Al Fresco — Restaurant in Palm Beach

We have been to Al Fresco on four different occasions and the food and the atmosphere have always kept us coming back. Our latest experience however, has us questioning whether we will ever be back. We recently visited for Mother's Day. My husband had called a few weeks in advance to make a reservation and was told that they do not take reservations and that it is a first-com first-serve basis. He also asked if they would be doing brunch for Mother's day to which they replied that they would be serving breakfast until 11:00AM. We arrived early, around 10:00AM, with a party of five. When we reached the hostess stand and asked for a table - she stated that she did not have anything available to accommodate us. So we asked how long the wait would be and she said that they wouldn't have anything available for "the rest of the day". I then followed up and asked how that would be possible if they did not take reservations and she said that they DO take reservations for "large parties" and that everything else was on a first come first serve basis. When I asked what constituted a large party she said 7-8 people. At this point, I think she could sense how upset we were and offered to give us a table that she had reserved for a "large party" as long as we "cleared out by noon". We hesitantly agreed and were seated on the patio (where there were plenty of empty tables). Someone brought us water right away and let us know that our server would be right with us. We proceeded to wait an additional 15 minutes before finally flagging down another server and asking if we could order drinks. That server responded that they would find our server for us. Our server - Janet - came over another five minutes later and was visibly flustered and very short with us. I asked if they were able to make any kind of a virgin drink like a daquiri or pina colada for my daughter (as I wanted to do something special for mother's day) and before I was able to even finish the question Janet cut me off and shouted "NO", while rolling her eyes and tapping her foot. When I followed up by asking what kids drinks they had she proceeded to tell me that they did not have any kids drinks. We then asked if we could see a breakfast menu - to which she replied that they were no longer serving breakfast - at 10:30 - even though we had been told on the phone that it was offered until 11:00. And - had she greeted us promptly, we would have been able to order breakfast prior to 10:30. So, we begrudgingly ordered a few lunch items before she snatched the menus from us and stormed off. We did not see her again until it was time to pay the bill. She never once stopped by to ask how everything was or see if anyone needed refills. Meanwhile we saw all of the tables around us ordering and receiving breakfast items. Given that this was a special occasion at what was normally a wonderful restaurant, we are extremely disappointed. And while the food was as delicious as ever and the atmosphere right on the ocean is hard to beat, there is absolutely no excuse for such terrible service - especially on...

Made reservations weeks in advance and requested outdoor table facing the ocean as we were celebrating two birthdays. Told that would be guaranteed. Day before they called to confirm and I asked about guaranteed table and they confirmed.

Upon arrival, the hostess was talking to another employee and did not stop to greet us. We waited without saying anything. She turned her back to us, walked away and mumbled "just a minute".

When she returned, she had a horrible attitude and was the opposite of welcoming. We were seated on the side of the building instead of oceanfront. I asked the hostess if we could have a different table and she said they were taken. I asked for a manager and she snidely told me no one was available. I asked for an assistant manager and she was rude and said nope, you have to talk to me. Another employee asked what we needed and I explained the situation. She said whomever I spoke to (twice!) was wrong and they don't guarantee seating location. She said tables were first come first serve. I said if that was the case, why couldn't I have one of the tables for 3 that were available facing the ocean. Her answer: they are reserved. WHAT THE HECK!

Yes, these are first world problems. We drove from 90 minutes away for this dinner and were hoping for a nice evening. Unfortunately, we were treated rudely from the moment we entered. It left such a bad taste that we left.

The management should think twice about who they want representing them at the front of house. We will not...

This was a tremendous disappointment. We've eaten a few times at other restaurants owned by this group. Our favorite is Acqua Cafe, where the food, service and setting are superb. Quite a few people have suggested that we go to Al Fresco, but during the season it always seems so crowded. We tried to reserve for Friday evening, but they were booked for a party. So we tried for Saturday evening, and they said that if we wanted to sit outside, with a view, we'd have to come at 4:15. Now we were curious- so we decided to skip lunch and eat at 4:15. Upon our arrival, they took us to a table overlooking the place where the golf carts park. I asked for a better table, but they said no. We sat down, and waited 25 minutes- no one approached. I swear, we don't have leprosy, or Covid. We were nicely dressed, and within my site, there was only 1 other table occupied. Finally we got someone's attention. There seemed to be a problem deciding who should wait on our table. Meanwhile, I checked out the front porch- there were people eating, but there were a few choice tables that were empty, and they remained empty. They were still empty when we left. In fairness, my husband enjoyed his food (Osso Buco) but I had the lobster salad and for the first time in my life, I did not enjoy the lobster. Whatever they put on it (herbs?) ruined it. At any rate, I really felt insulted. I won't be returning. Don't count on a great experience because you may be...