After eating dinner at Ena last night, I wondered why this fantastic restaurant is not better known. While Ena doesn't have a scene or even a bar, the food at this family-owned establishment is fantastic, and I have eaten a lot of Latin American cuisine. Originating from Mexico, the French-trained owner/chef prepares Latin fusion dishes with flavors that burst alive. With a delicate yet crisp crust, the Birria Empanadas are amazingly flavorful, and the meat's juices have a wonderfully piquant taste. They're the best empanadas I've ever tasted. The Bife de Chorizo was gigantic, but even better, the flavors tickled our fancy, the Chimichurri sauce providing the ideal punch. My Anticuchos were good, but as always, my wife ordered better, because the Bife de Chorizo was the star of the night. Service was led by the chef's charming daughter, who enhanced our meal with her knowledge and great sense of humor. Ena serves beer, wine, and cocktails; however, I would build a bar in the expansive space. Yet, what do I know, I was the sad owner of three restaurants that closed. Ena provided us with one of our best meals of 2026. read more

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Dinner at Ena unfolds like a composed performance, measured, expressive, and cohesive from the first course to the last. Named for perseverance and determination, Ena is a Latin fusion restaurant harmonizing flavors from Central and South America through a French technical lens, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Chef-Owner Hector Ruiz's cooking reflects both formal culinary training and a clear respect for heritage, with sustainability woven into the way ingredients are chosen and treated. Seafood plays a leading role on the menu, handled with clear confidence throughout. The result feels thoughtful rather than showy, with hospitality that mirrors that same care. - Ceviche: A confident blend of Mexican and Peruvian influence. Chiles and ají amarillo set the tone, sharpened by pickled onion and lime. Balanced heat, clean acidity, and texture that stays true to form. Everything a ceviche should deliver. - Pasta de Langosta: Pappardelle with shrimp and lobster, well executed. Comforting without feeling heavy, this dish pulls together technique and flavor in a way that feels purposeful rather than indulgent. - Pescado: Blue and yellow corn-crusted red snapper paired with mole poblano and roasted tomatillo-guajillo salsa. The interplay of acidity, warmth, and depth complements the fish without overpowering it. Served over a crisp polenta cake with caramelized mushrooms, it's a smartly layered dish that stays focused. - Spanish Flan: a creamy vanilla custard with glossy caramel, accented by lemon-infused whipped cream and strawberry sauce, closed this meal on a high note. The cocktails strike a solid balance--spirited, and playful. The beverage list spans wine, cocktails, mocktails, beer, and seasonal offerings. A meal that stayed with me and IMO, worth adding to your next dinner rotation. read more

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We first went here when it was Cafe Ena, probably 20 years ago, and loved it. The name has been shortened, but the food and service continue to be very good. We went for Valentine's Day. The place was jam packed and maybe overbooked, but the wait wasn't too bad. Not sure what it's like on a normal night, but the place is loud. When we first went years ago, the space was more romantic with low light. Now it's more brightly lit, so not as romantic. Drinks were creative, good, and priced well. My wife had the Scallops and Risotto, which she loved. I had the Paella de Mariscos, one of two versions they offer. The amount of seafood was incredible. The rice didn't have the typical bottom side crunch, but the dish was still very good overall. There were many dishes on the menu that sounded really good, so we'll definitely go again. read more

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Excellent food! Our party of 3 had the Paella Valenciana, the Anticuchos (Peruvian chicken) and the Huachinango. (red snapper) All 3 entrees were superb. We started with the appetizer of "birria empanadas " made from slow cooked beef. Tender and delicious! The wait staff was busy on a Saturday night but attentive and friendly. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for healthy, tasty food. Good cocktails, nice wine selection and we ended with the amazingly authentic flan. read more

Ena - Paella Valenciana - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This is a tough one. The food was really good-really good, however the prices blew my mind for the size of the portions. I got the ZANAHORIAS - Roasted brown butter garlic carrots, guajillo butter sauce, asparagus, mushrooms, micro arugula, tangerine oil, sherry glaze. This was my main dish and although it was delicious, it was like 4 carrots, 8 mushrooms, and 3 asparagus. I was still hungry when I finished and it was $18! So good and just ok read more

