent, the restaurant's inconsistent pet policy and less than effective management made me question their level of fairness and consistency in enforcing their rules.

As a dog lover, I appreciate establishments that are pet-friendly, so I was thrilled to learn that cafe Chardonnay allowed dogs. However, my enthusiasm quickly dwindled when I was approached by a staff member and asked to remove my dog from my lap, while the table next to mine had their furry friend comfortably seated on their lap. This blatant inconsistency was quite perplexing and left me feeling singled out.

Now, I understand that different rules may apply depending on the circumstances, such as the size or behavior of the dogs involved. However, the lack of clear communication or explanation regarding their pet policy and the selective enforcement of the rules left a sour taste in my mouth.

It's essential for a restaurant to have consistent policies, particularly when it comes to pet-friendliness, as this directly affects the dining experience of both patrons with and without pets. The inconsistency I experienced not only made me feel targeted but also made me question the establishment's commitment to providing a fair and enjoyable dining environment for all.

In addition, the aforementioned table with the dog at the table did nothing to control their dogs incessant yapping. Neither did the management, however, they were quick to ask us to if we’d like to move tables because the other tables dog was not being controlled.

Despite this issue, I must acknowledge that the food itself was reasonably good. The flavors were satisfying, and the presentation was appealing. Our server, Eric, was professional and attentive. The ambiance was also pleasant, with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. However, these positive aspects were overshadowed by the frustration caused by the inconsistent and, seemingly, targeted pet policy.

In conclusion, my experience at Cafe Chardonnay was marred by the inconsistent enforcement of their pet policy. While the food and ambiance were decent, the lack of clarity and fairness in implementing their rules left me feeling disappointed. If the restaurant aims to maintain a pet-friendly and professional image, it should ensure that its policies are consistently applied to...

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9/8/2019 In my book, customer service is # 1, people get over high prices and a less than a perfect meal once in a while, but poor customer service in a nice restaurant is unacceptable. Unfortunately Cafe Chardonnay failed miserably in this area this past Friday night. We had a party of 12 to celebrate a special birthday dinner, the guest of honer is a huge wine collector and obviously enjoys good wines. Almost everyone that attended the dinner brought a special bottle of wine, when we sat down we were told that they only allow 2 bottles of wine per table to be brought in (I've never heard this before, its not like they're not charging a corkage). I excused myself from the table and went downstairs and ask to speak to the manager, I told him that I kind of understood a 2 bottle limit for a table of 2 but didn't agree with it for a table of 12, his answer was very clear "2 bottles is 2 bottles is 2 bottles", I went on and told him that 8 of the 12 guest were regulars and have been enjoying Cafe Chardonnay for many years, he said to me a second time "2 bottles is 2 bottles is 2 bottles", I went farther and reminded him that summer in Florida in the restaurant business is a very difficult environment & that we all have been here and enjoyed the experience multiple times over this summer and summers past, he once again gave me his line this time with "I'm sorry" "2 bottles is 2 bottles is 2 bottles". I couldn't have been more disgusted with his lack of care and professionalism or lack of interest in some kind of a comprise. This was my 1st experience at Cafe Chardonnay with any kind of conflict what soever and I must say, it was very disappointing to hit a wall like we hit. Please understand, the food at Cafe Chardonnay has been and continues to be exceptional, generally the service is as well (unfortunately our server that night was not the best). Fortunately there will continue to be celebrations and fortunately there are many great restaurants in the area that will appreciate our group in both summer and season. So if you go, just know: TWO BOTTLES IS TWO BOTTLES...

What a wonderful Three course meal we had tonight with friends. We decided to try the Palm Beach dine special. Our server brought us some delicious bread and a babbaganush spread. We started with the lamb ravioli and my wife with the lobster bisque. Filled with flavor! Then on to the main course where I had the pork chop with a sweet potato hash (built like a lasagna). oh, so good! My wife had the Branzino skin on (no head for those that do not like) very tasty and light. and finished off with a flourless chocolate ganache cake, and I had the raspberry taramisu. We had it all and enjoyed it with a few friends. A must if in PGA!

I followed up today with a visit here for Father's Day and an update. Father’s Day for myself and my father in law with our wives, we came to my wife’s favorite PGA restaurant for dinner. We started with the ladies having Martinis. And the gents had Mushroom strudel and cauliflower roasted with a light sauce.

I started with a French Onion Soup, and the inlaws shared a Ceasar salad. Both were very good. I felt the Mushroom Strudel was a little small but extremely flavorful.

For our dinners, we had an assortment of items, I went with the Yellowtail for the second night.

One Halibut one ciopinno and my wife had the rack of lamb. Daniel, our waiter, was very professional and was very knowledgeable of the menu and made some suggestions. I can’t believe I forgot to take photos of the apps. But I did get photos of our main dishes  My Snapper was cooked perfectly and because it is with a fruit salsa it was on the sweet  side. So be sure you like sweet in your food. I thought it was delicious. The ciopinno was great with a light red sauce. And the lamb was cooked to perfection. Halibut  was fresh and tasty as I tried each dish tonight.

One thing I would note is if you have seniors with you make sure to note in your reservation to keep you in the first floor as we were put on the loft up the stairs which was fine for us but harder to get the in-laws up and...