Harold's — Restaurant in San Carlos Park

We had dinner last night (7/22) at Harolds. We haven’t been there since the restaurant was renovated. We made a reservation a week earlier. We arrived promptly for our reservation and were seated immediately. The restaurant was busy but there were several seats at the bar available - they filled up within about 45 minutes. The bar cannot be reserved but it is open for walk ins. We were seated in what is essentially the “new” side. It’s basically the bar area. We weren’t thrilled with the table but because we hadn’t been there in some time we thought we would give it a chance. The table was in the back corner, by a door to the outside. Twice it was opened, from the outside, by what we assume was someone looking for the front door. It was a little annoying. On the other side of our table was a high top - often what you see in bar areas. The bartender came from around the bar to take our drink order almost immediately and brought our drinks quickly. We were even less thrilled with the table (we assumed the bartender would be waiting on us) but we had settled in and decided not to say anything. A server came over to take our food order and answer any questions. The menu had so many delicious sounding items on it and we have always loved the food in the past so it was difficult to choose. We started with the Octopus and the Potstickers. Both were outstanding - especially the Octopus. For entrees I had the Scallops and my husband had the Veal. My scallops were beautifully cooked and the aioli complimented the dish perfectly. The veal was a beautiful chop and was perfectly cooked to order. It was delicious! The dessert was also really good. We don’t usually order desserts but I am glad we did. Overall it was a really nice dinner. I forgot how quickly they serve the food, so we were out of there in just over a hour - with 3 courses and a cocktail to start. Keep that in mind if you are looking for a leisurely dinner. The only real downside was the table location. I wish we had been told our table was in a corner of the bar area. They really shouldn’t sit a reservation in the bar area, and especially at that table. I could see using that area for larger parties (and there was a large party in our section) or even parties of 4, or a last minute walk in/reservation. A restaurant of this caliber shouldn’t be sitting couples in the bar area - especially on a Sat eve. I didn’t expect a quiet romantic evening but I wasn’t expecting to be seated in the bar area when I made reservations a week earlier. We should have been told our reservation was in the bar area but I am guessing by the size of the restaurant they do not preassign tables. I wished we would’ve asked for a different table but now we know for next time - and there will be...

We had dinner last night at Harold’s for the second time. The owner asked us to come back and give his place another try. So glad we did. Everything was amazing. Food and service. We had everything including drinks wine appetizers soup entrees and dessert. It was all spectacular. The service was out of this world. Thank you for such a great experience. Can’t wait to come back.

We had dinner there last night. After reading reviews and hearing many talk about Harold’s we were very excited to try. I am not sure what we are missing. After reading rave reviews our experience was mediocre at best. As soon as we arrived we were seated immediately. Which was fantastic since the place was packed and there was no standing room or seats at the bar. We sat at table a bit too long before we were approached with a server. My dirty martini was just ok. Could have been a lot colder. The appetizer we got was amazing. A tenderloin of beef with wonderful flavor. The last end bite was very raw and too chewy but I was looking forward to the rest of the meal after those flavors. Soup needed salt and/or pepper which we had to ask for. My arugula salad was good. I had the halibut my husband the tuna. Both were underwhelming and lacked any flavor. Halibut with what was I believe a potato purée was just too much mush. I ate it all it was not terrible but not anything I would want again. My husband thought the tuna looked amazing and then said it was just okay. The 2 pieces of bread came I. An impressive display but again 2 room temp not great bread. We both had dessert. Key lime pie and crème brûlée. Same as the rest of dinner. In my opinion it just lacked flavor. The staff was kind but I felt like the serving of food was very abrupt All service lacked much time or personal attention. The restaurant was clean and filled with customers. I wish it had been a better experience. We love good food fancy or home cooking. We are happy to pay for a good Mel no matter the cost. As long as it is good and fresh. I have had worse meals for sure and I had very high hopes. But for a $00 meal I was disappointed. The chef did come out to check on us. I was in the restroom. But I don’t know that I would have said all this. I needed to absorb it and think about it. I definitely think it is worth trying. And there is a chance we will try again but I would have to be convinced. I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO GIVE YOU ANOTHER SHOT MAYBE WHEN THE MENU...

I won’t lie, I didn’t have the highest expectations when our Uber pulled into this unassuming little shopping center.

We were immediately greeted with a smiles. Staff was friendly. The atmosphere was relaxed, well lit and clean.

Everything was delicious and perfectly portioned.

Appetizer - lobster bisque; smooth and light, not too heavy on the salt or cream. The lobster pieces were nicely sized and not over cooked.

While we were waiting on our entrees the chef brought us out two small plates- they’re adding a few things to the menu and let us try them. Let me pretense but saying that I’m not a fan of the texture of raw fish, and had opted against ordering the salmon tartare. Sure enough, that was one of the plates. It was perfect tho- the salmon had a fresh and clean taste. The capers, which I also abhor, gave it a nice little salty crunch- they complimented each other perfectly. It was plated beautifully with a nice vibrant little green sauce.

Our entrees were the scallops (with linguini, snow peas, and a saffron sauce), and the yellowtail. I kid you not, I almost cried at the first bite. The scallops were cooked PERFECTLY. I was a little worried by the saffron as it tends to be a bold flavor, but it was smooth and light. The peas were a nice little added crunch. The yellowtail was seasoned, but light enough that it enhanced the flavor of the fish without overpowering.

Dessert - key lime pie. Smooth, creamy, a little rich towards the end though.

One of my favorite things about our night was watching the staff. Not only were they friendly towards customers, but with each other. It’s a rare thing to find in the service industry unfortunately. We listened in on a conversation between the Chef and some other patrons and you could easily tell how much he loves his job and the food that he makes. I’ve never seen someone happier or proud with what they do.

A bit repetitive, but again;

PERFECT. Perfect....