This sea bass -- bathed in Peruvian magic, paired with wilted spinach and a cloud‑soft potato gratin -- didn't just taste good. It transported me. read more

Ena - This sea bass -- bathed in Peruvian magic, paired with wilted spinach and a cloud‑soft potato gratin - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

I've been coming to this South Mpls neighborhood gem for years . Especially love sitting on their outside patio in the summer and sharing the guacamole,which I personally think is the best in the cities! Chef Hector Ruiz grows all the ingredients on site for the guac,I also like the Corn shrimp fritters for appetizer. I used to really enjoy the rest of the seafood but lately the menu has changed and unfortunately the execution of some of these dishes just don't taste the same. Still it's a great place to enjoy drinks and apps if in the area read more

Ena - Corn Fritters - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Amazing food and Miguel was super attentive. Totally recommend the place and the food. This is a secret jewel in Minneapolis. read more

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Went here for an early dinner on an Monday evening. The place was empty since they had opened just a few minutes ago. Clean place with a open and airy atmosphere even though not a very big place. Welcoming staff and very helpful when it came to ordering from the menu. We started of with a few drinks and continued with the drinks throughout the evening. The margarita and the Pencelina were the crowd favorites in our party. The menu is setup as tapas style with small plates to share and everything we had was really good. There were some standouts that I would definitely be ordering again. The avocado, the corn fritters and the tiradito were a good start to our meal. The corn fritters and avocado were the standouts in that trio and the ice-cream with the salmon was really a unique combination. The sauce with the chicken (anticuchos) was quite outstanding and the empanadas (empanadas chilenas) were very well spiced and chock full of flavor. The lamb (cordero) was the weakest of the second round but the beef was cooked perfectly and a welcome finish to our savory plates. For dessert, we got the flan and the churros and they were a perfect end to a very good meal. Will definitely be going back. read more

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Service was great Restaurant is cozy but well designed Food was good but portions were very small for the price too. I thought the dinner was good but dessert brought the score down. Overall Food & Vibe 7/10 read more

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Good food, cute location. A fireplace would make the ambiance amazing. Service here was outstanding and we would be pleased to go back again in the future. read more

The staff were lovely. The restaurant was sparsely populated for an early Sunday evening in Minneapolis. The food was underwhelming. Nothing was bad, but neither was anything memorable or more than passable. read more

Why I haven't given props to Ena before, I don't know. You see, we go there every time we come to Minneapolis, which is about every three months. Edna's menu is all about small plates (which, actually aren't that small). They're certainly not small in flavor. We haven't tried everything on the me u yet, but we're working on it. But, you have to have your favorites when you go, and two of those are the Avocado (actually an incredible chunky guacamole), the Lubia (a wonderful sea bass preparation), anything with shrimp, and the lamb chops. In fact, we have not had a disappointing dish - ever. Like I said, we come every time we're in town and see nothing wrong with always coming back to wonderful. read more

So many good things to say about Ena. First timer last night and it definitely won't be the last. This average sized cafe is very well lit and culturally appealing. The walls and shelves are decorated in a way that takes you out of S. MPLS for a moment and into a Latin atmosphere immersed with music and culture. The staff were exceptionally nice and checked on us frequently. You could tell they took great pride in the food they presented to each guest- taking the time to explain exactly what your taste buds are going to seize over. Empanadas are always a safe and delicious choice. Personal favorite was the ground beef ones. Don't get turned off by the raisins. I also tried the corn fritters. Those are a must try with the sweet chili sauce. I also loved the cauliflower. The potato purée underneath set this dish off. Everything was presented beautifully and added something to the flavor even down to the garnishes, the sprouts helped to add flavor. I had a rose wine from their special list and was impressed. Very happy to know of this place. read more

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Everything we ordered to eat was great! Corn fritters, avocado, paella, fish, and steak. Beautifully presented and tasted fabulous. Service was attentive but not obtrusive. Highly recommended! read more

