Boca — Restaurant in Sarasota

Every time I come here, the service is absolutely terrible. I always end up being there for 2-3 hours because the servers are slow and always mess up my food order. It seems like you guys pull random people off the street and give them an apron with no training. The servers can never answer basic questions about the menu. Today I can to eat lunch with friends. We told the host it would be five people for the patio. She was about to walk away without even asking us our name. Multiple tables left the patio while we were waiting, nobody came to bus the tables. After waiting 30 minutes, we finally asked the host how much longer. She said there were no open tables. We notified her that there were actually three tables available that needed to be cleaned. We told the host we would be okay sitting at a 4 top even though there was five of us. We told the host multiple times there was five of us and yet she put down four menus and walked away. I thought she went to get us an extra chair, but no she went back inside. I was able to find my own chair. The server comes by and asked if we wanted a round of water for the table. We said yes. I also ordered a mojito, everyone else at the table needed more time to decide on a drink. Server comes back with our waters. She asked me what cocktail I had ordered, I guess she forgot to write it down. The server appeared to be writing down our drink order, but came back to the table multiple times to clarify our drink order. The pineapple coconut mojito was absolutely terrible. Throwing mint in a drink does not make it a mojito. Mojitos are supposed to be light and refreshing. My mojito was so sour, there is no possible way that my drink was made right.everyone else at the table who ordered a mojito, also hated their drink. Someone at my table ordered a mculta. The server brought him a hazy ipa. We told her that the beer was not right. Instead of saying she messed up, she said you were out of mcultas and she brought out a “comparable” beer. In what planet is a light lager and hazy ipa comparable. We all ordered half a flatbread and salad. The server appeared to be writing it down, but kept repeating back the wrong order. She came to table several times to clarify our food order. The wrong flatbreads came to the table. As a former server, I know that you are supposed to order everything under each seat number so that it’s easy to separate the checks at the end. Server messed up our checks. I also went to the restaurant on Valentine’s Day. The special was a bolognese. The server described the special as chicken on top of pasta with red sauce. Luckily I knew not to listen to the server. How is it possible that your servers are so clueless?? I probably won’t be back, which is a shame because the...

To start off with, we had a party of 12, made a reservation one week+ in advance for 9:15 PM on a Friday night. This was to celebrate a high school graduation.

We called on our way to the reservation and were told that we weren't going to be able to sit early. No big deal. 9:15 rolls around and it becomes very apparent that they have sat a large party at our table with no time constraints.

It took 10 minutes past 9:15 for them to decide they were going to ask the table to leave since they had been sitting there for hours.

It was disappointing to say the least. If you have a large party and you agree to seat them, please take proper protocols to ensure table turn over accordingly.

No one expects you to hold an empty table until a late large party reservation; however, it should be made clear that there are time limits during peak hours. Plenty of places do this and it is effective.

The manager avoided eye contact, didn't apologize, comp any of our drinks or meals, didn't ask us how our food was, etc. I would understand this behavior from general wait staff, but not from someone running a restaurant.

They didn't bring us to the table to sit they just gestured for us to sit ourselves. We waited an additional 10 minutes for water or any drink order and about 5 or so more for them to take our food order.

The waitress was kind and unproblematic. We also are very empathetic and understand that the food industry or any service industry is tough to work in, especially post covid, but you can't charge $15 for cocktails and on average close to $30 an entree and treat your guests poorly. People will simply get the picture or not come back. Loyalty is everything these days, or "tourism" since we're in FL.

The food came out late, over an hour from sitting and granted we were a table of 12. They forgot a flatbread and served rare steak when requested medium. This is not the waitstaff's issue but a kitchen issue.

Luckily the food quality and food was decent. After asking around, everyone was surprisingly pleased with their food. I would give it a 4/5 and the service a 1/5 if I could do them separately.

Unless management changes a beat, I will not be recommending this place to others or be coming back.

We are Sarasota natives and would love to support local, but we will take our business elsewhere next time.

Do not go here for a celebration or gathering, as you will be treated as if your dollars are guaranteed and do not matter.

Also not sure if this is a party joint a wannabe club or what. Very loud and they purposely turned the music up towards the end of our dinner, we're assuming trying to signal the 6 tables left to leave? Just not...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Boca Restaurant in Sarasota is an absolute culinary gem that deserves every bit of its five-star rating. From the moment you step through the door, you're transported into a world of exquisite flavors, impeccable service, and a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.

Let's start with the food. Boca's menu is a delightful fusion of creativity and culinary mastery, featuring dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Every bite is a symphony of flavors, meticulously crafted to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. From the perfectly seared scallops to the mouthwatering short ribs, each dish is a testament to the chef's dedication to excellence.

But what truly sets Boca apart is its commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, many of which are locally sourced from Sarasota's own bountiful farms and fisheries. This dedication to quality shines through in every dish, resulting in a dining experience that is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.

Of course, no review of Boca would be complete without mentioning the impeccable service. From the moment you are greeted at the door to the final farewell, the staff at Boca goes above and beyond to ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection. They are knowledgeable, attentive, and always ready with a friendly smile, making you feel like a valued guest from start to finish.

And let's not forget about the ambiance. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and stylish decor, Boca sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out with friends, Boca provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

In summary, Boca Restaurant is a true culinary masterpiece that elevates dining in Sarasota to new heights. With its exceptional food, impeccable service, and inviting ambiance, it's no wonder why Boca has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. If you're looking for a dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary, look no further than...