Blackfly The Restaurant — Restaurant in Saint Augustine

Review of Black Fly – December 22, 2024

My family and I dined at Black Fly on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at approximately 7 PM. Having heard glowing recommendations about the restaurant, we were excited to experience it firsthand. Unfortunately, our experience fell short of expectations, leaving us quite disappointed.

Ambiance: Upon arrival, we were escorted to a back room that felt more like a “party rental space” than part of a high-end dining establishment. The atmosphere lacked the charm and refinement we anticipated, especially considering the elevated price point of the menu.

Appetizer: We began our meal with the Conch Fritters, which were underwhelming. They were primarily fried cornmeal balls with barely a trace of conch—certainly not what one would expect from a signature appetizer.

Main Courses: Pork Chops – This was the highlight of the meal. The portion size was reasonable, the chops were cooked to order, and the seasoning was well-balanced. While it wasn’t extraordinary, it earned a respectable * 3 stars. Fried Shrimp – Unfortunately, this dish missed the mark. The shrimp were over-fried, overly salted, and served in a disappointingly small portion (only seven small shrimp). This dish rates - * 1 star. Catch of the Day with Cream Sauce – This was the most problematic dish. I specifically requested that the fish not be blackened and emphasized a preference for minimal spice. I was assured the cream sauce was mild and free of spice. However, the first serving tasted distinctly blackened beneath the sauce and had to be sent back.

The replacement dish was also disappointing. The cream sauce was excessively salty and peppery, to the point where it had to be removed entirely from the fish. While the fish itself was high-quality, it was ultimately overpowered and mishandled in preparation. This dish also rates * 1 star.

Service: Our server was the highlight of the evening. He was attentive, professional, and genuinely apologetic about our dissatisfaction. His excellent service deserves commendation and provided a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster dining experience.

Final Thoughts: In a city celebrated for its culinary scene, Black Fly has some catching up to do. With premium pricing, guests expect not only quality food but also an exceptional dining experience. Unfortunately, the lackluster ambiance and inconsistent food preparation overshadowed the service and left us feeling that there are far better options for a memorable meal in St. Augustine.

I hope the restaurant takes this feedback as an opportunity to refine its offerings and live up to the expectations set by...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Blackfly The Restaurant in St. Augustine, FL. As someone who enjoys vegetarian meals from time to time, I was thrilled to discover the variety of delicious options available.

Appetizers

We started with the BlackFly Bread Service & Spreads, featuring grilled ciabatta served with an herb pesto spread and sun-dried tomato butter. The bread was perfectly grilled, providing a delightful crunch that complemented the flavorful spreads. The herb pesto was fresh and vibrant, while the sun-dried tomato butter added a rich, savoury touch.

Entrée

For my entrée, I chose the Zucchini Giardino, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to vegetarian cuisine. The house-shredded zucchini linguini was perfectly cooked, maintaining a pleasant texture without being mushy. It was tossed with a medley of mushrooms, sweet drop peppers, grape tomatoes, garlic, and onion, all enveloped in a decadent Reyka vodka cream sauce and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. The flavours were well-balanced, and the dish was satisfying without being overly heavy.

Dessert

The meal concluded with a classic crème brûlée. While the vanilla flavour was exquisite, I was disappointed with its temperature. Traditionally, crème brûlée is served slightly chilled, with a warm top from the caramelizing process and a cooler center. However, I prefer it served warm in the center, or even freshly torched and only somewhat chilled. Unfortunately, what I received was cold throughout, as if it had been sitting out for a bit, which detracted from the overall experience.

Ambiance

The ambiance at Blackfly The Restaurant was inviting and charming. The decor exuded a casual elegance, with a coastal flair that reflects St. Augustine's historic and seaside charm. The dining area felt cozy yet spacious, providing an intimate setting for a relaxed meal.

Service

Sadly, the service did not match the quality of the food and ambiance. Our server repeatedly informed us that our food would be out soon, setting high expectations that were not met. The delays were noticeable, and it was clear there is room for improvement in this area. Efficient and attentive service is crucial to a seamless dining experience, and unfortunately, this aspect fell short during our visit.

While Blackfly The Restaurant offers an impressive array of vegetarian & non-vegetarian dishes and a lovely atmosphere, the service needs enhancement to ensure a fully satisfying...

During our recent visit to St. Augustine, for the Festival of Lights, we dined at your establishment per the recommendation of our Airbnb host.

To provide frank feedback, our server, Cosette B, provided exceptional service and deserves a five-star rating.

Unfortunately, the quality of the food did not meet expectations.

We have enjoyed superior meals at comparable restaurants such as Pinchers, Red Lobster, and Joe's Crab Shack. Furthermore, the pricing was on par with higher-end establishments like Shula's Steak House and The Capitol Grill.

Considering St. Augustine's status as a tourist destination, the food quality did not justify the cost.

During previous visits to Longhorn and Outback Steakhouse, complimentary bread and butter typically preceded the main course.

Therefore, I inquired with our server, Cosette, about bread service. She recommended the Blackfly Bread Service, priced at $8.00.

Regarding our entrees: my fried shrimp and fries, costing $26.00, were unfortunately subpar. The fries were cold and soggy, and the accompanying green beans were undercooked and hard.

My wife's Slammin Salmon, priced at $35.00, featured overcooked rice with some uncooked grains. However, the crab-stuffed salmon was a positive aspect of the dish.

My mother-in-law ordered the Beef Wellington appetizer, priced at $18.00; however, the value proposition was unsatisfactory. The dish consisted of three small pieces of steak within a breaded wrap, failing to justify the cost.

High prices do not guarantee superior quality; this instance served as a regrettable lesson.

The ambient noise level was high, necessitating the use of raised voices for effective communication.

Definitely will not return here if we ever come back to...