I went with my family for my husband's birthday. We ordered lamb, sea bass, salad, avocado, Empanadas, and shrimp appetizers. They were all delicious that unique combination of French and Latin American dishes. We also ordered desserts. The waiter added a candle on the cake for my husband. It was very nice of him and the service was very quick and friendly. read more

Ena - Sea bass with mustard sauce, salad with blue cheese, spinach and fruits, avocado with chips and shrimp appetizer - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This cafe in the Kingsfield neighborhood is worth a visit. If you are shopping at Patisserie 46 (which is just across the street) you will not be disappointed if you stop here for lunch. The menu is Latin American focused. We tried a couple of appetizers. The guacamole is very good. Freshly made and served with house made chips and red salsa. Also, tried the calamari. This was not impressive as it was a small plate of soggy rings. Cafe Ena has a variety of sandwiches. We had the Cubano. So good! You can get fries with it for an extra charge. They have lunch entrees like pastor tacos, salmon, huevos rancheros, arroz con pollo. I had the chicken enchiladas with mole which comes with black beans and rice. Really good, the mole sauce is milder than some I have had but very tasty. They also have a dessert menu including churros, which we did not try but it looked great. Cafe Ena has beer and wine, sangria and does coffee and tea too. Great spot for lunch or dinner. read more

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The food prepared here is as high end as you will find anywhere. The empanadas were amazing and the entrees were incredible. I loved the coconut risotto and the cheviche. Did I mention the sangria?. Heat and flavors suitable at any top line restaurant. It was once a packed establishment that needs the respect and patronage it deserves. This place is 10 out 10. Full stop. Must try. read more

Great Pan-Latin restaurant near Lake Harriet. The first thing that stuck out to me was the clientele - the vast majority lived within a couple blocks and were clear regulars, even the owner lives a block away. A stellar endorsement to me. With our servers recommendations we had a lovely meal. Parking is plenty and bike lanes near if that's your preferred mode of transportation! read more

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I have been looking for a neighborhood staple and I finally found it! Not only does Ena have outstanding, like mouth watering food but they also have outstanding service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service is fast, friendly and you feel at home here. If you're in the neighborhood- or not, add Ena to your rotation, you won't be disappointed! read more

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So yummy! We did three courses and all were amazing. Service was great. Will definitely be back! read more

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Ena has been a mainstay at the corner of 46th & Grand for a while now, which should not be surprising given how consistently great the food is. The inside of Ena is cozy and inviting - they also have a sizeable sidewalk patio when the weather permits. I have had a number of dishes here and all of them have been excellent. The steak and fries have been ordered multiple times and probably will be ordered again. Their guacamole is arguably my favorite in town. Service has always been friendly, though this place is generally quite busy, so it's generally been more geared towards efficiency. Overall, it's a great neighborhood spot for a date night or just a casual night out. read more

I was so happy to find this spot locally, I had no idea it was there! I had been craving Latin American food and was curious to check this place out. The one negative I will say is that they were severely understaffed. Them being understaffed did not help with the number of tables that were occupied (yes, there was social distancing.) This made them not really pay much attention to detail and messed up our appetizer order (gave us cheese empanadas instead of beef empanadas) and did nothing to correct it. Not the best customer service, in my opinion. Only negative! On to the food! Appetizers: Guacamole - this was delicious and presented beautifully. All of the ingredients that went into it were fresh as if they were grown in the back. Top tier guacamole. 5/5. Empanadas - We ordered beef empanadas but received cheese empanadas, they were still delicious and the roasted tomato salsa topping was delicious. 5/5 Entrees: Bife De Chorizo - I loved this. However, I would have preferred another starch rather than fries. Maybe chopped potatoes or even mashed potatoes would have been wonderful. This meal was flavorful. I'm a very picky eater and absolutely hate artichokes, asparagus, and red peppers but I ate this meal like no tomorrow. Well done! Carne Bravo - This was so full of flavor! The flat iron steak is pimento crusted, and it has sauteed baby potatoes and veggies. The demi-glaze is... *chef's kiss* I would highly recommend this dish. Dessert: Creme Brulee & Churros: Both fantastic dessert options. Delicious, perfectly made, and full of flavor. I can't wait to go back to Cafe Ena. I'm excited to order from here to-go if we end up in another lockdown. read more

