Cafe Tango — Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach

I am writing this review(and the first I have ever written about any establishment)about the arrogance and apparent disregard of Cafe Tango for loyal customers and my disappointment as a result. Please understand this review is not about the quality of the food- it is phenomenal. We have been multiple times over the last 12-15 years and have never had a bad meal. Last night was no exception. It was just absolutely delicious(with the associate chef cooking even- the main chef had the night off). The service was impeccable and we enjoyed it so much that we made a reservation before leaving for tonight because we wanted to share this culinary experience with our college aged daughter who was driving down to meet us. I couldn’t understand why my business partner of 20 years that lives at Bella Vida just up the road from Cafe Tango stopped going, something about no regard for customers and rushing you thru when you are there so they can seat the next reservation. This ‘do it the way we say or go somewhere else’ is why he stopped going. He eats out nightly and makes an evening of it at various establishments that all know him as ‘Doc’. They all love him and the business he brings in because of his outspoken nature of the really good food establishments available to eat along 30A- he has lived here for close to 30 years. Well, I understand know what he meant. After making the reservation... with the staff AT THE RESTAURANT LAST NIGHT.... I got a call from Cafe Tango saying he didn’t have any idea where we got this reservation cause they didn’t even seat people at the time we were given. I explained that we were actually there eating last night and his staff made the reservation and he said, “ well this is the head chef and we can’t accommodate that reservation. He offered an earlier time which didn’t work due to our daughter coming down and his answer was- ‘sorry’. And cancelled our reservation. Sorry for the long note but just so so disappointed with Cafe Tango and despite a very long romance with the wonderful food they have, we will probably...

Update from 2nd visit: The service can make the difference. We were at the 2nd seating of the night at 8 pm this time. Our server last night wasn't interested in my food allergies. In fact, he seemed annoyed at them (and I only told him 1 of my 4 because I had eaten here before and knew what I could safely eat). He would have served me an item I know I couldn't have and scoffed at me that the item couldn't possibly have my allergy in it. So be careful. The food was still amazing, however!! Our party had the steak and Dancing Fish entrees, The Wedge salad, and Crab & Corn bisque (which was loaded with crab meat). Still highly recommend, with caution if you have food allergies.

Highly recommended!! The staff was fantastic and the food was so good!!! It's a very small place with only 2 seatings for dinner, so make sure to get a reservation. Parking is minimal but is on property and free. I had the Dancing Fish special with mashed potatoes and veggies. My friend had the lobster ravioli. I ate the veggies first and was shocked at how flavorful they were. Everything else was just as fantastic! They were able to work with my unusual food allergies, which always makes me happy. They only serve wine and have a few beers on-hand. No liquor...

So, my family and I have been vacationing in Santa Rosa Beach for 15 + years. Almost always, we stay in Old Florida Village. I've driven by Cafe Tango a multitude of times but for some reason, never eaten there.

Until last night.

After a late afternoon at the beach, I called Cafe Tango and was able to make a reservation for 7:30 p.m., probably because the real crowds arrive for spring break next week. When we arrived, all of the tables in the small restaurant were filled with diners, all of whom appeared to be enjoying their meals.

What followed for my family and me - including my sons, 15 and 12, was one of the best meals we have ever had in or around 30A (and we've eaten at a lot of restaurants). Impeccable, friendly service, absolutely delicious food, and excellent wine.

The dishes - Dancing Fish, Basque Fish, and Lobster Ravioli were, literally, to die for, and I mean that. The Baked Brie appetizer was worth the trip alone. My 12 year old raved about it!

Honestly, just a fantastic dining experience at a local restaurant that is independently owned and has been in business for 25 years. I promise you we will return again and again in years to come when we drive down...