Original Review – 5 Stars (Posted October 2023):
Pescado in Rosemary Beach gave us such a memorable experience! We were a group of six, and the service couldn’t have been more on point. They noticed we were having trouble hearing because of a larger group nearby, and without hesitation, they moved us to a quieter spot. It was so thoughtful and really set the tone for the night. Plus, they always make sure my gluten-free needs are handled with care (I have celiac disease), which is huge for me.
We sat outside on the balcony, and even though the sun had already set, the view of the Gulf and Rosemary Beach was still gorgeous. The food? Incredible. I started with the octopus and had the New York strip for the main—it was cooked perfectly. The cocktails didn’t disappoint either; my rye Manhattan hit the spot, and the California Pinot Noir was a great pairing.
What I loved most was the relaxed vibe. We didn’t feel rushed at all and could really take our time to enjoy the evening. It was easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had.
Update – April 2025:
Since my original visit, I’ve returned twice—and unfortunately, both visits fell short of the high standard I originally experienced. Most recently, we were seated indoors under a strong cold draft, which made the evening uncomfortable. I take some responsibility for not speaking up, but it still detracted from the experience.
More concerning, however, was the service: on both occasions, our server interrupted our group mid-conversation repeatedly, which felt intrusive and inattentive, especially for a restaurant of this caliber. On a prior visit, my pork chop was so salty it was inedible. While the team did offer to replace it, the follow-up felt overly forceful rather than thoughtful.
I hope to see the restaurant return to the level of excellence that made my first visit so memorable.
Updated Scores:
• Food: 3/5
• Service: 2/5
• Atmosphere: 3/5
• Overall Rating: 3 stars