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I really wanted to love Cafe Ena, but it was such a disappointment. I'm trying to figure out how my experience was so different from all the reviews! Perhaps my expectations were too high for a birthday dinner with friends? But, really? Is there such a thing as too high of expectations for a birthday dinner with friends? Cafe Ena IS an adorable little place that was bustling with people in every seat. We felt fortunate to get a table for 6 on a Saturday evening! Unfortunately, the entire experience felt so amateur. The server was okay, but not very attentive and/or helpful. It felt like we sat there unattended for quite some time, then she took our drink orders, but only one side of the tables'. We order a bottle of wine (which all the women were drinking), and then she just left without taking drink order from any of the men. It felt like we received half-committed service throughout the night. But, you know, I can look passed not-great-service when the food is DELICIOUS! Unfortunately, the food was far from it. Again, I read these other reviews and wonder what went wrong that night. We started with the ceviche and empanadas - the ceviche was super watery, the seafood cuts were small and chaotic and the entire dish lacked flavor. The empanadas were ... ok. I already started to worry about our main dishes if these were any indication of what to expect. I got the "LUBINA: Pistachio crusted Chilean sea bass, yellow aji sauce, braised potatoes, broccolini, baby spinach, truffle-pea sauce, fresh mango salsa." Sounds delicious right? I don't know, when I read pistachio crusted, I expect crushed pistachio nuts all along the side(s) of the fish - I don't even remember seeing any pistachio! Everything else was just basic. There was absolutely nothing extraordinary about this dish at all. I always thought sea bass was a sure thing! This was surely a disappointment. My partner got the "BIFE DE CHORIZO: Argentine style grass fed steak, gorgonzola, garlic herb fries, artichokes, asparagus, red peppers, drizzled with chimichurri." Which, was a basic steak, fries and some sautéed peppers on the side. Again, nothing notable. We also got the lemon-lime pie and handmade ice cream ... sorry for sounding like a broken record, but these desserts weren't even basic. I guess what WAS notable was that they weren't event good. The ice cream was icy, not creamy. And, the pie was absolutely not memorable at all. One of my least favorite things to do is to give back reviews, but this was just so disappointing. It just wasn't for me. read more

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One star because the vegetables on every dish were cooked very well, but everything else was a disappointment. -Server gave incorrect allergen information when ordering. -Mezcal Old Fashioned was sickly sweet -- I could barely taste the liquor for all the sugar. -Proteins were all disappointing. Lamb was more fat than meat, tenderloin was not tender at all, and shrimp ceviche was overcooked and tough. -Dessert was tasty, but badly mislabeled. Described on the menu as "creme brulee with blueberry compote," a more accurate description would have been "egg custard with apples." I still enjoyed it but my dining partner did not. I would not come here again, or recommend it to anyone unless they are looking for a vegetarian option and don't mind paying a lot for a small plate. read more

Were there for my daughter's birthday. Great place. Cozy place. Finally, a Fusion Latino real place. I have been part of my job and part of myself a world traveler and my passion for food and being a humble amateur Chef fortuned to enjoy many different restaurants during my trips. Thank you all for opening a great and relaxing place to enjoy a nice and vibrant Menu. This place has a very positive Vibe and crossing the door you feel welcome and you know you will have a very nice time. A worldwide traveler and seldom I found restaurants at this level where spice hot food is not there or extravagant menus are there to show off some kind of upgraded food. I am not saying that I am not ready to try them but some time those menus go beyond price and reasons. The food is fantastically gourmet with that Latino taste but also with a French touch. No presentation is equal. All are genuinely creative. Tried many different dishes and I should say all of them were absolutely great. One of a kind wines and superb desserts. Worth the trip. read more

