I must say, my recent dining experience at El Océano En Tu Mesa far exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the warm and friendly ambiance. The staff were welcoming and attentive, and the decor was inviting. The atmosphere was perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic date.
But the true highlight of the evening was the food. The menu offered a variety of unique and innovative dishes that truly showcased the chef's skill and creativity. The dishes were not only delicious but also beautifully plated, making each one a feast for the senses. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared and presented with an eye for detail, and the flavors were nothing short of exceptional.
Overall, I left the restaurant feeling thoroughly satisfied and impressed. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for a memorable and out of the ordinary dining experience.
Now, let's talk about the dishes.
1- Cod Croquettes - This dish is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Chef. The croquettes are perfectly fried to a golden crisp, and the filling is creamy and bursting with the delicate flavor of fresh cod. The aioli sauce adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the croquettes, making for a well-balanced and delightful dish. I enjoyed this dish a lot!
2- Beets Hummus - The Chef has taken a classic dish and elevated it to new heights. The earthy sweetness of the beets added a lovely depth of flavor to the creamy chickpea base. The texture was smooth and velvety, and the dish was beautifully presented with pickled "ají" and radishes. The Humus was perfectly paired with Root Vegetable Chips...simply delicious.
3- Shrimp "Arepa" - These little "traditional flatbreads" were stuffed with plump, juicy shrimp that had been seasoned with a blend of spices. The arepas themselves were slightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside and the dish was served with an amazing aioli (I ordered the aioli on the side; big mistake) This dish is a great choice for seafood lovers, for sure.
4- Skirt Steak Tacos - A carnivore's dream come true! The skirt steak is grilled to perfection, with a charred and smoky flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. And when combined with the fresh Arugula, "Queso del Pais", Truffle Oil and Raisin Chimichurri each bite becomes a true flavor explosion. Add a squeeze of lime juice and you've got yourself a dish that's truly unforgettable.
5- Grilled Octopus with Spicy Romesco and Roasted Potatoes - This dish is the crown jewel of the menu. The grilled octopus is tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor. And when paired with the spicy and flavorful romesco sauce, it's a match made in culinary heaven. The roasted potatoes add a crispy and satisfying contrast to the soft texture of the octopus, making each bite a culinary masterpiece. If you only try one dish, make it this one as you won't be disappointed This dish is beautifully presented, with each component arranged with care and attention to detail. :)
6- Piña Colada Panna Cotta - Last but not least...The Panna Cotta itself was perfectly executed - velvety smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The piña colada flavor was present without being overpowering, and the addition of the coconut sorbet was a stroke of genius. Adding sweet & salty almonds on top was a pleasant surprise that elevated the experience to the next level... This was a truly memorable dessert.
In conclusion, the dining experience as a whole was truly exceptional, with each dish showcasing the skills and creativity of Chef Jorge (the Chef even went to our table to describe de dishes). The attention to detail in both the preparation and presentation of the dishes was evident. The friendly and welcoming ambiance of the restaurant only added to the overall enjoyment of the meal. It's no wonder this restaurant has earned such a stellar reputation, and I can't wait...
Read moreDespite the location and the lack of AC on many of the reviews I read, the atmosphere in the place is unique, it let you experience what local cuisine and talented people can do out of a food truck, it’s plates are a luxurious experience with very particular flavors, the ceviches are aromatic and it confuses your palate with flavors you think you knew but re-define them, some filetes are combined with basic ingredients but distinctive in its combination, they bring local plates to a higher level not only for the way the present them but for the amazing taste and the expierece of the place, I don’t care for AC, I don’t care if next to “what street?”, the staff is amazing, Alejandro explained the whole menu and gave suggestions and we chose, amazing food, amazing flavors, if Anthony Bourdain was alive he would make this a famous place, we stayed in the Hyatt and this restaurant is very close to it, 15 minutes, more affordable than the resort's restaurants.
We got the ceviche coco lemon and it was delicious. The pulpo was delicately well cooked, soft and delicious, never tasted an octopus like this “butter in the mouth”, not overcooked or elastic like many other places. The catch of the day my son had was delicious, The pesce di Giorno was outstanding, The steak tacos were absolutely tasty and well served, The Panna Cotta was something out of this world, the combination on this dessert was amazing and very good, ask for it, you won’t regret it, the drinks we had were also yummm. Thank you for this amazing experience of the Puerto Rico food, I’m definitely coming back not only for it amazing people but for the tasty and amazing food I tried, this restaurant is...
Read moreWORST SHOCKING EXPERIENCE DON’T GO HERE,,,,
First of all the food is mediocre at best. The portions are very small for the prices. At first the menu seems creative, but the special is always the same fish with malanga. The wontons with tuna which is supposed to be enough to share, has the tiniest portion of tuna on it. The fish tacos have too much cabbage and the octopus was rubbery.
This was also the worst experience we have ever had in any restaurant in our life. The chef /owner is arrogant and has an anger management problem. He came out of his food truck and began to scold us on how he doesn’t make substitutions. Ok no problem, just say so or put it on the menu! He proceeded to berate my husband out loud in the middle of the restaurant, saying every time he comes he treats his waitress (wife) badly. It was not our first time there and this time we were with our family of 6. Wow! We were all shocked at his accusations including the other customers. Apparently she claimed she didn’t like the tone of his voice. This is not how you treat customers or conduct business. My husband has never once treated her with disrespect and was always polite. We are local senior citizens and we have always supported businesses in the area. To say don’t go here is an understatement unless you want to be insulted by...
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