The Bridge Restaurant-Winter Park — Restaurant in Winter Park

A Disheartening Birthday Experience at The Bridge -A ONE STAR REVIEW

As a Google Local Guide Level VII, I have encountered a vast array of dining experiences, ranging from the extraordinary to the subpar. Unfortunately, my recent visit to The Bridge, a New York restaurant, fell squarely into the latter category. The occasion was my birthday celebration, and my party of seven eagerly anticipated an evening of fine dining and attentive service. Regrettably, the abysmal service, lack of regard for patrons, and substandard food left a lasting negative impression that overshadowed any redeeming qualities.

Upon arrival at The Bridge, the atmosphere initially seemed inviting and sophisticated. However, it soon became apparent that the presence of a private party, specifically the Turkish embassy, had a significant impact on the quality of service provided to other diners, including my own birthday celebration. While it is not uncommon for restaurants to host private events or accommodate special guests, the key to a successful dining experience is balancing the needs of all patrons, regardless of status or affiliation.

The most glaring issue during my visit was the inexcusable delay in serving my friend's meal. Our food was brought out with the exception of my friend. They waited a full 40 minutes after we were served to bring my friend's food. A few minutes wait time for a single dish after everyone else has been served is already problematic, but 40 minutes is unheard of! However, the staff's response to the situation was even more troubling. Instead of acknowledging the oversight and offering an apology, the explanation provided was that my friend's meal was deemed unimportant due to the staff's desire to listen to the speeches occurring during the private event. This blatant disregard for paying customers, especially during a special celebration, is both unprofessional and unacceptable.

Furthermore, the management's refusal to offer any form of compensation for the delay and inconvenience demonstrated a lack of empathy and understanding of basic customer service principles. Despite our party spending a considerable sum on drinks and bottles of wine, amounting to hundreds of dollars, the restaurant appeared uninterested in salvaging the situation or ensuring our satisfaction.

In addition to the poor service, the quality of the food failed to meet our expectations. The dishes we ordered were not only lackluster in presentation, but the flavors were also uninspired and underwhelming. For a restaurant that charges a premium price, it is reasonable to anticipate a higher standard of culinary excellence.

Regarding the Turkish embassy's presence, I would advise potential diners to inquire about any private events or special guests before making a reservation. It is disheartening to think that a restaurant would prioritize one group of patrons over another, even when both parties are celebrating special occasions. To avoid a substandard dining experience, it is wise to ensure that no such events are taking place during your visit.

In light of the abysmal service, misguided priorities, and subpar food, I cannot recommend any aspect of The Bridge. With only two tables occupied during my visit, the restaurant would have been better served by closing its doors for the private event, allowing the staff to focus on their own celebration without compromising the experience of other diners.

In conclusion, my one-star review of The Bridge is a reflection of the poor service, lack of professionalism, and disappointing cuisine that marred my birthday celebration. While the food and ambiance may have potential, the disregard for patrons ultimately renders this establishment unworthy of a recommendation. Orlando boasts a wealth of exceptional dining options, and it is in the best interest of discerning diners to explore these alternatives rather than risk a disheartening evening...

The location of the restaurant is great. What drew me in was the fact that it said “A New York” restaurant. Being from New York City I am always looking for restaurants that give me those vibes. The ambiance was nice. The restaurant isn’t very big so it gives a comfy laid back vibe. It was busy when we got there. We had called ahead for a reservation. We were seated in a timely manner and the host was the one who took our drink order, appetizer order as well as main course order. It was kinda weird because we were told our server would be over but they never came. The host who seated us brought us our drinks and appetizers however he left before our food even came out and didn’t let us know he was leaving and who would be taking over. It kinda got wonky after that. The cheese roll appetizer was delicious. The spinach and artichoke dip was okay. My husband ordered the lamb chops and said they were okay. He wished they had a glaze or something on top. He said something was missing. I ordered the shrimp quesadillas which were okay as well. I wasn’t super impressed with the overall food. We were also charged for extra food on our bill but the server that brought us our check corrected the situation. Overall the experience was okay and I wasn’t overly impressed. Maybe we just went on a busy night....

Seven of us went to dinner to celebrate Mother's Day. Atmosphere & food are wonderful. My only advice to diners is, check your bill carefully. Beneath your subtotal & the 6.5% sales tax, The Bridge adds in a 20% service charge.(Which is actually the gratuity.) Then beneath the total, there is a blank for yet another "tip". This is done for all parties of any size, not just for 8 or more, as is traditionally done at some restaurants. Our server did not explain this to us at the time, & we didn't notice this unethical practice had occurred until days later. As a result the servers are being double-tipped & collecting possibly as much as 40% on fairly expensive meals. I do not know of another restaurant in the Park Ave. area that does this, without notifying customers. It was our fault for not looking more closely at the bill, but when we go out to dinner in downtown Winter Park, we do not expect to be treated by servers and management as if we're at a used car lot. So first word of advice: check your bill carefully, otherwise you will suffer the very same fate. 2nd word of advice: go to Bosphorous for the best Mediterranean food in the area. It's right around the corner, pretty much the same price, and you can actually trust that the servers and the management will not try and take...