Outstanding, charming, top notch service and the food Sublime! I haven't eaten such delicious, beautifully presented food in this state like this in a long tine- not loud, no bright lights..., so happy! We tipped 40% , that's how happy we were! read more

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This restaurant is such a hidden gem. The food is absolutely wonderfully innovative and rich. This is a perfect place to explore Latin cuisine with a modern twist. The staff are amazing and the service is impressive. Every time I go in it is not half as packed as it should be. This place needs more publicity because it deserves it! read more

Everything here is fantastic. For appetisers, we ordered the Calamari, which had the best Chimichurri I've had to date. The Guacamole was simple, fresh, and delicious. The chips were homemade, not oily, and perfectly salted. For our main courses, we had Risotto and the Pollo Limon y Ajo. The chicken was the absolute best I've ever eaten. It was moist, flavour to the bone, and had a perfectly crispy crust. The Risotto was equally as good, and reminded me of Paella without the broth. For dessert, we had one of each (Churros, Mouse, Creme Brûlée, and Tres Leches). The Tres Leches was delectable. It was moist but not soggy, and the spices were brilliantly balanced. The Churros were fried to the point that they snapped, but somehow still had a soft centre. They were to die for. Served as a small side, their vanilla ice cream was a pleasant surprise. The chocolate mousse was good, although definitely the bottom of the bunch. The creme brûlée was made with Mexican vanilla custard, and again absolutely fantastic. We will be repeat customers. read more

Cafe Ena is a very charming restaurant that offers outdoor seating when the weather allows. Seating indoors is cozy and intimate although it can get a little loud when the restaurant is full, which I imagine is often because the secret is out that they offer a stellar dining experience. I would highly suggest you consider making reservations otherwise you'll be in for a considerable wait. The Cameron Caribe appetizer will change your life. The beer battered shrimp are delicately fried then placed on cilantro-potato-curry fritters, topped with jalapeño aioli, sweet chili sauce, pickled onions, and micro cilantro. Seriously, what genius put this dish together? It was executed to perfection and I would return again just to order this app. We also ordered the guacamole which was good, but didn't stand a chance to shine next to the Cameron caribe. The Betabel salad was a play on flavors where the bitterness of the arugula was balanced with the tartness of the citrus dressing and the fullness of the pancetta. For our entree I chose the Argentine style grass fed steak, gorgonzola, garlic herb fries, artichokes, asparagus, red peppers, drizzled with chimichurri. The steak was cooked to perfection and the fries were crispy. The vegetables didn't necessarily standout but they served their purpose. The Curry crusted scallops, asparagus, spinach and red onion citrus couscous, fried shallots, basil oil, chili oil dish was excellent. The scallops were executed to perfection. The couscous was creamy, and indulgent almost like a risotto. Of course we closed the meal with lemon-lime pie and a mango sauce. That too, was excellent. Not too sweet or tart, just right. Service was good. I would definitely come back to try one of the other many seafood options they offer! read more

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Food was terrific. Service was not. A two hour dinner is okay if you always have food or drink in front of you. Waiting ten minutes to see a waiter and 20 minutes to get the check is not. read more

I had dinner at Ena a few nights ago, and, as always, it never disappoints. Great service, nice interior design, and terrific food. Ena knows how to do Latin cooking right, and every dish is a treat. I had the scallops last time, and they were perfect - seasoned just right, cooked to perfection. And, as always Ena's guacamole is one of the best in town. Hands down, Ena is one of the best Latin restaurants in the Cities. Love it. read more

Love the unique, tasty food, intimate atmosphere, and fun neighborhood joint. We have been going here for years and the service is always wonderful. read more

My friend and I went here on a Wednesday evening. One of us is dairy-free and I'm practicing dairy-free, there were a few items we were told that could be made and would still taste good. We had to leave quickly so we shared the rack of lambs dish that had a mix of potatoes, purple broccoli, brussel sprouts. It was seasoned well and every thing was delicious!! So so good. I will be back to try more items. read more

