Reviews for Oriental Harbor Deli & Bistro

07/07/2009 - Heather
We called on July 4th to see if the Bistro had room for our party of 13 at 7:30. We were immediately told that would be okay without a reservation. This should have been our first red flag. What waterfront restaurant has guaranteed space for 13 people right before the fireworks on the 4th of July? Our waitresses were both very sweet and helpful, but you could tell they were being rushed by the kitchen. She finally told us (around 7:40) that their kitchen closes at 8pm. Approximately 40 minutes later, the first few dishes arrived at the table. My food was nothing at all like the description on the menu. My boyfriend and his brother's ribs were so tough you had to saw at them to cut the meat and they were cold. My boyfriend ate my food and I ordered the beef tips over rice. It was about 10-15 minutes later before the rest of our party received their meals. I finally got mine and the meat was cold and flavorless and they gave me no rice. I had to ask for it and wait for it to be cooked. I picked at the food because I was hungry and then ordered dessert. The piece of cake was $5.50 and about 1/2 inch thick. Vastly overpriced, but I gobbled it down because I was starving. During all of this, we could see inside the building that the cook and manager were having some very heated words with each other. The cook came out, apologized very shortly for the ribs, then disappeared. I don't think we ever saw the manager. In the end, despite our horrible food, all we got were those tiny pieces of cake and one dish for free. Next year, we'll be going elsewhere. I know it looks nice to sit on the deck by the water, but pack a sandwich and sit on the ground. I promise, it will be MUCH more pleasant.