Avoid M.C. Restaurant at Perkins Cove at all costs -- choose The Terrace or The Tiller Restaurant at the Cliff House instead.
I'm writing to warn the public: Owner, Javier Nava, of M.C. at Perkins Cove publicly demoralizes staff and guests. Visit the Cliff House instead for free valet parking and an experience that truly puts you first. It's all about your comfort and satisfaction, not an owner-centered display. And when issues arise, accountability is handled with professionalism rather than shifting blame onto the staff. The Cliff house restaurants each have jaw-dropping, panoramic oceanfront views -- breathtaking scenery you have to see to believe.
I agree with Tim Mattingly's previous review posted below saying "Javier, you may not have been an owner at the time but you were General Manager so my review stands.
Update 6 years later:
My wife and I were just discussing our worst restaurant experience in the entire world and we agreed it is this place.
Original review:
TERRIBLE!!! Rude arrogant management." Here's why I agree with him:
We initially had a 6:45 pm reservation at M.C. and called about 30 minutes prior to ask if we may possibly sit on the oceanfront deck? The receptionist assured us that we could if we come right away to get the best available table.
We hop in the car and arrive 20 minutes early and the host tells us she'll seat us at the oceanfront table as soon as it's cleared and reset. We're told that the table is specifically being made ready for us. Not only is the restaurant empty, the deck is empty, and there's no one in line for the next 20 minutes.
Then suddenly, for no reason, the owner (Javier Nava) intervenes and instructs the host not to seat us at the oceanfront table -- even after the she tries to explain to him what she promised us - he cuts her off and instructs her not to seat us there, directing her instead to seat us at the worst table on the deck: it was so cramped in a corner that we were not even able to face each other -- we were effectively boxed in next to the only other 2 guests. I was practically sitting on a male stranger's lap!
To make things worse, the staff and host actively resetting the table for us are forced to put us in an unfair position as they're aggressively being micromanaged and treated under pressure while instinctively just trying to provide basic, good quality service.
After we're marched up and down the stairs several times, the owner instructs the very next couple who walk in (20 minutes after us) to be seated at the same table they reset for us. After this, we politely decline to eat and leave.
As Maine natives, we're genuinely shocked by the lack of consistency, respect, and professionalism the owner of M.C. portrays. I'm a doctor and the owner of a private practice and my husband is an actuary working as a data scientist. Every other restaurant in Perkin's Cove sits us at any open table we like. After all, who cares?
Just go to the Cliff House for free valet parking and exceptional service. The focus stays on the guest experience--courteous, attentive, and tailored to your needs. This is the difference between service-minded leadership and self-centered management. The Cliff House offers reliable service you can feel--thoughtful, welcoming, and genuinely customer-focused. The experience is designed around guests, not ego. When challenges occur, leadership addresses them directly instead of resorting to blame. read more