Fontenot’s Seafood & Grill — Restaurant in Winter Park

I cannot even begin to express how disappointed I am with the experience my family and I had at Fontenot’s Fresh Seafood & Grill. As soon as we walked in, we were treated with complete disrespect and rudeness by two older women who appeared to be staff or management. We came here with our families while visiting for Christmas, excited to enjoy a nice meal together, but what we experienced was anything but welcoming or professional.

The moment we stepped in, we were met with curt and condescending attitudes. Instead of greeting us or making us feel welcome, we were essentially told we needed to “figure it out” regarding seating or plans. One of the women, shockingly, grabbed my arm rudely during the interaction, which was completely inappropriate and uncalled for. Her tone throughout was beyond unacceptable—loud, abrasive, and downright disrespectful. She even raised her voice at me, saying that if we didn’t “figure it out,” we wouldn’t be allowed to eat there. Is this how paying customers are treated?

We were left feeling completely humiliated in front of our family. To make matters worse, the attitude and lack of care completely ruined what was supposed to be a special outing during the holiday season. We didn’t feel valued, respected, or even remotely appreciated as customers. Instead, we were made to feel like we were inconveniencing them by even being there.

I cannot stress enough how appalled I am by the unprofessionalism displayed by these two women. Their treatment of us was unacceptable on every level, and their hostility made it impossible for us to enjoy our experience—or even stay to have a meal. It’s heartbreaking to be treated so poorly, especially during the holidays when you expect warmth and hospitality.

If this is how Fontenot’s treats its customers, I strongly urge others to reconsider before choosing to dine here. We will never be returning, and I will be sharing this experience with friends, family, and anyone else who might consider visiting this establishment. Customer service should always be a priority, and it’s clear that this place doesn’t understand that...

Pretty weird experience. First off, the server was really rude. I’ve been a server during covid. I understand that you may be a bit short staffed but that’s no reason to be rude to guests. I’ve been overworked as well but I made sure to put on a face to my tables/guests.

Second, we went to fontenot’s with the expectation of New Orleans style/Cajun food. I got the red beans and rice and it was garbage and very non traditional. It was pretty much watery jambalaya with undercooked/crunchy veggies with a can of undrained red beans dumped in it. That’s not red beans and rice. Another thing is that sausage is not added to it. You have to add that on the side. Unfortunately, adding it on the side instead of letting it simmer, you lose soooo much flavor without letting the fats melt out and the seasonings deep into the food. Not to mention, when I got the sausage, it was burned. They tried to rush cook it instead of letting it slowly heat up. So that’s great.

Fourth thing, trade out the cornbread if your meal comes with it. It is extremely dry, flavorless and very crumbly. They, for some reason, Ross it on the grill like it’s garlic bread. It ends up charting the top and it’s extremely noticeable.

Third, you go into the place and they try and make it New Orleans-ish but whoever chooses the music had it blasting classic rock and pop. So that threw off the vibe big time.

Last thing, no sweet tea. Like, cmon, having a southern restaurant without the staple southern drink just makes you guys look like posers.

My family and I are from Louisiana, so we tend to be judgy on Cajun joints. However, we understand that we won’t get the same quality as home. However, this place just didn’t even try. There are better recipes in the Better Homes magazine. If you have a hankering for Cajun food, wait until you get to Denver and hit up Pappadeaux’s or the Nola Voodoo Tavern. Very disappointed with this place for its lack of service, traditional food...

We were in Winter Park for a golf tournament and part of a party of ten. I didn't know a single one of the other people other than my fiance, so I did not make a peep when my salmon arrived blackened with a blueberry sauce per recommendation of the waiter! It was a disgusting combination - blackened with blueberry sauce smothering it - my other option was baked, which would have been far more appropriate with this "special." The waiter was a very nice young man, and very helpful when I went back into the establishment after all the other guests had left asking if could be re-cooked (the kitchen was closed so he refunded the meal.) He looked shocked, however, when I stated I didn't like it, because he said it was how he always ate it.

The mussels were actually very satisfying as an appetizer, and a pretty strong (aka good) margarita accompanied. Pretty good garlic sauce with the mussels. The Caesar Salad was bland and unexciting.

In all fairness, some others at the table stated they did like their meals, but the appearance of the food when it came out was pretty bland in color. Taking a pastry bag with a tomato paste and zigging a signature design on the side of the plate for an illusion of color and an enticing appeal does not make. As for ambiance - very, very lacking. This is not a romantic place if that is what you are seeking, and absolutely no booths or private spaces from what I could tell. The place has a budget decor, considering the price-point they list their entrees at. Very imbalanced.

Overall, if you are in town and looking for a seafood place, this is not the place I would recommend based on ambiance and the food I received. Service was kind and attentive enough - however we were his only table, and I am noticing in other reviews service to be quite lacking in nature. If you are a local I would give it a try with caution, find my faves on the menu and not go for ambiance (at...