Ena - Borrego. - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Extremely expensive for the location, the shoddy ambiance and the heating music. It advertises as a restaurant but it is a tapas bar and the items are extremely expensive. The wine list is poor and limited. A pretentious and deceptive loud and not very pretty place. The Mojave is charging a 12% surcharge for "employee living expenses." In other words we, the customers, take care of the employees because the owner is too cheap to do so. A very unpleasant experiences. read more

I had a great experience at Cafe Ena. I arrived at about 4:30 on a Saturday, and we were the only customers there for a good fifteen minutes, but after that the people started flowing in. Ordered the seafood risotto, and it came so fast! Totally recommend for something you can't cook at home. Hot, delicious flavors, and just well done overall. Plus of course don't miss the guacamole. We ate outside in beautiful weather and were there and gone in about under an hour for a group of two. Editing to say it's 4 star because the service was just alright, and I don't know if I want to give it 5 star because the prices were a little much compared to what it apparently used to be. read more

Ena - Risotto - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Prices for lunch were really reasonable. It was pretty empty so getting a seat was easy. I got the steak torta without mustard and it was good (nothing extraordinary), but a bit dry. While an au jus style dipping sauce would have been great, all they had was a side of spicy chipotle sauce which was HOT. If you try it, definitely use if sparingly or else your lips might fall off. The house-made lemonade was extremely tarte, but with a little sugar (actually 4 packets) it went from bad to good. My friend got the salmon entree, which was good. I'm not a huge fan of salmon, but liked this one because it was flavorful and not fatty. Overall I liked Cafe Ena, but am only giving it a 3 star rating for now. I look forward to trying it again and perhaps even giving a higher rating. read more

Ena - Steak Torta - Latin American Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Service was excellent and we were able to get a seat out on the patio right away. Waitress was helpful in making suggestions. We ordered the highly recommended guacamole for the table and it was pretty tasty and a good size for three people to enjoy although I wouldn't say it's the "best" guac I've ever had. I ordered the Bife de Chorizo which was very well-seasoned with a Latin-inspired twist. My friends both ordered the Conchas with scallops which was a good, light dinner option for them. Would definitely go back to try some of the dessert options since we passed on it this time. read more

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SO GOOD. Not sure why it wasn't crowded on a Friday night (red flag?) but my family loved every dish that we ordered. I think the fav was ceviche read more

I was very excited to go to Cafe Ena for the first time because I feel like we don't have too many elevated Latin food options in the area. It's a busy and energetic place. When we first entered, the hostesses were a bit stressed and swearing in Spanish, but more to themselves than anything - I didn't think it was unpleasant, more funny than anything as they were perfectly sweet when talking to the customers. The food here is very well priced - it costs a lot less than other restaurants of their caliber which makes them pretty accessible. It would be a good place to take a date if you are trying to be conscious of spending. Personally, I would be totally willing to pay a bit more for the food if it meant the food just stepped up a level - the menu is great and I think they could really knock it out of the park with some tweaks. My husband and I started our meals with glasses of Sangria - this was unfortunately pretty disappointing as it came to us pretty watered down and full of ice cubes. I'm sure they go through a lot of it, but if it's popular they need to do it well if they want repeat customers. For food, we ordered some ceviche to start - I really loved it. I loved the sauce that it comes in - it's fresh and citrus-y, but still savory. I could have eaten a bucket! I'm a ceviche fan in general, but I hadn't had it like that before - definitely worth an order. For mains, we each got fish. I got the halibut with a beet risotto, and he got the sea bass. I was SO excited to try the beet risotto - I was expecting something earthy and rich - but I was actually very disappointed. The fish was slightly under-seasoned but well cooked; the risotto was INCREDIBLY bland though. It needed salt and it needed a focus on flavor. The sea bass on the other hand was really nice! It was rich and tasty and the accompaniments were great. For desserts, we got key lime pie with a mango coulis that was very good! I want all my future key lime pies to come with mango coulis in the future!!! My final opinion is that it's definitely worth a go, but ask your server for recommendations. They can probably steer you towards the good and away from the bland. read more